Autumn in Utah: 11 breathtaking fall hikes and drives
Discover the best leaf peeping in Utah with these stunning fall hikes and drives. From golden aspens to red rock canyons, find peak autumn colors statewide.
Utah transforms into a painter's palette each fall, with golden aspens blanketing mountainsides and red rock canyons creating stunning contrasts. Here are 11 must-see spots to experience autumn's spectacular show.
1. Alpine Loop (American Fork Canyon)
This 20-mile scenic drive takes you through tunnels of golden aspens at their peak brilliance. The route connects American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon, offering multiple pullouts for photos and short hikes.
2. Mirror Lake Highway (Highway 150)
Drive this high-elevation route for endless aspen groves and alpine lakes reflecting fall colors. The highway climbs to over 10,000 feet, providing some of Utah's most accessible mountain autumn views.
3. Logan Canyon (Highway 89)
This stunning canyon drive features vibrant maples mixed with golden aspens along the Logan River. The 41-mile route offers easy roadside viewing and several trailheads for deeper exploration.
4. Guardsman Pass
Connect Park City to Big Cottonwood Canyon on this scenic mountain pass dotted with aspen groves. The drive offers spectacular views of the Wasatch Range painted in fall colors.
5. Cascade Springs Nature Trail
This easy 1-mile boardwalk trail winds through natural springs surrounded by colorful oak and maple trees. Located in American Fork Canyon, it's perfect for families wanting to experience fall colors without a strenuous hike.
6. Lake Blanche Trail
This 6-mile round-trip hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon leads to an alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and golden aspens. The trail gains 2,700 feet in elevation but rewards hikers with some of the Wasatch's best fall scenery.
7. Payson Lakes
A short drive up Payson Canyon leads to these mountain lakes surrounded by brilliant aspen stands. The area offers easy walking paths and camping for those wanting to extend their fall color experience.
8. Kolob Canyons (Zion National Park)
The finger canyons of Kolob showcase red rock walls contrasted with golden cottonwoods along canyon floors. The 5-mile scenic drive and Taylor Creek Trail offer unique desert fall colors.
9. Nebo Loop (Highway 132)
This 38-mile scenic byway climbs through diverse ecosystems from oak brush to aspen forests on Mount Nebo. The route provides sweeping valley views framed by autumn colors.
10. Silver Lake Trail (Big Cottonwood Canyon)
This easy 1-mile loop around Silver Lake offers family-friendly fall viewing with minimal elevation gain. The trail provides close-up views of aspens reflected in the crystal-clear mountain lake.
11. Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Loop
Located in the Uinta Mountains, this 13-mile drive features spectacular aspen groves and unique geological formations. The route offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities among the fall colors.
When is the best time to see Utah's fall leaves?
Utah's fall color season typically peaks from mid-September to early October, depending on elevation. Higher elevation areas like Mirror Lake Highway and the Uinta Mountains change first, usually peaking in mid to late September. Lower elevation canyons like Logan Canyon and American Fork Canyon hit their stride in late September to early October. Weather plays a crucial role - cold nights and warm days create the most vibrant colors, while early storms can cut the season short. Check current conditions before heading out, as peak timing can shift by a week or two each year.