Salt Lake City Fall Colors in Utah 2025
Enjoy wonderful colors in and near Salt Lake City
Best time: mid-September–early October
As autumn approaches, Salt Lake City transforms into a picturesque destination filled with vibrant fall foliage. Put on your fuzzy cardigan, take a cup of warm cacao or mulled wine, and get ready to enjoy top-notch fall foliage spots in and near Salt Lake City. Whether enjoying a scenic drive along the Alpine Loop or hiking through the colorful trails of Millcreek Canyon, the beauty of Utah’s autumn landscapes is truly captivating.
Top Spots to Enjoy Fall Colors
Memory Grove Park
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Memory Grove Park offers a hidden paradise of red and yellow leaves. This park, situated at a lower elevation than the mountains, retains vibrant colors late into the season.
City Creek Canyon
Adjacent to Memory Grove Park, City Creek Canyon is a 6.5-mile (10.5 km) out-and-back trail that immerses visitors in dense red, yellow, and orange foliage. The trail usually takes about two and a half hours to complete and offers stunning views.
Big Cottonwood Canyon to Park City
A short drive from the city, Big Cottonwood Canyon is renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery and abundant biking and hiking opportunities. The road to the canyon is accessible via I-215, following the 6200 South exits.
Alpine Scenic Loop
Connecting American Fork Canyon with Provo Canyon, the Alpine Scenic Loop is a 24-mile (40 km) route that takes approximately 45 minutes to drive. The byway showcases glacially carved peaks and Mount Timpanogos, ideal for a memorable fall foliage experience.
Millcreek Canyon
Millcreek Canyon is a picturesque canyon in the Wasatch Mountains on the east side of the Salt Lake Valley. With plenty of hiking trails, it offers excellent fall color panoramas. Popular trails include Elbow Fork, Bowman Fork, Big Water Trail, and Dog Lake Trail. To get to Millcreek Canyon, take I-215 to Wasatch Blvd and turn onto Mill Creek Canyon Road.
Activities and Amenities
In these locations, visitors can engage in a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. Memory Grove Park and City Creek Canyon are perfect for leisurely strolls, while Big Cottonwood Canyon and Millcreek Canyon offer more challenging hikes. The Alpine Scenic Loop provides opportunities for both hiking and scenic drives. For those looking to enjoy a meal or a drink, several cafes and restaurants can be found near these locations. Big Cottonwood Canyon, for instance, has cafes and eateries in nearby Brighton and Solitude.
Entry Fees, Operating Hours, and Parking
Most of these locations do not charge an entrance fee, but some, like Millcreek Canyon, require a $5 fee per car. Operating hours vary, but generally, parks and trails are open from dawn to dusk. Parking is available at all these sites, with ample space in larger areas like Big Cottonwood Canyon and Alpine Scenic Loop.
Selfie Spots
For those looking to capture the perfect autumn photo, the Utah State Capitol grounds, with its fiery hues, and Liberty Park, with its 100-year-old trees, provide stunning backdrops. Main Street Salt Lake City offers a unique blend of skyscrapers and luminous yellow leaves, creating a striking contrast between the urban environment and nature. In the Sugar House neighborhood, the area around 1500 S 800 E boasts a tunnel of golden colors formed by arching historic trees, ideal for creating leaf confetti for that perfect shot. Additionally, the Alpine Scenic Loop and Millcreek Canyon offer numerous picturesque spots for memorable fall photos.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to fall foliage, visitors can explore other attractions near these locations. For example, the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon hosts the famous Oktoberfest, offering a unique combination of fall colors and festive activities. Liberty Park and Main Street in Salt Lake City offer cultural experiences and dining options.
Practical info
When is the ideal time to view the fall foliage in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is home to some amazing fall foliage which peaks during the last two weeks of September and early October. Shades of brilliant green turn to yellow, red, and orange, giving the area beautiful dense forests of color. The comfortable and cool weather at this time is perfect for extended stays, and the perfect vista will take your breath away.
What are the top Salt Lake City spots to immerse myself in fall colors?
There are several places to enjoy the vibrant fall foliage around Salt Lake City. The Alpine Scenic Loop is one of the best to explore and offers dramatic views of Mount Timpanogos and glacially-formed peaks. City Creek Canyon, Memory Grove Park, Millcreek Canyon, and Big Cottonwood Canyon Road all have colorful red, yellow, and orange trees. You will not be disappointed when exploring these picturesque spots.
How is Alpine Scenic Loop long and how long the drive will take?
If you are looking to explore the scenic Alpine Loop, you will be pleased to know that the 24-mile long (39km) road only takes about 45 minutes to drive. The area is renowned for its magnificent views and is a great vantage point to fully absorb the stunning landscape. A brief detour to Cascade Springs your drive may offer opportunities to spot some amazing wildlife and see the natural beauty of the area at a much slower pace.
When is the best time to see fall colors in Millcreek Canyon?
Millcreek Canyon transforms into a beautiful natural painting during the best time to see fall colors in Salt Lake City. The stunning panorama of the canyon is best witnessed during the last two weeks of September and early October when fall foliage is at its peak. To experience the best that this oasis has to offer, it is recommended to try popular hiking trails such as Dog Lake Trail, Big Water Trail, Bowman Fork, and Elbow Fork during this period.
How can I find the trailhead for hiking in City Creek Canyon?
If you are on the lookout for an excellent hiking experience, make your way to Memory Grove Park's trailhead and take the northbound trail towards the City Creek Canyon. The 6.5-mile (10.5 km) out-and-back trail offers the perfect distance an amazing view of the red, yellow, and orange foliage. It's a great way to spend two hours of your day and enjoy the fresh air while keeping healthy and revitalized.
