Trains are one of the best ways to experience nature, especially here in Arizona where the list of places to explore is practically endless. These timeless vehicles are even more amazing in the fall because they allow us to experience things we otherwise wouldn't be able to, like secret pumpkin patches and remote canyons accessible only by rail. These scenic train rides in Arizona encompass everything we love about autumn in the Grand Canyon State, and you'll definitely want to add them to your bucket list this year.
1. Ales on Rails — Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)
What do beer and fall have in common? Both are characterized by their warmth. As temperatures drop and foliage begins to take on the comforting gold, amber, and scarlet hues we wait all year to see, this unique train ride takes passengers to the heart of it all, so they can raise a glass to the most wonderful time of year.
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The beer selection might be Oktoberfest-style, but each one is produced right here in Arizona.
Choices range from light + summery Kolsch to dark stouts & chocolate porters and everything in-between. Your $155 ticket includes a souvenir glass, five tastings, and a lunch on the patio before departure and a champagne toast with appetizers once on the train. The excursion runs from mid-September through October 31st. Visit the Verde Canyon Railroad's website to reserve a spot.
Also on Verde Canyon Railroad is the spectacular Fall Colors Tour, providing front row seats to the best autumn show in Arizona. The canyon is absolutely teeming with eye-popping foliage this time of year, and you'll get an exclusive visit to some of the most enthralling viewpoints only accessible to locomotive traffic.
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Open-air viewing cars allow passengers to get up-close and personal with the surrounding Sycamore wilderness, one of the state's most remote places.
A cool breeze whips through the air as rustling leaves seem to whisper, "Fall has arrived." You can experience this once-in-a-lifetime trip through October, and tickets can be purchased on the Verde canyon Railroad website.
Have you taken any of these scenic train rides in Arizona? What's your favorite Arizona train ride?
When people think about autumn, typically the first things to come to mind are things like foliage, festivals, and other such fun – and they’d be correct! No matter where one lives, fall is known for its stunning brilliance, and even Arizona gets to see plenty of it every year. Autumn is slower in coming to the lowlands than the heights of, say, Flagstaff, but it’s wonderful – and perfect for exploring! We’ve compiled a fancy list of one dozen of the best things to do in Arizona in the fall; from farms and trails to parties and adventures, we have got you covered. Come out and experience fall like never before: in the desert southwest.
Arizona Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Arizona For Fall Foliage
Let’s be real here for a second: Arizona isn’t exactly famous for its amazing woods consisting of elm, maple, beech... you know, all those trees that typically turn some amazing colors each and every year. But don’t let this lull you into a false sense of boredom: autumn in Arizona is an INCREDIBLE time of year, and you’ll find fall colors almost everywhere as long as you know where to look. Typically, mid-to-late October is when you’ll see colors at their peak in the higher elevations of the state, while lower elevations will see colors peak in November and occasionally as late as December. Come out to Arizona and experience our autumns – you won’t regret it.
Wow Factor: Northern Arizona is already outrageously breathtaking. Throw some fall foliage into the mix and you’re sure to be utterly awed.
Need To Know: Northern Arizona is typically in full fall splendor come mid-October, though this might vary from year to year. Employ the Northern Arizona Leaf-o-meter on the official Visit Flagstaff website for the best times to visit in real-time!
It’s no secret amongst Arizonans that the northern half and other elevated bits of the state are probably one of, if not THE, best places to go in Arizona in the fall. While Phoenix and the lower elevations don’t typically see colors start changing until mid-winter (for some reason), places like Flagstaff, Page, and Pinetop see leaves changing in early September. What better time to go shopping in one (or all) of these Arizona towns? We think yes.
Wow Factor: This incredible arboretum spans an amazing 372 acres and consists of more than 20,000 amazing plant species from all over the world. In the fall, the colors are dreamlike.
Need To Know: Members and kids under five are always free. Kids ages five to 12 are $10, and folks 12 and up are $25. The last admission is given an hour before closing, so plan accordingly.
