7 Small Towns In Utah That Come Alive In The Fall
Utah is well known for its towering aspen forests and petrified sand dunes, home to several national and state parks waiting to be explored. The state is home to top destinations such as Salt Lake City, Zion National Park, and Arches National Park, each of which boasts its own beauty and excitement. That said, the small towns of Utah wow on their own – several of which come to life in autumn, beaming with fall colors, harvest events, and festivals to get you in the spirit of the season.
This autumn, delve into the delights of Utah's small town, experiencing the fall colors of Moab, trail-to-town adventures in Park City, a stunning sunset reflecting off the waters of Panguitch Lake, and many more.
Springdale
Springdale is one of the most charming towns in Utah, backdropped by the awe-inducing Zion National Park and its red rock monoliths. The entirety of the park is painted with color in autumn, perfect for a fall adventure or scenic drive. The town sits on the North Fork of the Virgin River, where travelers enjoy boating along remote stretches of the river, taking in the surrounding autumnal beauty.
For those with an adventurous spirit and love for Halloween, pay a visit 15 minutes southwest to the small settlement of Grafton, a ghost town of the American West. It is home to unique, abandoned attractions such as pioneer cabins, a school, a church, and a graveyard.
Heber City
Heber City is a beautiful retirement town in Utah, known colloquially as "paradise land." Travelers enjoy wandering into the depths of Heber Valley, enjoying fall colors via horseback, a train ride, ATVing, mountain biking, or a scenic drive. Heber Valley's historic railroad tours offer a glimpse into the area's past, as well as plenty of time to enjoy the picturesque countryside, including views of Provo Canyon, the Wasatch Mountains, and Deer Creek Reservoir.
Fall festivities are plentiful in the town, including the Halloween Train Ride, the Kohler Creamery Hay Maze and Pumpkin Patch, and several haunted houses. Camping in Wasatch Mountain State Park is a must for those looking to enjoy a rustic stay and marvel at the fall foliage.
Panguitch
One of the most gorgeous Utah towns, Panguitch sits on the shores of its namesake lake, Panguitch Lake, and within the Panguitch Valley. The town is an angler's haven, literally translating to "big fish." That said, it appeals to any outdoor adventurer, sitting in close proximity to popular attractions, such as Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks, as well as two national monuments: Cedar Breaks and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
A hike through one of the parks offers the perfect opportunity to view fall foliage, though travelers may also hop on Scenic Byway 143, tracing some of the nation's most historic (and most scenic) roads. Throughout the month of October, locals and visitors alike may participate in the fall-focused scarecrow contest, while the holiday craft fair occurs the second weekend in November.
Brigham City
Harvest festivals, farmer's markets, and the Pioneer Pumpkin Float Festival bring the beautiful Utah town of Brigham City to life each October. However, its exciting events aren't the only thing that makes the town the ideal fall getaway! Self-proclaimed as the "Gateway to the World's Greatest Wild Bird Refuge," the town is just a stone's throw away from outdoor destinations such as Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and the Golden Spike National Historic Site, home to plenty of fall foliage and scenic views.
The Wellsville Mountains encompass 17 miles of trails for travelers to explore, some of which lead to the range's highest points, perfect for taking in all the beauty that autumn has to offer.
Moab
Moab is arguably one of the most popular summer destinations in Utah, but it never fails to delight in fall either. Its two nearby national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, make it attractive amongst outdoor adventurists, as does Dead Horse Point State Park. Travelers enjoy hiking, camping, and scenic drives through the picturesque areas, dotted with fall foliage and stunning autumn sunsets.
A leisurely kayak along the Colorado and Green Rivers offers the perfect opportunity to marvel at the walls of the Colorado Plateau, while mountain biking through Moab's trail systems offers a chance to delve into the area's wilderness. Stargazers also enjoy a visit to Moab in the fall, as the Milky Way is visible from September through October, so packing a telescope is essential!
Bountiful
The charming town of Bountiful is bountiful in terms of things to do and fall excitement. Bountiful Peak Drive, connecting Bountiful to Farmington, runs along the roads of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, boasting autumnal views and an opportunity to relax and see where the road takes you. There are plenty of trails and hiking areas, including Big Rock Via Elephant Rock Trail, South Deuel Creek Trail, and Centerville Canyon Via Deuel Creek Trail.
Mueller Park Picnic Area offers several fall trails, ideal for a secluded and tranquil autumn getaway. The park houses shady maple, aspen, and cottonwood trees, which change color alongside the seasons, bringing life and vibrance to the area.
Park City
While Park City is often thought of as a winter destination, the area boasts plenty to enjoy in the fall months. The mountain town offers stunning scenery, bordered by the Wasatch Mountain Range. It is no secret that the hiking trails and roads of the range offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the fall foliage of the area.
Fall events include Harvest in the Hollow, Autumn Peak Hiking Retreat, Scarecrow Festival at McPolin Farm, and many more. A whisky tour of the High West Distillery is a great chance to taste local creations. For those with a taste for adventure, hop on a hot air balloon ride and capture the town's sights and foliage from the sky.
Enjoy Fall in These Utah Towns!
Mountain passes and desert beauty abound in Utah, making for an exciting fall getaway in one of the state's charming towns. The red rocks, arches, canyons, hoodoos, cliffs, and mountainscapes boast endless fall beauty, alongside milder weather that is perfect for outdoor adventuring. Delve into the beauty of these small towns, each of which hosts their own festivals and events, as well as Utah's natural beauty.
