Arizona
Where to get the best views of Arizona’s fall colors
PHOENIX — The rainfall is certainly here in the Valley and the fall colors seen most prominently in the trees are not too far behind.
To help Arizonans witness the coming array of fall foliage, Arizona State Parks & Trails compiled a list of the top five parks to visit throughout the state.
Best parks in Arizona to view fall colors
Red Rock State Park (Sedona)
The Sedona-based park is home to a 5-mile trail that showcases views of the northern Arizona’s red rock and other green scenery of the surrounding Oak Creek.
It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has tickets available for $5 (ages 7 to 13) and $10 (ages 14 and older). Children ages 6 and under get in free.
Besides an earlier start time in June, there are daily guided hikes at 10 a.m.
Slide Rock State Park (Sedona)
A trio of trails under a mile in length (two are 0.25 and one 0.3 miles) are available for the public to enjoy in Oak Creek Canyon.
Pets are welcome at the park following a heat-related ban from May 1 to Sept. 30.
Tickets are sold on a per vehicle basis, with one to four people getting in for $20 from October to April.
The park sits on 43 acres of a historic apple farm that was first planted in 1912 and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be closed Oct. 21-22, however.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Cottonwood)
Located roughly smack in the middle of Sedona and Prescott, this park features more than 20 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding.
The Lime Kiln Trail, which connects Dead Horse Ranch and Red Rock state parks, is among the most popular there. It won Critic’s Choice Award for Best Bike Ride in 2012.
In the fall, the park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and individual tickets (biking or hiking) are available for $5.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (Pine)
The park located southeast of Sedona isn’t pet-friendly due to the severity of all the trails, but is home to what is believed to be the “largest natural travertine bridge in the world,” according to Arizona State Parks & Trails. The bridge is 183 feet tall and 400 feet long, while measuring 150 feet at its widest point.
Guests can also check out the historic Tonto Lodge for more information about the bridge and previous native peoples on the nearby land.
Ticket prices are the same across the board as at Red Rock State Park and the park is open daily throughout the year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park (Camp Verde)
Along the Verde River south of Sedona is a park that exhibits more desert and green fauna and is more temperature neutral than recreational areas north and south of its location.
It offers six trails ranging from 0.2 to 1.7 miles in length and sits upon 209 acres of ranging land that showcases birds and other wildlife such as javelina, deer and beavers.
The park is closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays but in open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays through Mondays.
Tickets are sold per vehicle, with one person in a vehicle going for $10 and two to four in a vehicle for $20. Bikers get in for $5.
Arizona
Former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely switches congressional districts in Arizona race
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely has switched his congressional campaign from the East Valley to Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, joining a crowded Republican primary in Scottsdale.
The move comes after President Donald Trump endorsed former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb in the Fifth Congressional District last month, sending Feely a message to run in a different district.
“After nearly a quarter century in professional football, I know that no player is more important than the well-being of the team,” Feely said in a statement released Friday. “In this moment, the best way I can serve our GOP team is to defend this crucial Republican seat.”
Feely joins businessman John Trobough, state lawmaker Joseph Chaplik and current Arizona Republican Party leader Gina Swoboda in the GOP primary. Swoboda has already secured Trump’s endorsement.
Political experts believe Feely’s move, following Trump’s advice, could lead to another situation where Trump endorses two candidates in the same race.
The First Congressional District seat opened when Congressman David Schweikert announced his run for governor. Republicans view the district as a must-win seat.
The winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the general election. The district is one of two swing districts in Arizona that could determine which party controls the House.
Trump has previously endorsed multiple candidates in Arizona Republican primaries, including Rep. Andy Biggs and businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson in the governor’s race.
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Arizona
Three Arizona Standouts Against Bellarmine
The blowout victory not only highlighted Arizona’s depth but also provided several standout individual performances that showed important signs of growth headed towards conference play. Here’s a closer look at the top three Wildcats from the game and how they powered the win.
1. Tanyuel Welch — Team Leader With a Big Night (18 Points)
Guard Tanyuel Welch led all scorers for Arizona with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting a highly efficient performance that helped set the tone early and keep the Wildcats well ahead of Bellarmine throughout. Welch also knocked down 4-of-4 free throws, showing composure at the line, and contributed six rebounds and three assists while playing 24 minutes.
