Fall activities in Arizona: from festivals to scenic trails

With the heat of summer finally backing off, it’s time to get out and celebrate the season. From hiking through golden aspens in the high country to enjoying community and music at festive events in the valleys, you might be surprised at the variety of autumn fun right in your backyard. We’ll break it down for you here.

Northern Arizona: a tapestry of fall colors and festivities 

Fall Colors at Lockett Meadow If you need a breath of fresh air after the swirl of summer, hike the Lockett Meadow Inner Basin Loop. Nestled in the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Lockett Meadow is surrounded by aspen trees laced with golden fall leaves. Get your steps in while getting the quintessential fall experience!

Flagstaff Oktoberfest For a livelier atmosphere, head to Oktoberfest in Flagstaff. Get a taste of Bavarian culture with traditional music, dancing—even a brat eating contest! This year marks the event’s 15^th year raising money for local nonprofits. So you can feel good about giving back while you’re living it up.

Mortimer Farms Pumpkin Fest and Corn Maze Just a short drive from Flagstaff, enjoy a family-friendly day of hayrides, food, drink, live music, pumpkin hunting and getting lost in the twists and turns of the corn maze at Mortimer Farms Pumpkin Fest and Corn Maze. Be sure to use the buddy system! 

Tip: If you’re heading to Lockett Meadow, go online to check the roads. When closed, an extra 3-mile hike is required to reach the trailhead.

Central Arizona: celebrating fall in the heart of the state

Pumpkin Days at Tolmachoff Farms If your stomping grounds are in the center of the state, head to Pumpkin Days at Tolmachoff Farms to search a huge pumpkin patch and wander the 6-acre corn maze. Enjoy train rides, the petting zoo and more family activities. If you’ve never seen a hay pyramid, this is your chance. Brave their haunted corn maze for an extra thrill.

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party This event offers everything the name promises and more, including forest zip lines, bonfires and a nostalgic array of restored vintage amusement park rides. Stunt dog shows three times a day. Hillbilly Bob will be racing his pigs. Need we say more? 

Arizona Fall Festival This Phoenix-favorite event hosts over 200 vendors hailing from all over the Valley. Wander through seemingly endless white tents and feast your eyes on handmade art celebrating all things Arizona. With a food court of local restaurants, this is your chance to get a true taste of your community. Supporting local feels good, and there are all kinds of ways to do it!

Tip: If you’re looking to celebrate fall in Phoenix with your furry family member, go ahead and grab a leash. The Arizona Fall Festival is pet friendly!

Southern Arizona: choose your adventure

Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival With 50 acres of homegrown pumpkins, the Marana Pumpkin Patch is your Tucson-adjacent destination for pumpkin hunting. This family-favorite festival features tasty seasonal delights, live entertainment and is packed with activities: a corn maze, diesel train rides, a jumping pillow, a petting zoo — too much fun to list here!

Fall Hikes in Sabino Canyon For some of the best fall hiking in Tucson, head to Sabino Canyon! Fall’s cooler temps make this an ideal time to wind your way through canyon trails and desert landscapes. The subtle changes in the foliage are the perfect backdrop for an afternoon picnic.

Apple Picking at Apple Annie’s Orchard No fall season is complete without a visit to a local orchard. Annie’s Orchard offers apple picking, as well as a variety of homemade treats like apple pies and cider. With their 12.5-acre corn maze, an afternoon here will make memories for the whole family!

Tip: If you’re bringing a little one, all-terrain strollers are recommended for the corn maze at Annie’s Orchard.

Fall, your way

If you prefer to be in the driver’s seat of your fall downtime, unroll your windows and explore our state with a road trip. It’s clear fall in Arizona is filled with outdoor adventures, community events, and natural beauty. You’re sure to happen upon something special along the way.