7 Kid-Friendly Fall Hikes In Arizona The Whole Family Can Enjoy

Arizona is a hiker’s paradise in the fall – but many of the best trails are long, steep, or a combination of the two. Fortunately, there are also plenty of kid-friendly fall hikes in Arizona that offer the same magical views for only a fraction of the effort. Here are seven of our favorites:

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA

AllTrails/Stuart Z

Northern Arizona typically steals all of the thunder when it comes to fall foliage, but the leaves change down south, too! One of the best places to see them is at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, where the rugged landscape comes alive with brilliant seasonal hues. The main trail that meanders through the park is an easy, 1.5-mile loop, and it takes you straight into the heart of the scenery.

West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead, W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

Flickr/Coconino National Forest, U.S. Forest Service

Perhaps the most well-known fall hike in Arizona, this 6.5-mile route is tucked away in Sedona's lush Secret Mountain Wilderness. The trail parallels the beautiful Oak Creek, and during autumn, the trees that line its banks put on a truly magical show. Although the trail is a tad long, it's extremely well-marked and mostly flat, so kids shouldn't have any trouble navigating it.

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Aspen Nature Loop, Arizona 86001, Humphrey's Peak Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

AllTrails/Cassie Howard

You'll think you're walking on the Yellow Brick Road when you embark on the iconic Aspen Nature Lollipop Trail. At just under three miles long, this short and sweet loop takes you through a gilded aspen grove where the ground is littered with colorful leaves glinting in the sunlight.

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Baldwin Trail, Sedona, AZ 86351, USA

AllTrails/Joan Crooks

Another Sedona-area fall favorite is Baldwin Trail #191, a 2.5-mile loop. Tucked away in the dense Coconino National Forest, this family-friendly hike boasts sweeping canyon vistas that erupt in a spectacular display of colors when autumn rolls around.

Marshall Gulch Picnic Area, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA

AllTrails/Dana Wilson

Southern Arizona strikes again with an unexpectedly enchanting fall hike. The 2.6-mile Marshall Gulch Trail can be found in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness near Mount Lemmon, and it's rated as moderately difficult. Besides a tad bit of rock scrambling, the hike is pleasant and relaxing, with the gentle babble of a nearby creek serving as ambient noise while you meander along. The gorgeous fall colors are a bonus!

Lynx Lake, Arizona 86303, USA

AllTrails/K P

Widely considered to be one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Arizona, the Lynx Lake Loop Trail is an easy, breezy, 2.6-mile trail that skirts around the pristine Lynx Lake near Prescott. The partially paved route has an elevation gain of just 78 feet, making it perfect for hikers of all skill levels. While the trail is beautiful all year, it's especially magical with the addition of striking fall foliage!

Inner Basin Trail, Arizona 86001, USA

AllTrails/Mike Bigelow

Any of the trails near the Arizona Snowbowl are absolute wonderlands during autumn, but the Inner Basin Trail is one of the most enchanting. At 3.4 miles round-trip, this moderate trail leads into a jaw-dropping aspen forest that extends far as the eye can see. The trees' rich gold color is almost too incredible to be real, and the grade is a gradual uphill ascent, so the whole family will have plenty of leftover energy for taking in the views.

Please note: All of these trails are subject to seasonal and fire closures. Check with the appropriate authority before heading out.

Have you taken any of these easy fall hikes in Arizona? If so, which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about a cabin where you can spend the night surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage.