As we get closer to the official start of fall, the leaves on trees across the state are beginning to change color. Many people enjoy driving through canyons and other scenic routes to see the fall colors in Utah.
However, many people wonder about the optimal time and locations to view these beautiful, colorful leaves. Here’s when and where to see the best fall colors in Utah.
What is the best time to see fall colors in Utah?
According to VisitUtah, “it’s difficult to predict the exact dates of leaf change because there are a number of factors involved. However, a good guideline is to assume that the best fall foliage season begins in mid-September at the highest elevations and ends in early October in most places.”
Smoky Mountain has a fall foliage forecast map that visually shows when and where the leaves will change color.
What are the best routes to see the fall colors in Utah?
According to VisitUtah, here’s a list of the best fall driving routes in Utah, where you can explore beautiful nature combined with an unexpected adventure.
Logan Gap
“From Logan, the 41-mile scenic route follows the Logan River to an elevation of 7,700 feet overlooking the turquoise waters of Bear Lake, often called “the Caribbean of the Rockies,” before descending to Garden City,” according to Visit Utah.
The drive takes about an hour round trip and along the way you can stop at Tony Grove Lake, Bear Lake Viewpoint, Rick’s Spring and Old Ephraim’s Grave.
Fishing lake scenic road
According to VisitUtah, “Coming from the east on the Fish Lake Scenic Byway, you’ll pass the jewel of the forest, Fish Lake, known for its recreational fun and yellow-blown aspen groves. Take the chance for a scenic drive in Utah to see the leaves changing on an aspen clone known as Pando, believed to be the heaviest organism ever found at nearly 13 million pounds.”
Pando is located on State Route 25, approximately 1 mile southwest of Fish Lake.
Ogden River Scenic Route
Those wanting to see Utah’s fall colors can travel east from Ogden along the 43-mile (70-kilometer) Ogden River Scenic Byway, which ends at the eastern border of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
“This hike takes in narrow canyons, a vast and beautiful valley, and some lovely alpine meadows and forests,” according to VisitUtah.
Energy Loop – Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byway
Located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, this trail “captures the best of Utah’s high alpine experience (think 10,000 feet elevation) as it winds across the Wasatch Plateau between contrasting fields of yellow aspens and deep green conifers,” according to VisitUtah.
Also located on this road is the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, where more than 12,000 dinosaur bones have been excavated.
Where can you see fall leaves in Utah’s national parks?
According to VisitUtah, these are scenic drives in and around some of Utah’s national parks where visitors can admire the fall colors.
Capital Reef Panorama Route
This route through Capital Reef National Park is accessible to all vehicles and is on an eight-mile paved road.
“There are a number of places where you can rest and enjoy the park’s towering sandstone cliffs, red rocks and fall colors,” according to VisitUtah.
Zion Canyon Panorama Route
Visitors can make this trip by shuttle bus that runs regularly through Zion National Park.
The 6-mile stretch of road follows the North Fork portion of the Virgin River.
Zion Park Scenic Road
Another drive on Zion National that visitors can experience in their own vehicles. It is a 54-mile one-way trip, east from I-15 to US 89.
According to VisitUtah, this route offers “plenty of opportunities to pull off the road and take photos.”
La Sal Mountain Loop Trail
This trail is located in southeastern Utah, near Moab and Arches National Park. The trail is 60 miles long and can take visitors over two hours to complete.
The route climbs to over 10,000 feet in elevation, offering views of Castle Valley and the changing trees of the Colorado Plateau.
