There are several great places to enjoy the fall colors in Utah’s national parks. These drives are relatively easy and offer stunning views of the changing leaves.
From Utah ski country to the red rocks of southern Utah, visitors can find plenty of ways to experience fall in the Beehive State. Here are some of our favorite national park drives to take in the autumn leaves.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is best known for its iconic red rock formations. But in the fall, the landscape takes on a whole new look as the leaves of the juniper and manzanita trees change color. The best time to see the fall foliage is usually from mid-October to early November.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is another great place to see the changing leaves. The hoodoos (oddly-shaped rock formations) that dot the landscape take on a beautiful red, orange, and yellow hue in the fall. The best time to see the foliage is from late September to early October.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is divided into four distinct sections: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers (the Colorado and Green). Fall colors can be seen throughout the park, but some of the best views are from the Island in the Sky. The best time to see the foliage is from mid-October to early November.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is home to some of Utah’s most iconic desert scenery. The park is filled with colorful sandstone formations, and in the fall, the leaves of the cottonwood and aspen trees change color. The best time to see the foliage is from mid-October to early November.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of Utah’s most popular tourist destinations. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including canyons, rivers, and mountains. In the fall, the leaves of the maples, oaks, and aspens change color. The best time to see the foliage is from late October to early November.
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is home to the tallest mountain in Nevada, Wheeler Peak. The park also features a variety of landscapes, including alpine meadows, forests, and desert. In the fall, the leaves of the aspens and cottonwoods change color. The best time to see the foliage is from late September to early October.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast expanse of wilderness that includes canyons, deserts, and mountains. In the fall, the leaves of the cottonwoods and aspens change color. The best time to see the foliage is from mid-October to early November.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument is home to a large amphitheater of red rock formations. In the fall, the leaves of the aspens and maples change color. The best time to see the foliage is from late September to early October.
Whether you’re a Utah local or a visitor, there are plenty of ways to experience fall in the state’s national parks. So get out there and enjoy the changing leaves!