If you’ve been craving wide-open skies, desert sunsets, and a family getaway that’s anything but ordinary, the Southwest should be at the top of your list. This part of the country is bursting with natural wonders, historic towns, and unforgettable adventures. And here’s a little insider tip. Fall is the perfect season to visit. The crowds thin out, the temperatures cool down, and the landscapes practically glow under golden autumn light. Let’s dive into the best things to do in the Southwest this fall and why you’ll want to start planning your trip now.

Best Things to Do in the Southwest: A Fall Family Vacation Adventure

Explore the Grand Canyon Without the Crowds

The Grand Canyon is stunning any time of year, but October is magic. You’ll find crisp mornings, clear skies, and a peaceful quiet that’s hard to experience in summer. Start your day at Mather Point for sunrise, where the canyon walls slowly turn shades of pink and orange. Then, head out on a hike or take a drive along Desert View Drive for picture-perfect lookouts without the bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Travel Advisor Tip: Want to skip the guesswork? I can map out a custom Grand Canyon itinerary that balances iconic views with hidden trails most visitors miss.

See what other national parks are waiting for you to visit in the southwest. 

See Arizona’s Secret Fall Colors on Mount Lemmon – A Unique Thing to Do in the Southwest

Think Arizona doesn’t do fall foliage? Think again. A drive up Mount Lemmon via the Sky Island Scenic Byway takes you from desert landscapes to colorful forests. Make time for stops at Marshall Gulch and Bear Wallow, where the leaves turn golden and red. A sight you wouldn’t expect in the desert.

Hike Camelback Mountain in Phoenix

When summer heat fades, Camelback Mountain becomes the perfect challenge. Choose between the Cholla Trail (1.5 miles) or the steeper Echo Canyon Trail (1.1 miles). Both reward you with sweeping views of Phoenix at the summit.

Pro Tip: Start early in the morning. You’ll beat the midday sun and feel like you’ve earned those poolside margaritas afterward.

Winter adventures in the southwest for your next family vacation. 

Go Off-Roading on the Yuma Sand Dunes

Want to score “cool parent” points? Take your teens on an off-roading adventure in Yuma. With more than 40 miles of sand dunes, there’s space for everyone to zoom around. If off-road vehicles aren’t your style, opt for a horseback ride along the dunes. It’s just as thrilling but a little easier on the nerves.

Take to the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon – One of the Best Things to Do in the Southwest

Few experiences are as breathtaking as floating over the desert in a hot air balloon. In Arizona, you can choose a sunrise flight (watching the world wake up is magical), a romantic sunset ride, or even a moonlit journey. Whether you’re planning family fun or a couple’s escape, this one will be a core memory.

Hunt for Ghosts in Jerome

Ready for something spooky? Head to Jerome, Arizona, one of the most haunted towns in the Southwest. By day, it’s a quirky hillside community filled with art galleries and history. By night, ghost tours bring its mining past to life with spine-tingling stories. Perfect for families with older kids who love a thrill.

Check out these other amazing family vacation destinations in Arizona. 

Cruise the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway

In New Mexico, take your time driving along the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway. The 16-mile drive winds through mountain passes, vibrant forests, and endless hiking opportunities. Bring a picnic and plan to make a full day of it. You’ll want to stop often to check out the views.

Marvel at Palisades Sill in Cimarron Canyon State Park

Formed 40 million years ago, the Palisades Sill rises 300 feet above Cimarron Canyon. It’s dramatic, rugged, and unlike anything else in the region. Whether you admire it from afar or hike close to its cliffs, this natural wonder is worth the detour.

Ride the Historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Step back in time aboard one of the last steam-powered trains in America. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, built in 1880, takes you from Chama, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado, passing through mountain passes at 10,000 feet. Fall colors along the tracks make this one of the most picturesque rides in the country.

From ghost towns to hot air balloons, the Southwest is packed with adventures. But here’s the truth. It’s easy to miss the hidden gems or waste precious vacation time figuring out logistics. That’s where I come in.

As a travel advisor, I’ll design a road trip tailored to your family. Whether you want more outdoor thrills, cultural stops, or a mix of both, I’ll handle the details so you can focus on making memories.

Are you ready to experience all these things to do in the Southwest in the fall with your family?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. Clicking the link will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not quite ready to have a family vacation in the southwest during fall, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.