Must-Do Fall Activities in Utah: Your Ultimate Guide

Utah in the fall is a magical time, with crisp air, stunning autumn colors, and countless outdoor activities to enjoy. From scenic drives to pumpkin patches, hot springs to harvest festivals, Utah has something for everyone looking to experience the beauty of the season. If you’re searching for fall activities in Utah or wondering where to see the best fall foliage this October, this guide is for you!

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, use this list of the top fall activities to explore the best of Utah and make the most of this vibrant season. And if you’re thinking about making Utah your home, don’t hesitate to contact our real estate team to find the perfect home near these amazing spots!

1. Scenic Drives: Experience Utah's Fall Colors

There’s no better way to enjoy the vibrant fall colors than by taking a scenic drive through some of Utah’s most picturesque landscapes. Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone looking to soak in the beauty of the season.

Top Picks For Scenic Fall Drives in Utah:

• Alpine Loop – Provo and American Fork Canyon - Time Needed: 2-3 Hours - Recommended Stopping Points: Sundance Mountain Resort, Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Cascade Springs.
• Kyhv Peak – Provo Canyon - Time Needed: 1-2 Hours - Recommended Stopping Points: Bridal Veil Falls, Vivian Park, Deer Creek Reservoir, Buffalo Peak
• Guardman’s Pass – Park City to Brighton - Time Needed: 1 Hour - Recommended Stopping Points: Historic Park City Main Street, Guardsman Overlook, Silver Lake.
• Nebo Loop Scenic Byway – Nebo Mountain - Time Needed: 3-4 Hours - Recommended Stopping Points: Devil’s Kitchen, Payson Lakes, Mount Nebo Overlook.
• Big Cottonwood Canyon – Salt Lake City - Time Needed: 1-2 Hours - Recommended Stopping Points: Silver Lake, Donut Falls, Brighton Resort.

2. Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes: Family Fun for All Ages

Nothing says fall like wandering through a pumpkin patch or getting lost in a corn maze. Utah has plenty of farms that offer seasonal fun, from hayrides to cider-tasting.

Best Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes Near You

• Cross E Ranch – Salt Lake City - Price: $13.95/person - Activities: Pumpkin Patch. 12 Acre Corn Maze, Hayrides, Farm Animals and Giant Slides
• Cornbelly's – Lehi - Price: $14.95(Weekday) & $19.95 (weekend)  - Activities: Interactive corn maze, haunted attractions, games, pumpkin patch, pig races.
• Jaker's Jack O Latern's – Springville - Price: $8/person - Activities: Interactive corn maze, haunted attractions, games, pumpkin patch, pig races.
• Kuwahara Pumpkin Patch & Thriller Park– Draper - Price: $12/ Pumpkin Patch, $18/Haunted Forest - Activities: Pumpkin patch, photo ops, local produce, haunted forest, Halloween market.
• Wheeler Historic Farm – Murray - Price: $13/person - Activities: Pumpkin patch, wagon rides, farm animals, corn pit, spooky farmyard maze.

3. Attend a Local Fall Festival

Celebrate autumn at one of Utah’s lively fall festivals! From Oktoberfests to harvest fairs, these events feature local food, live music, and festive activities for all ages.

Best Fall Festivals Utah:

