Where to See Fall Foliage in Utah
Utah’s brief leaf-peeping season runs roughly from September through early October. While heading up any canyon into the Wasatch Range will reward you with a splash of color, these drives are particularly stunning. In dry years, colors may be less spectacular, especially at lower elevations.
- Alpine Scenic Loop: Take a winding drive up Mount Timpanogos, north of Provo. The aspen grove near the summit is the highlight of the drive. Be sure to visit Cascade Springs, which sparkles in the early October light.
- Mirror Lake Highway: Head up at least as far as Provo River Falls for huge swaths of yellow, orange, and red aspens. Make a day of it by going to Mirror Lake for a paddle or a hike.
- Big Cottonwood Canyon: Short on time? Drive from Salt Lake City up to Solitude and Brighton ski areas. Make it a road trip by continuing across Guardsman Pass to Park City or Heber City, past a tapestry of red, yellow, and green.
- Boulder Mountain: The Aquarius Plateau is North America’s highest timbered plateau, and in early September, it bursts with color.
- Capitol Reef National Park: Capitol Reef is Utah’s best national park for fall color. The trees along the Fremont River change a little later than those at higher elevations. Visit in October, when the orchard’s apples will be primed for picking. If you have more time, visit nearby Pando, a massive aspen clone that’s considered the world’s largest organism.
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