Scoop note
Autumn in Utah: 7 Breathtaking Spots for Fall Colors
As someone who lives in Utah, I am always impressed by the incredible colors that surround Salt Lake City when autumn arrives. For several years, I spent part of the fall traveling to the East Coast, which meant missing out on the seasonal beauty closer to home. In 2024, however, I stayed in Utah for the entire autumn, and I quickly realized I had made the right choice. The scenery was spectacular from beginning to end.
Kieran Brooks
Cart note
Serving tip
The full scoop write-up continues below on the dessert cart.
Treat
Frozen Fruit Dessert
As someone who lives in Utah, I am always impressed by the incredible colors that surround Salt Lake City when autumn arrives. For several years, I spent part of the fall traveling to the East Coast, which meant missing out on the seasonal beauty closer to home. In 2024, however, I stayed in Utah for the entire autumn, and I quickly realized I had made the right choice. The scenery was spectacular from beginning to end.
Here are some of my favorite places to experience Utah’s fall colors.
Guardsman Pass: A Top Location for Aspen Colors Near Salt Lake City
The first stop is Guardsman Pass, where brilliant golden aspens create one of the most impressive autumn displays in the area. As you travel through Big Cottonwood Canyon, countless aspen trees line the landscape, their bright yellow leaves glowing beautifully as the sunlight moves across the mountains.
I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed photographing the foliage in the middle of the day. Normally, I prefer shooting during golden hour, but the strong daytime light worked wonderfully with the vibrant colors.
For similar conditions, I recommend heading up Guardsman Pass around midday and staying until sunset. I parked at a nearby trailhead and spent some time walking through the trails and meadow.
Scenic Alpine Loop Drive: Enjoy Utah’s Autumn Colors Without a Long Hike
The Alpine Loop is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to see Utah's fall scenery without spending the day on a hiking trail.
The scenic road winds through the mountains and provides expansive views of the Wasatch Range, where bright shades of red, orange, and yellow transform the landscape during autumn.
There is a small pull-off along the main section of the route where you can stop and take in the scenery. However, don't expect to find it empty. During peak fall color season, this area can become quite busy, with plenty of vehicles passing through.
Fifth Water Hot Springs: A Fall Hike With a Natural Hot Spring
For something a little different, consider hiking to Fifth Water Hot Springs. The trail combines an enjoyable autumn hike with the opportunity to relax in naturally heated pools at the destination.
People often ask me whether the water is too cold, whether the pools really have that striking blue color, and how I managed to find the place without other people around.
The answers are simple: the water is genuinely hot, the color can be beautifully blue depending on recent rainfall, and arriving early enough can give you a much quieter experience.
Buffalo Peak Meadow: A Favorite Destination for Fall Photographers
Buffalo Peak and the meadow surrounding it provide an easygoing outdoor experience while still offering spectacular scenery. The relatively open terrain creates wide views across the changing foliage, along with an impressive perspective of Mount Timpanogos.
Getting to this area is easiest with a 4x4 vehicle. The road begins as a pleasant scenic drive but eventually becomes a rough dirt track. Some sections are challenging enough that smaller vehicles have become stuck, so a capable four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended.
After reaching the meadow, you can leave your vehicle along the narrow road and explore the surrounding landscape on foot.
The location has become especially popular among photographers. At times, visitors may even find temporary recreational features such as trampolines or a half-pipe set up in the meadow.
Because this area receives so many visitors, it is especially important to respect the landscape, pack out everything you bring in, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Kyhv Peak and Provo Canyon: Autumn Colors From Above
Kyhv Peak offers sweeping views across Provo Canyon and the colorful mountainsides surrounding it.
The drive toward the summit includes numerous sharp hairpin turns, several of which provide excellent opportunities to stop and admire the scenery. Buffalo Meadow is also located along this route, and there are multiple places where you can pull over to enjoy the surrounding views.
As the leaves change throughout the canyon, the combination of winding roads, mountains, and autumn foliage creates plenty of attractive viewpoints for photographers and visitors alike.