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Boyce Thompson Arboretum is one of those places that you’d probably never guess is as close to Phoenix and the rest of the valley as it is, but it sure is – and lucky us! With hundreds of species of trees and bushes (and flowers!), the colors here begin subtly shifting during September and October. By early November, they typically peak, and if you’re a photographer looking for the perfect fall day drip in Arizona from Phoenix, this should be at the top of your list. Show up early during the week for the fewest crowds and the best experience.
3. Dead Horse Ranch State Park (and all of our amazing state parks, really)
Wow Factor: We’re not sure what’s more amazing – the landscape itself, the colors of the changing trees, the backdrop of Verde Valley’s amazing mountains, or anything else. It’s ALL awesome, to be honest.
Need To Know: Admission to Dead Horse Ranch SP and many of our other state parks is $7 per car (up to four adults). Individuals and folks on bikes are $3.
Okay, okay – realistically, you can’t possibly go wrong with visiting any one of Arizona’s amazing state parks, and visiting our Arizona state parks in the fall is a special experience one ought to look forward to all year. One of the best state parks in Arizona for fall foliage is Dead Horse Ranch State Park (which is a lot more fun – and photogenic – than it sounds), which is near Cottonwood and not terribly far from Jerome. With more than 20 amazing miles of hiking trails to explore, plenty of foliage to admire, and temperatures a little chillier than Phoenix typically is, this park deserves a spot on the ol’ to-do list.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Arizona
Did you know that there are numerous amazing pumpkin patches in Arizona that the entire family will absolutely love? Yep! From Phoenix to Flagstaff, Tucson, Prescott, and everywhere else, you’ll be sure to find some of the best pumpkin patches in the United States right here in the Copper State. So, what are some of the best you can experience? It’s a bit tough to say – but here are three of the best contenders to use as a jumping-off point:
Wow Factor: With over 40 acres of pumpkins (and 20 to 30 different types of pumpkin!), this is easily one of the Copper State’s most impressive patches. Take the hay ride to it from the farm for an extra $5 – we promise it’s worth it.
Need To Know: Apple Annie’s orchard is open for pumpkin picking daily from the last weekend of September until Halloween. Pricing for pumpkins ranges from $5 to $65 – it all depends on the size!
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Apple Annie’s Orchard is one of Arizona’s most beloved autumn attractions, and everyone’s gotta experience it at least once (twice if one has little ones). The whole family will love this gorgeous working farm near Willcox, which offers all sorts of opportunities year-round to pick your own goodies. Our personal favorite time to visit, which is during fall thanks to the amazing pumpkin patch. Few things are as delightful as picking your own pumpkin(s) and watching the kids have a blast; trust us, this one’s worth the drive.
Wow Factor: This one’s so much more than just a pumpkin patch; this is a full farm with all sorts of stuff to do here year-round. It’s huge, it’s beautiful, and it’s worth a day trip.
Need To Know: The Willis Farm pumpkin patch opens on September 28th and goes until the end of October. There are different prices for different activities on the farm; pumpkins are .70 cents per pound. Gourds are anywhere from $1 to $5, and there’s lots more, too – so come ready to leave with armfuls of goodies fresh from the farm.
The Willis Farm is an idyllic example of Arizona’s incredible beauty and each and every autumn, it’s home to one of the downright best pumpkin patches in the southwest. Established in 1926, this incredible place has been loved and cared for ever since by four generations of family (and a little help from their friends), and the love it’s been given certainly shows. Of course, like we said, there’s more to this one than just a pumpkin patch. Be sure to check out the epic corn maze, a haunt, and more.
Wow Factor: There’s more to Schnepf Farms than just the pumpkin patch. Check out all the fun things to do such as a corn maze, rides, games, vendors, and SO much more. This one isn’t just a pumpkin patch – it's a whole event!
Need To Know: Schnepf Farms is open Thursday through Sunday to the public, and the pumpkin patch is a perfect way to enjoy the changing of the seasons. The festivities – including the patch – are from every Thursday to Sunday in October. The last day of the season is October 31st. Admission is $26 for folks aged three years and up. Oh, and bring your appetite – part of this whole spiel is that there’s CHILI. Yummy fun!
