The seven best hikes for your fall getaway

This quick-and-easy loop trail is the perfect way to kick off your visit to the unique gypsum dune fields at White Sands National Park. With a fascinating natural and cultural history, White Sands National Park preserves some of the earliest known evidence of human habitation in the nation. This is a park not to be missed and there are plenty of fun events happening in the fall that make this hike a perfect destination for your fall getaway. With full moon hikes, musical events, artist exhibits, and more, check out everything happening in the park as you plan your visit.

This 2.8-mile, out-and-back hike is spectacular in the fall when the ancient bristlecone pines, some of them more than 4,000 years old, take on the stunning hues of gold and red. You can add a few miles and continue on the Glacier Trail, which will take you to Nevada’s only glacier. Best enjoyed March through October, this trail is not to be missed when you visit Great Basin National Park.

This 1.4-mile loop takes hikers on a beautiful trek through the natural and cultural wonders of Bandelier National Monument. Perfect for the whole family, the trail features ladders that lead into the small, human-carved alcoves called cavates. The first section of this trail is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

This 3.4-mile loop is a premium spot for birding. Arizona is one of the most sought-after birding locations in the world and fall is a terrific season to explore this beautiful desert and wooded landscape. The awe-inspiring hoodoos and local wildlife make this hike unique and memorable for kids and adults alike. Keep an eye out for coatimundi and wild turkeys.

This short hike leaves plenty of time to soak up the culture, history, and natural beauty preserved at Walnut Canyon National Monument. There are 25 cliff dwellings along the trail, homes to Indigenous people more than 700 years ago. Stairs take you on a 185-foot descent, which leaves a fairly steep ascent as you leave. Keep in mind that this trail closes at 4 PM.

Looking to experience the beauty of this special season? This trail features bright fall colors best experienced in October and November. Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore stunning landscapes, experience diverse and beautiful wildlife, and learn more about the history of what is now the Southwest. Hike to and from Pratt Cabin for a 4.8 mile hike, or continue on all the way up to McKittrick Ridge (recommended as an overnight backpacking trip) to enjoy autumn's beauty for more than a day.  

Don’t miss out on Pinnacles National Park in the fall. Stunning all year round, you can beat the heat and enjoy the fantastic views with just a little less sweat and a little more time to explore. A highly coveted bird-watching spot, Pinnacles National Park protects many species of birds, including the magnificent condor. This 6.7-mile trek is considered difficult due to its nearly 1500-foot elevation gain and rugged terrain—a perfect challenge for your fall getaway.

These national parks are just some of the many places that you can explore this fall. Be sure to do your research ahead of time to learn about trail conditions and alternate routes, as well as determine when the fall foliage is expected to peak each year. 

By Julie Thompson