The desert heat has cooled down, fall colors are still glowing in the north, and popular landmarks are far less crowded than in peak season.
Whether you’re chasing iconic landscapes like the Grand Canyon or unique wonders like Kartchner Caverns, November is the sweet spot for exploring the state.
Here’s a handpicked list of the best places to visit in Arizona in November for an unforgettable trip.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
Visiting the Grand Canyon in November is a completely different experience than in summer.
The South Rim stays open year-round and offers unbeatable lookouts like Mather Point and Desert View.
Trails like Bright Angel are more comfortable to hike in cooler weather, and you might even catch the first dusting of snow along the rim—a great contrast against the red rock canyon walls.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Flagstaff, Williams, and Route 66 drives.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: El Tovar Dining Room for a classic canyon-side meal, or Maswik Food Court for casual bites.
2. Sedona
Hiking trails like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are far more pleasant without the summer heat.
The town itself buzzes with art galleries, cozy cafés, and boutique shops, making it a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and laid-back charm.
- Insider Tip: Drive along State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon—it’s one of the most scenic fall drives in Arizona.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Jerome, Cottonwood, and Verde Valley wineries.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Creekside American Bistro for views and dining, or grab coffee at Indian Gardens Café.
3. Saguaro National Park (Tucson)
Home to the nation’s largest cacti, Saguaro National Park is best explored in November when daytime highs hover around the 70s.
The giant saguaros stand tall against the blue sky, and trails like the Valley View Overlook and Hugh Norris Trail become much easier to tackle.
- Pro Tip: Visit both the East and West districts of the park for different landscapes—one offers sweeping mountain views, the other dense saguaro forests.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Tucson city attractions, Mission San Xavier del Bac, and Gates Pass.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: El Charro Café for authentic Sonoran Mexican, or Barrio Bread for artisanal baked goods.
4. Antelope Canyon
This slot canyon near Page is famous for its twisting sandstone walls and soft beams of light shining through narrow openings.
Guided tours are mandatory here, but the cooler weather makes waiting and exploring much more comfortable.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and the town of Page.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Big John’s Texas BBQ in Page for hearty meals, or BirdHouse for quick bites.
5. Horseshoe Bend
Just a few miles from Antelope Canyon lies Horseshoe Bend. November brings cooler temps for the short hike to the overlook.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge in Page, or Fiesta Mexicana for classic comfort food.
6. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
On the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley’s towering sandstone buttes are as iconic as the Grand Canyon.
Guided Navajo tours add depth with cultural stories and hidden spots like Mystery Valley. Driving through the 17-mile Valley Drive is an unforgettable way to take it all in.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Kayenta, Mexican Hat (Utah), and Valley of the Gods.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: The View Restaurant inside the park for Navajo-inspired dishes, or Amigo Café in Kayenta.
7. Petrified Forest National Park
This park is unlike any other in Arizona. Spread across the Painted Desert, it’s filled with colorful petrified wood that’s millions of years old.
In November, the cool weather makes it ideal for exploring trails like the Blue Mesa Loop, where shades of purple, blue, and gray paint the landscape.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Holbrook, Winslow, and the Painted Desert Visitor Center.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Romo’s Café in Holbrook for Mexican cuisine, or Joe & Aggie’s Café for Route 66 vibes.
8. Chiricahua National Monument
Known as the “Wonderland of Rocks,” Chiricahua is a paradise of towering rock pinnacles and balanced stone formations.
November weather is perfect for hiking trails like Echo Canyon and Heart of Rocks, where the stone spires create a surreal landscape.
The fall colors here are also underrated, with golden oaks and maples dotting the canyons.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Willcox wine country, Fort Bowie National Historic Site.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Big Tex BBQ in Willcox, or Coronado Vineyards for local wine tasting.
9. Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly combines natural beauty with deep Native American history.
November brings cool, crisp air to explore scenic overlooks like Spider Rock, rising 800 feet above the canyon floor.
Navajo-led tours into the canyon provide an even richer experience, offering insights into ancient cliff dwellings and cultural traditions that still thrive today.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Chinle, Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Junction Restaurant in Chinle, or Thunderbird Lodge Cafeteria for traditional Navajo fare.
10. Oak Creek Canyon
Just north of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon is one of Arizona’s most scenic stretches, especially in November.
The canyon walls glow red, and the creek is lined with golden cottonwoods and sycamores.
Whether you take a short hike or simply enjoy the drive along Highway 89A, it’s a fall experience you won’t want to miss.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Flagstaff, Slide Rock State Park.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Indian Gardens Café for breakfast or snacks, and The Table at Junipine for creekside dining.
11. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson)
More than just a museum, this is part zoo, part botanical garden, and part science center.
Set in the Tucson desert, it’s one of the best ways to understand Arizona’s unique ecosystems.
November is ideal because the outdoor exhibits—like desert plants, mountain lions, and hummingbirds—are far more comfortable to explore in mild weather.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Saguaro National Park, Old Tucson Studios.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Café Poca Cosa in Tucson for upscale Mexican, or Seis Kitchen for casual eats.
12. Mount Lemmon (near Tucson)
If you’re craving a taste of alpine Arizona, head up Mount Lemmon. Just an hour from Tucson, the mountain transforms into a cool escape with pine forests, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails.
In November, the higher elevations may still have patches of fall color, making it a striking contrast against the desert below.
Pro Tip: Stop at the village of Summerhaven for homemade cookies or a hot chocolate after your mountain adventure.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Tucson, Sabino Canyon, and Colossal Cave Mountain Park.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Cookie Cabin in Summerhaven for giant cookies and pizza, or Iron Door Restaurant for mountain dining.
13. Kartchner Caverns State Park
Hidden beneath the surface, Kartchner Caverns is one of Arizona’s most fascinating natural wonders.
These living caves feature stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations that continue to grow.
The cave stays at a constant temperature year-round, making it a perfect stop no matter the weather. Guided tours take you deep inside to witness the underground beauty.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Benson, Tombstone, and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Horseshoe Café in Benson, or Crystal Palace Saloon in Tombstone.
Conclusion
Arizona in November is the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and comfort.
From the world-famous Grand Canyon to lesser-known wonders like Chiricahua and Kartchner Caverns, the state offers something for every traveler.
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