Fall Activities in Arizona

Fall in Arizona can be an interesting time because as we’re watching the rest of the country wear cute sweaters, sip pumpkin coffees, and take pictures with changing leaves, the vibes just aren’t the same here. If you’re in the Valley, it’s usually still pretty hot. Definitely not sweater weather. But that doesn’t mean we can’t curate the fall feelings we’re all usually craving by this time of year. Here are some of my favorite fall activities in Arizona.

Fall Hikes in Arizona

One of my favorite reasons for loving when fall hits Arizona is because that means it’s finally cool enough to get back outside. Unless you’ve been lucky enough to escape up north in the summer, you’ve likely been cooped up inside for a WHILE. It’s time to immerse ourselves back in nature with a couple of fall hikes. For your best chance of seeing fall colors and changing leaves, head further north to Payson or Flagstaff.

Tip: Use the Leaf-ometer to check the changing fall colors in Flagstaff and the surrounding areas.

Lockett Meadow Inner Basin Loop Trail – Flagstaff

Image via Aspiring Wild

The Lockett Meadow trailhead connects to the Inner Basin Loop Trail for a 3.5 mile, moderately challenging hike that’ll take a little under 2 hours. The meadow itself is surrounded by Aspen groves, giving you the best view of fall foliage as you hike.

Horton Creek Trail – Payson

The Horton Creek trail is rated as hard, but it’s sooo worth it. Especially this time of year. The cascade of mini waterfalls against fall colors is beautiful. Like I said, this is a more challenging hike at 8.8 miles roundtrip and could take around 5 hours to accomplish, so plan accordingly.

Wave Cave Trail – Gold Canyon

To be honest, you aren’t going to find much in terms of fall foliage this time of year in the Valley, but if you are looking for a moderately challenging trail with awesome desert views, the Wave Cave Trail in the Superstitions is it. It’s a 3 mile out and back trail, with the majority of the incline at the end as you near the cave.

Fall Deals in Arizona

Have you been on Groupon recently? I feel like I forgot about it for a minute, but they have so many great activities and things to do at crazy discounted prices. There’s spa packages, outdoor expeditions, cooking classes, and more. And with the weather cooling down, that means event season in Arizona is gearing up. So I’d highly recommend checking out Groupon for discounted ticket prices. I also have codes to events in Arizona that you can catch on my Instagram Stories or linked within my Instagram Highlights. Right now I have a code for $5 off your tickets to the Taco Fest Salt River Fields (code SWS) taking place in October and would make for such fun fall weekend plan!

Fall Shopping in Arizona

Images via Ivy & Sage

If you’re in need of any fall decor or gifts, look no further than Ivy & Sage in Mesa. When I say they have everything, I mean they have EVERYTHING. Jewelry, gifts, furniture, decor, etc. You name it, they have it. I spend hours there each time I go. And even if you’re not in the market for anything, I say grab a coffee or a fun drink and head there to walk around. Make a fun girls day out of it!

I know fall in Arizona may look a little different than the typical picture of fall in most places, but there is so much to get out and do and enjoy here. The weather is cooling down, we’re getting outside, and we’re interacting with people more. And let’s face it, we’re probably a little nicer now that it’s not boiling outside. These are just a few of my favorite fall activities in Arizona and be sure to follow along on Instagram as I share more of what I’m up to!