PHOENIX — Not yet, but soon! Fall colors paint the leaves in Arizona’s state parks later in the year, but when it happens, it’s a big show! These top Arizona state parks are prime destinations for fall colors, along with great trails, picnic spots, and family fun.

You can make your fall foliage tour part of a day trip, or you can reserve a campsite at Dead Horse Ranch State Park and explore at your leisure. Jerome, Sedona, Payson and Camp Verde all have the potential of a gorgeous fall show, and all are just short drives from the Phoenix metro area.

1. Red Rock State Park: With five miles of trails to explore, this park gives you a bird’s-eye view of the colorful foliage scattered among the stunning red rocks of Sedona. Check out the Eagle’s Nest trail for a complete overview of the park, or hike up to the House of Apache Fires for a stunning view. The park offers guided daily nature walks as well as Sunday special hikes.
2. Slide Rock State Park: While you may think of this park as a summertime destination, fall and winter are beautiful and much less crowded and offer amazing outdoor experiences. Enjoy calm picnics with bright bursts of red, orange and yellow trees on the cliffs surrounding the park, or overlook Oak Creek and enjoy dotted color on its banks. You may catch sight of some wildlife while visiting.
3. Dead Horse Ranch State Park: Cottonwood trees line the three lagoons at the park, and if the weather cooperates, these trees showcase beautiful bursts of yellow in late October that reflect on the water. There are more than 20 miles of mixed-use trails here, so you can bike, walk, or hike around the park and catch sight of fall color. If you want to stay, check out the campground for tents or RVs, or book a rustic camping cabin.
4. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park: Above the natural travertine bridge, the park will be alive with color in the picnic areas and path around the park. There are picnic tables and ramadas, and you can tour Goodfellow Lodge to get great views. If you’re eager to hike, fall color even makes its appearance as you look out from under the natural bridge.
5. Rockin’ River Ranch State Park: The newest state park in Camp Verde is flush with cottonwood trees along the lush riparian corridor of the Verde River, giving this park ample area to showcase fall’s best. The trails wind through the park, giving access to fall colors, wildlife, and Verde River habitat. 

Fall is when Arizona comes alive, and whether you choose to head north for a colorful display or enjoy the Sonoran Desert for hiking and camping, there’s no better time to explore Arizona’s state parks.

Connecting people to the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.

For information about Arizona State Parks and the many recreational, historical and cultural programs, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov