Places to Visit in Utah in September
If you’re planning a fall vacation, here’s a list of places to visit in Utah in September. This time of year is perfect to visit Utah’s stunning landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities.
You’ll find a variety of places to visit in Utah during the month of September like National Parks, State Parks, National Monuments, and some fall-themed tourist attractions!
And don’t forget about all the great sightseeing opportunities in Utah’s cities like Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Park City – you can take in the history of the area by visiting its many historical sites.
We have lived in Utah for over 20 years and get to explore the state often. September is one of our favorite months 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.
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 September
There are a lot of places to go in Utah in fall. With its mild temperatures and stunning landscapes, planning a September vacation to Utah is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors!
Utah weather in September 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 September:
- Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 79 / lows 58 degrees F
- Southern Utah (St. George): highs 98 / lows 63 degrees F
In September the days are generally sunny, although there can be some showers or thunderstorms in the afternoons.
During this time of year, you’ll want to bring a jacket for cooler evenings or when it rains. If you’re planning an outdoor activity during your visit to Utah in September, make sure you check the forecast ahead of time as conditions can change quickly.
Visiting Utah National Parks in September is a busy time so be prepared crowds! You’ll also need to stay hydrated and use sun protection because it’s still hot and dry! We recommend packing the following:
- WATER: drink at least one gallon of water per day, and always carry water with you – hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in your backpack.
- FOOD: Pack and eat salty snacks
- SUN PROTECTION: Wear a sunhat and use sunscreen . If you’re not used to dry heat, you’ll want to use lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion!
Places to Visit in Utah in September
Check out this list of amazing places to go and things to do when visiting Utah in September like exploring the National and State Parks, picking apples, or riding the pumpkin train!
Bear Lake State Park in September
Bear Lake State Park is located on the border between Utah and Idaho. Known for its turquoise-blue water, this Utah State Park is often called the Caribbean of the Rockies.
The temperatures at Bear Lake in September are highs around 70 and lows in the mid-40s. It’s the perfect daytime temperature to enjoy all the things to do at Bear Lake State Park like boating, water sports, fishing, beaches, swimming, and scenic drives!
There are two more Utah State Parks to enjoy water sports fun in September:
Utah Scenic Drives in September
Driving one of Utah’s Scenic Drives in September is the best ways to enjoy fall foliage around the state! These are the best scenic drives to see fall colors in Utah.
Alpine Loop Scenic Drive – The drive is 20 miles along Highway 92 from the mouth of American Fork Canyon to the connection with Highway 189 in Provo Canyon. In the fall, Alpine Loop Scenic Drive is a terrific place to see fall foliage, but the road will get crowded. We recommend early morning to avoid the crowds!
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway – The drive is 56 miles from Kamas to the Wyoming state line. For a day trip, we recommend you drive as far as Mirror Lake then return back to Kamas. Mirror Lake scenic drive is a terrific place to see fall foliage! Be sure to stop at Provo River Falls and Mirror Lake to take photos.
Scenic Byway 12 – The drive is along a winding, country road 124 miles long from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. Plan an average speed of 40 miles per hour as you estimate your drive time. The Boulder Mountain section of the drive sits above 9,000 feet. The yellow aspen in the fall are so pretty along this route!
We really enjoy 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 September
September is pretty ideal with highs around 80 and lows around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Visiting Capitol Reef National Park in September means picking fruit from the orchards: peaches, pears, and apples!
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 Utah National Parks in September! It is a busy time of year so be prepared for crowds.
Utah State Fair in September
Fall and State Fairs go hand in hand! The Utah State Fair is an annual event held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The fairgrounds light up in September for 10 days with live entertainment, delicious fair food, carnival rides, and more.
The Utah State Fair boasts one of the top rodeos in the state! The Utah’s Own Rodeo has been a PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) approved rodeo for over 35 years. The rodeo is held the first weekend of the Utah State Fair in the 10,000 seat, state of the art, multi-million dollar “Days of ’47” outdoor arena.
Rowley’s Red Barn in September
For fresh apple cider in Utah in the fall, Rowley’s Red Barn in Santaquin is the place to go. Pick your own apple harvest is available Fridays and Saturdays in September.
The Fall Festival begins in mid-September where you can take a wagon ride to the Back Forty. This area includes fun fall activities like a corn maze, pedal tractor racing, giant slides, apple cannon, a corn pit, and more!
Park City in September
September has to be the most perfect month to visit Park City! With highs around 70 and lows around 40 degrees F, you can’t beat the weather! The fall foliage will be all around you as you enjoy some of the fun activities at Park City:
Each September, for one weekend, the skies above Park City fill with hot air balloons. The Autumn Aloft launch happens Saturday and Sunday and is free for spectators.
The Farmer’s Market runs every Wednesday in September with local farmers and vendors offering fresh vegetables, fruit, honey, syrups, and more!
Snowbird Oktoberfest in September
Every weekend in September the ski slopes at Snowbird are transformed into an old-world Oktoberfest. The Snowbird Oktoberfest event includes a biergarten offering more than 50 varieties of beer including both German specialties and local Utah brews.
This free event attracts thousands of visitors, many dressed in traditional attire: Dirndl for the ladies and leather lederhosen for the guys. Although you won’t be alone if you choose to not dress up.
The traditional German food is part of the experience so be sure to try the bratwurst, weisswurst, sauerkraut, and the apple strudel for dessert!
Utah Activities and Hikes in September
If you’re looking for the best outdoor activities and hikes in Utah during the month of September, 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
Where to Stay in Utah
- Coolest Hotels in Utah
- Where to Stay in Utah National Parks
- Hotels in Utah
- VRBO Vacation Rentals in Utah
Utah Bucket List
Check out even more fun Utah Bucket List ideas for your fall 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!
