This post is about the best places to see fall colors in Utah!
When autumn arrives in Utah, the state transforms into a breathtaking patchwork of golden aspens, scrub oak, and vibrant red maples. From the high elevation peaks of the Wasatch Mountains to the red rock canyons of southern Utah, there’s no shortage of scenic routes and colorful mountain passes to explore. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or a full fall foliage tour, here are the best places to experience Utah’s fall colors at their peak.
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Know Before You Go
The best time to see fall colors in Utah depends on elevation and region. In general:
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Late September to early October: Great for high elevation areas like Nebo Loop, Alpine Loop, and the Wasatch Mountains.
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Beginning to mid-October: Ideal for mid-range elevations around Park City, Provo Canyon, and Big Cottonwood Canyon.
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Mid- to late October: Peak season for southern Utah, including Zion, Bryce, and Cedar City.
Use a fall foliage map to track the multitude of peak viewing times, and consider using scenic backways or long weekend drives for a more immersive experience.
Bonus Tips for a Fall Utah Road Trip
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Take UT-12 between Bryce Canyon and Torrey for one of the best scenic drives in the country.
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Bring layers! Fall days can be warm but nights at high elevations are chilly.
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Plan for crowds in national parks, especially on weekends.
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Parking lots at popular trailheads fill quickly—arrive early.
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Consider a loop that includes the Colorado River, San Francisco-style switchbacks (hello, Kolob Canyons!), or lesser-known spots like North Fork Park and smaller canyons for solitude.
Where to See Fall Colors in Utah
1. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
The Alpine Loop in Utah County is one of the best scenic drives in the state during the fall season. This narrow road winds through American Fork Canyon, past Cascade Springs, and ends near Provo Canyon. The higher elevations here are ideal for catching early color, especially from late September to early October. Don’t miss a stop at Bridal Veil Falls—a great spot for photos.
2. Big Cottonwood Canyon & Brighton Resort
Just a short drive from Salt Lake City, Big Cottonwood Canyon is a favorite spot among locals for its beautiful fall colors. Hike one of the fun trails near Silver Lake or take a scenic drive up to Brighton Resort. With a multitude of peak viewing times throughout September and October, this area offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the Salt Lake Valley.
3. Guardsman Pass & Wasatch Back
At the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, you’ll reach Guardsman Pass, which connects to Park City via the Wasatch Back. This mountain pass is lined with golden aspens and offers sweeping views of mountain ranges and lush vegetation. It’s one of the best places to take fall photos or go horseback riding through colorful meadows.
4. Mirror Lake Highway
Stretching from Kamas to the Uinta Mountains, the Mirror Lake Highway is a scenic route that climbs to some of the highest elevations in northern Utah. This drive is especially gorgeous in the beginning of October, when fall colors are at their peak season. Keep an eye out for North Fork Park and Emigration Canyon along the way for detours full of fall foliage.
5. Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway
If you’re exploring northern Utah, don’t miss the Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway. Connecting Brigham City to Bear Lake near Garden City, this drive is known for its vibrant hues of red and orange. Sardine Canyon near the mouth of Ogden Canyons is also a good gauge for when Utah’s fall foliage is nearing peak.
6. Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway
Another stunner is the Nebo Loop, located in the southern end of Utah Valley. It climbs past high elevation viewpoints and winds through a forest of scrub oak and aspens. The top of the canyon delivers panoramic views that make it a great place for leaf peeping and photography.
7. Southern Utah’s Red Rock Contrast
Fall in southern Utah offers a unique twist—golden aspens set against the red rock cliffs. Head to Zion National Park and check out Kolob Canyons or the Zion Overlook for stunning contrasts. Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and nearby Brian Head and Duck Creek Village in Dixie National Forest all offer beautiful fall colors starting in early October.
8. Boulder Mountain & Fish Lake
Between Capitol Reef and Escalante, Boulder Mountain is a great spot for a fall road trip. The drive here, lined with county roads, hot springs, and fiery aspens, is one of Utah’s hidden gems. Nearby, Fish Lake is another high-altitude location surrounded by towering trees and scenic backways.
9. Little Cottonwood Canyon & Salt Lake City Drives
Little Cottonwood Canyon, not far from Salt Lake City, also offers fall foliage just minutes from downtown. Pair it with a drive through Emigration Canyon or explore canyon roads in the Salt Lake Valley for a relaxed, scenic afternoon.
