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Autumn in Utah is rapidly approaching.
According to the Farmer's Almanac, the best time to see colorful leaves this year is from the end of September to mid-October. Of course, each part of the state will have different peak times.
If you're itching to get out of your house and into a new part of the valley or state to experience fall, there are dozens of options.
From canyon drives to scenic train rides, there are some can't-miss places in the Beehive State you should add to your fall bucket list.
Here are seven stops you should make this autumn.
Ogden Canyon
For some truly dazzling fall foliage, a drive up Ogden Canyon is a must. Starting from 12th Street and heading east, you'll end up on Highway 39 into the mouth of Ogden Canyon. As you drive, there are plenty of spots to pull off the road and take pictures, or just take in the scenery.
If you'd rather hike through the trees, AllTrails has a list of the top 10 trails in Ogden Canyon that are worth your time. From the moderate Waterfall Canyon Trail to the difficult Malan's Peak Trail, Ogden Canyon has lots of beauty to explore.
When you're done driving or hiking, grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants before turning in for the night. Best Western Hotels & Resorts has two hotels in the Ogden area, so book your stay and make a weekend out of it.
Park City Guardsman Pass Drive
A fall activity that should be on everyone's list is the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway drive between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Park City.
The winding and often narrow road offers stunning views of the mountainsides with bright yellow aspens and deep green pine trees.
The drive time is about an hour each way, according to Utah.com.
There are places to pull off the road and walk around, as well as trailheads for those looking to hike. If you do plan to hike, be prepared to wait for a parking spot during the day.
The parking lots are small with limited spots, but with the cool mountain air and incredible scenery, it's hard to complain.
Mighty 5 National Parks
Utah is fortunate to have a whopping five national parks in its borders, each with its own unique beauty.
One of the many benefits of visiting one of Utah's national parks in the fall months is the cooler weather.
In Moab, near Arches and Canyonlands, the average high in October is a perfect 74 degrees, according to weather.com.
The National Park Service (NPS) says Zion will usually average about 79 degrees in October, but the different elevations and times of day can make the temperatures vary by about 30 degrees.
If you want weather that doesn't require lots of layering or warmer gear, visiting Bryce Canyon in September is a good time, as the weather-average is about 70 degrees according to the NPS website.
Capitol Reef takes a big jump from an average of 80 degrees in September to an average of 66 in October. So keep an eye on the weather before packing your suitcase for Capitol Reef!
Not only will you experience cooler weather at these parks in the fall months, but you'll also get to see some changing leaves against the bright red/orange rock.
Keep an eye on the NPS pages for each park to see when the leaves are at their peak.
Indian Canyon
Located between Helper and Duchesne, Indian Canyon is a stunning fall drive you probably haven't heard of.
The 47-mile drive takes approximately 1-1.5 hours, according to Utah.com. On one side of the pass, you'll see open vistas and cliff formations, and on the other side, views of the Ashley National Forest.
Mountain bikers and hikers may be able to squeeze in a few last trails before the onset of winter, but the 9,100-foot elevation can cool the area much sooner than the rest of the state. So head up early to see the fall colors in their prime!
Hobble Creek Canyon
Located near Springville, this canyon road offers views of spectacular fall foliage.
The striking aspens and oaks turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red during the fall months. As a bonus, this byway doesn't typically see as much traffic as the Mount Nebo or Alpine Loop drives.
If you want to get outside and enjoy the trees without the confines of a car, consider walking or biking the paved Hobble Creek Parkway Trail.
It's an out-and-back trail that takes about 45 minutes to complete and is great for all abilities. Leashed dogs are also welcome.
Heber and Midway
The Heber and Midway areas have so much to explore during the fall months.
Kids and adults alike will love the Heber Valley Railroad rides through the valley and canyon.
The 90-minute ride winds through Heber Valley, Deer Creek Reservoir, and the Wasatch Back Mountains, offering gorgeous views no matter the time of year. (But especially in the fall.)
The scenic ride is offered through October 31, so get your tickets for prime leaf-peeping soon.
The quaint town of Midway is also something to see this autumn in Utah. Golfers can play 18 holes at the Soldier Hollow Golf Course nestled into the mountainside. The incredible views, along with the changing tree colors, offer a golf experience you won't forget.
Sundance
Sundance is a great place to escape from the nearby cities and be more immersed in nature, no matter the time of year.
But those who love a fall outing will enjoy the lift rides at Sundance during the fall months.
On Sept. 4,5,6 and Oct. 3 and 4, you can take the Outlaw Express lift ride under a full moon. The 30-45 minute ride takes you up the mountain and into the trees before turning around and exposing the mountainside views from several stories high.
In October, the resort offers Halloween Lift Rides that are family-friendly. It's the same lift and length as the Full Moon Lift Ride, but you'll have a touch of spooky to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Plan your fall adventures with Best Western
Whether you're heading to a national park for a weekend of adventures or exploring a scenic road, Best Western has a place for you. With 36 locations across Utah, a comfortable and convenient room is nearby after your day of fun.
Many of the Utah Best Western properties are family-owned and locally operated with deep roots in the community.
So whether you're vacationing for a weekend or for a week, your stay will be warm and hospitable.
With amenities like free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, pools, and pet-friendly options, you can feel at home wherever your journey throughout Utah takes you.
Start planning your fall getaway and book your stay at a Utah Best Western today.
