Utah Fall Foliage 2025

With its superb variety of native trees and breathtaking terrain, Utah is the western counterpart to popular fall foliage destinations like Vermont or New Hampshire. Kaleidoscopic hues come from quaking aspens, canyon maples, Douglas hawthorns, scrub oaks, serviceberries, and evergreens.

When to see Utah's fall colors

Countless national parks, wild woods, and scenic byways are located at different elevations, which means a multitude of peak fall leaf seasons. Mostly, the prime time continues from mid-September through early October. The brilliance of fall colors comes first to the highlands and then descends to lower areas. Finally, remember to follow up with the latest forecasts for your chosen adventure, as the peak season differs yearly.

Best places to See Fall Colors in Utah

As you move into the southern half of the state, you'll find wide spaces and pristine lands. Be sure to check out Fishlake National Forest, praised for Fish Lake, the largest mountain lake in the state, as well as awe-inspiring golden aspens. Visit the forest's main jewel—Pando, the Trembling Giant. ("Pando" is Latin for "I spread.") The colony of some 47,000 clonal aspens share one massive root system and are recognized as a single living organism—among the world's oldest. Capitol Reef National Park, located nearby, offers a unique opportunity to witness vibrant fall colors against its iconic red rock formations. Included in the $20 national park entrance fee is access to the scenic drive and hiking trails, as well as the chance to pick fruit in historic orchards.

Big Cottonwood Canyon, nestled in Utah's Wasatch Mountains, is a 15-mile scenic byway perfect for leaf-peepers. Enjoy vibrant aspens and pines, roadside picnics, and historic trails. Highlights include hikes to Donut Falls, family activities at Solitude Mountain and Brighton Resort, and the golden glow of Silver Lake in the fall. For another unforgettable autumn journey in Utah, drive the seasonal Guardsmans Pass scenic byway to Park City and the Heber Valley. Starting in Big Cottonwood Canyon, this backcountry mountain pass ascends to a summit of 9,700 feet, offering breathtaking views of vibrant aspens and oaks. From the overlook, enjoy striking fall foliage in shades of orange, gold, and red stretching over the Salt Lake Valley.

Another titbit for the lovers of fall charm is the dense Dixie National Forest, the largest found within the state. The woods span across Southwestern Utah, next to Cedar City. The neighboring Zion National Park boasts the most glorious fall displays in the middle of the desert. Appreciate unique fallscapes composed of vibrant spots of crimson maples, burnt-orange oaks, and yellow cottonwoods against pale rocks and blue skies. Your secret guide is the Emerald Pools Trail, which will show you to most of Zion's deciduous trees.

Scenic Drives

One of the best ways to discover fall colors in Northern Utah is a road trip. Ogden Valley is among leaf peepers' favorites. Take in alpine beauty on Route 39, also known as Ogden River Scenic Byway. The route travels east from Ogden through Huntsville up to Monte Cristo Campground and down to Woodruff in the Bear River Valley. Treat yourself to a picturesque Alpine Loop Scenic Byway that connects Cedar Hills with Wildwood. Or take to the stunning Nebo Loop Road running south of Provo, from Payson to Route 132, east of Nephi.

Explore Provo Canyon's stunning drive with its flanking mountains. Stop at Bridal Veil Falls to marvel at the waterfall amidst fall foliage. Walk the Provo River Parkway Trail for more autumn colors. Head to Heber for the Pumpkin Train on the Heber Valley Historic Railroad, enjoying views of the Provo River. Extend your day by continuing to Park City or Guardsman Pass into Big Cottonwood Canyon for more scenic beauty. Hobble Creek Canyon near Springville offers a scenic drive amidst the colorful Wasatch Mountains—branches off onto the west fork of Hobble Creek Canyon, reconnecting with Highway 89. Enjoy camping and picnicking spots like Jolley's Ranch or hike the Wardsworth Creek Trail.

Spanish Fork Canyon is accessed via US-6 southeast toward Price. Highlights include Fifth Water Hot Springs along Diamond Fork Road. Rest at Tie Fork Rest Area for fall foliage picnics, or stop by the flooded ghost town of Thistle on Highway 89 if you're feeling adventurous. Highway 68, west of Utah Lake, offers a unique scenic route. Though lacking autumn foliage, it provides stunning views of the lake against the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains. Witness a spectacular sunrise over the mountains for an unforgettable experience.

Logan Canyon offers a splendid fall drive with its extensive length. Starting near Utah State University in Logan, you'll first encounter red and orange maples, with occasional purples. As you continue, yellow aspens in shades from pale yellow to golden orange dominate the scenery. Numerous pullouts provide perfect spots for photos. Family-friendly hikes like Tony Grove and Wind Cave offer great fall trails.