Monday, September 6, 2010

Fall Colors of Utah

With the ending of Summer and Fall creeping up on us, you may have noticed that the leaves are just beginning to change colors.  People often refer to the East Coast as the place to view the beautiful changng of the season.  However, many are unaware of Utah's gorgeous fall colors.  Within the next few weeks, Utah's Fall will be in full bloom.  I have listed some of my favorite drives to see Utah in all of it's Fall glory:


  • Big Cottonwood Canyon, Guardsman's Pass:  The mountain scenery can not be beat if you drive this back country road.  Connecting Park City/Midway  to Big Cottonwood Canyon/Salt Lake City, this paved road (some parts are gravel) will be take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours  to complete.  You are assured to find many photo opportunities along the way.
  • Mt. Nebo's Scenic Loop:  At 11,928 feet, Mt. Nebo is the tallest mountain in the Wasatch range.  Start out at the North side of the loop in Payson.  This paved road is not suitable for large RVs or Campers.  The Fall scenery is a photographer's dream.  If you only choose one place to view the fall colors, this should be it.
  • Bryce Canyon National Park:  The Golden Aspens of Bryce Canyon have been photographed over and over again because of their beautiful Fall foliage.  For those who want to take a day trip or perhaps an overnight camping trip, this would be the perfect spot.  The colorful pinnacles and canyons make the perfect backdrop for the Aspens.  For a trip like this, please be prepared by calling the National Park Service ahead of time to find out the conditions.  Presently, the camp grounds are temporarily closed due to a fire in the area.
  •   Kamas, Mirror Lake:  I took this drive just last Fall and I was wowed.  If you hit the area at the peak of the season, the colors are breathtaking.  The 30-minute drive along UT-150 takes you from Kamas to the Wasatch Cache National Forrest.  Take a picinic lunch and make a day of it.  You can even fit in some fishing at the lake!
 So if you are looking for something to do, hop in your car and go for a drive.  You will  not be disappointed (and you may even be pleasantly surprised) by nature's artwork.

2 comments:

  1. Oh man, those are some amazing colors. If I wasn't so bogged down with school I'd live outdoors! Who can resist something like that...

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  2. This is so cool to me that you have learned to love utah coming from living in Hawaii. I was in Hawaii last winter and will be there going into the spring time. what weather can i expect from jan-may?

    Your Pictures of the fall leaves are so pretty!

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