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Fall Road Trips in Arizona

Routes

30

Avg Distance

384 mi

Avg Drive

7h 28m

Destinations

15

Arizona in the fall offers a welcome escape from the summer heat, with average trip durations around 7.5 hours and distances averaging 384 miles. Drivers can expect a range of elevations, with some routes reaching over 6,700 feet. This season provides access to numerous parks across the state, making it an ideal time to explore Arizona's diverse landscapes.

Fuel snapshot for this state

Regular

$4.50/gal

Diesel: $4.80/gal

Typical trip cost

$62–$88

One-way, ~384 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG

CO₂ per trip

~134 kg

ICE vehicle, one-way average

Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13

Climate through the year: Arizona

Arizona peaks at around 107°F in Jul and cools to 66°F / 45°F in Dec. Wettest month is Aug at ~0.9 in of rain. Table highlights Fall months.

Month High °F Low °F Rain in
Jan 68 46 0.9
Feb 71 49 0.9
Mar 78 55 0.8
Apr 86 61 0.2
May 95 70 0.1
Jun 104 79 0
Jul 107 85 0.9
Aug 105 84 0.9
Sep peak 100 78 0.6
Oct peak 89 66 0.6
Nov peak 77 54 0.6
Dec 66 45 0.7

Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for AZ — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.

Planning Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

We've identified 30 routes in Arizona that work well for fall travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 384 miles).
Current regular gas averages $4.50/gallon in Arizona (week of 2026-07-13). Diesel: $4.80/gallon. A typical one-way trip on these routes costs between $62 and $88. Source: US Energy Information Administration.
Across Sep, Oct, Nov, Arizona typically sees daytime highs in the 77–100°F range with about 0.6 in of rain per month on average. Based on NOAA 1991–2020 monthly climate normals.
Drive times and distances come from OSRM routing over real OpenStreetMap road networks. Fuel costs use weekly US Energy Information Administration state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. EV charging data is sourced from NREL. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI (1991–2020 reference period). Hazard data comes from FEMA and USGS public feeds.
Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Fall Routes

Editor's pick

Tucson, AZ → Beaver Dam, AZ

495.1 mi 9h 36m Score: 8/10 ~$88 fuel

Through: Las Vegas → Hoover Dam → Lake Mead

5 tricky spots High drive quality

This 495-mile route boasts a drive score of 8 and features gently rolling terrain, perfect for enjoying the autumn air. With access to parks and a maximum elevation of 3,675 feet, it's a solid choice for a scenic fall drive.

Editor's pick

Cottonwood, AZ → Yuma, AZ

483.5 mi 9h 31m Score: 8/10 ~$86 fuel

Through: Flagstaff → Phoenix → San Diego

5 tricky spots High drive quality

With a drive score of 8 and reaching up to 6,729 feet, this nearly 484-mile trip offers high-altitude sections with significant climbs. The inclusion of parks along the way adds to the appeal of this extensive drive.

Editor's pick

Douglas, AZ → Lake Havasu City, AZ

437.4 mi 8h 11m Score: 8/10 ~$78 fuel

Through: Tuscon → Yuma

5 tricky spots High drive quality

This route scores an 8 for its drive quality and covers 437 miles, featuring climbs and high-altitude segments up to 5,003 feet. Its park access makes it an attractive option for exploring Arizona's fall scenery.

