Fall in Arizona: Places to Experience the Magic

I am a huge fan of fall. But, I’ve lived in Arizona most of my life, so sometimes I feel a little disappointed that we don’t experience the same change in seasons as other places. Every year I’ve searched and searched for fall in Arizona to get my yearly dose of all things autumn. I love the colors,  the crisp air, and the yummy pumpkin spice flavors that fall is known for bringing.

I’ve found some great fall finds along the way, right here in Arizona. Here are 10 of my favorite places to find fall in Arizona.

1. Arizona’s Best Pie For Fall: Black Canyon City Pie

Delicious pie is a must for fall! 

Black Canyon City Pie is famously known here as the best pie ever because it’s delicious. Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever had better pie anywhere else. 

Everyone who travels with me knows that we will be stopping here if it’s along the way.  My favorite flavor is…all of them… but if I had to choose, I might choose their blueberry or apple pie.

Details: Rock Springs Cafe- 

• Address: 35900 Old Black Canyon Hwy, Black Canyon City, AZ 85324
• Note: This is a great stop on your way from Phoenix to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, or Jerome.
• Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM
• Prices: $25.95 for a whole pie, $6 per slice
• Note: The food at the restaurant was terrible in my opinion. Just go for the pie!

2. My Favorite Arizona Fall Festival: Pumpkin and Chili Party at Schnepf Farms

During the month of October, Schnepf Farms has its Pumpkin and Chile Party. I look forward to this all year long.

They have it all here: a haunted train ride, delicious food, a gorgeous u-pick pumpkin patch, a corn maze, a petting zoo, rides and so much more.

You’re bound to take the cutest pictures and have the best time! There will be some changes with Covid-19 this year, but they are planning to open with a few changes for safety.

Details: Schnepf Farms

• Address: 24810 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
• 2020 Dates: October 1- November 1
• Hours:
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 9:30 AM- 2 PM
  • Thursdays: 10 AM- 9 PM
  • Fridays: 10 AM- 10 PM (Mask required from 10 AM- 2 PM)
  • Saturdays: 10 AM- 10 PM
  • Sundays: 10 AM- 9PM
• Prices: 
  • Tuesday and Wednesdays: $14 per person
  • Thursday-Sunday: $23 per person
  • Season Pass: $54.95 per person
  • Ages 2 and under are free!
  • Parking is free!
  • Most attractions are included. The train ride is $4 during the day, and $8 for the spooky train ride at night.
• Discounts:
  • Discounts: $17 tickets are usually available at Fry’s Food and Drug
  • Thursdays are 2 for 1 with an SRP coupon
  • Discounts available Tuesday and Wednesday mornings
  • $10 tickets for veterans, law enforcement, and first responders
• Food: Outside food and beverage is not allowed. There are tons of great food options to choose from right on the farm.
• Plan Your Visit: https://www.pumpkinandchiliparty.com/plan-your-visit

3. The Best U-Pick Apple Orchard in Arizona: Apple Annie’s Orchard

Apple Annie’s Orchard in Wilcox is such a magical place to spend a day celebrating fall. With apples available for picking in the orchard, a gorgeous sunflower field, a pumpkin patch, hay rides, a corn maze, yummy fall food and more, you have to put Apple Annie’s Orchard on your bucket list for fall.

Details: Apple Annie’s Orchard Fall Pumpkin Celebration

• Address for the celebration: 6405 W Williams Rd Willcox, AZ 85643
• Address for the orchard: 2081 W. Hardy Rd Willcox, AZ 85643
• Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from September 19- October 31
• Prices: Parking and entry are free. The corn maze is $8 for 12 years and older, $6 for kids, and free under 2. The hayride is $2
• There are only 2 U-pick apple orchards in Arizona, and this one has been voted the best.
• Plan Your Visit: https://www.appleannies.com/apples-annies-event-calendar.htm

4. The Best Fall Treats in Arizona: Urban Cookies Bakeshop

This bakeshop is heavenly all year round, but especially during the fall. Their fall flavors are to die for. Stopping in for a cupcake or treat at least once is a must on my Arizona fall bucket list.

