1. Logan Canyon
Logan Canyon runs along US-89 between Logan and Bear Lake in far northern Utah. You'll hit red and orange maples low in the canyon, then gold aspens higher up near Tony Grove and Bear Lake Summit. From Salt Lake City, take I-15 north to Logan, then follow US-89 east into the canyon. The drive to Bear Lake takes about 45 minutes without stops.
2. Mirror Lake Highway
UT-150 climbs out of Kamas into the Uinta Mountains, Utah's highest range. Aspen groves line the road for miles, especially between Soapstone and Bald Mountain Pass. Take I-80 east from Salt Lake City to Kimball Junction, then US-40 and UT-248 to Kamas, where the highway begins. Bring a Forest Service pass to park along the route.
3. American Fork Canyon and the Alpine Loop
The Alpine Loop (UT-92) connects American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon through the Uinta National Forest, passing Timpanogos Cave and Sundance along the way. Aspens turn the upper switchbacks yellow, while oak brush lower down turns red. From I-15, take the American Fork exit and follow signs for Timpanogos Cave National Monument to reach the canyon entrance. Grab a day pass before you drive the loop.
4. Nebo Loop Scenic Byway
The Nebo Loop runs 38 miles between Payson and Nephi through the Uinta National Forest, climbing past 11,928-foot Mount Nebo. You'll pass through oak and juniper at the bottom, then aspen and spruce-fir near the top, with a stop at the red rock formations at Devil's Kitchen. From I-15, exit at Payson and follow 600 East, which becomes Nebo Loop Road. Or start from the Nephi exit and head east on UT-132.
5. Boulder Mountain
Scenic Byway 12 climbs to over 9,000 feet between Torrey and Boulder, crossing Boulder Mountain in south central Utah. Aspen stands turn gold against red rock views of Capitol Reef in the distance. From Torrey, follow UT-12 south. Stop at the Larb Hollow Overlook near the top for one of the better photo pull-offs.
6. Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks sits above 10,000 feet outside Cedar City, where aspen groves ring a red rock amphitheater that looks a lot like Bryce Canyon. The elevation means color peaks earlier here than almost anywhere else in the state, usually by late September. From Cedar City, take UT-14 east, then UT-148 north to the monument entrance.
7. Colorado River and the La Sal Mountains
Moab's fall colors show up later and lower than the rest of the state. Cottonwoods along the Colorado River turn yellow through October and into November, set against red rock canyon walls. For alpine color, drive the La Sal Mountain Loop Road southeast of town, where aspens turn gold against 12,000-foot peaks. From Moab, follow UT-128 along the river, or pick up the La Sal Loop Road off US-191 south of town.