Impressively, she did all of this with just one turnover and one foul, illustrating her control and decision-making in a high-tempo game. Welch’s scoring came at all levels; attacking the rim, knocking down mid-range looks, and finishing in transition and her all-around playmaking and rebounding added yet another layer to a complete offensive night.
2. Noelani Cornfield — Playmaker and Versatile Contributor
Senior point guard Noelani Cornfield had another impactful outing in the win over Bellarmine. Cornfield recorded 15 points, dished out eight assists, grabbed two rebounds, and added five steals in just 25 minutes of action. Her stat line shows how she orchestrated the Wildcats’ offense while also creating havoc defensively.
Cornfield’s ability to distribute the ball was on full display as Arizona finished with 24 assists on 44 made field goals, a testament to their ball movement and unselfish play. Her high assist total helped keep the offense flowing and ensured that multiple Wildcats got open, high-percentage shots throughout the afternoon. Her defensive energy also led to easy transition opportunities, further fueling Arizona’s balanced scoring output.
3. Achol Magot — Efficient Frontcourt Scorer Off the Bench
Center Achol Magot delivered a career-high 10 points off the bench in just 14 minutes, going 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. Her efficient scoring and physical presence inside helped complement Arizona’s guard play and gave the Wildcats consistent production inside the paint. Magot also contributed five rebounds and one assist while battling through foul trouble, showing a strong impact in limited minutes.
Her ability to score efficiently around the basket and contribute on the glass was an important part of Arizona’s depth, showing through. In a game where Arizona had six double-digit scorers, Magot’s contribution sealed her place as one of the night’s top performers.
Arizona
Arizona governor’s poll shows Katie Hobbs’ chances of beating Andy Biggs
Arizona Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs leads Republican U.S. Congressman Andy Biggs by double digits in the state’s gubernatorial race, shows a new poll conducted by NextGen Polling, which identifies as “right of center.”
Newsweek reached out to Biggs’ campaign via email on Thursday for comment.
Why It Matters
As a pivotal battleground state, Arizona’s political trends can potentially foreshadow national outcomes, with shifting demographics and voter priorities influencing both parties’ strategies.
The results could possibly play a critical role in the broader national landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms.
What To Know
In the poll, Hobbs captures 51 percent of the potential vote compared to Biggs’ 32 percent, with 7 percent of respondents choosing “other” and 9 percent undecided.
The survey was taken from December 15 to December 17 among 2,725 likely voters, with a 1.9 percent margin of error, according to NextGen’s press release.
The poll also shows that Biggs has 64 percent of the Republican vote while Hobbs carries 90 percent of Democrats’ support. Sixty-two percent of independents back Hobbs while 19 percent favor Biggs.
Against Republican candidate Karrin Taylor Robson, Hobbs has 51 percent of the potential vote compared to Robson’s 30 percent.
What People Are Saying
Gregg Pekau, managing partner at NextGenP, in the poll: “This is a very telling, and honestly shocking, survey that far exceeds anything we’ve seen regarding the 2026 general election for Governor. This should be a wakeup call to Republicans that we must unify and connect with voters beyond our party to win the Governor race in 2026. The good news is that there remains significant time to engage independent voters and rebuild support within the party’s base.”
Biggs, on X earlier this month: “Under Katie Hobbs, our state has seen:
-Job growth plummet
-Energy and gas prices skyrocket
-A blatant disregard for public safety and keeping our border secure
If we want to grow and keep people here, Arizona needs a Governor with a vision, not vetoes.”
Hobbs, on X in October: “Arizona: I’m running for re-election. Your stories of hard work, hope, and determination inspire me to keep moving our state forward. I’m ready to serve you for 4 more years and always put your family first. Let’s get to work.”
What Happens Next
As both parties intensify their field efforts and campaign spending, Arizona is expected to remain at the center of national attention in the 2026 midterm cycle.
Early survey leads may shift as campaigns develop and voters gain more information. Both major parties are expected to closely monitor voter attitudes as Arizona’s political landscape continues to evolve in the run-up to the elections.

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