Details: Urban Cookies Bakeshop

• Address: 2325 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
• Hours: Tuesday- Saturday 8AM-6PM
• Note: Dine in is currently closed due to covid 19, but curbside pickup and delivery are available
• Prices: Cupcakes are $3.85 each. See the full menu here. https://www.urbancookies.com/cupcakes-1
• Order online: https://direct.chownow.com/order/24396/locations/35925

5. The Best Fall Hike in Arizona: Oak Creek Canyon Hike in Sedona

Oak Creek Canyon is literally my favorite place to experience fall in Arizona. It’s just a short drive from Phoenix and you still get to take in the crisp fall air and see the beautiful leaves change.

While traveling to this hike, you will get to enjoy a beautiful scenic drive. The hike itself has the same beauty as the drive, but takes you closer to the creek and to nature itself.

Details:

• Address: W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336
• How to get there: Drive south 17.5 miles south from Flagstaff or north 9.5 miles from Sedona to about halfway between milepost 385 and 384. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway down a paved lane that leads behind a few creekside houses.
• Where to Park: Park at the Call O’ The Canyon day-use area.
• Parking  Fees: $11 per vehicle (up to 5 people). Walk-in, bicycle, bus: $2 per person
• Hours: 6:30 a.m. to dusk
• How much time to plan: The hike is 2-3 hours round trip
• Note: You have to cross shallow parts of the stream in some places
• Note: Most people usually only do the first 3 miles where the trail is maintained. If you do the full 14-mile stretch, you will have to wade in water, swim, and do some boulder hopping.
• Plan your trip: http://www.sedonahikingtrails.com/west-fork-trail.htm

6. The Most Instagrammable Pumpkin Patch in Arizona: Mother Nature Farm

This is by far the most instagrammable little pumpkin patch in Arizona. Upon entrance, you get to pick a pumpkin, enjoy the hayride, participate in their spider web crawl, feed the animals, and do a maze. Their grassy fields and big trees make this a great place for a picnic as well.

Details:

• Address: 1663 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233
• Dates: September 26- October 31daily from 9AM-9PM
• Prices: $10 Admission includes activities and a small pumpkin
• Food: Pack a picnic, or choose from available food for purchase.
• Plan Your Visit: http://www.mothernaturesfarm.com/pumpkinpatch

7. The Best Place to Celebrate Halloween in Arizona: Jerome

What’s Halloween without a ghost town? If there is a town that goes all out for Halloween, it is Jerome. Jerome used to be a town for copper mining, but it was abandoned in 1952, leaving less than 200 people living there. It is the largest ghost town in America! 

For ideas on what to do in Jerome: https://travelmamas.com/things-to-do-in-jerome-arizona-with-kids/

8. The Best Place to Escape the Heat and Celebrate Fall: Mortimer Family Farm

Escape the Arizona heat, and hit Mortimer Family Farms in Dewey, AZ. What’s better than a traditional fall festival in the crisp fall air? Your family will love the U-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, animals, corn maze, and other activities. 

Details:

• Address: 12907 E. State Route 169 Dewey, AZ 86327
• Dates: September 18- November 1st
• Prices: Prices depend on dates and availability. Monday-Thursday $10, Friday-Sunday $14.50
• Purchase tickets in advance because the event has limited space
• Bonfires available
• Plan Your Visit: https://www.mortimerfarmsaz.com/PumpkinFestival

It used to feel like missing fall was one of the downsides of living in our beautiful desert here in Arizona, but I’ve discovered there are some really great ways to celebrate the magic of this season. I hope you can experience some of these activities and find the joy of the season as a family.

Don’t forget your diaper bag! Here is a free checklist of everything you need before you head out to enjoy Fall activities.