I don't know about you, but I've been spending the last couple days cleaning and getting ready for the new year. While I don't do traditional resolutions anymore (I focus more on bi-monthly goals), one thing I do want to do this year is travel our state much more often. So, while looking into some places to visit, I also decided now is a great time to compile a list of things do in 2016. Hopefully you can also find something new and fun to do in 2016.
Here's one that is on my to-do list for the year! There are several packages to choose from so that you can choose a one-day trip or take the train to the Grand Canyon for an overnight stay or two.
Get all of the beautiful views without the hassle of the crowds along the South Rim. It is closed for the winter, but the roads to the North Rim reopen in May.
The signature fundraising event for the Pat Tillman Foundation, this 4.2 mile race is open to both runners and walkers. Registration begins later this month so hopefully I'll see you there as well!
In order to protect the sandstone formation while also allowing the public to view this section of the Vermilion Cliffs, the Bureau of Land Management allows up to 20 people per day to visit via a permit. You can receive a permit by entering a lottery (either online or in-person for next-day permits) for $5.
8. See amazing hoodoos at Chiricahua National Monument
You wouldn't believe how many people I know who haven't stepped inside a museum since an eighth grade class field trip. Do yourself a favor and spend at least an hour walking through one. If you need a suggestion, try out the Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson or the Heard Museum in Phoenix for something a little different.
10. Check out sites like Casa Grande or Montezuma Castle National Monuments for a glimpse into Arizona's past
Whether it is Oatman, Goldfield, or Gleeson, there's always something new you can learn just by walking around the site. Don't forget to check out our ghost town article for ideas of where to head.
I noticed in one of my previous articles where I talked about rodeos, a lot of readers mentioned they have never attended a rodeo. It's a western tradition and you live in a western state; go to one! One to visit is the World's Oldest Rodeo in Prescott, which will be in its 129th year this July.
One favorite is the Queen Mine, which has former miners as tour guides in their old work location. A tour typically lasts one hour and will run you $13.
The Navajo Nation is a goldmine for this where plenty of old trading posts are still in operation more than a century later. You can check out Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado for a museum tour or Burnham & Company in Sanders to see their huge yarn display.
15. Spend a day (or two) along one of our wine trails
If a wine tasting (or "tasting," depending on your habits) is more your style, you won't want to miss a trip to one of our three major wine areas: Sonoita, Willcox, and the Verde Valley.
One of my favorite things to do is eat good food with good people. Look for a restaurant (or food truck) you haven't visited before. You can check out our previous food articles for ideas.
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So, were you able to find any fun activities on that list? Let me know which you would look forward to doing in the new year!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
When people think about autumn, typically the first things to come to mind are things like foliage, festivals, and other such fun – and they’d be correct! No matter where one lives, fall is known for its stunning brilliance, and even Arizona gets to see plenty of it every year. Autumn is slower in coming to the lowlands than the heights of, say, Flagstaff, but it’s wonderful – and perfect for exploring! We’ve compiled a fancy list of one dozen of the best things to do in Arizona in the fall; from farms and trails to parties and adventures, we have got you covered. Come out and experience fall like never before: in the desert southwest.
Arizona Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Arizona For Fall Foliage
Let’s be real here for a second: Arizona isn’t exactly famous for its amazing woods consisting of elm, maple, beech... you know, all those trees that typically turn some amazing colors each and every year. But don’t let this lull you into a false sense of boredom: autumn in Arizona is an INCREDIBLE time of year, and you’ll find fall colors almost everywhere as long as you know where to look. Typically, mid-to-late October is when you’ll see colors at their peak in the higher elevations of the state, while lower elevations will see colors peak in November and occasionally as late as December. Come out to Arizona and experience our autumns – you won’t regret it.
Wow Factor: Northern Arizona is already outrageously breathtaking. Throw some fall foliage into the mix and you’re sure to be utterly awed.
Need To Know: Northern Arizona is typically in full fall splendor come mid-October, though this might vary from year to year. Employ the Northern Arizona Leaf-o-meter on the official Visit Flagstaff website for the best times to visit in real-time!
It’s no secret amongst Arizonans that the northern half and other elevated bits of the state are probably one of, if not THE, best places to go in Arizona in the fall. While Phoenix and the lower elevations don’t typically see colors start changing until mid-winter (for some reason), places like Flagstaff, Page, and Pinetop see leaves changing in early September. What better time to go shopping in one (or all) of these Arizona towns? We think yes.
Wow Factor: This incredible arboretum spans an amazing 372 acres and consists of more than 20,000 amazing plant species from all over the world. In the fall, the colors are dreamlike.
Need To Know: Members and kids under five are always free. Kids ages five to 12 are $10, and folks 12 and up are $25. The last admission is given an hour before closing, so plan accordingly.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is one of those places that you’d probably never guess is as close to Phoenix and the rest of the valley as it is, but it sure is – and lucky us! With hundreds of species of trees and bushes (and flowers!), the colors here begin subtly shifting during September and October. By early November, they typically peak, and if you’re a photographer looking for the perfect fall day drip in Arizona from Phoenix, this should be at the top of your list. Show up early during the week for the fewest crowds and the best experience.
