The minute the air even thinks about dipping below 75 degrees, you'll see every telltale sign that fall has made its way to Utah. Keep your eyes peeled for families of seven wandering through corn mazes. Wardrobes become peppered with team hoodies and oversized sweaters. Everyone stops in front of trees for #autumnvibes photoshoots. And the sweets? Everywhere.
First comes the great wardrobe shift
The morning outfit battles have begun. Should you risk a sweater only for it to be sizzling by 2 p.m.? Should you still try to wear sandals when it's frigid by dinner? Good thing Utahns have mastered the art of layering.
The approaching equinox means you'll soon see shackets galore, Utah curls capped with Carhartt beanies and dozens of dads in Dr. Martens. You know the look — cute as a button and modeled after that one Draper influencer named Bubbleigh.
Then there's the chic outdoorsy attire that crops up once the leaves pop. Hiking trails basically become a runway for every outdoor retailer in the state. Step aside for the autumnal Wasatch mascot — a software engineer wearing Kühl hiking pants and a Black Diamond insulated hoodie. And flannel.
Let there be sweetness
In a state known for green Jell-O, you betcha Beehive-ites have their go-to fall sweet treat. A fluffy slice of Kneaders pumpkin bread? What about a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory caramel apple? Or you might even take a road trip for a fresh slice of pumpkin pie from Veyo Pies.
The eternally long drive-thru lines at Swig continue for seasonal dirty sodas — are you getting the "Dr. Spice" or the "Cin-Sational?" Maybe you like to coffee shop hop, taste testing each and every pumpkin spice latte along the way. Perhaps you'd rather happily drown in a decadent hot cocoa from Hatch Family Chocolates. Delectable.
Football watch parties
For Utah college students, fall means studying and stress. But it also means the best way to blow off some of that steam — relishing the thrill of a live college football match. A fumble. A final whistle. A harmony of boos. Hugging your friends because, "Oh my heck!" your team won.
But when the team is away, what's a student to do? You go to a watch party at a sports bar, of course. Or host a watch party yourself. Invite your friends and your friends' friends. "Go Cougs!" Ahem. Did you forget to tell your friend, who has never heard of football fantasy, that this was a Utes watch party? No personal foul. They brought the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
Festivals and other family fun
Fall wouldn't be fall without some whimsy and wonder and a wittle bit of fear. There are plenty of wholesome fall activities in Utah, but some send shivers down your spine.
Apple picking with a first date at Rowley's Red Barn Harvest Festival in Washington? Wholesome. (Nobody needs to know you argued about whether Red Delicious or Honeycrisp apples are the best). Kiddos in a pumpkin patch? Wholesome. Families, small and large, flock to places such as Mabey's Pumpkin Patch in South Jordan or Cross E Ranch in North Salt Lake to find the cutest gourd for their porch.
Seeing DINKs from all over Utah at Snowbird's Oktoberfest, cheering on the famous Yo-Yo Man and gorging on Bavarian sundries? Wholesome. Aunties and uncles in their best witch getups at Witchfest in Gardner's Village? Wholesome. Wagon rides and corn mazes at Cornbelly's? Wholesome.
Trying to keep your cool at Salt Lake's Nightmare on 13th when you're really just as scared as the shrieking tweens? That feels spookier, but still wholesome. Wandering Thanksgiving Point's Ashton Gardens to admire artists' renditions of scarecrows at the Scarecrow Festival? Maybe a little strange, but still wholesome.
Seeing a scarecrow in the wild? Call a priest.
And the scariest thought of them all? Missing out on all of that fun. Find more spooky and festive fall activities with KSL Events.
Fall leaves on foot and scenic drives
The leaves are the stars of the fall show. Every Utahn knows this. Even if you aren't outdoorsy, you probably took a drive to see the leaves at least once.
Did you cruise the whole 20 miles of Alpine Loop with windows down and nostrils up? Sniffing the fall air right alongside your pup? And what about the gorgeous Nebo Loop or Logan Canyon? We do not pick sides when it comes to the fall views. They're all winners.
Utah's fall colors
Here's when they might peak
Utah's fall colors are expected to pick up in the next few weeks, but an expert warns this year's colors may not be as vibrant.Have you hoofed it up the 7 to 8 miles to the top of Mount Timpanogos to see reds and oranges in 360 across Utah Valley? Maybe you've hiked a few miles to Fifth Water Hot Springs to soak in the pools and soak up the gold and orange hues? Or maybe you let the kiddos pick up red leaves from the short hike to Lisa Falls in Little Cottonwood Canyon? There are tons of fall hikes in Utah to enjoy. Which one is your favorite?
Are there other things in Utah that make you feel like it's finally fall? Let us know in the comments.