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When it comes to family farms to visit in Arizona, Schnepf Farms is well-deserving of its place in this list at the top of the must-dos. Located in beautiful Queen Creek, this farm is just a shake of a lamb’s tail away from Phoenix metro and, thanks to its sheer awesomeness, is one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the whole state. There’s a bakery, a petting zoo, a farm store, and more – so come early and spend the whole day around these parts if you so wish.
Best Fall Festivals In Arizona
What better way is there to celebrate the changing of the seasons than by means of a good old-fashioned festival? No matter the season, you’ll find amazing festivals in Arizona to attend – and you’ll be amazed at just how many there are at any given time of year, but most especially in the fall. Here are a few of the must-do fall festivals in Arizona that the whole family will love:
7. The Annual Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
Location: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale, Arizona. Due to construction, there’s a shuttle that takes folks from a designated parking area at the nearby Plexus HQ (9145 E Pima Center Pkwy) right to the gate.
Wow Factor: Goodness, where to begin. With costume contests, two LITERAL TONS of candy for trick-or-treating, tethered balloon rides, and more than 20 hot air balloons, this one’s an absolute MUST for families of all ages and stages.
Need to Know: Ticket prices range from $17 to $22 for adults and from $12 to $17 for kids, depending on the day you attend. This is an evening event, taking place from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.; come in costume for the ultimate Halloween experience!
Autumn in Arizona is in no way complete without checking out at least one of the three days the AZ Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival days – or, rather, nights. This event is a blast and the kids will love it in particular for the simply EPIC trick-or-treating there is to be done here. Of course, the balloons are the main event – but this whole festival is a delight and worthy of endless praise.
Wow Factor: Lots of community colleges have autumn festivals, but this one is probably our favorite. Chino Valley is beautiful, and this campus reflects that. What better time to visit than in the fall, while colors are ablaze, and our days get shorter?
Need To Know: This festival is for one day only, taking place on October 5th. With $5 parking and free admission, this event is awesome for everyone!
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The nothing-short-of-charming Yavapai College Harvest Festival may be smaller than these other events, but it’s mighty. With a delightful small-town feel and all the fun you can expect from a fall festival (like hay rides, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, a beer garden... and lots more), this is a family memory nobody will forget. Wholesome fun for everyone!
Wow Factor: Mortimer Farms is huge, and with just about every autumn attraction one can imagine it makes for an excellent family outing.
Need To Know: This year’s festivities go from August 31st through September 22nd on weekends. Grounds open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.; admission to the farm is $16.50 for folks aged three years and older. Alternatively, season passes are $70 per person!
It simply isn’t fall in Arizona without a visit to the famed Mortimer Farms! The Sunflower Festival goes on daily from the end of August until the end of September – and that’s on top of all the other delights. With critters to feed and pet, an enormous corn maze, and lots of other things to do and see, you can’t possibly go wrong. We highly recommend checking the farm out twice – once during the weekend for the ultimate festival experience, and once during the week for a quieter, more low-key time.
Free & Cheap Arizona Fall Activities
Sometimes, we find ourselves a little short on the whole “money” thing, but that doesn’t have to mean we don’t get to have any fun – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. As it turns out, there are a lot of wonderfully fun fall festivals in Arizona to attend and delight in; some are more grown-up oriented, others are perfect for the entire family. Need something to do throughout the entire season? Start by checking out these awesome fall festivals in Arizona and go from there! You never know – some of ‘em might just become your new fave tradition!
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10. Embark upon an unforgettable fall foliage road trip.
Wow Factor: Do we really need to say? Arizona is utterly incredible during every season, with just about every landscape you can imagine and endless scenic byways to enjoy. Throw in some autumn color magic and you’ve got yourself a perfect plan.
