It’s no secret that summers can be downright brutal in Arizona, so when fall rolls around, it’s time to head outside to enjoy the season and start feeling a little more comfortable. Whether you’re trying to stay safe with social distancing, get some exercise, or just explore the diverse nature that the state has to offer, these are some of the best things to do outdoors this fall in Arizona.
Scenic Drive Up Mount Lemmon
What Is It? Many people don’t think about Arizona for fall foliage, but you can see some really beautiful colors around Mt. Lemmon.
Why Do It? Take a scenic drive along the Catalina Highway, also known as the Sky Island Scenic Byway, to experience the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The road doesn’t go all the way to the summit, but it is definitely cooler up here and stunningly beautiful in the fall.
Good to Know: Popular spots in the area to see fall foliage are Bear Wallow, Marshall Gulch, and the summit area.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
What Is It? There are many pumpkin patches in Arizona that make wonderful outdoor activities for the fall.
Why Do It? Pumpkin patches have more than just pumpkins here, too, and often include corn mazes, petting zoos, food, drinks, hayrides, and games. For example, there’s MacDonald’s Ranch in Scottsdale, Mortimer Farms in Dewey, and the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden in Carefree.
Good to Know: Other popular pumpkin patches are Marana Pumpkin Patch in Tucson, Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, and Vertuccio Farms in Mesa.
Explore Grand Canyon National Park
What Is It? Grand Canyon National Park is a popular outdoor tourist destination all throughout the year.
Why Do It? It’s a particularly great place to check out in the fall because the crowds tend to thin out, and the temperatures begin to drop. Check the park’s website for updates about what is currently open and closed before you make the trip here. This is a wonderful place for camping and backcountry hiking as you explore the great outdoors.
Good to Know: Popular places to go here include the South Rim Village, Desert View Drive on Highway 64, North Rim, and Tuweep. Other outdoor opportunities here are bicycling, guided tours, mule riding, and river rafting.
Photograph Antelope Canyon
What Is It? Antelope Canyon is a local spot on many Arizona outdoor photographers’ bucket lists.
Why Do It? Not only is this one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, but it’s also a beautiful destination in the fall. There are multiple tour options available for Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, helicopter tours, and other canyons worth checking out too.
Good to Know: It is operated by Navajo Nation Parks, so check the park’s website to confirm opening times within the health order requirements. Tour guides are mandatory in all areas of Antelope Canyon.
Hike up Camelback Mountain
What Is It? Camelback Mountain is known as the must-hike mountain in Phoenix.
Why Do It? It can get blisteringly hot here in the summer, so skip that season and wait for fall. For your outdoor adventure, you can hike up this mountain, which has an elevation of 2,704 feet and offers beautiful scenic views. There are many native wildlife species, such as rattlesnakes and cottontail rabbits, along the trail, as well as various kinds of cacti and mesquite trees.
Good to Know: It’s 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix and has two difficult trails that ascend to the top. Echo Canyon Trail is 1.2 miles out and back, and Cholla Trail is 1.5 miles out and back.
See Petroglyphs at Saguaro National Park
What Is It? Saguaro National Park is best known for its namesake cacti, but it’s also fun to come here in the fall to admire and learn about ancient petroglyphs.
Why Do It? Rock art can be found throughout the park and pre-dates modern written history. It was created by the prehistoric Hohokam by scraping and etching on the surface of rocks.
Good to Know: Walk along the Signal Hill Trail in the Tucson Mountain District (West) to see the petroglyphs as the trail climbs to a hill covered with these 800-year-old carvings.
Feel the Energy at a Sedona Vortex
What Is It? Sedona, Arizona, is known for its healing and mystical energy, which also makes for an awesome outdoor experience for the fall.
Why Do It? There are spiritual vortexes among the red rock formations here that have magnetic, electrical, and balanced energies. Well-known vortexes to visit in the autumn are Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, Airport Mesa, and Bell Rock.
Good to Know: These are places that you can explore on your own or with a group. They’re also ideal destinations for meditation, yoga, and personal reflection as the seasons transition.
Go Rafting on the Colorado River
What Is It? For an unforgettable outdoor adventure in the fall in Arizona, consider a rafting trip on the Colorado River.
Why Do It? You can experience the river at the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and other places and really get an appreciation for the peaceful grandeur of the landscapes. Local river guide companies will take you out onto the water and equip you with everything you need to be safe and have fun.
