As summer turns into fall, the weather cools and the leaves on trees begin to change color. When a vacationer thinks of taking a tour of the autumn foliage, Arizona may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, Arizona is a diverse state climatewise, and there are many areas in the state for residents and visitors alike to view the changing colors. If you’re thinking of a vacation, consider planning an autumn scenic tour in Arizona.
Contact the Verde Valley Railroad located in Clarkdale, Arizona, to reserve tickets for the Fall Colors Tour. Clarkdale is located approximately 2 hours north of Phoenix. The Fall Colors Tour is a 4-hour train ride through Verde Canyon during Arizona’s peak autumn foliage season, which typically starts in early October.
Reserve a hotel room for the night after the train ride in Sedona, Arizona. After a night’s rest, your party will be ready to hike Oak Creek Canyon. Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon are known worldwide for the red hue of the rocks; the fall leaves complement the red rocks and provide beautiful photo opportunities. West Fork in Oak Creek Canyon is one of the better trails in the area during the autumn.
Plan to stay in Sedona for a second night. The third day of your autumn scenic tour in Arizona will start off at the Flagstaff Arboretum, which is about a 45-minute drive from Sedona. The Flagstaff Arboretum publishes updates on the status of the leaves in the area each fall. After your arboretum visit, make the 80-mile drive north to the Grand Canyon.
Arrange to stay the night at one of the lodges within the Grand Canyon National Park. You can then spend the next day exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon; guided tours, hikes and tour buses are all in operation during the fall.
