Arizona in September is a traveler’s sweet spot. The blazing summer heat begins to ease, the high-elevation forests start showing hints of fall color, and the desert landscapes look greener and fresher after the monsoon rains.
It’s also less crowded than peak fall months like October, which means you can enjoy the road without bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Whether you’re chasing mountain breezes, fiery red rock views, or the drama of desert canyons, Arizona has some of the most unforgettable drives this time of year.
Driving Overview: Most of these routes are easy to combine into a road trip loop if you plan well. For example, you can drive Oak Creek Canyon and Red Rock Scenic Byway in one day, or pair Mogollon Rim with Salt River Canyon for a full weekend adventure.
Table of Contents
Top Scenic Drives in Arizona for September
Mogollon Rim Scenic Drive (Forest Road 300)
If you want a drive that truly feels like autumn is arriving, the Mogollon Rim is your spot. At over 7,000 feet, the Rim brings cooler air and some of the earliest signs of fall in Arizona.
- Distance/Duration: Around 50 miles, 2–3 hours depending on stops.
- Accessibility: Parts of FR 300 are gravel and may require a high-clearance vehicle, though most of it is passable by regular cars in good weather.
- Nearby Attraction: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park makes a great detour.
Oak Creek Canyon Drive (State Route 89A)
Often called one of America’s most beautiful drives, Oak Creek Canyon is especially stunning in September.
You’ll find plenty of places to stop — Slide Rock State Park is a family favorite, while scenic viewpoints offer postcard-worthy photo ops.
- Distance/Duration: About 14 miles, 30–40 minutes nonstop.
- Accessibility: Fully paved and suitable for all vehicles.
- Nearby Attraction: Continue south to Jerome, a quirky historic mining town turned artist hub.
Red Rock Scenic Byway (State Route 179)
This short but mighty drive in Sedona is a visual feast. At just 7.5 miles, it’s a quick drive, but one you’ll want to stretch out with multiple stops for photos and hikes.
- Distance/Duration: 7.5 miles, 20–30 minutes without stops.
- Accessibility: Paved, suitable for all vehicles.
- Nearby Attraction: Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock trailheads are just off the road.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Chapel of the Holy Cross turnoff — it gives you one of the most iconic Sedona views.
Catalina Highway (Sky Island Scenic Byway)
Starting in Tucson’s desert floor and climbing all the way up to Mount Lemmon’s alpine forests, the Catalina Highway is a road trip that feels like traveling through multiple worlds in just an hour.
- Distance/Duration: About 27 miles one way, 1–2 hours depending on stops.
- Accessibility: Fully paved and suitable for all vehicles.
- Nearby Attraction: Stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum before or after your drive.
Insider Tip: Pause at Windy Point Vista, a local favorite stop that delivers jaw-dropping views and great photo opportunities.
Coronado Trail Scenic Byway (U.S. Route 191)
If you’re craving a remote and adventurous road, this one’s for you. The Coronado Trail winds through the White Mountains, giving you endless curves, mountain air, and almost no crowds.
This is one of Arizona’s most underrated drives — challenging but rewarding.
- Distance/Duration: About 120 miles, 4–5 hours minimum.
- Accessibility: Fully paved but narrow and very winding; best for confident drivers.
- Nearby Attraction: Consider a stop in Alpine, a charming small town with mountain vibes.
Pro Tip: Gas up before you hit the trail. Services are limited, and you’ll want to focus on the views, not the fuel gauge.
Kaibab Plateau–North Rim Parkway
Heading to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim in September feels like stepping into another season.
The Kaibab Plateau is filled with aspen groves that start turning yellow early in the month, giving you a taste of fall before the rest of Arizona catches up.
The drive ends at the quieter North Rim, where the views are just as dramatic as the South Rim but without the crowds.
- Distance/Duration: 42 miles from Jacob Lake to the North Rim, about 1 hour.
- Accessibility: Fully paved and suitable for all vehicles.
- Nearby Attraction: Jacob Lake Inn is famous for its cookies and makes a fun snack stop.
Insider Tip: Cape Royal and Point Imperial are two must-stop overlooks for sunrise or sunset photography.
Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
Separate from the Catalina Highway, the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway itself is all about winding roads, thick forests, and cooler mountain air.
It’s a favorite Tucson getaway when the desert is still warm in September. Along the way, you’ll find trailheads, scenic pullouts, and the small mountain town of Summerhaven — perfect for a snack stop.
- Distance/Duration: Roughly 27 miles one way, about 1 hour.
- Accessibility: Paved and suitable for all vehicles.
- Nearby Attraction: Mount Lemmon Ski Valley — North America’s southernmost ski area.
Pro Tip: Try the famous Mount Lemmon cookies or homemade fudge in Summerhaven to sweeten your trip.
Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive (U.S. Route 60)
Known as Arizona’s “mini Grand Canyon,” this drive cuts through cliffs and winding roads that showcase dramatic views of the Salt River.
It’s less famous than Sedona or the Grand Canyon but just as breathtaking.
- Distance/Duration: About 60 miles, 2 hours.
- Accessibility: Paved and suitable for all vehicles, though steep grades require careful driving.
- Nearby Attraction: Globe, Arizona — a historic mining town with Old West charm.
Best Drives for September: Fall Colors vs Desert Views
Best for Early Fall Colors
- Mogollon Rim Scenic Drive
- Oak Creek Canyon Drive
- Kaibab Plateau–North Rim Parkway
Best for Desert and Red Rock Landscapes
- Red Rock Scenic Byway
- Catalina Highway
- Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
- Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive
- Coronado Trail Scenic Byway
Seasonal Perks in September
September isn’t just about scenery — it’s also festival season in many Arizona towns.
Sedona hosts its Winefest, Flagstaff celebrates fall with outdoor events, and cooler evenings mean stargazing is back in full swing.
Pairing a scenic drive with a local festival can turn your trip into an even richer experience.
FAQs About Arizona Scenic Drives in September
Q: What is the most scenic drive in Arizona in September?
A: Oak Creek Canyon and the Mogollon Rim are often considered the most stunning thanks to early fall colors and dramatic landscapes.
Q: Are Arizona scenic drives safe in September?
A: Yes, most are fully accessible. Just remember that higher elevations can get sudden rain showers, so drive cautiously.
Q: Which drives show fall colors first in Arizona?
A: The Mogollon Rim and Kaibab Plateau usually see the first signs of fall due to their higher elevation.
Conclusion
September is one of the most underrated times to explore Arizona by road. Whether you prefer the red rock glow of Sedona, the high-altitude forests of the Mogollon Rim, or the peaceful solitude of the Coronado Trail, Arizona has the perfect scenic drive waiting for you this month.
Read More: 7 Best Stargazing Spots in Flagstaff This September
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