10 reasons you must plan a getaway to Flaming Gorge this fall

As summer comes to a close and families wrap up their vacation time and head back to school, you might feel a little twinge of sadness. But here's the perfect cure for that: Start planning your fall getaway.

In many ways, fall vacations are better than summer ones. You don't have to deal with intense heat or big crowds, and a getaway gives you a chance to reset once you've settled into your new schedule. In short, this isn't just a nice time to plan a vacation. This is when you really need one.

Of course, the perfect fall getaway has to include a destination worth your while. You could opt for the same old standbys where everyone else vacations — or you could try something new. Somewhere beautiful, accessible and fun for the whole family, but a little less busy than other popular fall destinations.

For Utahns looking for a unique fall getaway that will leave everyone happy, here are 10 reasons why you should visit Flaming Gorge this fall.

You've got to see the fall colors

The fall foliage is enough of a reason to visit Flaming Gorge, with peak color beginning in mid- to late September and continuing into early October, depending on the weather.

Unlike what you see along the Wasatch Front, the aspens and cottonwood trees create a striking contrast against Flaming Gorge's red rock cliffs and deep blue water. It might even be the perfect spot for those fall family pictures.

As one Tripadvisor reviewer wrote of their fall trip to Flaming Gorge, "This should be one of the seven wonders of the world. No words to express the beauty of the whole area."

The scenic drives are second to none

The best way to experience the changing colors is to drive through Red Canyon and the Sheep Creek Geological Loop. These roads offer scenic overlooks that make it easy to slow down, take in the views and stop for photos along the way. Don't forget your camera.

The annual kokanee salmon run is a sight to behold

Every year, thousands of bright red kokanee salmon make their spawning journey through Sheep Creek each fall. It's an incredible wildlife-viewing and photography opportunity — and one of Flaming Gorge's signature fall experiences. The annual run typically begins around mid-August and continues into October, giving fall visitors a chance to see the salmon up close.

You can take a beautiful hike in nature

Flaming Gorge maintains hundreds of miles of trails for your walking, hiking and exploring pleasure. You can try everything from a short interpretive nature trail at Sheep Creek, Moose Ponds, West Greens Lake or Aspen to a more challenging hike in the nearby High Uintas. With cooler temperatures and colorful scenery, fall is a beautiful time to get out and explore on foot.

You'll see abundant wildlife

The leaves aren't the only things you'll want to snap photos of outside. Fall is a great time for wildlife viewing in Flaming Gorge as well. Bald eagles, black bears, bobcats, moose, mountain lions, mule deer, elk and bighorn sheep are among the free-roaming creatures you might get to see. Just be sure to respect the animals and maintain a safe distance while you're taking those pictures.

You can still enjoy your favorite outdoor adventures

Fishing, boating, camping and other outdoor activities don't have to end when summer does. In fact, Flaming Gorge in the fall makes these activities even more enjoyable since they're quieter, cooler and surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Think: 91 miles of boating, world-record trout and abundant campsites and picnic spots. That's a lot to explore.

And if you prefer not to camp, area hotels are open and some offer discounted rates for all.

The night skies are worth staying up for

In Flaming Gorge, the wonder doesn't stop when the sun goes down. That's when the real nature show begins. Thanks to very little light pollution, you get a clear view of the dark night sky in the evening, which makes it perfect for stargazing.

Cooler temperatures make exploring more comfortable

After a record-breaking summer of heatwaves, many Utahns are longing for a cool retreat. Fall brings a welcome break from those high summer temperatures, so you can enjoy all of the outdoor activities you couldn't do in July.

You can escape the crowds without giving up the fun

A big reason why people need a fall vacation is to rest and hit the reset button. Flaming Gorge is a great, peaceful alternative to busier fall destinations. Plus, local lodging, restaurants and businesses remain open all year round, making it easy to turn into a weekend road trip.

It's so much more than a reservoir

It makes sense that most people think about the reservoir when they picture Flaming Gorge. But that only tells a fraction of the story. The bigger picture is a beautiful place with scenic drives, outdoor recreation, small-town experiences and seasonal events that give you plenty of reasons to stay a while.

And you'll probably be back.

A peaceful alternative for your fun fall plans

The list of reasons to visit Flaming Gorge in the fall — or any other time of the year — goes on. It's a getaway that truly feels different. Here you can slow down, explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings however you'd like.

Plan your visit for peak fall color, stay overnight and give yourself time to discover what this corner of Utah has to offer.

Visit flaminggorgecountry.com to get started.