Fall is an incredible time to visit Zion National Park. As temperatures get cooler, it's the perfect time for a hiking adventure. Also, the crowds are much smaller compared to summer, and the park looks stunning as beautiful red, yellow, and orange leaves add so much color to its rugged desert landscape.
Though the climate in Zion National Park is incredibly arid, many trees thrive in the park. Evergreen white pines, ponderosa pines, and Douglas fir are mixed with golden aspens, crimson maples, copper oaks, and yellow cottonwoods. During the fall months, red and gold accents brighten the desert landscapes, creating lots of opportunities for nature photographers.
When is the best time to see fall colors in Zion National Park
Zion National Park has a very long fall foliage season due to the variety in elevations. At higher elevations in Zion, you can see plenty of trees turning bright by mid-September. The peak season in the park usually lasts from late September to early October. However, at lower elevations, you can see picturesque fall colors as late as mid-November.
Best places to see fall colors in Zion National Park
To get the big picture of the fall in Zion, take the easy one-mile Canyon Overlook Trail, east of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The views of Zion Canyon from far above will take your breath away. A one-hour trail is perfect for families and those who are not ready for long strenuous hikes. The Virgin River is another excellent location to spot fall foliage. Hikers can start on the 2.2 mi (3.5 km) Riverside Walk, which is paved and comfortable. From there you can take the scenic Emerald Pools Trail, which is especially rich with deciduous trees. A more challenging option is to walk on the river bed from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle station in an opposite direction for several miles. This way you can reach Zion Narrows, a beautiful slot canyon, which looks even better with colorful trees. If you are ready to challenge yourself even more, take the 5.4 mi (8.7 km) Angels Landing hike, which offers views down into the canyon from a staggering height of 1,500 ft (457 m).
A scenic drive
To fully appreciate the beauty of Southern Utah, take a drive on the 5 mi (8 km) Kolob Finger Scenic Byway that goes to Kolob Finger canyons. In the fall, the road is surrounded by red and orange trees. Don't forget to stop at Timber Creek Overlook to take a picture.
Another advantage of visiting Zion in the fall is the most vivid wildlife. You can see bighorn sheep, rock squirrels, mule deer, ringtail cats, and wild turkeys. Overall, the park is home to 68 species of mammal, most of which are especially active during fall.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Zion National Park to see fall colors?
To see Zion National Park's fall colors, visit from mid-September to mid-November. At higher elevations, bright leaves can be seen from mid-September. The peak season typically lasts from late September to early October. You can still see picturesque fall foliage at lower elevations as late as mid-November, making it a long fall foliage season at Zion. Show more
Where are the best places to see fall colors in Zion National Park?
Zion National Park's Canyon Overlook Trail and the Virgin River are the two best places to spot fall colors. The Overlook Trail offers incredible views of Zion Canyon and is an easy trail while the Emerald Pools Trail is more challenging. For a more unique experience, take the 5.4-mile Angels Landing, standing at a height of 1500ft and offering breathtaking views of the canyon. Show more
What is the easiest hike to see fall colors?
Looking for an easy hike to witness fall colors? The Canyon Overlook Trail is the best option. It's a short, one-mile trail that takes about an hour to complete and perfect for families or beginners. It is an easy trail to navigate, with incredible views of the Zion Canyon and offers a great way to enjoy the fall foliage. Show more
Where can you drive to see fall colors in Zion National Park?
The five-mile Kolob Fingers Scenic Byway is the best scenic drive you can take to spot fall colors in Zion National Park. The road goes to the Kolob Finger canyons, surrounded by red and orange trees in the fall. You can also head to Timber Creek Overlook for an excellent picture spot. Don't miss out on this scenic drive while visiting Zion. Show more
What wildlife can you see in Zion National Park during fall?
Fall is the best time to spot vivid wildlife in Zion National Park. You can spot bighorn sheep, rock squirrels, mule deer, ringtail cats, wild turkeys, and over 68 species of mammals in Zion. This season is the perfect time to visit the park and take advantage of seeing the park's wildlife, especially since many of these animals are active during this season. Show more
