Fall road trips in Arizona are a sensory delight — crisp air, golden aspens, and red rock vistas ignite a sense of wonder. Whether winding through mountain forests or desert highways, each mile reveals natural beauty, hidden gems and peaceful escapes. It’s the perfect season to explore, reflect and feel truly free. Here are 10 of the best fall road trips to take in Arizona.
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1. Sedona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway
Brilliant fall colors frame iconic red rock formations, with stops at Chapel of the Holy Cross and Oak Creek Canyon. Perfect for leaf-peeping, short hikes, and breathtaking photography.
2. Oak Creek Canyon
Between Sedona and Flagstaff, this winding canyon road explodes with golden aspens and crimson oaks. A true autumn gem offering picnic stops, creekside trails, and vibrant fall vistas.
3. Mogollon Rim
Ponderosa pine forests and expansive overlooks showcase fiery aspen groves along Rim Road. Cool weather, scenic campgrounds, and cozy lodges make this an ideal fall mountain escape.
4. Flagstaff to Snowbowl
Drive through alpine forests ablaze with golden aspens, then ride the gondola at Arizona Snowbowl for panoramic autumn views stretching across the San Francisco Peaks and beyond.
5. White Mountains Loop
This Eastern Arizona road trip dazzles with cool weather, sparkling lakes, and endless fall color in Greer and Pinetop. A perfect weekend escape for fishing, hiking, or cabin stays.
6. Coronado Trail Scenic Byway
Winding through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, this high-elevation route bursts with fall color and dramatic vistas. Remote and peaceful, it’s a perfect backroad adventure for autumn solitude.
7. Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
Near Tucson, this drive climbs from desert saguaros to golden aspens in just an hour. Dramatic elevation changes make it a fall color showcase unlike anywhere else in Arizona.
8. Jerome and Prescott Loop
Historic mining towns, art galleries, and winding mountain roads combine with rich fall foliage. Stop for wine tasting, antique shopping, and cozy restaurants surrounded by autumn mountain charm.
9. Petrified Forest National Park
Fall light enhances surreal landscapes of painted desert hues and petrified wood. Cooler temperatures make hiking ideal, and fewer crowds ensure a peaceful road trip through ancient beauty.
10. Grand Canyon South Rim
Fewer visitors and crisp fall air make autumn the perfect time to visit. Aspens and cottonwoods add splashes of gold along the rim, enhancing world-class canyon views.