When it comes to autumn day trips in Arizona, one can never go wrong with the classics: things like fall foliage and the cutest small towns in the state come to mind. No matter where you wander, you’re sure to experience autumn at its best, especially if you travel during peak color. Incredible drives in Arizona to do in the fall include the Oak Creek Canyon drive on the AZ-89A North from Sedona to Flagstaff, Forest Road 151 in Flagstaff (high clearance vehicles are best), and the Catalina Highway drive up Mount Lemmon near Tucson.
11. Visit the cutest towns that go all-out each and every autumn.
Wow Factor: Have you been to some of our small towns? They’re nothing short of a delight... especially when surrounded by fall colors. Make it fun – visit a town every weekend in the fall.
There are plenty of wonderful small towns in Arizona, and just about all of ‘em are awesome to visit this time of year. Towns in northern Arizona worth checking out this time of year include Flagstaff and Sedona (must-dos) as well as Page; towns in southern Arizona worth exploring now include our wine country spots like Sonoita and neighboring Elgin, as well as Summerhaven (located at the top of Mt. Lemmon) and many others. You can never go wrong with small towns – especially now.
12. Hike an amazingly photogenic trail to fully immerse yourself in fall color delights.
Location: You already know it: statewide! There’s wonder to be found in every nook and cranny of this amazing state.
Wow Factor: Our state’s natural beauty is so jaw-dropping that it attracts folks from all over the world each and every year. In the fall, the colors, amazing weather, and other factors ensure that the “wow” never stops.
Need To Know: In some places – particularly rural ones in northern and eastern Arizona – temperatures can get pretty chilly at night, so dress appropriately for wherever you’re planning to hike. Keep in mind trails may be muddy, so definitely don good hiking shoes.
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Hiking in Arizona is one of the coolest things you can do in North America. Seriously, the Copper State is ridiculously beautiful, and in the fall it’s especially so. Awesomely, you’ll find all kinds of awesome hiking trails weaving all over the state like veins bringing life-giving blood to the body. It’s the best time to hike in the Phoenix area other than winter thanks to increasingly cooler temps, and you might even catch an early-season snow flurry if you hike up north. No matter what, this is the perfect time to explore Arizona via its trail system.
Arizona is an amazing state with endless discoveries to be made – you just need to know where to go, what to do, and who to see about it all. From amazing corn mazes to epic fall festivals, traditions, hikes, foliage, and SO much more, you can’t possibly go wrong with a visit to Arizona in the fall. Oh, and don’t forget the cooler temperatures – suddenly, Phoenix is a lot more doable when it’s 91 degrees and dry out. What are some of your favorite things to do in Arizona in the fall? Let us know!
Having lived most of my life in Arizona, I can tell you that while summer may feel like an oven, there are still tons of cool things to do and things to do to get cool. When you come to the Copper State during the summer, you’ll find that locals are still out and about despite the heat and having fun. So, let’s explore this guide to Arizona summer activities and have a blast in this beautiful state:
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Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Arizona
While most of Arizona is a baking desert, there are higher-elevation places where you can beat the heat and enjoy some natural beauty, charming towns, and friendly people. Here are three of the best summer vacation destinations in Arizona.
Popularity: This is quite a popular destination best done on weekdays.
Need To Know: The road can be steep and curvy in places. Drive with caution.
Those of us who live in Tucson love to take a drive up Mt. Lemmon during the summer to get among the trees and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the surrounding desert. There are several camping spots, hiking trails, and a little place called Summerhaven where you can grab a bite to eat while surrounded by pine trees. The drive is so lovely up and down the mountain.
Popularity: Sedona is extremely popular yet surprisingly not very crowded.
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Need To Know: Sedona is a Mecca for people into spiritual pursuits, nature, and photography.
Sedona is perhaps the most gorgeous and eclectic town in Arizona. The majestic red rock formations that surround the town draw people from all over the world to marvel at them. Locals love to bring their families to the natural rock slides at Slide Rock State Park to play in the water, and the hiking is second to none. Plus, there are a ton of intriguing shops and excellent restaurants throughout town.
Popularity: Flagstaff is a popular summer destination, yet remains largely uncrowded since college students are gone.
Need To Know: Even during the summer, evenings can sometimes get chilly enough for a light jacket.
