This Remote Arizona Canyon Rivals Zion-With Brilliant Fall Foliage That Peaks in November

"In most parts of the U.S., fall foliage is gone by November. But in southern Arizona's Aravaipa Canyon, it's just getting started. Around two hours from both Phoenix and Tucson, this towering, red-walled gorge, reminiscent of Zion National Park, hides one of the most spectacular-and least-known-leaf-peeping displays in the Southwest. Perennial Aravaipa Creek- Aravaipa is an Indigenous word used primarily by the Western Apache, meaning "laughing waters"-winds through the canyon, creating a rare oasis in the desert."

"Along the creek banks, cottonwood, sycamore, willow, and walnut trees light the way in gold and orange from mid-November into early December. On my most recent visit-December 2024-the foliage was just past its peak, with some bare trees and lots of fluttering yellow leaves. The scenery, coupled with the blissful lack of other people, makes it feel like a quiet section of Zion."

"Aravaipa Canyon stretches 12 miles, but most day hikers tackle a few and turn back. Some visitors bring multiple vehicles and set up a shuttle at both ends for a point-to-point hike, and others backpack the full canyon, camping along the way. However you approach it, you'll cross the ankle-deep creek dozens of times and walk in it for long stretches, often because the canyon narrows so tightly and there's no other option."

Aravaipa Canyon is a 12-mile red-walled gorge in southern Arizona about two hours from Phoenix and Tucson, notable for a late fall foliage display along perennial Aravaipa Creek. The creek sustains cottonwood, sycamore, willow, and walnut trees that turn gold and orange from mid-November into early December. The canyon feels remote and quiet, often evoking comparisons to Zion. Hikers commonly cross and sometimes walk in the ankle-deep creek dozens of times; many do point-to-point shuttles or backpack the full route. Waterproof shoes or neoprene socks and trekking poles are recommended because the canyon floor is uneven and slippery.

Read at Travel + Leisure