Chasing fall: 5 Arizona state parks for your autumn bucket list

Discover Arizona’s best state parks for vibrant fall foliage. From Sedona’s red rocks to hidden gems, plan your autumn adventure in the Grand Canyon State.

As crisp air finally sweeps across the Grand Canyon State, Arizona prepares for its annual autumnal transformation. While the rest of the nation may have already donned its fall attire, Arizona’s state parks offer a later but equally stunning display of autumn hues. From mid to late October, visitors can witness a breathtaking array of reds, oranges, and yellows set against the backdrop of Arizona’s diverse landscapes.

Best Arizona state parks for fall foliage

According to a recent press release from Arizona State Parks & Trails, five state parks stand out as prime locations for leaf-peeping enthusiasts:

1. Red Rock State Park in Sedona: Hikers can traverse five miles of trails, with the Eagle’s Nest trail offering panoramic views of fall colors contrasting beautifully with Sedona’s iconic red rocks.
2. Slide Rock State Park: Once a bustling summer destination, this park transforms into a serene autumn retreat. Visitors can enjoy picnics surrounded by vibrant foliage or admire the colorful reflections in Oak Creek.
3. Dead Horse Ranch State Park: By mid-October, the park’s cottonwood trees turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange, creating a stunning reflection on the park’s lagoons.
4. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park near Payson: Home to the world’s largest travertine bridge, this park offers a unique blend of geological wonders and fall colors, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.
5. Rockin’ River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde: Arizona’s newest state park boasts a lush riparian corridor along the Verde River, showcasing an abundance of cottonwood trees in their autumn glory.

For those planning a fall getaway, the press release suggests making Dead Horse Ranch State Park a base for day trips to nearby attractions in Jerome, Sedona, and Camp Verde. Alternatively, weekend trips to Cottonwood, Sedona, or Payson offer easy access to these colorful displays, all within a short drive from the Phoenix metro area.

As Arizona State Parks & Trails puts it, “Fall is when Arizona comes alive.” Whether you’re drawn to the colorful northern displays or prefer exploring the Sonoran Desert’s hiking and camping opportunities, autumn presents an ideal time to experience the natural beauty of Arizona’s state parks.

For more information about Arizona’s state parks, natural areas, trails, and Off-Highway Vehicle programs, visit AZStateParks.com or call 1-877-MY-PARKS.

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This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Copper Courier staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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