Good to Know: There are single-day, two-day, and five-day whitewater rafting trips available, and package deals often include transportation, hiking, meals, and even overnight camping accommodations.
Watersports on Lake Powell
What Is It? Stay cool and get outdoors this fall with some watersports on Lake Powell.
Why Do It? You can bring your own water vessels to put in the lake or rent a boat, stand-up paddleboard, or kayak from a local vendor when you get here. Jet ski rentals are also popular on Lake Powell. The average water temperature is 75 degrees in the summer and still stays pretty warm in the fall season, too. Tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, flyboarding, and extreme water sports are other options when you spend your fall vacation here.
Good to Know: Families like to go swimming by Lone Rock Beach, fishermen come here for bass fishing, and there are around 254 square miles of water for everyone to explore.
Go Off-Roading on Sand Dunes
What Is It? Off-roading enthusiasts love coming to Imperial Sand Dunes near Yuma and along Interstate 8.
Why Do It? There are over 40 miles of dunes here and dunes that reach 300 feet in height. OHV riders come here for the scenery, adventure, and wide-open spaces along the Arizona-California border. Besides the main dunes, you can check out the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness for a tranquil alternative.
Good to Know: Walking and horse-riding are other activities to do in this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) region.
Go Rock Climbing Near Flagstaff
What Is It? Another fun way to get outdoors this fall is to plan a rock climbing trip in Arizona. There are cool climbing spots around the state, including Mount Lemmon near Tucson, Queen Creek Canyon near Superior, and the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff.
Why Do It? Rock climbing is also popular at the Grand Canyon and in the Phoenix area for bouldering at Piestewa Peak and Camelback’s Echo Canyon Trail. First-timers should climb with an experienced local guide for safety and to know where skill-appropriate routes are located.
Good to Know: You can also join a climbing clinic, climbing and yoga retreat, or day of rappelling adventures with an Arizona guide.
Browse a Local Farmers’ Market
What Is It? Although many people think of farmers’ markets as something to do in the spring and summer, there are farmers’ markets in Arizona that extend throughout the fall season.
Why Do It? These are great places to stock up on healthy fall vegetables like pumpkins and squash. There’s the Ahwatukee Farmers’ Market in Phoenix, Carefree Farmers’ Market, and Super Farm Market at Superstition Farms in Mesa.
Good to Know: The Gilbert Farmers Market is another popular spot and opens year-round on Saturday mornings.
Go Golfing
What Is It? Phoenix and other parts of Arizona, too, are top destinations for golfers, which is a fun outdoor activity to do in the fall.
Why Do It? There are over 200 golf courses in the Phoenix area! Some of the top courses in the area to play at here include TPC Scottsdale, Grayhawk Golf Club, and Quintero Golf Club.
Good to Know: From these courses, you’ll get lovely views of the desert landscape and mountains as you play your favorite game.
Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Desert
What Is It? Who says you have to keep your feet on the ground to have outdoor adventures in Arizona? You can get a bird’s eye view of these epic landscapes and gain a whole new perspective by going for a hot air balloon ride high above the desert.
Why Do It? You can take a sunrise balloon ride with prickly pear mimosas, romantic sunset rides, full moon rides, and enjoy package deals that include a champagne toast and hors d’oeuvres.
Good to Know: Aerogelic Ballooning and Rainbow Ryders are a couple of companies that operate here and offer ride experiences.
Camp in a National Forest
What Is It? Camping in Arizona is a great way to experience the outdoors for an extended time and really connect with nature.
Why Do It? Although Arizona is best known for its deserts, there are also some beautiful national forests here where you can get some shade and beat the fall heat. For example, there’s the Coconino National Forest, Tonto National Forest, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
Good to Know: There are multiple campgrounds in these forests that are wonderful for pitching a tent and enjoying the fall season.
Mountain Bike on a Rugged Trail
What Is It? Arizona is a fun place to go mountain biking in the fall to challenge yourself and get out on a rugged trail.
Why Do It? Some of the best mountain biking trails in Arizona are the Hangover Trail in Sedona, 50-Year Trail/Golder Ranch in Tucson, and Schultz Creek Trail in Flagstaff. There are trails for all skill levels in the state’s mountain biking areas so you can try the sport out as a beginner or enhance your skills as a more experienced biker.
Good to Know: Wherever you end up going, this is an awesome way to find some solitude in nature and enjoy a true adventure.
