In most parts of the U.S., fall foliage is gone by November. But in southern Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon, it’s just getting started. Around two hours from both Phoenix and Tucson, this towering, red-walled gorge, reminiscent of Zion National Park, hides one of the most spectacular—and least-known—leaf-peeping displays in the Southwest. 

Perennial Aravaipa Creek—Aravaipa is an Indigenous word used primarily by the Western Apache, meaning “laughing waters”—winds through the canyon, creating a rare oasis in the desert. Along the creek banks, cottonwood, sycamore, willow, and walnut trees light the way in gold and orange from mid-November into early December. On my most recent visit—December 2024—the foliage was just past its peak, with some bare trees and lots of fluttering yellow leaves. The scenery, coupled with the blissful lack of other people, makes it feel like a quiet section of Zion.

That feeling deepens the farther you go. Aravaipa Canyon stretches 12 miles, but most day hikers tackle a few and turn back. Some visitors bring multiple vehicles and set up a shuttle at both ends for a point-to-point hike, and others backpack the full canyon, camping along the way. However you approach it, you’ll cross the ankle-deep creek dozens of times and walk in it for long stretches, often because the canyon narrows so tightly and there’s no other option. Waterproof hiking shoes or neoprene socks help, though you may find regular trail runners work fine—I wore the former with wool socks, my friend opted for the latter, and both of us were comfortable. Trekking poles are nonnegotiable, even if (especially if) you don’t typically use them. The canyon floor is uneven, and going in and out of the creek makes it slippery. 

The creek not only sustains Aravaipa’s lush vegetation and provides hikers a rare year-round freshwater source, but it also lends the canyon its striking contrast. Beneath giant creekside sycamores, it’s easy to forget you’re in southern Arizona—until a saguaro or desert bighorn sheep reminds you. Late fall weather makes it even better: Daytime highs hover in the low 70s, and the water stays a cool 55 or so degrees.

Solitude is another part of Aravaipa’s magic. The Bureau of Land Management limits access, issuing just 50 permits per day (30 for the west trailhead, 20 for the east), whether you’re hiking or camping. Permits release on a rolling 91-day basis, and while far easier to get than famous hikes like The Wave or Phantom Ranch, they sometimes sell out in peak season (March and April, in addition to autumn). Hikers can stay two nights and three days, though permits are required for each consecutive day. 

The west trailhead, reached via a nine-mile stretch of well-maintained gravel road near the tiny town of Dudleyville, is by far the most accessible. The road to the more remote east trailhead frequently floods and requires a high-clearance vehicle. From either direction, the canyon unfolds mile by mile, an unexpected desert Eden where fall lingers long after it’s faded elsewhere and silence fills the space crowds never reach.

Needless to say, California isn’t usually the first state that comes to mind for fall foliage—but the Golden State isn’t all beaches and sunshine. Nestled at the base of the soaring Sierra Nevada mountains, the small town of Bishop, California, has autumn views that rival leaf-peeping destinations the world over.

This rugged little mountain town is located in Owens Valley on Highway 395, near landmark destinations such as Death Valley National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Mount Whitney (the tallest point in the contiguous United States). As a result, tourists often think of Bishop as a pit stop on the way to Mammoth Lakes or Lake Tahoe—but trust me, this is one place where you should take your time.

As an East-to-West Coast transplant that loves fall, I’ve spent years searching for leaf-peeping destinations in California, and Bishop is my favorite. Surrounded by Inyo National Forest, Bishop has an impressive selection of restaurants and cozy stays within city limits, in addition to attractions like Keough’s Hot Springs, the Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

Bishop is a true year-round destination, with rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and many more things to do in the area—but the town really shines in the fall. As temperatures drop, nearby groves of aspen, willow, cottonwood, and other deciduous trees turn into a brilliant display of scarlet, gold, and orange.

“It doesn’t just happen in one place overnight,” says Julie Faber, the marketing specialist at the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. “The fall colors start in mid-September and go through October, depending on Mother Nature. Because of the extreme elevation shift, it starts up high and goes slowly downhill as the season progresses. It’s fun to explore different places depending on what’s peaking.”

And when it comes to places to explore, you’ll have the pick of the litter. A short drive out of town will bring you to destinations like Bishop Creek Canyon, where you can cruise past waterfalls and colorful foliage all the way up to the equally gorgeous Lake Sabrina, North Lake, or South Lake. 

The town also plays host to the Fall Colors Car Show, one of three events (the other two being the Millpond Music Festival and the Bishop Pabanamanina Pow Wow) that take place during peak leaf-peeping weekends every year. “It’s a classic car show,” says Faber. “Everybody gussies up their cars and then they take them up Bishop Creek Canyon, where all the vibrant foliage is going off. It’s this spectacular show of beautiful cars and beautiful leaves.”

