Arizona isn’t hot all year round unlike what some people think. The state does go through the usual seasonal changes, and they’re worth experiencing in the best ways possible. Changing leaves, hot drinks, and sweater weather are just moments away from reality at these 12 locations with many things to do in fall in Arizona. Check them out!

1. Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Located in southeastern Arizona, this area will surprise you with fall colors just like it did for the photographer. Learn more by visiting the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness wepage.
2. The Arboretum in Flagstaff
The Arboretum at Flagstaff/Facebook
The Arboretum is nestled in the Coconino National Forest and is home to 750 species of plants. During the fall, the combination of the surrounding forest and the plants in their collection changing colors is awesome to see. Learn more about The Arboretum here.
3. Boyce Thompson Arboretum
John Haskell/Flickr
Finding fall colors in the Sonoran Desert is a rare treat and the trees at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum has quite the collection of fall foliage. Visit a little later in the fall season to really see the color show! Visit the Boyce Thompson Arboretum website for more information.
4. Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Guy Schmickle/Flickr
Before the snow storms come in this winter, make a trip to Canyon de Chelly for a wonderful view of this canyon, whether from the floor or the rim. Keep up to date about closings and more at the Canyon de Chelly webpage.
5. Flagstaff
~Pawsitive~Candie_N/Flickr
Not only will you find plenty of green from the pines here but Flagstaff is also well-known for its large number of aspen trees scattered throughout the area.
6. Horton Creek
twak/Flickr
Located along the Mogollon Rim, Horton Creek sits 20 miles east of Payson. Not only will you fall in love with the fall colors but hearing the sounds of a Rim Country creek makes this an experience well worth your time.

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7. Mount Lemmon
Steven Martin/Flickr
Need another reason to hike Mount Lemmon in the near future? Does the prospect of seeing all the beautiful fall foliage seem enticing enough?
8. North Rim, Grand Canyon
Rachel Titiriga/Flickr
You only have a few weeks to get a fall experience here; the North Rim’s visitor season is pretty short and services in the area close in winter. You can find out more about visiting the North Rim on this webpage.
9. Oak Creek Canyon
loren chipman/Flickr
What autumn list would be complete without mentioning Oak Creek Canyon? A walk through the area is best for experiencing some of the most amazing fall colors Arizona has to offer but even a drive along State Route 89A will bring those beautiful sights to you.
10. San Francisco Peaks
USDA Forest Service, Coconino National Forest/Flickr
The spotted areas on the peaks are beautiful up close and afar. Check them out by either hiking or driving along the Peaks Loop.
11. Sedona
psyberartist/Flickr
Nature is quite the color mixer. Check out how well the warm and cool tones flow when autumn hits Sedona; the red rocks go quite well with yellow and orange leaves.
12. Verde Valley
Verde Canyon Railroad/Flickr
Combining all the little towns in this area, you can find some spectacular views of fall colors. One option, if you’re looking for a more unique experience, is to ride the Verde Canyon Railroad in the fall to see the different colors for yourself. Check the Verde Canyon Railroad website to learn more about catching a train through this stunning place.

Which location are you hoping to visit this fall? Are there any other places you plan to go? Do you have any fond fall memories at any of these spots? Check out some of the best fall hikes in Arizona for more seasonal inspiration.

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Things To Do In Fall In Arizona

Leah | September 11, 2020

What is the weather like in fall in Arizona?

Some people consider fall to be the best season to visit Arizona. As we get into late September and October, the daily highs range from 70-100 degrees. At night, the temperatures can dip as low as the 40s. It's still beautifully sunny in the fall and as the days go by and the high temps hang around in the 60s or 70s, you'll find it to be super comfortable. Remember, Arizona weather is very dry - not humid - so even if it's in the 80s it'll feel less warm and more comfortable than places in more wet climates.

When can I see peak fall foliage in Arizona?

If you're planning on seeing the fall colors in Arizona, you'll want to make sure you time your leaf-peeping excursions right. Usually, the fall foliage peaks around mid-October. The northern part of the state will peak earlier than the south. By late October, most of the state is going through or has gone through the colorful transformation. Once November arrives, the southern edge of the state will be going through its peak and by the middle of the month, most of the fall foliage viewing is over.

Which hiking trails in Arizona are best in the fall?

Discover some of the best places to visit in fall in Arizona on foot by taking some of the prettiest seasonal hikes. The Aspen Nature Loop in Flagstaff is a popular one for leaf-peepers. The trail is quick and easy and will take you through an incredible golden forest while the aspens are in the middle of their color change. If you fancy giving Sedona a visit during this season - which is highly recommended - try the Baldwin Trail, a 3-mile loop that will showcase pretty trees, a trickling creek, and buttes.

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Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses
Winkelman, AZ 85192, USA
The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S Woody Mountain Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA
Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA
Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ, USA
Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Horton Creek, Arizona 85541, USA
Mount Lemmon, Mt Lemmon, Arizona 85619, USA
North Rim Visitor Center, 129, AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86023, USA
Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona 86336, USA
San Francisco Peaks, Arizona 86001, USA
Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA