7 incredible fall getaways near Phoenix to try
Stunning places every Arizonan should visit at least once
From the Grand Canyon to Sedona’s red rocks to dramatic views of Havasupai Falls, here are some must-see places every Arizonan should check out.
Fall is just around the corner and Arizonans may be looking ahead to fall break for the chance to go on a quick getaway and perhaps catch some fall leaf sights that are scarce in the Phoenix area.
The state has many fall hotspots that offer colorful autumn landscapes and crisp fall weather, providing the perfect escape from the metro Phoenix heat that typically lingers into October.
Arizona’s stunning fall foliage views peak at different times depending on the area. Some places show the most vibrant fall hues in early October, while others hit their climax later in the month and into November. That makes fall break a good opportunity to escape the Valley and soak in some of the season’s best views.
Fortunately, fall break is less than a month away for most. For those already planning their next escape, here’s a list of eight destinations just hours away from the Phoenix area to catch the best of fall in Arizona.
When is fall break in Arizona?
Fall break for most school districts in Maricopa County is the week of Oct. 6 to Oct. 10.
However, you should check with your school district about its fall break dates as some districts break earlier and others don’t have a significant break until the week of Thanksgiving.
Universities also have varying break dates. Arizona State University students will have two days of break Monday, Oct. 13 and Tuesday, Oct. 14. The University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and Grand Canyon University have a Thanksgiving recess that includes Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday.
Mount Lemmon
Located in Coronado National Forest, Mount Lemmon is just one hour from Tucson and about 3 hours from Phoenix. Mount Lemmon is the perfect escape from the Arizona heat that typically lingers through the fall, as the top is usually 20 to 30 degrees cooler than in Tucson. The peak on Mount Lemmon rises 6,000 feet from the base, sitting at 9,171 feet, and is the highest peak in the Catalina Mountain range, according to VisitArizona.com.
While there you can enjoy many different adventures:
- Stop at Windy Point Vista with a view of the Tucson basin and nearby mountain ranges.
- Grab a chair lift year-round at Ski Valley.
- Explore Summerhaven, a tiny mountain town with gift shops and cozy restaurants to explore.
- Exploring Catalina State Park’s hiking trails, vistas and picnic spots.
White Mountains
The high elevation of the White Mountains makes this forested range a popular summer getaway, yet the peaks become even more enticing when fall fireworks are unleashed.
To get the best view of fall leaves, try one of these scenic roadtrips or hikes:
- Drive east on State Route 260 starting in Pinetop-Lakeside.
- Take Forest Road 117 toward the fire lookout on Greens Peak.
- Head southeast on State Route 273 past Sunrise Park Resort to see Mount Baldy and it’s colors.
- Stretch your legs on the East Baldy Trail.
- Drive to Big Lake to see the seasonal colors reflected in the lake water.
Flagstaff
No list of fall getaways would be complete without including Flagstaff, which offers many chances to see the gorgeous fall colors, enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities and experience more traditional fall weather.
Here are a few things to do if you head north this fall:
- Drive the paved Snowbowl Road to the upper reaches of the peaks for the best views.
- Visit Hart Prairie for another perspective on the mountain views and fall colors.
Sedona
Sedona is another popular fall break destination for many reasons, least of all being Oak Creek Canyon, which bursts with color during the autumn months.
Here is where to go to get some of the best leaf-peeping views Arizona has to offer:
- Drive State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon between Flagstaff and Sedona.
- Make a stop at West Fork Trail.
- Take the scenic Red Rock Byway along State Route 179 for more stunning views.
Canyon Lake
Located near Tortilla Flat within Tonto National Forest, Canyon Lake offers a variety of water activities and a stunning scenery of steep canyon walls and a miles-long cactus-dotted shoreline.
Here are all the fun activities to enjoy as part of your day trip to the lake:
- Catch a boat rental or a steamboat cruise
- Spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, deer and javelina.
- Try out your typical lake activites like waterskiing, jet skiing and wind sailing.
- Visit Goldfield Ghost Town east of Mesa for tons of Wild West themed fun.
Granite Basin Lake
Located near Prescott, Granite Basin Lake is just a two-hour drive from Phoenix. Surrounded by towering pines and granite boulders, it provides a picturesque setting for a family road trip.
Whil you’re at the lake, there are many activities to keep everyone occupied, including:
- Exploring 33 miles of easy and moderate hikes
- Horse riding
- Non-motorized boating
- Rock climbing
- Fishing
- Camping
- Picnicking at the quiet spots by the water.
Slide Rock State Park
Put a natural water slide amid stunning scenery and you have a tourist magnet.
Located seven miles north of Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is well worth the trip. Fodor’s Travel named it one of “America’s 10 Best State Parks” where you can “slip down the smooth, red-sandstone water slide and be carried over the surface by a cooling creek into the swimming hole below.”
If you have some extra time, stroll along the Pendley Homestead Trail to see apple orchards, the original Pendley homestead and barn, and beautiful canyon views.
Arizona Republic contributor Roger Naylor contributed to this article.
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