Fall is fast approaching and before long the leaves on the trees will be turning from green to orange and red and yellow. Before they quickly turn to brown in the blink of an eye, be sure to catch some of the most beautiful leaves that Utah has to offer. Utah has always been known as a state full of great outdoor beauty and outdoor adventure and autumn is no different with the mountains full of changing maple and aspen leaves.
The prime time for watching the leaves change does vary year by year depending on when the first snow decides to fall, but for the most part the fall foliage peaks somewhere between mid-September to early October. Whether you’re looking for an easier family hike to enjoy with younger kids, the perfect trails for solo adventures, a perfect route for an autumn day’s drive, biking trails, a spot for a picnic or fishing spots surrounded by colorful trees, Utah has got the spot.
Some of the best areas for seeing the leaves are just outside of Salt Lake City in areas like Park City, Utah which offers not only amazing scenery but the charm of a resort town to make the day all the more enjoyable.
By heading up I-80 from Salt Lake City into Parley’s Canyon the leaf watching begins immediately and gets better as you continue to head east toward Park City. Once you’re in Park City itself, the area surrounding historic Main Street is the perfect backdrop for a charming autumn afternoon with the mountains serving as the ideal backdrop to the restaurants, art galleries and shops.
The nearby ski resorts are the perfect place to picnic or enjoy a hike with the family while collecting leaves or looking for wildlife. Deer Valley Ski Resort is especially beautiful in autumn as is The Canyons resort in Park City.
The stretch between Guardsman and Empire Pass in Park City is another great stretch for enjoying the vibrant colors. Mid Mountain Trail is ideal for hikes and bike riding and runs from Park City all the way toward Mirror Lake Highway and beyond.
The Alpine Loop is a must for anyone seeking fall leaves in Utah. This 25 mile stretch of highway winds through Uintah National Forest with miles of aspen trees turning yellow, views of colored valleys from the mountain tops, evergreens scattered among maples and crystal blue lakes scattered among the various scenic stops.