Wasatch Mist
Smells like the air as it rolls into the valley, catching against the side of the Wasatch mountains.
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Check out These Incredible Fall Hikes! There’s something special about fall in Utah. The temperatures cool down, the mountains trade their summer greens for shades of gold, orange, and red, and suddenly every free weekend feels like an excuse to get outside. The only problem? Utah fall never seems to last long enough. So, if […]
There’s something special about fall in Utah. The temperatures cool down, the mountains trade their summer greens for shades of gold, orange, and red, and suddenly every free weekend feels like an excuse to get outside.
The only problem? Utah fall never seems to last long enough.
So, if you’re hoping to catch the colors before they disappear, we put together seven Utah hikes worth adding to your fall bucket list. From easy walks through golden aspens to bigger climbs with some seriously rewarding views, there’s a little something for every kind of adventure.
Difficulty: Easy (boardwalk)
Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 91 ft
If you’re looking for an easy fall outing, Cascade Springs is a great place to start. This peaceful trail winds through natural springs, small waterfalls, boardwalks, and plenty of changing foliage.
It’s perfect for a slower adventure when you’re less interested in logging miles and more interested in simply getting outside and enjoying the season. Pack a jacket, take your time, and enjoy the views.
Best for: An easy, scenic fall walk.
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 629 ft
If golden aspens are what you’re after, put Willow Lake toward the top of your list.
The trail winds through beautiful aspen groves before eventually opening up to mountain views and the lake. When the leaves start changing, the entire trail feels like fall in Utah wrapped up into one hike.
This is a great option when you want a proper hike without committing to one of the bigger Wasatch climbs.
Best for: Aspen lovers and classic Utah fall scenery.
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 826 ft
Primrose Overlook delivers the kind of mountain views that make you stop for a minute and take everything in.
During fall, the hillsides around Sundance come alive with color, making an already beautiful view even better. Time your hike around peak foliage and you’ll be rewarded with layers of mountains and golden aspens stretching out below you.
One thing to know before you go: parking requires a fee or a valid National Parks Pass displayed in your window.
Best for: Big views and peak fall colors.
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 656 ft
Stewart Falls is a Utah classic for a reason.
The trail takes you through changing aspens and mountain scenery before reaching the falls tucked beneath the surrounding peaks. In fall, the hike gets an extra dose of color that makes it worth revisiting even if you’ve done it before.
It’s a popular trail, especially during beautiful fall weekends, so heading out earlier can make for a more peaceful experience.
Like Primrose Overlook, parking requires a fee or a valid National Parks Pass displayed in your window.
Best for: A classic Utah hike with a waterfall payoff.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,253 ft
If one alpine lake isn’t enough, why not hike to three?
The trail to Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine takes you into the mountains above Brighton and past three beautiful alpine lakes along the way. Come fall, the cooler temperatures and changing foliage make an already scenic hike even better.
With a little more distance and elevation gain, this one is a step up from the easier hikes on the list without becoming an all-day undertaking.
Best for: Alpine lake views and a moderate fall adventure.
Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,607 ft
Ready for a little more of a challenge? Head to Bell Canyon.
Starting from the Boulders Trailhead, you’ll make your way past the reservoir before climbing farther into the canyon toward the lower falls. The trail gets tougher as you go, but the rugged Wasatch scenery makes the work worth it.
Fall brings cooler hiking temperatures and pops of seasonal color throughout the canyon, making it a great time to tackle the climb.
Best for: Hikers looking for a challenge with a waterfall at the end.
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,726 ft
Save Lake Blanche for a day when you’re ready to earn your view.
The climb is tough, but the payoff is hard to beat. Lake Blanche sits beneath the unmistakable Sundial Peak, creating one of the most recognizable mountain scenes in the Wasatch. Add fall colors to the surrounding landscape and it gets even better.
Bring plenty of water and food, give yourself enough time for the climb, and don’t rush back down. This is one of those places where you’ll want to hang out at the top for a while.
Best for: A bigger fall adventure with an incredible payoff.
Utah fall never lasts long enough. One week the mountains are glowing gold, and before you know it, the leaves are gone and snow is starting to creep onto the peaks.
So grab your hiking shoes, pick a trail, and get out there while the mountains are gold. 🍂
Whether your perfect fall adventure is a peaceful boardwalk through Cascade Springs or the climb up to Lake Blanche, there’s no better excuse to spend a little more time outside.
And wherever you head next, don’t forget to bring a little bit of the wild home with you.
Smells like the air as it rolls into the valley, catching against the side of the Wasatch mountains.
$9.00 — or subscribe to save up to 20%
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