Do you love fall leaves? Me too. One of the best parts of fall is taking a day or a weekend to find the best fall leaves in Utah.
Utah is better known for the Greatest Snow on Earth and the Mighty 5 national parks than for its fall color. However, if you – like most of us in Utah – can see the mountains from your house, you know that Utah is beautiful in the fall too.
Here are my top tips on when and where to see fall leaves in Utah.
When Does Fall Start in Utah?
The last two weeks of September are usually the best time to find the best fall leaves in Utah's mountains. Leaves may be mostly green in the valleys, but fall colors typically peak around the third week of September in scenic canyons and on hiking trails.
Fall color in Utah coincides nicely with the official start of fall on September 22. It may peak earlier in high elevations or in a colder year. It may peak later at lower elevations and when the weather has been warm throughout September.
We typically enjoy gorgeous fall colors from late September through early October.
Related:
Where to Go
Here are four fun places to enjoy fall leaves in Utah in September.
Park City
We once spent a fall weekend at the luxurious Montage Deer Valley. We got off-season rates, but we had gorgeous views of the fall color from our room. There were so many fun family activities and restaurants at Montage, that we never left the resort during our two-night stay.
On another Labor Day trip, we were wowed by an early pop of fall leaves above Utah Olympic Park. Enjoying a day full of thrilling activities here was the perfect way to transition from summer to fall.
Related:
Little Cottonwood Canyon
Snowbird Resort hosts Oktoberfest every fall. It's located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, just outside Salt Lake City. This family-friendly event is held every weekend from mid-August through mid-October.
We have also enjoyed fall leaves at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon on the easy Temple Quarry Trail. The creek is dry in the fall, and this is a great place to hop around on granite boulders and take gorgeous photos.
Related:
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park has the best fall color of all Utah's national parks. It's a fantastic Fall Break destination.
Capitol Reef is a diverse park with lots of natural beauty and historical sites. You can even pick apples and other fruit from the park's historic orchards in season.
Related:
- 5 Fun Things to Do at Capitol Reef National Park
- Best Hikes for Families in Capitol Reef National Park
Ogden Valley
We took a September camping trip with friends near Eden, Utah a few years ago. The fall leaves were breathtaking. We even saw a moose on a short morning hike!
The fall color is hard to beat in Ogden Canyon. We love visiting the Ogden area, whether up the canyon near the ski resorts and Pineview Reservoir or downtown with its unique restaurants and family activities.
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Conclusion
It's a pity that the colorful fall leaves last such a short time because there are so many places to go and so little time! I hope that our experience gives you a few ideas for making the most of these gorgeous fall days.
If you have a favorite place to see fall leaves in Utah, please share it in the comments. I want to go see it!
Shelly
Pretty pictures! There is a really cool place to eat up near where you were called The Oaks. It is fun in the fall because you have the option of eating outside in a cute little private gazebo that is surrounded by shrubs and you can look up at the pretty fall leaves. I had a burger there with sweet potato fries and watermelon, all of which were delicious.
Allison
Thanks for the recommendation! I remember seeing that restaurant along the way and wondered if it was any good.
budgettraveltalk
I love those autumn colours. We live in North Queensland where we do not get to see these autumn displays.
InsideJourneys (@InsideJourneys)
Fall is definitely my favorite time of year but I’ll miss the leaves this year. Thanks for bringing them to me.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
Beautiful photos! Somehow, I’ve never pictured Utah to look like a picture perfect New England Autumn scene. But, now I know where to go in the coming years for Fall.
Allison
Thank you! I don’t think Utah will ever be the fall leaf peeping destination that New England is, but we obviously get our share of fall color. The view of the Wasatch Mountains right now is gorgeous and it’s hard to beat a Utah canyon drive at this time of year. I chose the native Big Tooth Maple in my front yard specificially for its vibrant fall colors.
darling729
AH!!!!! I miss seeing these colors of fall! You MUST link up with us today as my theme is Fall!!
Leigh
Gorgeous shots. I wish the leaves would last a little longer but I’m getting out to enjoy them while I can.
Lisa from Gone With The Family
Beautiful photos – the turning leaves are my favourite part of fall! We are just starting to get some colour here but we are heading north for Canadian Thanksgiving next weekend and the leaves should be at their peak!
Sonja
And I always thought I’d have to travel all the way across the country to see leaves turning! Never thought of heading over to Utah!
Marianne Rod
Hi I am planning to go jn October do you think utah still has vibrant fall colors?
Allison
Hi Marianne! There’s a good chance of still seeing some colorful fall leaves in early October. Most will have turned by late October.
Right now (September 29, 2020), there is still plenty of fall color in the mountains. The leaves in lower elevations haven’t turned yet. Depending on where and when in Utah you plan to visit, I’m crossing my fingers that you’ll still get some beautiful fall leaves!
Katie Baird
I’ve loved being in Utah for fall this year! I’ve found gorgeous leaves up the Alpine Loop, and in Millcreek Canyon (they were just stunning in early October by Church Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon). Midway has gorgeous leaves in Wasatch State Park and Snake Creek Canyon. So fun!