7 of the best places in northern Utah for breathtaking fall foliage views

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Take one look toward the Wasatch Front from Salt Lake City and it’s easy to see the seasons are changing. Spots of red and oranges are beginning to line the mountains as leaves begin to change color.

So if you want to get out and see the the beautiful fall foilage up close, where are some of the best spots? Below are a few options for you to consider, as recommended by Visit Ogden , Visit Salt Lake , and Explore Utah V alley . But you better get out fast because these spectacular colors won’t last.

1. Alpine Loop

The Alpine Loop in Utah County is arguably one of the most popular places to take in Utah’s fall scenery. The 20-mile drive on Highway 92 near Lehi takes visitors through a winding canyon, offering beautiful views without leaving the car — but you’re going to want to leave the car. Along the scenic byway are stops with several hikes available, including Cascade Springs.

2. Bonneville Shoreline Trail

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a massive 100-mile-long route that stretches along the Wasatch Front. But some of the best views for fall leaf-peeping is a section of the trail that runs just east of Ogden. The trail runs just above the metro area of downtown and can easily be accessed at several trailheads on the east side of the city.

The trail includes “tunnels of colorful oaks and maples” that open up to stunning views over Ogden down below. For those looking for a little extra, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail near Ogden opens up to many other trails through smaller canyons with even more hidden gems to see.

3. Bridal Veil Falls

A beautiful waterfall view surrounded by the fiery colors of fall awaits hikers in Provo Canyon. Bridal Veil Falls is an easy family-friendly paved trail just off Highway 189 at the Provo River Parkway trailhead and is perfect for taking in Utah’s fall colors. The entire trail is a 1.4-mile round trip, making it perfect for a quick afternoon hike.

4. Guardsman Pass

Another one of Utah’s most famous places for peak fall leaf-peeping is Guardsman Pass – a scene paved road drive connecting Big Cottonwood Canyon to Park City. The road climbs to the summit of the Wasatch Mountain range and is lined with aspens and oaks that paint a lovely landscape of oranges, yellows, and reds.

The scenic drives give fall viewers a chance to see the leaves without ever leaving the car. However, those who do leave the car will be rewarded with spectacular trails and hikes, including the Guardsman Pass Overlook which provides a beautiful view overlooking the mountain range toward Park City. Other trails in the area give access to several lakes in the area including Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Lake.

5. Memory Grove Park / City Creek Canyon

If you want to get in some beautiful sights of fall foilage without heading into the canyons of the Wasatch Front, Memory Grove Park in Salt Lake City is the spot for you. Located just east of the Utah State Capitol building, Memory Grove Park offers a line of trees showing their reds and yellows. The park features an easy-to-walk road that will take visitors deeper into the fall foliage that will still be vibrant late in the season, thanks to the lower elevation.

A bonus for those feeling a little more adventurous is Memory Grove Park directly leads visitors into City Creek Canyon, which is filled with a dense of trees showcasing the wide range of fall colors.

6. North Fork Park

North Fork Park, nestled in the Wasatch Mountain range near Liberty has a little something for everyone looking to take in the fall foliage. The camping ground offers a place for a fall overnight stay along with plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and horse riding. North Fork Park has the bonus of being recognized as a Dark Sky area, according to Visit Ogden, making it the perfect place to not only take in Utah’s fall colors but Utah’s vast night sky as well.

7. Silver Lake Loop

Near Salt Lake City at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon is Silver Lake Loop . Leaf-peepers can take a leisurely stroll on a mile-long trail that circles Silver Lake, surrounded by mountains and the glorious yellows of Aspen trees. The ease of access and low-effort trail make Silver Lake Loop one of the perfect places to take the leaves without breaking a sweat.

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