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Flagstaff is a favorite place for people from the rest of the state to come and cool off. It is filled with and surrounded by pine trees and has a view of beautiful mountains. It’s a hip college town so there are plenty of great brewpubs, restaurants, and funky shops as well as a thriving art scene. It’s also known for being a wonderful place for stargazing at night. Visiting here is one of the most fun things to do in Arizona in summer.
Best Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Arizona This Summer
You may not think of bodies of water when you think of Arizona, but we have some truly magnificent ones for fishing, boating, tubing, paddling, and much more. In fact, fishing, tubing, and boating are extremely popular hobbies in Arizona. You’ll often find locals kicking back with a cooler full of beers, a lawn chair, and an umbrella with a fishing pole in their hands while laughing and talking away the hours together. Here are three of the best lakes and rivers to visit in Arizona.
Popularity: The Salt River is probably the most popular body of water in Arizona during the summer.
Need To Know: Weekends get quite crowded, so come here on a weekday if you want a more relaxed experience.
I don’t think there’s a person who grew up in Arizona who didn’t go tubing along the Salt River. It’s the most popular tubing destination in the state and people get rather creative with their tubes. I’ve seen tubes with speakers built on top of them for blasting out tunes. It’s a bit of a party location during the summer, but you can still have a wonderfully mellow time if you situate yourself between the groups of tubers. The scenery is beautiful to see. Just remember to use lots of sunscreen and bring enough water!
Popularity: This lake is very popular yet large enough that there's ample room for everyone.
Need To Know: Keep your eyes open while on the lake as some boaters can go rather fast and create wake ripples.
Where the Salt River is the most popular place for tubing, Lake Pleasant is the most popular place for boating, water skiing, and jet skiing. Locals love to bring their speedboats and zoom around the lake and others like bringing a kayak to enjoy a leisurely paddle. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this lake, and you’ll find many people with fishing poles in the water. A day on Lake Pleasant is very common, especially for folks from nearby Phoenix.
Popularity: This is a massive lake and while popular, it's rarely crowded.
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Need To Know: You'll want to bring lots of water and ample sunscreen while here in the summer.
Lake Mead is shared by Arizona and Nevada and is fairly close to Las Vegas. People from both states flock here to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take a boat out on the water for some quality fishing time. There are also kayak tours to explore some of the little coves and caves along the shore. It’s the first-ever national recreational area as well as the largest. It’s also one of the best summer camping locations in Arizona. This is one of the best family things to do in Arizona in summer.
Parks To Visit In Arizona This Summer
Our beautiful state is known for having some of the most impressive state and national parks in the country. You could say they’re quite grand! They are places of great geological, historical, cultural, and natural importance and tell tales not only of American history but of millennia of natural history. You’re in for a real treat at these wonderful parks to visit in Arizona this summer.
Popularity: This is one of the most popular parks in the nation.
Need To Know: If you truly want to experience this place, plan at least a weekend and enjoy a hike or mule tour.
Photos don’t convey just how gobsmackingly massive and gorgeous the Grand Canyon is. While pictures are majestic, being here in person is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you can have in Arizona. There are many kinds of guided tours to take and getting down into the canyon to see its walls towering above you is just as impressive as seeing it from the top. This is a must-do bucket list destination not only for Arizona but for the world. Camping here can be one of the most romantic things to do in Arizona in summer.
Popularity: This park is quite popular among locals and is a top tourist destination.
Need To Know: Saguaro are a protected plant species and should be seen, but not touched.
While you can see saguaro cacti around most of the southern part of the state, the largest concentration of them is in Saguaro National Park, and they’re simply majestic. There are two portions of the park, one on the western edge of Tucson, and the other on the eastern edge. Even though we Tusconians see them all the time, we still love to take a leisurely drive through these parks and never get bored of seeing these intriguing cacti. Sunsets here are some of the most beautiful you will ever see.
Popularity: This destination is not as popular as most, but is worth seeing.
Need To Know: It's advised to stick to the outskirts as wildlife is rather active in the interior as well as more unsavory people at times.
