FALL IN UTAH ROCKS
Utah is known for its stunning fall foliage, especially with its diverse landscapes from mountains to red rock deserts. Here are some of the best places to experience fall colors in Utah:
1. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
– Location: Provo Canyon to American Fork Canyon
– Highlights: This scenic byway offers vibrant aspens and maples in fiery oranges, reds, and yellows. The 20-mile drive takes you through Sundance Resort and provides spectacular mountain views.
2. Logan Canyon
– Location: Logan to Bear Lake
– Highlights: This winding canyon offers a blend of colorful deciduous trees like maples and oaks with evergreen forests. The drive leads to Bear Lake, which reflects the vibrant fall colors beautifully.
3. Zion National Park
– Location: Southern Utah
– Highlights: While more famous for its red rock formations, Zion offers spectacular fall foliage, especially in the cottonwood and oak trees along the Virgin River. The contrast between the golden leaves and the red cliffs is breathtaking.
4. Capitol Reef National Park
– Location: Central Utah
– Highlights: The orchards in the Fruita Historic District offer brilliant fall colors, along with the surrounding cliffs and valleys. The Fremont River area is also a great spot for fall photography.
5. Fishlake National Forest
– Location: Central Utah, near Fish Lake
– Highlights: Home to Pando, one of the oldest and largest living organisms, this forest offers stunning golden aspen groves in the fall, particularly around Fish Lake.
6. Mirror Lake Highway
– Location: Kamas to Evanston, WY
– Highlights: This high-elevation route offers scenic views of lakes, mountains, and vast stands of aspens that turn golden in the fall. The route also offers great hiking opportunities.
7. Cedar Breaks National Monument
– Location: Near Brian Head
– Highlights: Situated at over 10,000 feet, Cedar Breaks is one of the first places in Utah to see fall colors. The juxtaposition of the colorful aspens against the vibrant red and orange amphitheater makes for an unforgettable sight.
8. Mount Nebo Scenic Byway
– Location: Between Nephi and Payson
– Highlights: This byway is famous for its vibrant fall colors, especially the bright red and orange maples that cover the slopes of Mount Nebo.
9. Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons
– Location: Near Salt Lake City
– Highlights: Both canyons offer a mix of aspens, maples, and oaks, making them popular spots for hiking, scenic drives, and fall foliage photography.
10. Escalante Canyons Scenic Drive
– Location: Between Boulder and Escalante
– Highlights: This area combines colorful rock formations with aspens and cottonwoods that light up in the fall, offering a unique desert-meets-foliage experience.
Whether you’re hiking, driving, or just taking in the scenery, these spots provide some of the best views of fall colors in Utah. When do you plan to explore?