The temperatures are finally starting to drop around the state and you know what that means? Fall is just around the corner! Within just a couple of weeks, people in many parts of Arizona will start wearing sweaters, drinking hot drinks, and seeing the leaves change colors. If you’re looking for some fun ways to enjoy the changing season, check out these day trip ideas.
- Enjoy a short scenic drive on Flagstaff’s Hart Prairie Road.
Coconino National Forest/Flickr This particular drive is just 7.5 miles long but when the leaves’ colors are rich tones of yellow, orange, and red, you’ll enjoy a color explosion here. Afterwards consider a short hike in the same area near the San Francisco Peaks or enjoy a day walking around town. Address: Google Maps
- Take a hike on one of Arizona’s most famous trails, West Fork of Oak Creek #108 near Sedona.
Coconino National Forest/Flickr In the fall, this trail shows off just how lovely the season is in Arizona. You’ll be met with warm hues in the leaves, the surrounding red canyon walls, and chilly creek waters. Details: U.S. Forest Service
- Pick your own pumpkins at Rocker 7 Farm Patch in Buckeye.
Rocker 7 Farm Patch/Facebook Enjoy the cooler temperatures in October and a fall tradition of picking pumpkins for carving, eating, or decoration. It’s a great way to build memories with your family as well as enjoy a lovely fall day, even in the desert! Address: 19601 West Broadway Road, Buckeye Details: Rocker 7 Farm Patch
- Or, alternatively, you can pick apples in an orchard like Apple Annie’s in Willcox.
Apple Annie’s Orchard/Facebook Enjoy a refreshing morning picking your favorite fall fruits straight from the orchard. Apple picking at Apple Annie’s is a fun experience the entire family will enjoy and you’ll have several varieties to choose from during the season. Location: 2081 Hardy Road, Willcox Details: Apple Annie’s Orchard
- Get lost in one of three corn mazes at Buckelew Farm in Tucson.
Buckelew Farm/Facebook During their fall festival in October, this farm hosts three fun-filled mazes for kids of all ages. Take the little ones through the kiddie maze, check out a scavenger hunt maze, and even a haunted cornfield for those looking for a little fright just in time for Halloween. Address: 17000 West Ajo Highway, Tucson Details: Buckelew Farm
- Enjoy a beautiful fall scene at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park.
CEBImagery/Flickr Located about 10 minutes from Superior, the impressive tree collection at this state park shows off all the pretty colors of autumn. You’ll enjoy walking the many trails here and seeing nature’s impressive show this time of year. Address: 37615 East US Highway 60, Superior Details: Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
- Spend a day at the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix.
Kevin Dooley/Flickr r is a fun way to spend a day! Enjoy a concert, rodeo, art shows, fried foods, and plenty of spinning rides. Address: 1826 West McDowell Road, Phoenix Details: Arizona State Fair
- Enjoy a day of food, drink, and music at the Arizona Hops and Vines Oktoberfest in Sonoita.
Arizona Hops and Vines/Facebook This day-time event is the perfect way to begin enjoying fall festivities with German fare, drinks, music, and dancing. If you can’t find a sitter, you can bring your kids to the family-friendly Sober Shack for activities and a chance to pet some cool animals. Address: 3450 Highway 82, Sonoita Details: Arizona Hops and Vines
- Hop aboard a hayride and explore Mortimer Family Farms in Dewey.
Mortimer Farms/Facebook Make sure that your fall season is made complete with a leisurely hayride through a working farm in central Arizona. Relax after a fun-filled day of picking pumpkins, wandering through the corn maze, and ziplining by learning about the farm and Dewey on a tractor-pulled hayride. Address: 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey Details: Mortimer Family Farms
- Go for a joyride to check out some of the fall foliage in Arizona’s beautiful landscape.
Michael Wilson/Flickr The drive from Sedona up to Flagstaff isn’t particularly long but this road trip encourages you to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Stops include Red Rock State Park, Oak Creek Vista, The Arboretum at Flagstaff, and Lockett Meadow. Details: Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Arizona Like Never Before
Want to check out more fall-themed things to do around the state? Check out some of the festivals taking place over the next two months! Read 11 Harvest Festivals In Arizona That Will Make Your Autumn Awesome for some fun activities to enjoy with your family.
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
This particular drive is just 7.5 miles long but when the leaves’ colors are rich tones of yellow, orange, and red, you’ll enjoy a color explosion here. Afterwards consider a short hike in the same area near the San Francisco Peaks or enjoy a day walking around town. Address: Google Maps
In the fall, this trail shows off just how lovely the season is in Arizona. You’ll be met with warm hues in the leaves, the surrounding red canyon walls, and chilly creek waters. Details: U.S. Forest Service
Rocker 7 Farm Patch/Facebook
Enjoy the cooler temperatures in October and a fall tradition of picking pumpkins for carving, eating, or decoration. It’s a great way to build memories with your family as well as enjoy a lovely fall day, even in the desert! Address: 19601 West Broadway Road, Buckeye Details: Rocker 7 Farm Patch
Apple Annie’s Orchard/Facebook
Enjoy a refreshing morning picking your favorite fall fruits straight from the orchard. Apple picking at Apple Annie’s is a fun experience the entire family will enjoy and you’ll have several varieties to choose from during the season. Location: 2081 Hardy Road, Willcox Details: Apple Annie’s Orchard
Buckelew Farm/Facebook
During their fall festival in October, this farm hosts three fun-filled mazes for kids of all ages. Take the little ones through the kiddie maze, check out a scavenger hunt maze, and even a haunted cornfield for those looking for a little fright just in time for Halloween. Address: 17000 West Ajo Highway, Tucson Details: Buckelew Farm
CEBImagery/Flickr
Located about 10 minutes from Superior, the impressive tree collection at this state park shows off all the pretty colors of autumn. You’ll enjoy walking the many trails here and seeing nature’s impressive show this time of year. Address: 37615 East US Highway 60, Superior Details: Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
r is a fun way to spend a day! Enjoy a concert, rodeo, art shows, fried foods, and plenty of spinning rides. Address: 1826 West McDowell Road, Phoenix Details: Arizona State Fair
Arizona Hops and Vines/Facebook
This day-time event is the perfect way to begin enjoying fall festivities with German fare, drinks, music, and dancing. If you can’t find a sitter, you can bring your kids to the family-friendly Sober Shack for activities and a chance to pet some cool animals. Address: 3450 Highway 82, Sonoita Details: Arizona Hops and Vines
Mortimer Farms/Facebook
Make sure that your fall season is made complete with a leisurely hayride through a working farm in central Arizona. Relax after a fun-filled day of picking pumpkins, wandering through the corn maze, and ziplining by learning about the farm and Dewey on a tractor-pulled hayride. Address: 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey Details: Mortimer Family Farms
Michael Wilson/Flickr
The drive from Sedona up to Flagstaff isn’t particularly long but this road trip encourages you to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Stops include Red Rock State Park, Oak Creek Vista, The Arboretum at Flagstaff, and Lockett Meadow. Details: Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Arizona Like Never Before
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.