Places to Visit in Utah in October
If you’re planning a fall vacation, here’s a list of places to visit in Utah in October. This time of year is perfect to visit Utah’s stunning landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities.
You’ll find a variety of Utah vacation destinations to go during the month of October like National Parks, State Parks, National Monuments, and some fall-themed tourist attractions!
There are a variety of sightseeing opportunities in Utah’s cities like Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Park City that include many historical sites to learn more about the history of the area!
We have lived in Utah for over 20 years and get to explore the state often. October is probably our favorite month to travel around Utah due to the moderate weather! We’re excited to share our list of places to visit and things to do this time of year based on our travels!
Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for your fall vacation! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks
Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Visiting Utah in October
There are a lot of places to go in Utah in fall. With its mild temperatures and stunning landscapes, planning an October vacation to Utah is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors!
Utah weather in October will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. The temperatures in the higher elevations will be cooler than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.
Utah temperatures in October:
- Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 66 / lows 47 degrees F
- Southern Utah (St. George): highs 79 / lows 53 degrees F
In October the days are generally sunny, although there can be rain showers any time. The higher elevation areas could even experience snow storms!
During this time of year, you’ll want layers. We recommend being prepared for really cold temperatures as well, especially if you’ll be visiting locations in high elevations, just in case:
If you’re planning an outdoor activity during your visit to Utah in October, make sure you check the forecast ahead of time as conditions can change quickly.
Places to Visit in Utah in October
Check out this list of amazing places to go and things to do when visiting Utah in October like exploring the National and State Parks, scenic drives, or Halloween-themed events!
Snow Canyon State Park in October
Located in the southwestern part of Utah, this Utah State Park is a geological wonder that features red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs and canyons.
Visiting Snow Canyon State Park in October means enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, and photographing the unique landscape!
Here’s a list of more Utah State Parks we recommend you visit in October:
- Antelope Island State Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
Alpine Loop Scenic Drive in October
The Alpine Loop Scenic Drive is a terrific day trip from Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo. You’ll be treated to mountain views, lakes, a river and springs found along this road through American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon.
These are the best Utah’s Scenic Drive to see fall colors:
We recommend the Utah National Parks GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the-scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location as you drive through each park!
Capitol Reef Orchards in October
Visiting Capitol Reef National Park in October means picking apples from the orchards! Be sure to also stop at the Gifford Homestead to enjoy locally baked fruit pies and homemade ice cream!
Of course while you’re there, be sure to explore the main Capitol Reef scenic drive to see and photograph stunning landscapes with colorful cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges!
We recommend visiting ALL of the Mighty 5 Utah National Parks in October! It is still a busy time of year so be prepared for crowds.
Dinosaur National Monument in October
If you love dinosaurs, the one place to visit in Utah should be Dinosaur National Monument. It’s an iconic landmark located on the border of northeast Utah and northwest Colorado.
When visiting Dinosaur National Monument you can explore its stunning landscapes, take part in educational programs, and observe paleontologists at work uncovering ancient fossils.
The weather and temperatures in October are just right for exploring the area hiking, scenic drives, or even by rafting the Green and Yampa River!
Check out these other Utah National Monuments that would be good to visit in October:
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Monument Valley
Grafton Ghost Town in October
Grafton Ghost Town is a historic mining town in Utah near the Virgin River just south of the boundary of Zion National Park. The town was abandoned in 1938, but many of its buildings remain.
If you’re looking for a unique place to visit in Utah, Grafton Ghost town is a popular destination for history lovers and photographers alike.
The town of Grafton has been around since the late 1800s and is full of fascinating stories of the past. From its original inhabitants to the many businesses that once operated there, Grafton offers a unique glimpse into what life was like during this period of American history.
The dead end road to reach Grafton Ghost Town is impassable in a hard rain storm. There are no services, water, power, or toilets along the route or at the town site.
Wheeler Farm Pumpkin Days
Celebrate pumpkins and fall leaves at Wheeler Farm in late September and October.
Located in Murray, Utah the Wheeler Farm Pumpkin Days admission ticket includes the maze, corn pit, duck races, pedal tractor, and either the wagon or cow train ride!
You can also buy pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, and fun Halloween items at the Country Store!
Gardner Village WitchFest
From mid-September through Halloween, historic Gardner Village in West Jordan, Utah, is decked out in witch-y celebration.
The Gardner Village WitchFest includes everything from races (5K, 10K and half marathon), an escape room and scavenger hunts, to the decades-long tradition of Witches Night Out.
There is no admission fee to visit WitchFest or Gardner Village. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is a per car parking fee due to the higher influx of people on the weekend.
Utah Activities and Hikes in October
If you’re looking for the best outdoor activities and hikes in Utah during the month of October, the state offers some of the most beautiful mountains, canyons, deserts, and more!
Utah Fall Activities – Enjoy the beautiful views and outdoor activities in Utah’s National Parks like biking, scenic drives, off-roading, tours, and photography.
- Arches National Park Fall Activities
- Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Activities
- Canyonlands National Park Fall Activities
- Capitol Reef National Park Fall Activities
- Zion National Park Fall Activities
Utah Fall Hikes – In Northern Utah, hikers can explore the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. In Southern Utah there are a variety of trails at all five Utah National Parks.
- Arches National Park Fall Hikes
- Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Hikes
- Canyonlands National Park Fall Hikes
- Capitol Reef National Park Fall Hikes
- Zion National Park Fall Hikes
Places to Stay in Utah
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- Arches National Park Places to Stay
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Canyonlands Places to Stay
- Capitol Reef Places to Stay
- Zion National Park Places to Stay
- Hotels in Utah
- VRBO Vacation Rentals in Utah
Utah Bucket List
Check out even more fun Utah Bucket List ideas for your summer vacation. Be sure to download the free printable that includes ideas for things to see, do and taste all around the state! Click the image below!