3. Dead Horse Ranch State Park (and all of our amazing state parks, really)
Wow Factor: We’re not sure what’s more amazing – the landscape itself, the colors of the changing trees, the backdrop of Verde Valley’s amazing mountains, or anything else. It’s ALL awesome, to be honest.
Need To Know: Admission to Dead Horse Ranch SP and many of our other state parks is $7 per car (up to four adults). Individuals and folks on bikes are $3.
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Okay, okay – realistically, you can’t possibly go wrong with visiting any one of Arizona’s amazing state parks, and visiting our Arizona state parks in the fall is a special experience one ought to look forward to all year. One of the best state parks in Arizona for fall foliage is Dead Horse Ranch State Park (which is a lot more fun – and photogenic – than it sounds), which is near Cottonwood and not terribly far from Jerome. With more than 20 amazing miles of hiking trails to explore, plenty of foliage to admire, and temperatures a little chillier than Phoenix typically is, this park deserves a spot on the ol’ to-do list.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Arizona
Did you know that there are numerous amazing pumpkin patches in Arizona that the entire family will absolutely love? Yep! From Phoenix to Flagstaff, Tucson, Prescott, and everywhere else, you’ll be sure to find some of the best pumpkin patches in the United States right here in the Copper State. So, what are some of the best you can experience? It’s a bit tough to say – but here are three of the best contenders to use as a jumping-off point:
Wow Factor: With over 40 acres of pumpkins (and 20 to 30 different types of pumpkin!), this is easily one of the Copper State’s most impressive patches. Take the hay ride to it from the farm for an extra $5 – we promise it’s worth it.
Need To Know: Apple Annie’s orchard is open for pumpkin picking daily from the last weekend of September until Halloween. Pricing for pumpkins ranges from $5 to $65 – it all depends on the size!
Apple Annie’s Orchard is one of Arizona’s most beloved autumn attractions, and everyone’s gotta experience it at least once (twice if one has little ones). The whole family will love this gorgeous working farm near Willcox, which offers all sorts of opportunities year-round to pick your own goodies. Our personal favorite time to visit, which is during fall thanks to the amazing pumpkin patch. Few things are as delightful as picking your own pumpkin(s) and watching the kids have a blast; trust us, this one’s worth the drive.
Wow Factor: This one’s so much more than just a pumpkin patch; this is a full farm with all sorts of stuff to do here year-round. It’s huge, it’s beautiful, and it’s worth a day trip.
Need To Know: The Willis Farm pumpkin patch opens on September 28th and goes until the end of October. There are different prices for different activities on the farm; pumpkins are .70 cents per pound. Gourds are anywhere from $1 to $5, and there’s lots more, too – so come ready to leave with armfuls of goodies fresh from the farm.
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The Willis Farm is an idyllic example of Arizona’s incredible beauty and each and every autumn, it’s home to one of the downright best pumpkin patches in the southwest. Established in 1926, this incredible place has been loved and cared for ever since by four generations of family (and a little help from their friends), and the love it’s been given certainly shows. Of course, like we said, there’s more to this one than just a pumpkin patch. Be sure to check out the epic corn maze, a haunt, and more.
Wow Factor: There’s more to Schnepf Farms than just the pumpkin patch. Check out all the fun things to do such as a corn maze, rides, games, vendors, and SO much more. This one isn’t just a pumpkin patch – it's a whole event!
Need To Know: Schnepf Farms is open Thursday through Sunday to the public, and the pumpkin patch is a perfect way to enjoy the changing of the seasons. The festivities – including the patch – are from every Thursday to Sunday in October. The last day of the season is October 31st. Admission is $26 for folks aged three years and up. Oh, and bring your appetite – part of this whole spiel is that there’s CHILI. Yummy fun!
When it comes to family farms to visit in Arizona, Schnepf Farms is well-deserving of its place in this list at the top of the must-dos. Located in beautiful Queen Creek, this farm is just a shake of a lamb’s tail away from Phoenix metro and, thanks to its sheer awesomeness, is one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the whole state. There’s a bakery, a petting zoo, a farm store, and more – so come early and spend the whole day around these parts if you so wish.
Best Fall Festivals In Arizona
What better way is there to celebrate the changing of the seasons than by means of a good old-fashioned festival? No matter the season, you’ll find amazing festivals in Arizona to attend – and you’ll be amazed at just how many there are at any given time of year, but most especially in the fall. Here are a few of the must-do fall festivals in Arizona that the whole family will love:
7. The Annual Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
Location: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale, Arizona. Due to construction, there’s a shuttle that takes folks from a designated parking area at the nearby Plexus HQ (9145 E Pima Center Pkwy) right to the gate.
Wow Factor: Goodness, where to begin. With costume contests, two LITERAL TONS of candy for trick-or-treating, tethered balloon rides, and more than 20 hot air balloons, this one’s an absolute MUST for families of all ages and stages.
Need to Know: Ticket prices range from $17 to $22 for adults and from $12 to $17 for kids, depending on the day you attend. This is an evening event, taking place from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.; come in costume for the ultimate Halloween experience!
