Best Arizona Road Trips to National & State Parks in September

Arizona is a state of extremes — sweltering summers in the desert and snowy winters up north. But September strikes a perfect balance.

Up north, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and Sedona enjoy cooler days and crisp evenings, while the desert parks around Phoenix and Tucson become more bearable after months of blazing heat.

You’ll also start to catch the first blush of fall colors in higher elevations, especially around Oak Creek Canyon and the ponderosa forests near Flagstaff.

It’s that rare time when you can comfortably combine desert drives with mountain escapes in a single trip.

September also brings seasonal events like Sedona Winefest, Willcox Apple Festival, and Tucson’s Fall Desert Fest, which can be paired with these park road trips for a fuller experience.

Best Road Trips to Arizona National & State Parks in September

Phoenix → Grand Canyon National Park

No Arizona road trip list is complete without the Grand Canyon. From Phoenix, it’s about a 3.5–4 hour drive (230 miles), making it a manageable weekend escape.

In September, the South Rim is far cooler than the summer scorch, with daytime highs in the 70s–80s and crisp evenings that call for a light jacket.

The viewpoints are less crowded compared to June and July, and sunrise over Mather Point or Desert View is nothing short of magical.

If you have more time, consider looping back via Sedona for a double dose of Arizona’s iconic scenery.

Travel Tip: Stop in Williams for food and fuel — it’s a Route 66 town with plenty of diners. Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days).

For families, the Rim Trail offers stroller-friendly paved paths with stunning canyon views.

Apache Trail Loop (Lost Dutchman, Canyon Lake, Roosevelt Dam)

For a road trip closer to Phoenix, the Apache Trail is a desert classic. This loop takes you past towering Superstition Mountains, the cactus-dotted Lost Dutchman State Park, sparkling Canyon Lake, and the historic Roosevelt Dam.

September makes this drive more enjoyable — the desert is still warm, but it’s no longer brutally hot.

The drive itself is half the adventure, with winding roads, dramatic canyon views, and plenty of spots to pull over for photos.

Don’t Miss: The hike to Flatiron at Lost Dutchman (challenging but rewarding) and short lakeside strolls at Canyon Lake.

Arizona State Park fee: $7 per vehicle. Families can enjoy Goldfield Ghost Town along the route, with fun activities for kids.

Route 66 Adventure → Petrified Forest National Park

Historic Route 66 isn’t just about neon signs and vintage diners — it’s also the gateway to Petrified Forest National Park.

This stretch of highway through Holbrook leads into a surreal landscape of rainbow-colored badlands and fossilized trees.

September is ideal here because the Painted Desert region cools down, making it comfortable for short hikes and sightseeing.

Driving this section of Route 66 feels like stepping back in time while also exploring one of Arizona’s most unique national parks.

Quick Info: Phoenix to Petrified Forest is about 3.5 hours (210 miles). Entrance fee: $25 per vehicle. Don’t miss the Blue Mesa Trail (easy 1-mile loop with striking views).

Families should try the short Giant Logs Trail near the visitor center. Holbrook has quirky Route 66 diners and the famous Wigwam Motel — perfect for food or an overnight stop.

Tucson → Saguaro National Park

Just outside Tucson lies Saguaro National Park, home to the giant cactus forests that define Arizona’s desert image.

The park is split into east and west sections, both offering scenic drives and short trails through towering saguaros.

In September, temperatures dip just enough to make morning and evening visits enjoyable. Driving through the park at sunset is one of the most iconic Arizona experiences.

Good to Know: Only a 30-minute drive from downtown Tucson. Entry fee: $25 per vehicle. Short family-friendly trails include the Desert Discovery Trail (0.4 miles, paved and stroller-accessible).

For food stops, check out local Sonoran hot dog stands in Tucson before or after the drive.

Southern Arizona Sky Island Loop (Kartchner Caverns, Patagonia Lake, Tubac Presidio)

If you’re looking for a varied road trip, the Sky Island Loop delivers caves, lakes, and history all in one route.

Start at Kartchner Caverns State Park, famous for its underground formations, then head to Patagonia Lake for a scenic picnic or a paddle.

Finish at Tubac Presidio, a historic site that tells the story of Arizona’s Spanish past.

September is perfect for this route because southern Arizona’s high desert enjoys mild weather, making it easy to mix outdoor adventures with cultural stops.

It’s a road trip that balances natural wonders with small-town charm.

Extra Details: Tucson to Kartchner is about 1 hour (55 miles). Entry fees: Kartchner Caverns ($7 per vehicle plus $23 for guided tour), Patagonia Lake ($15 per vehicle).

Families love the short Discovery Center at Kartchner and easy lakeside trails at Patagonia. Tubac offers boutique inns and cozy B&Bs for overnight stays.

Northern Arizona State Parks Loop (Sedona & Verde Valley Parks)

For red rock lovers, this loop is unbeatable. Start in Sedona at Red Rock State Park, where trails lead to some of the area’s most famous formations.

Continue to Slide Rock State Park, which in September is quieter but still perfect for dipping your feet in Oak Creek.

Round it off at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, known for its riverfront trails and birdwatching.

The cooler evenings and fewer crowds make September one of the most enjoyable months to explore Sedona and the Verde Valley.

Details: Phoenix to Sedona is about 2 hours (120 miles). Fees: Red Rock ($7 per vehicle), Slide Rock ($20 per vehicle), Dead Horse Ranch ($10 per vehicle).

Families will love Slide Rock’s natural water chute. For lodging, Sedona’s boutique hotels or the campground at Dead Horse Ranch are excellent picks. Stop in Jerome for quirky shops and lunch with views.

Conclusion

September is hands-down one of the best months to road trip through Arizona’s national and state parks. From desert saguaros to red rock canyons, painted deserts to mountain caves, each route offers a different slice of Arizona’s wild beauty.

Read More: 8 Best Kayaking Spots in Arizona This Fall