12 Things to do this Halloween/Fall Season in Flagstaff

7. Skip the grocery store and pick out your own pumpkin

Unfortunately, there are not that many options in terms of traditional pumpkin patches, which is a bit surprising considering all the open land surrounding the city. I’m used to the big Midwest festivals outside of Chicago where you can take hayrides to pick your pumpkins, enjoy cider, walk through a corn maze, etc.

Your best bet is Hitchin’ Post Stables which offers trail rides, a pumpkin patch and corn maze, along with a variety of other seasonal activities. The best part of Hitchin’ Post is that it is located out in the country on Lake Mary Road, far away from the Route 66/downtown congestion. We took a nice ride through the pines in the Coconino National Forest. Although there are a few pre picked pumpkin patches in town, it just isn’t as fun.

Yes, the pumpkins run a few more dollars than a grocery store, but it’s a fun fall experience worth paying a few extra dollars for!

Viola’s Flower Garden is another nice local choice. Their garden selection is amazing and I also love their Christmas tree selection.

8. Attend a fall festival/event

The bustling downtown offers several seasonal festivals throughout the year. Fall is a great time weather-wise to take advantage of the last few Sundays of the downtown Farmer’s Market, held at City Hall. I really love this farmers market and it’s sad when it’s over for the season. You will find great produce and local crafts.

Other notable events include Cornucopia and Octoberfest. While most of these events are pretty cheap to attend, they are also very popular so be prepared for hefty crowds.

Additional seasonal events to look into include: Halloween themed 5ks, Wednesday night horror classics at the Monte Vista, and movie screenings at the historic Orpheum Theater (a classic screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and special horror/comedy shows such as Nightmare on Aspen Street are the most popular).

9. Take a fall foliage drive around town or up Snowbowl Road

Although Flagstaff’s landscape consists of mostly ponderosa pines, if you plan your trip at the right time during the fall season, you will be able to catch a glimpse of many beautiful golden aspens. Snowbowl road offers gorgeous contrasting views of the pines mixing in with the yellow aspen, with the foliage becoming more intense the further you drive up.  These trees usually peak around the 2nd or 3rd week of October.

There are many beautiful leaf peeping hikes, both at Snowbowl and on the way up including Veit Springs, the Aspen Nature Loop, and the Kachina trail.

Aspen Corner is a must stop this time of year! Check out these gorgeous trees! There is a great section of the Arizona trail which begins here.

Simply driving around town is another great way to take in the vivid colors of the season as many of the side streets, businesses, and downtown area are lined with trees representing the different hues of the season (from yellow to orange to red).

Those coming from hot areas like Phoenix and Tucson should appreciate seeing anything to be honest, while those homesick for traditional fall areas like New England and the Midwest are sure to be pleasantly surprised. I love how I can dine on the patio of Wildflower Bread next to a big bold red tree or simply take a cruise and see the colors mixed in with the pines.

10. Take a fall hayride or trail ride at Hitchin’ Post

Each October, Hitchin’ Post Stables offers a festive fall event called Pumpkin in the Pines. At this event, you will be able to take a 45 minute ride through the beautiful ponderosa pine forest. A mini corn maze, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a pumpkin patch are also offered during this time. You can also sign up for guided trail rides which range from 1-3 hours.

The relaxing hayride through the forest, although overpriced, is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the pleasant fall temperatures. Although there are no fall colors out this way, the beautiful ponderosa trees are quite scenic. The traditional pumpkin patch, seasonal activities, and nice fall decor make this one of the more memorable fall events to attend in the area.

11. Enjoy a fall lunch or dinner dish

A handful of restaurants around town offer seasonal dishes, complemented by the fantastic traditional fall flavors of butternut squash and/or pumpkin. Wildflower Bread Company offers a delicious Butternut Squash Ravioli and autumn pumpkin soup (pictured above). Brix, located downtown, also offers a Butternut Squash Ravioli. If you need a gluten-free dish, check out the wonderful Butternut Squash Ravioli offered year-round at Picazzo’s, a 100% gluten-free, organic Italian eatery. Update: Picazzo’s Flagstaff location has closed (why I have no idea as I loved it), although you will find another location in Sedona.