Autumn in Arizona is in no way complete without checking out at least one of the three days the AZ Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival days – or, rather, nights. This event is a blast and the kids will love it in particular for the simply EPIC trick-or-treating there is to be done here. Of course, the balloons are the main event – but this whole festival is a delight and worthy of endless praise.
Wow Factor: Lots of community colleges have autumn festivals, but this one is probably our favorite. Chino Valley is beautiful, and this campus reflects that. What better time to visit than in the fall, while colors are ablaze, and our days get shorter?
Need To Know: This festival is for one day only, taking place on October 5th. With $5 parking and free admission, this event is awesome for everyone!
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The nothing-short-of-charming Yavapai College Harvest Festival may be smaller than these other events, but it’s mighty. With a delightful small-town feel and all the fun you can expect from a fall festival (like hay rides, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, a beer garden... and lots more), this is a family memory nobody will forget. Wholesome fun for everyone!
Wow Factor: Mortimer Farms is huge, and with just about every autumn attraction one can imagine it makes for an excellent family outing.
Need To Know: This year’s festivities go from August 31st through September 22nd on weekends. Grounds open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.; admission to the farm is $16.50 for folks aged three years and older. Alternatively, season passes are $70 per person!
It simply isn’t fall in Arizona without a visit to the famed Mortimer Farms! The Sunflower Festival goes on daily from the end of August until the end of September – and that’s on top of all the other delights. With critters to feed and pet, an enormous corn maze, and lots of other things to do and see, you can’t possibly go wrong. We highly recommend checking the farm out twice – once during the weekend for the ultimate festival experience, and once during the week for a quieter, more low-key time.
Free & Cheap Arizona Fall Activities
Sometimes, we find ourselves a little short on the whole “money” thing, but that doesn’t have to mean we don’t get to have any fun – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. As it turns out, there are a lot of wonderfully fun fall festivals in Arizona to attend and delight in; some are more grown-up oriented, others are perfect for the entire family. Need something to do throughout the entire season? Start by checking out these awesome fall festivals in Arizona and go from there! You never know – some of ‘em might just become your new fave tradition!
10. Embark upon an unforgettable fall foliage road trip.
Wow Factor: Do we really need to say? Arizona is utterly incredible during every season, with just about every landscape you can imagine and endless scenic byways to enjoy. Throw in some autumn color magic and you’ve got yourself a perfect plan.
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When it comes to autumn day trips in Arizona, one can never go wrong with the classics: things like fall foliage and the cutest small towns in the state come to mind. No matter where you wander, you’re sure to experience autumn at its best, especially if you travel during peak color. Incredible drives in Arizona to do in the fall include the Oak Creek Canyon drive on the AZ-89A North from Sedona to Flagstaff, Forest Road 151 in Flagstaff (high clearance vehicles are best), and the Catalina Highway drive up Mount Lemmon near Tucson.
11. Visit the cutest towns that go all-out each and every autumn.
Wow Factor: Have you been to some of our small towns? They’re nothing short of a delight... especially when surrounded by fall colors. Make it fun – visit a town every weekend in the fall.
There are plenty of wonderful small towns in Arizona, and just about all of ‘em are awesome to visit this time of year. Towns in northern Arizona worth checking out this time of year include Flagstaff and Sedona (must-dos) as well as Page; towns in southern Arizona worth exploring now include our wine country spots like Sonoita and neighboring Elgin, as well as Summerhaven (located at the top of Mt. Lemmon) and many others. You can never go wrong with small towns – especially now.
12. Hike an amazingly photogenic trail to fully immerse yourself in fall color delights.
Location: You already know it: statewide! There’s wonder to be found in every nook and cranny of this amazing state.
Wow Factor: Our state’s natural beauty is so jaw-dropping that it attracts folks from all over the world each and every year. In the fall, the colors, amazing weather, and other factors ensure that the “wow” never stops.
Need To Know: In some places – particularly rural ones in northern and eastern Arizona – temperatures can get pretty chilly at night, so dress appropriately for wherever you’re planning to hike. Keep in mind trails may be muddy, so definitely don good hiking shoes.
Hiking in Arizona is one of the coolest things you can do in North America. Seriously, the Copper State is ridiculously beautiful, and in the fall it’s especially so. Awesomely, you’ll find all kinds of awesome hiking trails weaving all over the state like veins bringing life-giving blood to the body. It’s the best time to hike in the Phoenix area other than winter thanks to increasingly cooler temps, and you might even catch an early-season snow flurry if you hike up north. No matter what, this is the perfect time to explore Arizona via its trail system.
Arizona is an amazing state with endless discoveries to be made – you just need to know where to go, what to do, and who to see about it all. From amazing corn mazes to epic fall festivals, traditions, hikes, foliage, and SO much more, you can’t possibly go wrong with a visit to Arizona in the fall. Oh, and don’t forget the cooler temperatures – suddenly, Phoenix is a lot more doable when it’s 91 degrees and dry out. What are some of your favorite things to do in Arizona in the fall? Let us know!
