(37) Juan Bautista de Anza Days, Tubac Photo by Sam Nalven

36 Fall Foliage Finale
Superior
Where’s the best fall foliage? It may be closer than you think. A short day trip to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior will have you lost in Chinese pistachio reds and Honey Locust golds during Arizona’s “Fall Foliage Finale.” Pomegranate, Soapberry, Canyon Hackberry and Arizona Sycamore add more color to the mix. The event, which happens annually on Thanksgiving weekend, also features live music, fresh cider and guided tours. Can’t make it? Fall colors actually extend into the first week of December.
Elevation: 2,820 feet
Directions: Take US 60 east to milepost 223 near Superior. Follow the signs to Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Driving Time: 1 hour (55 miles)
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Christmas Day), September through April
Admission: $7.50 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12
Info: ag.arizona.edu/BTA
Travel tip: Eat before you come. The Arboretum does have a gift shop with drinks and snacks, but there is no restaurant onsite.

37 Juan Bautista de Anza Days Tubac
A living history celebration of the Indian, Mexican and Spanish Colonial periods, Juan Bautista de Anza Days reenacts Anza’s famous trek. It won’t take you all the way to San Francisco, where Anza is credited with leading a Spanish colonial expedition to in 1776, but a highlight of the festival is the Sunday “arrival” of Anza himself, setting out on the journey with his soldados. The festival, held at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, also features military demonstrations, dancers, ethnic music and children’s activities. This year’s event will be held October 17-18.
Elevation: 3,500 feet
Directions: Take I-10 east to I-19 south. Take exit 34 toward Tubac. Turn left at Pri Road, left at E. Frontage Road, right at Tubac Road and right at Burruel Street. The park is on the right.
Driving Time: 2 hours, 39 minutes (159 miles)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $3 for adults, $1 for children
Lodging: tubacaz.com
Info: 520-398-2704, 520-398-2252 or tubacaz.com

Sleepytime Stats
Most of Arizona’s overnight travelers (39 percent) are 35 to 54 years old, according to statistics from the Arizona Office of Tourism. The 55-plus age group
follows closely at 37 percent, and visitors ages 18 to 34 make up 24 percent of the state’s overnight visitors.