Pinon, AZ → Tucson, AZ

416.6 mi 7h 53m Score: 9/10 ~$74 fuel

Through: Flagstaff → Phoenix

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Kayenta, AZ → Tucson, AZ

408.8 mi 7h 34m Score: 8/10 ~$72 fuel

Through: Flagstaff → Phoenix

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Gilbert, AZ → Beaver Dam, AZ

401.2 mi 7h 59m Score: 9/10 ~$71 fuel

Through: Las Vegas → Hoover Dam → Lake Mead

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Saint Johns, AZ → Yuma, AZ

396.6 mi 7h 55m Score: 8/10 ~$70 fuel

Through: Tucson

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Mesa, AZ → Beaver Dam, AZ

395.7 mi 7h 52m Score: 9/10 ~$70 fuel

Through: Las Vegas → Hoover Dam → Lake Mead

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Chandler, AZ → Colorado City, AZ

392.1 mi 7h 46m Score: 8/10 ~$69 fuel

Through: Albuquerque

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Mesa, AZ → Colorado City, AZ

386.2 mi 7h 39m Score: 8/10 ~$68 fuel

Through: Albuquerque

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Douglas, AZ → Flagstaff, AZ

380.9 mi 7h 2m Score: 9/10 ~$68 fuel

Through: Tuscon

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Colorado City, AZ → Tempe, AZ

380.2 mi 7h 32m Score: 8/10 ~$67 fuel

Through: Flagstaff → Phoenix

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Scottsdale, AZ → Colorado City, AZ

376.2 mi 7h 26m Score: 8/10 ~$67 fuel

Through: Flagstaff → Albuquerque

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Yuma, AZ → Winslow, AZ

375.9 mi 6h 45m Score: 9/10 ~$67 fuel

Through: 85: Phoenix → Ajo → Gilda Bend +1 more

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Lukachukai, AZ → Deer Valley, AZ

373.5 mi 7h 3m Score: 9/10 ~$66 fuel

Through: Flagstaff → Phoenix

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Phoenix, AZ → Los Angeles, CA

372.6 mi 6h 42m Score: 9/10 ~$66 fuel
5 tricky spots High drive quality

Phoenix, AZ → Beaver Dam, AZ

372.6 mi 7h 31m Score: 9/10 ~$66 fuel

Through: Las Vegas → Hoover Dam → Lake Mead

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Cottonwood, AZ → Lake Havasu City, AZ

372.2 mi 7h 21m Score: 8/10 ~$66 fuel

Through: Parker

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Holbrook, AZ → Yuma, AZ

369.5 mi 7h 16m Score: 9/10 ~$65 fuel

Through: San Diego

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Colorado City, AZ → Phoenix, AZ

369.2 mi 7h 19m Score: 8/10 ~$65 fuel

Through: Flagstaff

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Colorado City, AZ → Glendale, AZ

365.2 mi 7h 17m Score: 8/10 ~$65 fuel

Through: Flagstaff → Phoenix

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Glendale, AZ → Beaver Dam, AZ

363.3 mi 7h 14m Score: 9/10 ~$64 fuel

Through: Las Vegas → Hoover Dam → Lake Mead

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Douglas, AZ → Yuma, AZ

362.5 mi 6h 37m Score: 8/10 ~$64 fuel

Through: Tuscon

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Many Farms, AZ → Glendale, AZ

360.4 mi 6h 51m Score: 9/10 ~$64 fuel

Through: Flagstaff → Phoenix

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Peoria, AZ → Beaver Dam, AZ

359.2 mi 7h 7m Score: 9/10 ~$64 fuel

Through: Las Vegas → Hoover Dam → Lake Mead

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Tucson, AZ → Cottonwood, AZ

356.3 mi 8h 9m Score: 7/10 ~$63 fuel
5 tricky spots

Mohave Valley, AZ → Tucson, AZ

351.8 mi 6h 37m Score: 9/10 ~$62 fuel
5 tricky spots High drive quality

Show Low, AZ → Yuma, AZ

351.4 mi 6h 50m Score: 8/10 ~$62 fuel

Through: Tucson

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Tucson, AZ → Willow Valley, AZ

350.3 mi 6h 36m Score: 9/10 ~$62 fuel

Through: Yuma

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Chinle, AZ → Surprise, AZ

348.9 mi 6h 37m Score: 9/10 ~$62 fuel

Through: Flagstaff → Phoenix

5 tricky spots High drive quality

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