What to Pack for Fall Hikes in Arizona

Arizona's fall season is an interesting time of the year. Some areas, including the metro Phoenix region, feel like a mixture of spring and summer in other parts of the US. Other places, like Flagstaff, seem closer to winter. 

Why Packing the Right Gear Matters in Arizona’s Fall

Fall mornings can be chilly in the desert. However, the days tend to warm up quickly. We regularly experience high temperatures above 80 degrees from early October through mid November. That makes it a little more challenging to prepare for Arizona fall hikes. 

So, it helps to be prepared for both cooler and warmer hikes, especially on longer trails. And, it's helpful to make a smooth transition as the dry air warms. 

Obviously, there are exceptions for places like Flagstaff and Payson. Those cities tend to experience more traditional fall weather. Here, we'll be covering hiking weather for Arizona's deserts (especially in metro Phoenix). 

If you need ideas for hikes, we have a complete guide to the best things to do in November in Phoenix. 

Layering for Fall Weather in the Desert

The idea is to have enough layering to stay warm in the mornings that can be easily packed away as afternoon temperatures warm up.   

Lightweight Base Layer

Start with a breathable, moisture-wicking shirt. These keep you warm early in the morning but won’t overheat you as temperatures rise. Essential elements long and short sleeve shirts are perfect base layers at a great price. 

Convertible Pants

Convertible pants are a necessity for me. They keep me warm in the morning and I can zip off the lower sleeve as temperatures rise. They're also water resistant and designed for the rugged outdoors. 

Mid-Layers for Cooler Starts

A thin fleece or lightweight pullover gives you warmth without bulk. They are easy to pack without weighing you down as the air gets warmer. 

Windbreaker or Packable Jacket

Wind is pretty common in the desert throughout the year. Windbreakers are pretty much essential during colder weather. However, it's easy to overheat in a windbreaker when temps warm up. They also don't pack away easily. 

I've found that packable rain jackets offer a great solution. They're thin, lightweight, block wind effectively, and pack away easily. Most of them include a small packing bag to keep them in place. 

Footwear for Arizona's Rugged Terrain

Arizona is known for its rocky trails, loose gravel, and steep scrambling sections — even on routes labeled “moderate.” Here's the footwear we recommend for safer desert hikes. 

Trail runners: they’re great, but not always the best choice here. Most Arizona trails include uneven footing, boulders, or ledges where you’ll need solid ankle stability. If you’re new to desert hiking, explore trails with boots first, then switch to trail runners later once you learn the terrain.

Mid-height hiking boots: ideal for most desert trails. You’ll get the ankle support needed for scrambling and steep descents with enough flexibility and ventilation to avoid overheating. This is why we recommend a solid pair of mid-height boots for Arizona hikes. I personally trust brands like Salomon and Merrell. 

Hiking socks: choose socks that wick away moisture and offer some cushion. Fortunately, most hiking socks,— even budget-friendly ones — are perfectly fine for desert hikes. Feel free to go with the cheaper options. 

Hydration Essentials

We get dehydrated faster when humidity is low. Add intense sunshine with few natural water sources and it becomes clear why hydration is so vital in the desert. 

Hydration packs are essential in Arizona. They make it easy to store extra water and keep it close to your center of gravity. They also include hoses that make drinking while hiking easier. 

Still, it can be helpful to include a few bottles of water in your pack. This is especially true for longer hikes like the Superstition Ridgeline Trail. 

Remember to monitor your water levels. We typically recommend turning back before depleting half of your water during out-and-back hikes. For loops or end-to-end hikes, it's important to ensure you have more than half of your water remaining before reaching the halfway point. 

Electrolytes can help enhance hydration levels. We recommend electrolyte packets that are easy to pack and pour along the way. 

Sun Protection

Fall weather may be cooler, but the sun's rays are still intense. Sun hats will help keep your face and neck protected. They can also help keep you a little warmer during cooler mornings - and you won't need to pack them away when temperatures rise. 

Sunglasses will also help keep your eyes protected. Remember, there's not much shade in the desert, and hikes can last for hours. 

You'll still need to keep your skin protected. Dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF of 30. We also recommend choosing a paraben-free sunscreen. SPF lip balm will help keep your lips protected and moisturized. 

Lightweight Safety Gear

We recommend a few items that, while not required, can help enhance your desert hiking experience. They'll also come in handy in case of an emergency. 

• Headlamps: we've got a number of hikes that are open after sunset (although you should verify first). Plus, it's easy for natural paths in the desert to resemble trails. So, we always recommend carrying a lightweight headlamp. 
• Emergency whistles: a loud whistle can scare away dangerous wildlife while alerting others that you need help.
•  First-Aid Kit: the desert is full of thorns and needles. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to trip and fall. A lightweight first-aid kit can help you clean and dress wounds quickly on the spot. 
• Offline maps: Google Maps has an "offline maps" feature, and AllTrails allows premium members to download offline trail maps. We recommend both for fall desert hikes. 
• Multitools: these are great for any hike, but they're especially useful on trails with cholla cactus pods. 

Experience Arizona’s Fall Trails With Us

Fall is the best season to explore the desert, and our guided hikes walk you through some of Arizona’s wildest, most unforgettable trails. When you’re ready for your next adventure, you can book a hike anytime directly through our website.

See you out there!