The Least-Crowded Towns In Utah To Catch Fall Foliage

Although it may not be the first state that comes to mind for beautiful fall foliage, Utah offers incredible autumn hues throughout its diverse landscapes. Nestled in the American Southwest, the Beehive State is home to deserts, lush forests, majestic mountains, and the largest saltwater lake in the Northern Hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake. Throughout the state’s contrasting landscapes are small towns that provide a great respite for those looking to view fall foliage in Utah and get away from the crowds. 

Due to its diverse terrain and elevation, the best time to see vibrant autumn colors varies throughout Utah. In the north and higher-elevation towns, the peak season is typically from late September through early October. However, southern Utah usually comes alive with rich autumn shades in late October through early November. From the beautiful town of Vernal in the northeast to the high-desert town of Kanab in the south, these are the least-crowded towns in Utah to catch fall foliage.

Midway

Located south of Park City, Midway is an ideal fall destination for anyone looking to get away from the crowds. From late September to early October, visitors can catch scenic fall foliage along the town’s many hiking trails and scenic drives. Situated at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, you can drive north on Guardsman Pass to see breathtaking views of the area.

Midway is also home to Wasatch Mountain State Park, a serene park that provides horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking trails to view the autumn colors. Dutch Hollow Trailhead is another beautiful area to view the vibrant fall foliage. For a unique experience, check out Legacy Bridge, a covered bridge along the Provo River. The picturesque setting offers beautiful water views of the autumn leaves.

Manti

Manti is a small town in central Utah that boasts fall foliage of crimson, gold, and orange from late September to early October. Since the town is in the Sanpete Valley, travelers enjoy the scenic views and peaceful retreat in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The mountain ranges in the forest offer several trails for hiking and mountain biking. For some of the best views of Manti’s fall foliage, ride an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) along the forest’s off-road trails.

Manti also offers scenic waterfront views along the town’s many creeks. If you are looking for tranquility, take the scenic Manti Canyon Road and hike to Milky Falls, where the fall colors come to life.

Perry

Nestled between the Great Salt Lake and the majestic Wasatch Mountains, Perry is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. From late September to early October, nature lovers enjoy viewing the town’s fall foliage amidst the scenic background. You can also hike the Perry Canyon Trail to view the breathtaking canyon. For experienced hikers, take the trail to the peak of Black Mountain for unrivaled vista views of the autumn hues below.

One of the best ways to catch the fall foliage in Perry is to take a scenic drive on US Route 89. To the west, the drive offers a tapestry of autumn colors along Willard Bay, a reservoir of the Great Salt Lake, and fall foliage in the mountains to the east.

Panguitch

For those looking for a change of pace, Panguitch offers a serene setting away from the crowds. From late September to early October, you can get away from the hustle and bustle of life by viewing the incredible autumn hues in Dixie National Forest. In the forest, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking and biking on trails, as well as fishing and taking in the serene views along Panguitch Lake. The best time of day to view the fall foliage along the lake is at sunrise or sunset, when the autumn hues shimmer and reflect in the water.

If you want to enjoy the autumn colors from the comfort of your car, a scenic drive through Bryce Canyon National Park is a must. The nearby park offers magnificent views of red rocks, pink cliffs, and stunning vistas along Utah SR-63.

Monticello

Located in southeast Utah, Monticello boasts incredible fall foliage from late September to early October. Surrounded by several lakes, the charming town offers beautiful autumn hues reflected in the water. Nature lovers enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking at Monticello Lake and Lloyd’s Lake. For more outdoor adventures, there are several trailheads in the nearby Abajo Mountains. For picturesque views, hike along the trails on West Mountain, Twin Peaks West, and Abajo Peak to see the mountains painted in autumn hues.

One of the most unique and breathtaking vantage points of fall foliage in the area is the panoramic overlook of sandstone spires in the Needles District. Located on the southeast corner of Canyonlands National Park, the panoramic views of the canyon and rugged landscape are awe-inspiring. 

Vernal

Located in northeastern Utah, Vernal offers outdoor adventures, stunning fall foliage, and prehistoric wonders. Since the town is near Dinosaur National Monument, where numerous dinosaur fossils have been uncovered, the town is known as “Dinosaurland.” From late September to early October, the town roars to life with vibrant autumn hues of gold and crimson. You can hike along the Fossil Discovery Trail and witness ancient fossils still embedded in the rock face.

A beautiful setting for viewing the area’s fall foliage is Steinaker State Park. Situated along the Steinaker Reservoir, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing, boating, and canoeing in the water while viewing the beautiful autumn colors. 

Kanab

Nestled along the Arizona state border, the southern town of Kanab offers beautiful autumn hues from late October through early November. The area’s unique landscape of pink cliffs, sand dunes, deep canyons, and beautiful mountains provides breathtaking views of fall foliage. For outdoor enthusiasts, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park offers exciting adventures along the mountains and hills of sand. You can hike, camp, take an ATV tour, and even sandboard while viewing the beautiful autumn colors. 

The town is also home to Jackson Flat Reservoir. The serene spot is perfect for viewing hues of gold, red, and orange while boating, kayaking, and canoeing. For a stunning overlook, hike or take a horseback ride along the Bunting Trail to view the beautiful red mesas and town below. Be sure to take the detour after the first mile to see the dinosaur tracks!

If you are seeking a tranquil autumn experience, these small towns in Utah offer something for everyone. Each town provides respite from the crowds, diverse landscapes, stunning autumn hues, and outdoor adventures. Whether you hike the picturesque trails of Midway, take a scenic drive through Perry, or enjoy the burst of fall colors in Manti, Utah’s small towns provide an incredible display of fall foliage.