Silver Lake Utah: A Secluded Camping Destination Surrounded by Fall Colors
Another worthwhile destination is Silver Lake, located beyond the much more popular Tibble Fork Reservoir.
Getting there requires traveling along a long, winding dirt road, but the remote setting makes the journey worthwhile. I have seen deer here on almost every visit, and signs posted near the entrance also warn visitors about bears.
The area makes a wonderful destination for dispersed camping. Waking up here provides an expansive 360-degree panorama of the surrounding autumn landscape.
To reach the camping area, continue beyond the upper parking lot and follow the dirt road that requires a 4x4 vehicle. Eventually, you will arrive at the dispersed camping area.
Big Cottonwood Canyon: Scenic Pull-Offs and Photography Locations
The final stop on this autumn journey is Big Cottonwood Canyon. Its winding roads pass between rugged rock formations covered with colorful fall vegetation, creating beautiful scenery throughout the canyon.
Find a suitable place to park, climb onto the rocks, and wait for the evening light. As the sun begins to set, the canyon can be illuminated with warm golden tones that make the autumn landscape especially dramatic.
The exact location shown in the original scene is near the Stairs Gulch Trailhead, where parking is available both before and after the bend in the road.
Photography Gear for Capturing Utah’s Fall Colors
For anyone interested in photographing or filming these autumn landscapes, I have also put together a detailed guide to the equipment I use.
The guide covers everything from my Sony A7 IV camera to the lenses and accessories I rely on most frequently. It also includes useful information for anyone hoping to begin or improve their own photography journey.
Exploring Utah during autumn is a great reminder that you do not always need to travel far to find extraordinary scenery. From golden aspen groves and mountain lakes to winding canyon roads and panoramic peaks, the areas surrounding Salt Lake City offer an impressive variety of places to experience the changing season.
More from the cart
Cup · en
Arab Men’s Clothing: A Tapestry of Tradition, Modernity, and Cultural Identity
The global fashion landscape is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, each weaving unique stories into fabric and design. Arab men’s clothing stands out as a particularly compelling thread, seamlessly blending centuries-old traditions with contemporary trends. Rooted in the region’s harsh desert climates, deep religious values, and rich cultural heritage, traditional Arab menswear has evolved beyond mere functionality to become a powerful expression of identity. Today, it bridges the gap between the past and present, embracing modern cuts, global influences, and sustainable practices while honoring the modesty, simplicity, and elegance that define its core. This exploration delves into the history, key styles, regional variations, and evolving trends of Arab men’s clothing, revealing how it remains both timeless and dynamically relevant in the 21st century.
Cup · en
10 Strange and Fascinating Facts About the Banded Mongoose
They live in large social groups. Banded mongooses live in “mobs” (also called gangs) of up to ~40 members. These groups help with protection, foraging, and raising young.
Cup · en
Amazing Facts About Canadian Elk
The magnificent Canadian elk, also called wapiti, roam the forests and mountains of northern North America with a commanding presence that draws the attention of wildlife enthusiasts.
Cup · en
The Ultimate Guide to Choose Aromatherapy Candles
Scented candles are widely used in aromatherapy, a wellness practice that utilizes natural plant-based essential oils to enhance both mental and physical health. The benefits of using candles go beyond their pleasant fragrance. When you inhale the soothing scents, they travel to your lungs and then circulate throughout your body, producing a variety of positive effects. Aromatherapy is known to restore balance, elevate energy, and improve overall wellbeing, which is why aromatherapy candles are so popular.
Cup · en
Transform Your Space with Tree Tapestries
Creating a peaceful and welcoming interior often starts with incorporating natural elements into your décor. Tree-themed tapestries are a simple yet impactful way to achieve this. These decorative wall hangings showcase the beauty of forests, branches, and botanical imagery while adding texture, warmth, and personality to any room.
Cup · en
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Luxury Car
For many enthusiasts, stepping into the realm of luxury automobiles represents more than just purchasing a vehicle—it’s about embracing performance, prestige, and a refined driving experience. Whether it’s the craftsmanship, advanced engineering, or emotional appeal, luxury cars continue to attract buyers who want something beyond everyday transportation.