Fall is one of the best times to take a vacation, especially to Southern Utah. An already stunning landscape comes alive with brilliant fall foliage, crowds thin from the summer season, and cooling temperatures make outdoor activities even more enjoyable. While there are countless spots in the area that offer great autumn views, some areas really show out during the fall season. If you're planning a fall trip to the area, be sure to put these top fall spots on your itinerary! Before you hit the road, download your FREE Southern Utah Vacation Guide for an easy step-by-step guide to the ultimate Southern Utah vacation!
Cedar Breaks National MonumentBecause of its high altitude, the landscape at Cedar Breaks National Monument sees fall foliage much earlier than its lower neighbors. As early as September, the park's spruce-fir-aspen forests succumb to fall color, transforming into a dense blanket of golden leaves against the park's natural rock amphitheater. One of the best places to see fall foliage in Cedar Breaks is along the Alpine Pond Trail. This two-mile double loop winds through a lush fall forest before reaching the spring-fed Alpine Pond that overlooks a strand of bristlecone pines.
Bryce Canyon National ParkKnown for its abundance of lush evergreen trees, Bryce Canyon National Park isn't the best place to see a display of fall foliage. But in early October, the waning autumn light turns the park's natural beauty into a kaleidoscope of color that shouldn't be missed. Especially in the morning light, the colorful red-orange hoodoos seem to glow in stark relief against the rich blue sky and brilliant green leaves.
Thanks to cool autumn temperatures, hiking the park's 4 best viewpoints - Sunrise, Sunset, Bryce, and Inspiration points - can be done comfortably in a single day, giving you plenty of perfect fall snapshots. And in our Under The Rim Guesthouse rental, you'll be nestled right under the rim of Bryce Canyon for stunning views your entire stay!
Zion National ParkZion National Park is one of the most picturesque parks in the country, and it gets even better during the fall. As autumn falls, the leaves come alive in glorious hues of orange, yellow, and gold, each standing in direct contrast to the park's red sandstone cliffs. Plus, the cooler temperatures and low crowds make exploring the park by foot as enjoyable as it is beautiful during the fall.
Hiking to the Timber Creek Overlook near the Kolob Canyons is one of the best ways to experience the park's fantastic fall foliage. If you're an experienced hiker, this is also one of the best times to hike the iconic Narrows top-down as it winds through a brilliant explosion of red and orange maples (permits are required).
Aspen-Mirror LakeThis charming mountain lake near Duck Creek Village is surrounded by a thick grove of aspen trees, making it a spectacular fall destination. In early October, the trees erupt in dizzying hues of red, gold, and orange, dropping their leaves to the water below on every gentle breeze. The glassy surface reflects the trees and skies above in perfect clarity, creating a mirror effect that turns every shot into an award-winning photo op. Just a short ATV trail from Aspen-Mirror Lake, our Hillside Hideaway rental is your perfect home base for everything Duck Creek Village. Surrounded by a large wooded lot, you may find spectacular fall foliage right off your private outdoor viewing deck!
Cedar Breaks National MonumentBecause of its high altitude, the landscape at Cedar Breaks National Monument sees fall foliage much earlier than its lower neighbors. As early as September, the park's spruce-fir-aspen forests succumb to fall color, transforming into a dense blanket of golden leaves against the park's natural rock amphitheater. One of the best places to see fall foliage in Cedar Breaks is along the Alpine Pond Trail. This two-mile double loop winds through a lush fall forest before reaching the spring-fed Alpine Pond that overlooks a strand of bristlecone pines.
Bryce Canyon National ParkKnown for its abundance of lush evergreen trees, Bryce Canyon National Park isn't the best place to see a display of fall foliage. But in early October, the waning autumn light turns the park's natural beauty into a kaleidoscope of color that shouldn't be missed. Especially in the morning light, the colorful red-orange hoodoos seem to glow in stark relief against the rich blue sky and brilliant green leaves.
Thanks to cool autumn temperatures, hiking the park's 4 best viewpoints - Sunrise, Sunset, Bryce, and Inspiration points - can be done comfortably in a single day, giving you plenty of perfect fall snapshots. And in our Under The Rim Guesthouse rental, you'll be nestled right under the rim of Bryce Canyon for stunning views your entire stay!
Zion National ParkZion National Park is one of the most picturesque parks in the country, and it gets even better during the fall. As autumn falls, the leaves come alive in glorious hues of orange, yellow, and gold, each standing in direct contrast to the park's red sandstone cliffs. Plus, the cooler temperatures and low crowds make exploring the park by foot as enjoyable as it is beautiful during the fall.
Hiking to the Timber Creek Overlook near the Kolob Canyons is one of the best ways to experience the park's fantastic fall foliage. If you're an experienced hiker, this is also one of the best times to hike the iconic Narrows top-down as it winds through a brilliant explosion of red and orange maples (permits are required).
Aspen-Mirror LakeThis charming mountain lake near Duck Creek Village is surrounded by a thick grove of aspen trees, making it a spectacular fall destination. In early October, the trees erupt in dizzying hues of red, gold, and orange, dropping their leaves to the water below on every gentle breeze. The glassy surface reflects the trees and skies above in perfect clarity, creating a mirror effect that turns every shot into an award-winning photo op. Just a short ATV trail from Aspen-Mirror Lake, our Hillside Hideaway rental is your perfect home base for everything Duck Creek Village. Surrounded by a large wooded lot, you may find spectacular fall foliage right off your private outdoor viewing deck!