10 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In Arizona
By Monica Spencer|Published September 13, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
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.
1. Enjoy a short scenic drive on Flagstaff’s Hart Prairie Road.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.