Fall Foliage Road Trips Across Utah
Nestled just an hour’s drive east of Salt Lake City, Big Cottonwood Canyon reveals a stunning palette of fall colors that beckon leaf-peepers and hikers alike. The canyon’s winding road follows a creek flanked by towering aspens, their golden leaves shimmering against the rugged granite backdrop. Hiking the Lake Desolation Trail offers a moderate 6.5-mile round trip that climbs to a serene alpine lake, framed by fiery yellow and orange foliage by October. The crisp mountain air and scenic overlooks make it a favorite spot to pause and soak in the autumnal splendor. Big Cottonwood’s proximity to the city makes it an accessible escape, yet its high elevation creates a cooler, earlier peak in fall colors compared to the valleys below.
Farther south, the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway in the Uinta Mountains boasts some of Utah’s most breathtaking fall views. Starting near Kamas, about 45 minutes northeast of Park City, this 42-mile drive climbs over 10,000 feet, threading through groves of quaking aspens that transform into vivid golds and reds by late September. The contrasts between the golden foliage, the evergreen pines, and the granite peaks make for postcard-perfect panoramas. Stopping at Mirror Lake itself, visitors can enjoy a gentle 2-mile loop trail that circles the glassy water, reflecting the blaze of autumn colors. The high elevation means the foliage season can start early and then fade quickly with the arrival of snow, so timing a trip here in early to mid-fall provides the best experience.
Heading west from Salt Lake City, the scenic drive through the Millcreek Canyon offers a peaceful retreat painted with fall hues just a half-hour from downtown. The Dog Lake Trail is a popular choice for seeing the foliage up close—an easy to moderate 3.6-mile round trip that climbs through dense aspen groves to a tranquil mountain lake. The trail’s relatively low elevation compared to the Uintas means the foliage here peaks slightly later, often holding bright colors well into October. Millcreek’s accessibility and the quiet forest atmosphere lend it a unique charm, especially on weekday mornings when the canyon feels like a secret shared among locals.
Further south in southeastern Utah, the La Sal Mountains rise above the red rock desert near Moab, about 30 minutes southeast of the town. Driving the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, a 54-mile circuit, reveals a striking contrast between the fiery fall colors of aspen groves and the deep red sandstone formations below. The drive itself includes stops at overlooks like the Milt’s Stop & Eat, where you can savor views of fall foliage set against dramatic mesas. Hiking the Oowah Lake Trail offers a moderate 4.6-mile loop through golden aspens and meadows, with the lake gleaming amidst the riot of color. The La Sals’ higher elevation means the aspens often peak in late September, providing a vivid autumn counterpoint to Moab’s desert landscape.
On the northeastern edge of the state, the Bear Lake area offers a different kind of fall foliage experience about 90 minutes from Logan. Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its striking turquoise waters, Bear Lake is ringed by pockets of vibrant aspen groves that light up against the lake’s blue expanse. Driving the Bear Lake Scenic Byway along the western shore, travelers can stop at various points to admire the contrast between the water and the fall colors. The nearby Mount Logan Trail provides a more strenuous option for those seeking panoramic views; this 14-mile round trip gains significant elevation but rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of fall foliage and the lake below. Early to mid-October brings the best leaf color here, often coinciding with a peaceful slowdown after summer crowds depart.
Near the town of Panguitch, about two hours south of Salt Lake City, the Red Canyon area on Scenic Byway 12 presents a remarkable fusion of fiery red rock and autumn aspens. Red Canyon’s striking hoodoos and spires are framed by groves of yellow and orange leaves, creating a painterly landscape unique to this part of Utah. Hiking the Pink Ledges Trail, a moderate 2-mile loop, immerses visitors in this colorful setting, where the sunlit rock formations glow warmly against the crisp fall foliage. Scenic Byway 12 itself offers multiple overlooks with sweeping views of the canyon and the surrounding Dixie National Forest. Late September through early October is prime time here, with the contrast between the red rocks and golden leaves especially vivid on sunny afternoons.
Closer to the northern Utah town of Ogden, the Ogden Canyon Drive winds along the Ogden River through a corridor of cottonwoods, maples, and aspens. Only about 10 minutes from downtown, this picturesque canyon transforms into a tunnel of color in the fall. The Waterfall Canyon Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip hike, leads to a seasonal cascade surrounded by autumn leaves, offering a refreshing reward after the climb. Ogden Canyon’s blend of accessible trails, historic buildings, and vibrant foliage gives visitors a charming small-town feel with nature right at the doorstep. The best foliage is typically visible throughout October, often accompanied by crisp mornings and clear skies perfect for photography.
In the southwestern corner of Utah, Cedar Breaks National Monument near Cedar City offers a spectacular, high-altitude fall foliage spectacle. Approximately 45 minutes southeast of Cedar City, this natural amphitheater sits over 10,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by dense stands of aspen and subalpine fir. The Point Supreme Trail is a gentle 1.5-mile loop that provides breathtaking views into the colorful amphitheater and the surrounding peaks. The early onset of fall colors here, often by mid-September, combined with the dramatic geology of the eroded cliffs and spires, creates a scene unlike any other in Utah. Autumn visitors to Cedar Breaks will find a peaceful, less crowded setting to absorb the season’s vibrant hues.
Each of these destinations reveals a different facet of Utah’s rich fall color tapestry, from mountain lakes and alpine trails to red rock canyons and serene desert shorelines. The diversity in elevation and geography means that the foliage season stretches from early September in the highest ranges to mid-October in lower valleys, rewarding travelers who time their trips carefully. Whether you seek a peaceful lakeside stroll or a scenic drive through towering aspens, Utah’s landscapes provide a vivid backdrop for celebrating the crisp, colorful magic of fall.