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For most of the country, the temperatures have started to drop, the leaves are beginning to turn, and the skies are turning a dreary shade of grey. However, for those who live in hot areas of the country like Southern Arizona, this is far from the case. While many treasure the endless blue skies, warm weather, and flip flop & shorts weather of sunny Arizona, others crave that special feeling that only comes along with the fall season.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to feel that fall ambiance without even leaving your house. Additionally, plenty of festivals throughout the state are there to make it feel fall-ish even when the temps still soar into the 90’s. And even better, a variety of easily doable daytrips offer the traditional fall foliage, weather, and activities that go along with this great time of year.

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Hiking the gorgeous Bear Jaw trail in Flagstaff, located just a 2 hour drive north of Phoenix.

So don’t get too bummed out if you live in southern Arizona and love the traditional fall vibe. Even if it is sunny and 90 degrees, there is still lots to do to make it feel like fall! In fact, Arizona is one of the most diverse states with the northern portion of the state home to some of the best leaf peeping trails in the country. Just head up to Flagstaff if you are looking to get out of the heat for a traditional fall day. Additionally, there are plenty of fall festivals, seasonal treats, and Halloween attractions to enjoy all season long throughout the entire state. Here are 31 fun things to do to get into the fall spirit in Arizona!

1. Make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Spice Latte at Cultured Cafe in Flagstaff, Arizona

It’s not difficult to find a quality Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe. Simply do a quick search online and you will find many different variations including low sugar and dairy-free versions. Or enjoy a hassle free drink at Starbucks. Starbucks is using real pumpkin this year, so the drink is tastier than ever! Or better yet, check around your local coffee shops to see who is offering this seasonal favorite – the locals shops typically use real pumpkin!

2. Go crazy decorating the house

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It’s easy to make it feel like fall in your own home – simply put up lots of festive decorations everywhere. Pumpkins, garland, Halloween decor, wreaths, candles, orange lights outside… the options are endless. I love the Lemax Spooky Town house set at Michaels. Any department store like Macy’s, Home Goods, and Kohls will offer more than enough options to deck your place out. And, you can’t go wrong with a visit to your local Spirit Halloween store, which offers the ultimate in seasonal spooky decor!

3. Find a pumpkin patch

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There are more than enough pumpkin patches scattered throughout the entire state, even in warm areas like Phoenix and Tucson. The Prescott area is home to a particularly nice festival at Mortimer Farms. Because temps are mild this time of year in Prescott (much cooler than Phoenix), and the festival is rather large with lots of fun activities for 1 low price, it’s definitely worth the short day trip for a full day of fall fun. Another option is Pumpkin in the Pines in Flagstaff featuring a corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, hayrides through the ponderosa forest, and seasonal treats.

Here’s a full listing of pumpkin patches in Arizona.

4. Enjoy the fall colors in Flagstaff

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Flagstaff is your best bet for leaf peeping in the state of Arizona. Although the area is mostly known for its’ gorgeous location amidst the largest ponderosa pine forest, there are still plenty of deciduous trees planted throughout the city. From late September through October, all the streets are lined with beautiful hues of yellow, orange, and red. Downtown is lined on both sides with pretty yellow foliage and is a great place to grab a coffee and stroll around enjoying the colors of the season.

And if you feel like getting a fresh workout in while enjoying the cool temperatures and beautiful colors of the season all at the same time, you can take your pick amongst plenty of high altitude hikes featuring the most striking golden aspens of the season.

Check out these 8 great fall foliage hikes in Flagstaff to get started!