Plan a Fall Vacation in the Southwest USA

The states in the US Southwest are home to jaw-dropping natural scenery. Here’s a list of ideas for your fall vacation in the Southwest USA.

If you’re looking for US travel ideas during the fall, add the Southwest to your list. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities during the fall months!

Southwest is a region filled with beautiful natural features as well as cultural attractions that make it worth visiting.

You’ll find historic dwellings at Mesa Verde, unbeatable hiking trails in Sedona, and unique rock formations at all 5 Utah National Parks!

Check out this list of places in Southwest USA you need to add to your bucket list!

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Best Time to Visit the US Southwest

One of the first things you need to research is what it’s like visiting these locations at various times during the year to decide when it’s the best time to go!

• Best Time to Visit Arizona
• Best Time to Visit Colorado
• Best Time to Visit Nevada
• Best Time to Visit New Mexico
• Best Time to Visit Utah
• Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks

Spring and Fall are the most popular times for visiting the Southwest because the temperatures are best for outdoor activities. Summer will be HOT and winter will be cold with possible rain and snow storms occurring any time.

Things to Do in the Southwest

Here’s a list of things to see, do, and photograph in the US Southwest.

Road Trips in the Southwest

There are so many ways to explore the states in the Southwest. We recommend a US Southwest road trip!

• American Southwest Road Trip Guide
• Southwest USA Road Trip
• Route 66 Roadside Attractions
• Utah National Park Road Trip Itinerary

Scenic Drives in the Southwest

You’ll find beautiful scenic drives at various National Parks and other locations in the Southwest USA.

• Arches National Park Scenic Drive
• Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
• Canyonlands Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
• Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
• Zion National Park Scenic Drives

Hiking in the Southwest

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the US Southwest, and really see the spectacular landscapes up close!

• Arches National Park Hiking Trails
• Bryce Canyon Hikes
• Canyonlands Hikes 
• Capitol Reef Hikes
• Zion National Park Hikes
• Sedona, Arizona Hiking Trails

Southwest USA Photography

The American Southwest is a landscape photographer’s dream! The arches, balanced rocks, hoodoos, and river-carved canyons provide stunning photographic opportunities.

• Arches National Park Photography
• Bryce Canyon Photo Spots
• Canyonlands National Park Photography
• Capitol Reef National Park Photography
• Zion National Park Photography
• Guide to Moab Photography
• Guide to Kanab Photography

Ideas To Plan A Fall Vacation in the Southwest USA

For this article, we’re sharing information about visiting these five Southwest US states: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

You might be surprised to know you can see fall colors in many parts of the Southwest – we’ll share those location as well!

Arizona Fall Vacation Ideas

You’ll find desert spires towering high above the landscape, dreamy river canyons, and mazes of red rock formations in Arizona. Here are a list of places to visit and things to do in the fall in Arizona.

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Canyon de Chelly National Monument
• Page, Arizona Day Trips
• Antelope Canyon Slot Canyons
• Horseshoe Bend
• Monument Valley
• Fall Colors in Flagstaff, Arizona

Arizona Tours

• Antelope Canyon Tours
• Grand Canyon Tours: Helicopter Tours, River Rafting Tours, Grand Canyon Railway
• Sedona Tours: Jeep and ATV Tours, Kayak Tours, E-bike Tours

Colorado Fall Vacation Ideas

The southern part of Colorado is a wonderful place to begin learning about the native history of this region. Here are a list of places to visit and things to do in the fall in Colorado.

• Mesa Verde National Park
• The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Garden of the Gods
• Autumn Colors in Colorado
• Hikes in Colorado

Colorado Tours

• Colorado Tours: Jeep Tours, Whitewater Rafting, Zipline Tours

Nevada Fall Vacation Ideas

The fall season in Nevada starts from September to early November. During this time, the weather is no longer TOO HOT for outdoor activities. There are plenty of things to do in Nevada during the fall season: 

• Grand Canyon West Rim
• Valley of Fire State Park
• Hoover Dam
• Red Rock Canyon
• Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

Nevada Tours

• Nevada Tours: Jeep and ATV Tours, Helicopter Tours, Hoover Dam Tour

New Mexico Fall Vacation Ideas

The fall months in New Mexico begin to cool down in order to enjoy the outdoors most of the day! Here’s a list of fun things to do in New Mexico during the fall season: 

• White Sands National Park
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park
• Chaco Culture National Historical Park
• Bandelier National Monument Hike
• Petroglyph National Monument
• New Mexico Road Trip

New Mexico Tours

• New Mexico Hot Air Balloon Tours
• New Mexico Tours: Food Tours, Ghost Tours, Walking Tours

Southern Utah Fall Vacation Ideas

The landscape in Southern Utah includes arches, hoodoos, balanced rocks, and red rock canyons as far as the eye can see. There are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Southern Utah during the fall season: 

• Utah National Park Road Trip Itinerary
• Arches National Park in the Fall
• Bryce Canyon in the Fall 
• Canyonlands National Park in the Fall
• Capitol Reef National Park in the Fall 
• Zion National Park in the Fall
• List of Utah State Parks
• Moab in the Fall

Utah Tours

• Canyonlands White Water Rafting Tours
• Moab 4×4 and ATV Tours
• Capitol Reef Area Tours
• Zion Horseback Riding Tours

This list of Southwest USA bucket list destinations are epic! Use these travel guides to plan the perfect itinerary to explore the area!

Plan a Southwest US Vacation

• US Southwest Vacation Ideas
• American Southwest Road Trip Guide
• Southwest USA Road Trip Ideas
• Summer Vacations in the Southwest