Fantastic Day Trips From Phoenix Perfect For Fall

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Distance From Phoenix: 197 miles
Known for its birding opportunities

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The Loop Trail, through the bottom of the deep, wooded ravine, takes you through a wooded area with a stream in the center, showcasing fall colors in October

Mount Lemmon

Distance From Phoenix: 155 miles
The highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains

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The 30-mile-long Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway leading to the top of the mountain offers stunning views, changing from giant Saguaro-filled areas to deciduous trees, aspens, and pines.

In the higher elevations along the way, several hiking trails lead in the middle of this mix of pines and deciduous trees, bursting with color in mid-October.

Tuzigoot National Monument

Distance From Phoenix: 107 miles
Sits on top of a hill overlooking a valley in the desert in a remote part of Arizona

Photo: EMESE FROMM

An ancient village of the Sinagua overlooks a marsh on top of a hill here, a hilltop pueblo, one of the largest in the area. The self-guided, third-of-a-mile trail through and around the 110-room ancient pueblo also offers gorgeous views of Verde River and Tavasci Marsh.

The valley below, filled with deciduous trees, adds a splash of autumn color to the desert.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Featuring the largest natural travertine bridge in the world

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Besides this unique natural bridge, Pine Creek created an ideal environment for deciduous trees to grow on its banks. You also get to enjoy the fall colors of aspens, cottonwood, and elder trees when visiting the park in the fall, usually peaking in mid-October.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Distance From Phoenix: 95 miles
The five-story cliff dwelling housed an entire village.

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Besides a look at the stunning cliff dwelling, in October you can also enjoy the changing colors of the sycamore trees along the trail.

Also, part of the national park, Montezuma Well is 10 miles away and is definitely worth the short drive. Here you’ll find a natural sinkhole fed by an underground stream in the desert. T

Sedona

Distance From Phoenix: 116 miles
Known as one of America’s prettiest small towns, Sedona is probably the most popular destination in Arizona,

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Offering a perfect day trip from Phoenix at any time. However, autumn is one of the best times to visit this picturesque town nestled among towering red rock formations.

Prescott

Distance From Phoenix: 99.5 miles
The beautiful shades of golds, yellows, and oranges of the trees in the area.

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In a more spectacular setting, the lakes in and around Prescott and Prescott Valley, surrounded by deciduous trees, showcase their bright oranges and golds at this time of the year

Payson

Distance From Phoenix: 89 miles
The gateway town to the dramatic Mogollon Rim, Payson, is the perfect autumn destination from Phoenix.

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Besides the gorgeous views, you’ll find several hiking trails along the road to immerse yourself in these colors.

Flagstaff

Distance From Phoenix: 144 miles
The place to go in Arizona for the most amazing autumn foliage.

Photo: EMESE FROMM

Where autumn colors fill the drive up the mountain at every turn, from neon-yellow to deep orange aspen colonies, mixed with the dark green of the Ponderosa pines.

Sometimes we take the chair-lift to the top for more spectacular views of the surrounding mountains bathed in autumn colors.

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