Utah Fall Activities + Travel Tips
Visiting Utah in the fall you’ll see stunning landscapes and vibrant foliage. From hiking along breathtaking trails to camping in secluded forests, there are plenty of Utah fall activities and opportunities for adventure.
Use this list of places to visit in Utah to plan an amazing itinerary full of fun fall activities! We also share tips for things to pack, where to stay and more!
Explore the stunning natural beauty of Utah by enjoying fall activities like hiking, biking, camping, and scenic drives!
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, visiting Utah in the fall will be an unforgettable experience!
Be sure to grab your free download of our Utah bucket list with even more ideas for things to do!
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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!
Northern and Southern Utah in the Fall
Northern Utah: Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo are the three main cities in this part of the state.
You’ll find main streets with shopping, restaurants, nightlife, festivals, historic buildings and performing arts.
Central and Southern Utah: All 5 Utah National Parks are located in this part of the state.
Check to see where the Utah vacation spots are located around the state because a drive from Salt Lake City to any of the National Parks in the south can take 4 to 5 hours.
Also, the drive from Northern to Southern Utah means passing through rural areas with small towns with limited services.
Utah Fall Weather
The Utah weather in the fall will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. The higher elevation temperatures will be cooler than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.
The weather and temperatures in Utah during the fall vary depending on the month and location.
We’ve written detailed guides for the weather and temperatures you can expect each month during the fall in Utah:
Utah Fall Activities
Utah in during the fall months is a great destination for anyone looking to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Here’s a list of the many activities you can do in Utah in the fall!
Fall Activities at Utah National Parks
Visiting Utah National Parks in the fall is one of the best times of the year to go because the weather is “just right” for outdoor activities.
Enjoy the beautiful views and outdoor activities in Utah’s National Parks like hiking, biking, scenic drives, off-roading, 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
Fall Activities at Utah State Parks
There are a total of 43 State Parks in Utah where you can explore the history and beauty of the area.
Check out this list of Utah State Parks that are near the National Parks in Utah that are perfect for a side-trip stop!
Outdoor fall activities at various State Parks in Utah include water sports like boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding in early fall. Enjoy hiking, biking, scenic drives, off-roading, and photography any time during the fall months.
Here are the parks we recommend you visit that are close to the National Parks, and those that have fun fall activities:
- Dead Horse Point State Park – near Arches and Canyonlands
- Goblin Valley State Park – near Capitol Reef
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park – near Zion
- Kodachrome Basin State Park – near Bryce Canyon
- Things to do at Antelope Island State Park
Fall Hiking in Utah
Utah’s hiking trails in the fall can’t be beat! You can explore and discover hidden gems such as secret hot springs, aspen groves, and the legendary petroglyphs of Nine Mile Canyon.
It’s still important during the fall months to stay hydrated, use sun protection, and get the latest weather information before hitting the trails!
Check out these fun Utah fall hiking ideas:
- Fall Hiking in 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
- Moab Fall Hikes
Scenic Drives in Utah to See Fall Colors
Nothing compares to the stunning display of vibrant fall foliage in Utah. You’ll find a variety of Utah scenic drives to see the autumn colors as well as some of the most stunning views in the United States!
Northern Utah Scenic Drives
Southern Utah Scenic Drives
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive – fall color in October
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12 – terrific fall colors on Boulder Mountain!
- Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway
- Needles Overlook Scenic Drive
- Anticline Overlook Scenic Drive
We highly recommend getting the Utah Mighty 5 GuideAlong Audio Tour: use the suggested itineraries in the app tour plan, or divide the commentary to create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips.
Fall Photography in Utah
Sunrise and sunset photography is a must when visiting Utah. In the fall, the morning and evening temperatures start getting cooler so wear layers. You might even need a fleece jacket, hat, gloves and rechargeable hand warmers in late fall!
Check out all these amazing photography spots in Utah:
- Arches National Park Photo Spots
- Bryce Canyon Photo Spots
- Best Photo Spots at Canyonlands Island in the Sky
- Capitol Reef National Park Photography
- Zion National Park Photo Spots
- Guide to Moab Photography
- Guide to Kanab Photography
Fall Stargazing in Utah
If you’re looking for a truly memorable and awe-inspiring experience, look no further than stargazing in Utah. With its pristine night sky, clear air quality and some of the darkest skies in the United States, Utah is one of the best places to observe stars during the fall months.
We definitely recommend you take time to view the night skies during your vacation. And better yet, photograph the milky way at these Utah locations!
Northern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Antelope Island State Park
- Dinosaur National Monument
- East Canyon State Park
- Jordanelle State Park
- North Fork Park
Southern Utah Stargazing Locations:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Goosenecks State Park
- Hovenweep National Monument
- Natural Bridges National Monument
In the fall, the Milky Way is visible at these times:
- September – 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm
- October – 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm
- November – not visible
Fall Camping in Utah
Camping in Utah is an amazing way to enjoy the majestic mountains, vast canyons, and breathtaking deserts.
From family-friendly campgrounds along scenic riversides to challenging trails through rugged backcountry terrain, there are endless options for fall camping in Utah!
- Arches National Park Camping
- Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
- Island in the Sky Campgrounds
- Needles Canyonlands Camping
- Capitol Reef National Park Camping
- Camping in Zion National Park
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 Fall Packing List
Use our Utah Packing Lists to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the fall! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
