SALT LAKE CITY — Many people are busting out their scarves, cardigans and pumpkin-spice-flavored everything since Tuesday was the official autumn equinox. To celebrate the arrival of fall, here are five good locations around Utah to take a drive to and see the leaves changing colors.

Highway 14 (Cedar Mountain)

Highway 14, also referred to as “Cedar Mountain” by locals, winds over a mountain pass between Cedar City and U.S. 89 near Long Valley Junction. The highway is 41 miles long and has several spectacular look-off points that showcase the vermilion cliffs indicative of southern Utah.

Along with the beautiful cliffs, several areas of the drive are covered with black, volcanic rock that contrast beautifully with the thousands of aspen trees that turn yellow during the autumn months. The highway has been designated as the Markagaunt High Plateau Scenic Byway.

Alpine Loop

The Alpine Loop Scenic Highway follows Utah Highway 92 through American Fork Canyon and continues through the Uinta National Forest into Provo Canyon on U.S. 189. The 27-mile drive offers beautiful views of the east side of Mount Timpanogos and Sundance.

The area has a variety of colors with all the different tree species scattered along the route. However, sections of the Alpine Loop are only open from late May to late October and anyone stopping to play in American Fork Canyon needs to have a recreation pass or can pay $6, according to Utah.com.

Boulder Mountain

If you are looking for a steep, windy road but gorgeous views, then head to Boulder Mountain near Escalante. The Utah Scenic Byway 12 winds along the eastern side of Boulder Mountain from Boulder to Torrey and offers breathtaking views of the changing colors.

Boulder Mountain is the highest timbered plateau in North America, which makes it prime for viewing fall colors for miles. It is also part of the Dixie National Forest.

Logan Canyon

U.S. 89 runs through Logan Canyon and has been designated a National Scenic Byway. The highway connects Cache Valley and Bear Lake Valley, and the canyon rises to an elevation of 7,800 feet and offers great look-off points.

The Logan River borders the highway through a large portion of the canyon, and several dams also offer great fishing while enjoying the fall colors.

U.S. Route 40 near Strawberry Reservoir

U.S. Route 40 begins south of Heber and continues east to Vernal. Strawberry Reservoir and Starvation Reservoir are located along the route, and the aspen trees are turning yellow all along the way. Oak trees are also located on the hills near Duchesne and are beginning to turn beautiful shades of red and orange.

It’s a lovely drive if you are going to the Uintah Basin or if you just want to explore a new stretch of highway.

What is your favorite area of Utah to see the fall colors? Let us know in the comments. And send in your pictures of the beautiful changing leaves on our iWitness app.

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