While a scenic drive never goes amiss, hiking around Bishop will let you get up close and personal with those fall colors. About 40 minutes away from town, Lower Rock Creek Canyon Trail follows a series of high alpine lakes and meadows over nine miles, though you can stop at any point to soak up the sights. “Lower Rock Creek is spectacular,” says Faber. “[There are] giant aspen groves through that entire eight miles. It’s one that I would definitely suggest.”

If you’re understandably feeling overwhelmed by all the options, take a look at Bishop’s online fall color tutorial or stop by the visitor center in town to find out what’s peaking and where. “If you have any questions, we can point you in the right direction for those particular days you’re in town,” says Faber.

With all that leaf-peeping, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Sit down at spots like Mountain Rambler Brewery, known for its craft beers and seasonal menu made with locally grown ingredients. About 15 minutes south of Bishop is another personal favorite of mine, Copper Top BBQ. Though lines can get long at this Big Pine joint, the smoked ribs and pulled pork are well worth the wait.

For on-the-go meals, pick up sandwiches and pastries from one of Bishop’s two famous bakeries: Erick Schat’s Bakkerÿ, a Dutch-style eatery popular among Highway 395 roadtrippers, or the local favorite Great Basin Bakery, beloved for its fresh breads. If you have time, try both—you can’t go wrong no matter what you pick. “Bishop is definitely known as a stop for its bakeries, and we do baked goods really well,” says Faber.

Since you’ll probably want more than one day to experience everything Bishop has to offer, book your accommodations well in advance. The Wayfinder Bishop puts guests in spacious, modern rooms right next to the serene Bishop Creek. “The Wayfinder has a new wine bar that’s open to the public, so whether you stay there or not, they have a great happy hour along the creek with fire pits,” Faber adds.

Just down the road, the hostel-style Eastside Guesthouse & Bivy has 11 rooms, perfect for families and groups. For campers, I recommend French Camp Campground. A little north of town, the campground has running water and is a short drive from Rock Creek Lake, putting you in a prime position for leaf-peeping and hiking.

To get to Bishop, you can take a road trip along Highway 395 and experience the stunning Sierra Nevada scenery. Or, if you’re visiting from San Francisco or Denver, fly into Bishop International Airport (FNT), which has expanded commercial flights just in time for leaf-peeping season. “If you can hop on one of those on United, we have that service now, and the plan is to continue growing that into the fall season,” says Faber.

Watching the leaves change from vibrant summer greens to the garnets, golds, and ambers of fall was once more of a passive experience. If you happened to live in a place where the foliage transformed, lucky you. But if not, the shift in the natural world simply wasn’t part of your seasonable routine.

These days, leaf peeping has become an essential fall activity, whether you’re looking to snap the perfect social media shot, immerse yourself in as many autumn traditions as possible, or just love the great outdoors. In fact, a 2024 study revealed that 65 percent of Americans want to travel to a specific destination to experience a specific season.

While there are countless scenic spots to visit this fall—Travel + Leisure has already rounded up the best spots—a few destinations stand out. Priceline recently shared exclusive data with Travel + Leisure on the top 10 scenic destinations for fall 2025, based on hotel search data from U.S. travelers for dates between Oct. 10 – Oct. 24 this year—right in the heart of peak leaf seasons.

Last year, the top destination was Bucks County, Pennsylvania. For 2025, the most popular fall destination remains on the East Coast—but this time it’s the iconic Hudson Valley.

Located just north of New York City, the Hudson Valley is home to charming towns like Catskills, Beacon, Hudson, Woodstock, and Rhinebeck. Spanning over 7,000 square miles, the region features stunning mountain ranges, scenic drives, and no shortage of fall-inspired things to do.

Want to wander through 7,000 glowing jack o’lanterns? You can do that in Hudson Valley. Want to go apple picking through vast orchards? There are plenty of spots. Looking to browse antique stores and boutiques? Nearly every shop feels like it came out of a Hallmark movie. Whether you’re hiking through fiery foliage, sipping wine at a hilltop vineyard, or enjoying a luxe wellness retreat framed by fall colors, Hudson Valley offers it all.

Some of the best spots for leaf peeping include:

• Harriman State Park
• Hudson Highland State Park Preserve
• New York State Route 52, known for its lookout points and scenic drives
• Hudson River Skywalk or Walkway Over the Hudson, both offering breathtaking views from above and more immersive experiences

Need a place to stay? T+L editors have named their favorite accommodations in the region, from cozy campsites to luxury hotels.

Looking for even more fall travel inspiration? Here’s Priceline’s full list of the top 10 scenic arfeas for leaf peeping in 2025:

1. Hudson Valley, New York
2. Boulder, Colorado
3. Snoqualmie Valley, Washington
4. Bucks County, Pennsylvania
5. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
6. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
7. French Lick West Baden, Indiana
8. North Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
9. Smugglers’ Notch Pass, Vermont
10. The Berkshires, Massachusetts