10 Best Fall Road Trips in Arizona
September 18, 2025
September 18, 2025
Crisp mountain air, golden aspens, glowing red rocks, and desert sunsets create the perfect backdrop for a road trip. Whether you’re chasing vibrant foliage, cooler weather, or just a scenic drive with good company, Arizona has no shortage of breathtaking routes this time of year.
Here are 10 unforgettable fall road trips to add to your Arizona bucket list:
Autumn colors frame Sedona’s iconic red rocks, making every mile picture-perfect. Stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, explore Oak Creek Canyon, or take a short hike to soak in the golden glow.
Between Sedona and Flagstaff, this winding canyon road bursts with golden aspens and crimson oaks. Pack a picnic, follow a creekside trail, and enjoy one of Arizona’s most stunning fall drives.
The Rim Road offers sweeping overlooks, fiery aspen groves, and cool pine forests. With nearby campgrounds and cozy lodges, it’s an ideal mountain escape for a crisp autumn weekend.
Drive through alpine forests blanketed in gold, then take the gondola at Arizona Snowbowl for panoramic fall views across the San Francisco Peaks and beyond.
Eastern Arizona’s White Mountains shine in autumn, especially in Greer and Pinetop. Expect sparkling lakes, crisp air, and vibrant foliage — perfect for fishing, hiking, or staying in a cabin.
Remote and peaceful, this winding high-elevation route through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest showcases dazzling fall color and dramatic overlooks. Ideal for those seeking solitude.
Just outside Tucson, this drive takes you from desert saguaros to golden aspens in under an hour. The drastic change in scenery makes it one of Arizona’s most unique fall color experiences.
Quaint mining towns, art galleries, and mountain roads make this loop a fall favorite. Add in wine tasting, antique shopping, and cozy restaurants for the perfect autumn day trip.
Fall light brings out the surreal colors of the Painted Desert and petrified wood. With cooler temps and fewer crowds, it’s an ideal time to hike and explore this otherworldly park.
Autumn is one of the best times to see the Grand Canyon. Cooler air, fewer visitors, and pops of gold from aspens and cottonwoods make this world wonder even more magical.
🍁 Whether you’re winding through the mountains, chasing golden leaves, or exploring hidden desert gems, these road trips show off Arizona at its very best in fall.
👉 Which one will you take first?
From rooftop cocktails in Phoenix to Sedona’s red rocks and the Grand Canyon, these spots make Arizona’s golden hour even better.
From underground dining and singing servers to haunted hamburgers and a giant Wurlitzer, these Arizona restaurants turn dinner into an experience.
Pool parties, staycations, brunch, BBQ and weekend getaways to make the most of September 4–7.
Arizona’s dining scene just earned international recognition, with restaurants across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and beyond making the Southwest’s inaugural… Read more
From historic streets and Western charm to scenic lakes and mountain air, Prescott is the perfect escape when you want a change of scenery.
From moonlit sound journeys to poolside Pilates, here are a few new ways to slow down and reset in Scottsdale this fall.
From iconic landmarks and luxury resorts to hidden gems and unforgettable adventures, these are the Arizona destinations locals and visitors voted the very best.
Two of Arizona's most celebrated hospitality groups are bringing a new Sonoran-inspired restaurant to the former Joyride location.
From Broadway stars and Bill Murray to holiday concerts and classic rock tributes, Arizona Musicfest's newest season is packed with unforgettable performances from Oct… Read more
If you're seeking a caring and knowledgeable professional to guide you, Megan is the answer. Contact her today and embark on your journey to a new home with confidence
Megan Keruskin
4222 N Marshall Way Scottsdale AZ 85251