• Pumpkin Nights – Salt Lake City - Price: $20/Adult, $16/Child - Date: Sept 22- October 30th - Activities: Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, illuminated displays, themed lands, and fire shows.
• Red Barn Festival– Santaquin - Price: $13/Person - Date: Oct 1-31st - Activities: Apple picking, corn maze, tractor rides, hayrides, giant slides, and pumpkin patch.
• Park City Wine Festival - Park City - Dates: Oct 4-5th - Activities: Live music, wine and food tasting
• Sundance Oktoberfest - Provo - Dates: Oct: 4-5th - Activities: Live music, beer, food, and vendors
• Snowbird Oktoberfest - Snowbird - Dates: Oct: 1-13th - Activities: Live music, beer, food, and vendors
• Herriman Howl – Herriman - Price: Free Admission - Date: Oct 14, 2024- Activities: Trick-or-treating, costume contests, petting zoo, food trucks, and carnival games.
• Salt Lake Fall Home Show – Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy - Price: $8/Adult, Free for 12 and under - Date: Oct 13 - 15, 2024 - Activities: Home improvement vendors, design seminars, DIY workshops, and local professionals sharing the latest home trends.
• Makers Hive Market – The Gateway, Salt Lake City - Price: Free Admission - Date: Oct 12, 2024- Activities: Artisan vendors, handmade goods, live music, and food trucks in an outdoor setting.
• Thriller’s Ball – Salt Lake City - Price: $40/General Admission, $75/VIP - Date: Oct 27, 2024 - Activities: Halloween costume ball, live DJs, dance performances, and a costume contest.
• Dia de Muertos Festival – Thanksgiving Point, Lehi - Price: $20/Adult, $15/Child (Ages 3-12)- Date: Oct 27 - 28, 2024- Activities: Traditional Día de los Muertos celebration with ofrendas, live music, cultural performances, crafts, and food vendors.
• Witchstock Festival – Ogden- Price: Free Admission- Date: Oct 14, 2024 - Activities: Witch-themed costume contest, Zombie Crawl, live music, and local vendor booths

4. Go Apple Picking

For a delicious fall experience, visit one of Utah’s many apple orchards. Pick your own apples and enjoy freshly made cider and baked goods.

Top Orchards For Apple Picking in Utah:

• Rowley's Red Barn – Santaquin 
• High Country Orchard – Mountain Green
• Petersen Family Farm - Riverton
• Burgess Orchards - Alpine 
• Cherry Hill Farms - Santaquin

5. Hit the Trails for a Fall Hike

Hiking is the perfect way to enjoy the crisp autumn air and vibrant fall foliage. Check out these top trails that offer stunning views:

Best Fall Hikes in Utah:

• Stewart Falls – Provo Canyon - Distance: 3.4 Miles - Elevation Gain: 646 Ft - Highlights: Stunning waterfall, vibrant fall colors, shaded trail through the aspens, and panoramic views of Mount Timpanogos.
• Silver Lake Loop – Big Cottonwood Canyon - Distance: 0.9 Miles - Elevation Gain - 45 Ft - Highlights: Gentle, easy trail around a serene alpine lake, boardwalk sections, and surrounded by colorful aspens.
• Fifth Water Hot Springs - Spanish Fork Canyon - Distance: 4.5 Miles - Elevation Gain: 636 Ft - Highlights:Natural hot springs, beautiful stream, scenic canyon views, and colorful mineral pools for a relaxing soak.
• Lake Blanche Trail - Big Cottonwood Canyon - Distance: 6.8 Miles - Elevation Gain: 2,720 Ft - Highlights: Challenging hike with a stunning alpine lake, impressive views of Sundial Peak, and gorgeous fall foliage along the trail.
• Cecret Lake Trail – Albion Basin, Little Cottonwood Canyon - Distance: 1.7 Miles - Elevation Gain: 459 Ft - Highlights: A family-friendly hike with breathtaking views of the small, crystal-clear alpine lake, surrounded by colorful wildflowers in early fall and beautiful aspen groves.
• Cascade Springs Loop – American Fork Canyon - Distance: 0.8 Miles - Elevation Gain: 70 Ft - Highlights: Short, easy trail featuring a series of cascading springs, crystal-clear pools, wooden boardwalks, and lush fall foliage.

Ready to Explore Utah This Fall?

Whether you’re searching for the best fall hikes in Utah or wanting to enjoy local pumpkin patches, this guide has you covered. And if you’re considering making Utah your permanent home, reach out to our real estate team to find a home that lets you enjoy these activities year-round!

Explore more at RedSign.com and let us help you find your dream home in Utah today!