6 Arizona parks to visit to enjoy the fall colors in October
Oct 5, 2024, 5:45 AM
The Arizona State Parks and Trails recommends a handful of parks to visit in October for those looking to experience the fall colors. (AZ State Parks Photo)
(AZ State Parks Photo)
PHOENIX – While Arizona is still lingering with summer temperatures other states are beginning to experience the cooler weather and vibrant colors of fall.
Even with the sweltering weather, the Arizona State Parks and Trails recommends a handful of parks to visit in October for those looking to experience the fall vibes.
What parks does the Arizona State Parks and Trails recommend?
Red Rock State Park in Sedona provides five miles of trails along with a bird’s-eye view of the plant life among the clay colored rocks. The organization endorses visitors to check out the Eagles’ Nest Trail to see an overview of the park or hike the House of Apache Fires.
The park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last entry allowed at 4:30 p.m.
Entrance to the park is free for children 6 years old and younger. Kids 7 to 13 years old are $4 and everyone 14 years and above are $7 to enter.
Another area in Sedona that visitors can enjoy is Slide Rock State Park, which offers red, orange and yellow trees on cliffs surrounding the park.
Hours for the park are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last entry at 5 p.m.
Tickets into the park are $20 per vehicle for one to four adults until Oct. 31. Additional adults are $5 and visitors on motorcycles cost $10.00.
Cottonwood is home to Dead Horse Ranch State Park and its cottonwood trees which display yellow and orange colors in mid to late October. The trees sit on the edge of the lagoons and are reflected in the water.
Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily but gates close at dark. Tickets are $7 per vehicle for 1 to 4 adults. Individuals or those riding bicycles are $3.
The organization suggests visitors use the park as a home base to visit the other parks in Sedona, Jerome and Camp Verde.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Pine is known for the largest natural travertine bridge in the world but in the fall its vivid colors line the backdrop for picnics or hikes.
The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last entry at 4 p.m. Trails close at 4 p.m. and dogs are not allowed on them.
Children 6 and under get in for free while it costs $4 for kids between 7 and 13 years old. Anyone 14 years old and above costs $7 to enter.
The last recommendation is the newest state park, Rockin’ River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde. Through the riparian corridor of the Verde River, cottonwood trees line the edge.
This park is open Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last entry at 4 p.m.
The entrance fee is $7 per vehicle of one to four adults and $3 for individuals on bicycles.
More information on the fall colors and the parks can be found on the organization’s website.
