Cool Ponderosa pine forests, ancient life, and volcanism are all within reach this fall in Arizona’s high country. The gateway town of Flagstaff makes a perfect basecamp to visit four national monuments that protect ancient Native American dwellings and tell the stories of their occupants’ lives. Of course, the Grand Canyon to the north is the main draw for many visitors, but take some time to explore these lesser-known sites as well.

It’s not just landscapes, however, that make autumn such a spectacular season for you and your camera. The wildlife opportunities are wonderful, as well. Elk emerge from higher elevations for the rut, birds like the ptarmigan begin changing to their winter colors, and you’ll see fox, bears, marmots, and coyotes, many of them feeding and fattening up before entering their winter hibernation.

For many families, fall is back-to-school time — and with moderating temperatures in Tucson, Arizona, and an end to summer rains, students in southern Arizona can again experience the outdoor classroom that is Saguaro National Park.