Utah's Best Fall Scenic Drives in 2025: Complete Guide by Location and Peak Foliage Times

Planning a fall road trip in Utah in 2025? From the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City to the canyons of Utah County and the red rock landscapes around St. George, the state comes alive with fiery reds, golden aspens, and sweeping mountain views. This complete guide highlights the most popular and scenic fall drives by region, with peak foliage times so you can experience the colors at their best.

Utah is one of the top destinations in the West for fall colors, drawing locals and visitors alike to explore iconic routes like the Alpine Loop, Nebo Loop, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, and late-season gems near Zion and Bryce Canyon. Whether you’re after a quick canyon drive close to the city or a full weekend trip through Southern Utah’s national parks, these drives deliver unforgettable leaf-peeping experiences.

Utah County Fall Scenic Drives

Alpine Loop Scenic Byway (SR-92)
A classic Utah County drive, the Alpine Loop winds for 20 miles through American Fork and Provo Canyons. The road is lined with glowing aspens and fiery maples, with scenic stops like Cascade Springs and Sundance Mountain Resort.
Peak colors: Last week of September through mid-October.

Provo Canyon
Best known for Bridal Veil Falls, this canyon features vibrant river views framed by golden foliage. With easy access from Provo and Orem, it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy fall in Utah County.
Peak colors: Early October to October 15.

Nebo Loop Scenic Byway
Stretching through southern Utah County, Nebo Loop offers panoramic views of Mount Nebo, serene lakes, and dramatic fall color transitions across elevations.
Peak colors: Late September to October 10.

Hobble Creek Canyon (Springville)
This quieter drive is ideal for families, with picnic spots, hiking trails, and colorful mountainsides that feel tucked away from busier routes.
Peak colors: Early to mid-October.

Spanish Fork Canyon (US-6)
This canyon heads southeast from Spanish Fork toward Price and features dramatic color contrasts along the riverbanks and surrounding cliffs. It’s less crowded than Provo or American Fork canyons but equally beautiful in fall.
Peak colors: Late September to early October.

Kyhv (Formally Squaw) Peak Road (Provo)
This steep mountain road climbs above Provo Canyon, offering sweeping views of Utah Valley, Mount Timpanogos, and vibrant fall foliage. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, with red and orange maples lining the drive.
Peak colors: Late September to mid-October.

South Fork Canyon (near Provo Canyon)
A quieter side canyon branching off Provo Canyon, South Fork is lined with campgrounds, picnic areas, and colorful cottonwoods and maples along the river. It’s a short but scenic detour perfect for families.
Peak colors: Early to mid-October.

Salt Lake County & Northern Utah Fall Scenic Drives

Big Cottonwood Canyon
Just 35 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, Big Cottonwood Canyon offers a mix of aspen groves, maples, and high alpine lakes. Popular trails like Lake Blanche or Silver Lake make it a favorite fall weekend destination.
Peak colors: September 25 to October 10.

Little Cottonwood Canyon
This canyon is known for dramatic forest color changes and is home to the Silver Lake Loop, an easy trail with stunning fall reflections. It also connects with Big Cottonwood for a longer loop drive.
Peak colors: September 25 to October 12.

Millcreek Canyon
A local favorite, Millcreek Canyon is dog-friendly and close to downtown Salt Lake. Trails like Grandeur Peak provide sweeping views of the city framed by autumn colors.
Peak colors: October 1 to October 12.

Emigration Canyon
One of the quickest getaways from Salt Lake City, this canyon features winding roads and the beautiful Little Dell Reservoir, which shines during peak foliage.
Peak colors: October 5 to October 18.

Guardsman Pass & Parley’s Canyon
High-elevation roads with early-season displays of red maples and golden aspens. Guardsman Pass also connects over to Park City, making it perfect for a full day trip.
Peak colors: September 18 to October 5.

City Creek Canyon
Located right in downtown Salt Lake City near the State Capitol, City Creek offers a quick escape for those wanting a short drive or bike ride surrounded by fall foliage without leaving the city.
Peak colors: Early to mid-October.

Parleys Canyon to East Canyon (I-80 to East Canyon Reservoir)
Starting up Parleys Canyon and looping through East Canyon, this drive offers rolling hillsides dotted with yellow aspens and sweeping Wasatch views. It’s a great alternative to the busier Cottonwood canyons.
Peak colors: Late September to early October.

St. George & Southern Utah Fall Scenic Drives

Cedar Breaks National Monument / Duck Creek / Panguitch Lake Loop
At high elevation, these routes deliver early bursts of yellow aspens and sweeping overlooks.
Peak colors: September 20 to October 5.

Bryce Canyon National Park
In Bryce Canyon, brilliant fall foliage meets otherworldly red rock hoodoos, making it one of the most unique autumn destinations in Utah.
Peak colors: September 25 to October 8.

Zion National Park (Kolob & Zion Canyon)
Kolob Canyons light up first with golden aspens, while the main Zion Canyon peaks later in the season with cottonwoods and maples along the Virgin River.
Peak colors: Kolob: October 5–18; Zion Canyon: late October to early November.

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve & Pine Valley (near St. George)
Lower elevation areas near St. George bring the longest fall season in Utah, with peak colors arriving well into November.
Peak colors: October 20 to November 8.

Fall Foliage Timing Tips for 2025

• Wasatch Front & Mountains: Higher elevation drives like Guardsman Pass, Alpine Loop, and Nebo Loop peak in late September, while lower canyons and city parks show their best colors the first two weeks of October.

• Southern Utah: Plan early visits to high-elevation areas in late September, then enjoy the longer season in lower valleys like St. George, Red Cliffs, and the Virgin River corridor from late October into early November.

• 2025 Weather Note: Drought conditions and cooler temperatures may shift peak timing earlier than average. If cold fronts arrive in September, plan your trip sooner rather than later.
  
  

Final Takeaway

Utah’s fall season is short but unforgettable. Whether you’re driving the Alpine Loop near Provo, exploring the Cottonwood Canyons above Salt Lake City, or chasing late-season colors in Zion and St. George, these routes highlight the very best of Utah’s autumn landscapes. For 2025, use this guide to plan your trip around peak windows—and don’t forget your camera for one of the most stunning leaf-peeping experiences in the West.