Experience the Beauty of Fall in Arizona with Day Trips from Sedona

With the heat of summer beginning to subside, fall is one of the best times to visit Arizona. In the Verde Valley and Northern Arizona in particular, the autumn months are enchanting, with pleasantly warm days, cool nights, and the foliage erupting into shades of vibrant amber and crimson.

While the Sedona area alone offers an abundance of activities during the fall, this time of year is also perfect for day trips to some of the state’s most incredible destinations. At El Portal, we are pleased to offer personalized concierge services to help you create an itinerary tailored to your needs and interests. We’re acquainted with many local tour companies and can assist with each step of planning your day trips. Here are two of our favorite attractions within an easy drive from Sedona:

Antelope Canyon Slot Canyon 

Located approximately three hours from Sedona, Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona is one of the most famous slot canyon formations in the world. With towering sandstone walls that have been carved by millions of years of wind and water erosion, this iconic destination is divided into two parts: Upper Antelope Canyon, which is more easily accessible and therefore more popular, and Lower Antelope Canyon, which is more difficult to reach but equally as spectacular. Both parts are located in the Navajo Nation and can only be accessed via a guided tour, which will provide valuable insight into the area’s history and geology.

Throughout the year, professional and amateur photographers alike strive to capture the profound beauty of Antelope Canyon. However, the ideal times to visit are March through October during the midday hours, when the sun’s position illuminates multihued patterns on the canyon walls and creates shafts of light reaching all the way to the floor.

Horseshoe Bend Overlook 

Also located near Page in the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, this famed sightseeing spot refers to a horseshoe-shaped formation in the Colorado River, just nine miles upstream from the start of Grand Canyon National Park. From the parking area, the Horseshoe Bend overlook can be accessed by a hike of approximately 0.6 miles each way. Upon reaching the overlook, visitors can admire the breathtaking beauty of the landmark, located 1,000 feet below in a rugged sandstone canyon.

While Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are must-see destinations, visitors will also find a plethora of activities in Sedona and the Verde Valley. From the vibrant fall foliage in Oak Creek Canyon to festivals such as the Sedona WineFest (September 24-25, 2022), the Sedona Arts Festival (October 8-9), and the Sedona Plein Air Festival (October 21-29), the region truly comes alive during the autumn months—and El Portal offers the ideal base for exploring it all. With a convenient location in the heart of Sedona, we look forward to facilitating an unforgettable experience for your whole family, including your four-legged friends. Call us at 800-313-0017 to book your stay!