Another option is to take a nice colorful drive down Oak Creek Canyon (one of the best leaf peeping drives in the area) and stop for lunch at Indian Gardens. During the fall season, you can enjoy a delicious sandwich accompanied by a Butternut Squash/Apple soup and a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Side note – their seasonal pumpkin muffins are also amazing. All of these restaurants offer outdoor seating, so take a seat outside and enjoy the last month or so of wonderful fall weather, all while surrounded by pretty colors.

12. Attend the annual Halloween Harvest Festival

Each year downtown Flagstaff offers a Halloween Harvest festival in Heritage Square. This fun, free event includes a downtown Trick or Treating trail for the kids, a pumpkin patch, carnival games, and spooky music. It was rated one of the best Halloween events in the state by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association. As it’s a free event and one of the few big events offered this time of year, you might as well check it out if you find yourself traveling through this part of the country. It’s worth a look if you have kids and are looking for budget friendly seasonal fun.

As an added bonus, before or after the event, you can stroll around downtown checking out the shops, restaurants, and galleries. Be sure to stop by one of the great coffee shops for a hot cup of coffee or a Pumpkin Spice Latte (Skip the overrated Macy’s and head over to Late for the Train for tastier espresso drinks, friendlier service, more affordable prices, and a cozier atmosphere).

Update: This event is now called the Trick or Treat trail. It takes place on Halloween from 4-7 pm.

You can stay updated on downtown events on their website.

More fun in the vicinity

I have highlighted a few leaf peeping and spooky daytrips to consider. The best foliage and fall weather is found in Flagstaff no question. However, if you have the extra time to explore nearby areas, Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, and many small towns in the Verde Valley are worth a look!

Hike the spectacular West Fork trail

The West Fork trail is a very popular trek along Oak Creek Canyon, a magnificent area located in between Flagstaff and Sedona. This 7 mile hike features 13 fun creek crossings and a diverse mix of deciduous trees that you will not find elsewhere in Arizona.

This is a gorgeous pick, especially if you are missing the traditional oak and maple colors. It’s a beautiful fall option with scattered leaves covering the trail, little sunlight due to the canyon’s towering walls, and the most diverse foliage in the state. Be prepared for a wait – this is one popular hike that the Southern Arizona locals love. As I miss traditional New England and Midwest color, I am willing to wait or get up extra early.

Dinner at The Asylum Restaurant in Jerome

Jerome is a great Halloween day trip, located just an hour or so from the city. This former mining town went from a population of 15,000 in the late 1920’s to just 50 residents! At the time, it was declared “the largest ghost town in America.” After becoming a National Historic District in the 50’s, the old buildings downtown were transformed into art galleries, wine bars, restaurants and shops. The downtown still has a great historical look with nice old buildings lining all the streets.

The town has a long history of paranormal sightings and is known to be one of the most haunted towns in America. With the creepy old architecture and numerous ghost stories from various hotels and businesses throughout town, it’s not at all surprising.

The creepy Jerome Grand Hotel, which once was home to a hospital, is one of the most haunted buildings in town. You can spend the night here and even take a ghost tour where you will get to explore normally off limit locations with your own EMF meter. Or just drive for the day and eat dinner at the fabulous Asylum Restaurant, which goes all out with amazing Halloween decor, both inside and out! I’ve never seen a restaurant more decked out (both inside and out). And you can’t top the views of the Verde Valley!

You can read more about my experience exploring Jerome for full details.

Visit a real life ghost town

Arizona has no shortage of real ghost towns and I’ve loved exploring them since moving here. One of the most interesting is located just 30 miles outside of the city on I-40 (exit 230 just a bit after the Twin Arrows casino exit). Although not much remains, you will get the unique opportunity to explore the ruins of an old zoo, which used to be a popular Route 66 stop in the early 1900’s.

It’s a pretty cool place to stop for a few quick photos, especially if you are already driving out this way. And since you are just 20 minutes or so away from Winslow, I recommend continuing on for lunch/dinner at The Turquoise Room inside the historic La Posada Hotel. The food here is so fantastic (I love the hummus and Piki Bread) and the hotel itself is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Other Halloween events in the region include: The Pumpkin Patch Train by the Grand Canyon Railway, Viola’s Haunted Garden, the Pumpkin Walk at the Arboretum, and the Run for Your Life Haunted Trail at Fort Tuthill.