Plan a Fall Vacation in the Southwest USA

Are you looking for an exciting and unique US travel idea this fall? Then look no further than the stunning Southwest USA!

The states in this region are home to jaw-dropping natural scenery with a variety of ideas to plan a fall vacation in the Southwest USA. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities during the fall months!

The American 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 to visit in the Southwest USA in the fall that you need to add to your bucket list!

Be sure to grab the Road Trip Packing List that includes items for comfort, organization, eating, and first aid to make the family vacation a success. You’ll also receive a Road Trip Itinerary to plan the day-to-day schedule of the trip!

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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.

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!

With so much to see and do, your fall vacation in the Southwest USA promises to be unforgettable!

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

US National Park Packing List

Use our US National Park Packing List  to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting during the fall months! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!