10 Best Fall Road Trips in Arizona

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:

1. Sedona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway

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.

2. Oak Creek Canyon

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.

3. Mogollon Rim

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.

4. Flagstaff to Snowbowl

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.

5. White Mountains Loop

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.

6. Coronado Trail Scenic Byway

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.

7. Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway

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.

8. Jerome & Prescott Loop

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.

9. Petrified Forest National Park

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.

10. Grand Canyon South Rim

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?