Escape to These Charming Mountain Towns in Arizona Before Fall Ends

While Arizona is best known for the Grand Canyon and its desert landscape, it's also home to numerous mountain ranges. Tucked away in many of these mountain ranges are small towns, perfect for a nature escape when you want to get away from it all, go hiking, and take in the scenery. One of the best ways to enjoy the most charming mountain towns in Arizona is by taking a day trip or weekend getaway in the fall. Many mountain towns are nestled among the trees. While many people don't believe me when I tell them we experience fall colors around the state, I have provided a list of mountain towns to see fall foliage in Arizona. Here they are:

1. Flagstaff

Home to the tallest peak in Arizona—Humphreys Peak at 12,633 feet—Flagstaff is an alpine town with some of the most remarkable fall foliage in the state. My favorite thing to do here is to hike the Aspen Nature Loop at Snowbowl this time of year. With views of the Mount Humphreys summit, you'll take the trail into the woods where tall white aspens with golden leaves surround you. Believe me, this is one of the best areas in Flagstaff to see the changing leaves. You can even take a scenic gondola ride at Snowbowl for panoramic views of the aspens. While this trail is a must-visit this season, there are many other things to do in Flagstaff in the fall.

You can explore downtown Flagstaff, hitting spots along its brewery trail as you walk around. Head to Lowell Observatory for one of its fall events, attend the Flagstaff Oktoberfest on the first Saturday of October, and view more fall foliage at the Flagstaff Arboretum. If you plan on a weekend getaway to Flagstaff this fall, make a reservation at the family-friendly Little America Flagstaff or the allegedly haunted Monte Vista Hotel—fall is spooky season, after all!

2. Pinetop-Lakeside

With an elevation of over 6,000 feet, Pinetop-Lakeside is nestled among the White Mountains by the Mogollon Rim. Forests of aspens, oaks, and maples set the scenery ablaze with the warm tones of fall. Envelope yourself in these majestic fall colors as you hike one of the many trails in this mountainous town.

For things to do in Pinetop-Lakeside, stop by the White Mountain Nature Center to learn about wildlife in the area and hike one of its trails, visit the White Mountains Family Fun Park for a round of mini golf, and try the craft brews at Pinetop Brewing Co., which has a pet-friendly patio. As for accommodations, I'd choose a cozy cabin in this Arizona mountain town, perhaps a place like The Calico Cottage, a one-bedroom guest home in the woods.

3. Payson

I've said it before, and I'll say it again—Payson is one of my favorite small towns in Arizona. With its cooler temperatures, I try to visit a couple of times during the summer, but I've also been here in the fall. Located at the base of the Mogollon Rim and surrounded by the Ponderosa pines of the Tonto National Forest, there is a tremendous amount of scenery to discover here. Also, the aspens will turn golden during the fall, typically in mid-to-late October, so it's best to plan your trip here accordingly, especially if you want to see fall foliage.

You can also check out Tonto National Bridge State Park, Water Wheel Falls, the Rim Country Museum, and search for fossils at the Paleo Site. In addition to outdoor activities, there are plenty of restaurants, such as the Beeline Cafe, Fargo's Steakhouse, and Macky's Grill. Need a place to spend the night? Make a reservation at the cozy Majestic Mountain Inn.

4. Williams

While known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon," the town of Williams is also a gateway to scenic views and outdoor adventure. While you can certainly explore Route 66 in downtown Williams and spend the night at the Trailborn Grand Canyon (I've stayed here and enjoyed it!), I suggest heading into a more remote part of town to explore Sycamore Canyon.

A couple of years ago, I stayed at Backland, a glamping destination deep in the forest of Williams. While incredibly remote, it is scenic and quiet, and its wonderful on-site restaurant impressed me. From here, we ventured onto forest roads to hike around Sycamore Canyon, a wilderness area and 21-mile-long canyon that is the second-largest in the state. The short hike we took was at the top of the canyon, and when we looked down, we could see Sycamore Creek along with trees with golden leaves. It's an absolutely gorgeous part of the state, and I can't wait to return!

5. Prescott

Located within the Bradshaw Mountains and surrounded by the Prescott National Forest, Prescott has that Old West vibe. This town is best known for its historic Whiskey Row, which features saloons, bars, restaurants, and shops in buildings dating back to the early 1900s. But Prescott is so much more than that. In fact, the town is home to several stunning lakes—Lynx, Watson, and Granite Basin—where you can hike and view fall foliage starting around mid-October. Another fantastic option to view fall foliage is at Courthouse Square, in the center of town. Believe me, you'll want to spend some time in Prescott this fall, and if you decide to plan a weekend getaway, stay at the highly-rated Hassayampa Inn.

I absolutely love day trips and weekend getaways during fall in Arizona, and what better places to do just that than one of its charming mountain towns? What are your favorite mountain towns in Arizona to visit in the fall? If you're looking for more to do this season, check out the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations in Arizona.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.