Every Arizonan grew up learning tales of the supposed gold mine in the Lost Dutchman State Park. The fables of a massive gold cache have drawn many people to go searching for it and it’s best seen from a bit of a distance as gold fever is a real thing and causes people to be hostile to possible competition. Plus, bobcats, rattlesnakes, and sheer desert heat are abundant. However, it’s a place of beauty and intrigue and it’s worth seeing in person. It’s a great place to hike around, but not in.
Best Free Summer Activities In Arizona
One of the lovely things about living in and visiting Arizona is that we have so many fun and free things to do here. Many of our most beautiful natural areas are free to explore and there are always events going on, especially in the evenings. Come check out some of the best free summer activities in Arizona.
Popularity: This is one of the most popular Old West destinations in Arizona
Need To Know: Shows and events cost money, but there's no charge to enter town.
There’s a fee for shows and some venues, but you can walk the streets of a real and famous part of the Wild West for free and stand where Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and other legends of the Old West once stood. Tombstone is aptly named due to its cemetery named Boot Hill where the headstones bear whimsical anecdotes about those who rest there. It’s an amazing slice of Arizona history and one of the best free things to do in Arizona in summer.
Popularity: This place is fairly popular but never crowded as it is so huge.
Need To Know: Some locations require a local Native American guide.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is one of the most quintessential Old West landscapes as well as a very sacred and important place for the Navajo nation. It has some of the most stunning scenery in the state and it has been a filming location for several big movies like Contact and MacKenna’s Gold If you happen to find any Native American relics or petroglyphs, please look but don’t touch.
Popularity: This mission is fairly popular but generally uncrowded on weekdays.
Need To Know: This is a religious site and commercial and drone photography are prohibited.
The San Xavier del Bac Mission is one of the most beautiful and historic missions in the Southwest. The intricately carved interior is marvelous and one can’t help but feel a sense of reverence while here. A visit here is one of the best Arizona summer activities you can do while visiting Tucson.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Arizona
We have a lot going on in Arizona during the summer. We love a good food festival as well as any event that helps us beat the heat. We also have a ton of Spanish, Native American, and Sonoran cultures to celebrate and we embrace them all. Come and enjoy some of the best summer events and festivals in Arizona.
Popularity: This is a fairly popular event, especially for local Native Americans.
Need To Know: This festival will take place on June 22 - 23, 2024.
The Heritage Festival is one of the most wonderful ethnic festivals in Arizona and it brings together several nations like the Dine, Apache, Hopi, Zuni, and others to celebrate Native American cultures from all over the Colorado Plateau. Come see traditional dances and crafts, enjoy several cultural activities, and learn some traditional crafts. It takes place at the Museum of Northern Arizona which is one of the best cheap things to do in Arizona in summer even when there isn’t a wonderful festival going on.
Popularity: This is generally a local event and not too crowded.
Need To Know: This event will take place every Saturday between May 25 and August 10, 2024.
Summer Saturdays are a joy in Tucson at Reid Park Zoo when Summer Safari Nights is taking place. You can enjoy animal interactions, caretaker chats, rides, crafts, games, and so much more as well as taking in those gorgeous summer sunsets. Each week has a different theme so it’s like a new event each week! Plus, chatting with friendly Tucson locals is always a good time.
Popularity: This is a pretty well-attended event and is great family fun.
Need To Know: This event will take place July 1-7, 2024.
Have you ever been to a real rodeo? Come see “The World’s Oldest Rodeo” which has been taking place here since 1888. Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages take part in thrilling and fun events during the first week in June. Come see lasso tricks, barrel races, and bull riding, and enjoy dancing, live music, and delicious food at an event that is as Arizona as can be. Learn some more about it on our Not Your Average Bucket List podcast.
How many of these places and events have you been to? Do you have any other favorite Arizona summer activities? Let us know about your favorite experiences in the comments. This guide should get you started on some of the best that Arizona has to offer. Summer is the best time to take a road trip in Northern Arizona and see some of our most breathtaking natural wonders:
