Fall Colors in Utah

Fall Colors in utah
- 10 of the best leaf peeping trails -

The Fall Colors in Utah are known for being breathtaking, and we are coming up on the perfect time to explore them!

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature’s autumn display, here are 10 must-visit trails near SLC for fall colors.

But first, here’s when the fall colors will be in full display:

September 12: Beginning
September 19: Peeping
September 26 – Oct. 5: Peaking
October 10: Late

Trails for Fall Colors

Silver Lake Loop (Big Cottonwood Canyon) | Difficulty: Easy, Distance: 0.9 miles
Probably the best “guaranteed” fall color hike. Brilliant aspens surround the lake, reflections are excellent, and it’s accessible to almost everyone.
🍁 Best time: Mid–late September
*Learn more about our work on Silver Lake Loop here
Lake Blanche | Difficulty: Hard, distance: 6.8 miles
One of the state’s iconic fall hikes. You’ll climb through dense aspen groves before reaching Lake Blanche beneath Sundial Peak.
🍁 Best time: Mid–late September
Willow Heights Trail | Difficulty: Moderate, Distance: 2.8 miles
Willow Heights leads you through a stunning aspen forest. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to views of the surrounding mountains and a small pond, all framed by vibrant fall foliage.
🍁 Best time: Mid–late September
*Learn more about our work on Willow Heights here

Bloods Lake | Difficulty: Easy, 2.8 miles
Guardsman Pass is one of Utah’s premier fall color drives, and Bloods Lake lets you experience those aspens on foot.
🍁 Best time: Mid–late September
Desolation Trail | Difficulty: Moderate, Distance: 5 miles
A long climb through oak and maple with excellent views over the Salt Lake Valley. The Gambel oak can turn deep reds and oranges, making it one of the more colorful foothill hikes.
🍁 Best time: Late September – early October

Cecret Lake | Difficulty: Easy, Distance: 1.8 miles
Known for wildflowers in summer, but the aspens surrounding Albion Basin become spectacular in September.
🍁 Best time: Mid September
*Trails Utah will begin a Cecret Lake maintenance project in 2027, become a member to help us complete this project!
Donut Falls | Difficulty: Easy, Distance: 3.4 miles
A family favorite that becomes especially scenic when the canyon’s aspens turn.
🍁 Best time: Mid-late September

more Fall Colors in Utah

Ferguson Canyon | Difficulty: Hard, distance: 3.4 miles
Beginning near the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Ferguson Canyon follows a shaded creek through maples and scrub oak before getting to the leg-burning elevation gain. The canyon comes alive with gold, orange, and red foliage in the fall.
🍁 Best time: Late September – early October

Bells Canyon | Difficulty: Hard, Distance: 4.8 miles
The mix of oak brush, maples, and aspens creates some beautiful early fall color close to Salt Lake City.
🍁 Best time: Late September
Mueller Park Trail | Difficulty: Moderate, Distance: 7 miles
Mueller Park climbs through colorful oak brush and aspen groves on its way to Elephant Rock. The mix of forest, canyon views, and brilliant fall colors makes it a local favorite each autumn.
🍁 Best time: Late September – early October

A few hidden gems

Millcreek Pipeline Trail — long stretches beneath colorful maples and Gambel oaks with minimal elevation gain.
Yellow Fork Canyon — one of the best places along the Wasatch Front to experience fiery red Gambel oak in late September.
Lambs Canyon — less crowded than Big Cottonwood Canyon with beautiful aspen groves and a peaceful canyon setting.

These trails offer some of the best fall hikes for Fall Colors in Northern Utah, giving you the chance to experience autumn in full bloom.

If you’re looking to experience the fall colors but don’t want to get out of the car, we recommend a) driving to a high elevation area (like Guardsman Pass), or checking out Visit Utah’s “11 Utah Scenic Byways for Leaf Peeping” blog post.

Enjoy the views!