VISTING SOUTHERN UTAH IN THE FALL - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Want to beat the summer heat and crowds on your next visit to Southwestern Utah? Why not plan your trip to the land of red rock and sunshine in the fall?
With mild temps, fewer visitors, gold-colored leaves, and endless adventure possibilities, Southwestern Utah in the fall is about as good as it gets.
Get your adventure juices flowing with activities like kayaking at Quail Creek Reservoir or hiking The Narrows surrounded by fall color.
Check out these tips and adventure ideas to help you plan the ultimate getaway with crisp fall air, and the crunch of leaves under your hiking boots.
When And Where To View The Fall Color
Fall comes to Greater Zion a little later than it does to most areas of the country. From late October through November, you will find the leaves changing color and cool crisp air perfect for all those outdoor adventures.
The best areas for spotting fall color are Zion National Park, the scenic drive along Kolob Terrace Road and Red Cliffs National Reserve. Some of the best fall hiking includes Riverside Walk, Water Canyon and Red Reef Trail.
Fall Adventure Ideas
Hike The Narrows in Zion
In the fall, water levels in the Virgin River are typically idea for hiking The Narrows, and since monsoon season ends in early September the chances of rain and flash flood threats are low. Bonus, the fall colors in The Narrows are spectacular!
RELATED: HIKING THE NARROWS WITH KIDS
Bike Gooseberry Mesa
This world-class trail is the perfect biking destination in the fall. With advanced and intermediate options, Gooseberry Mesa boasts rolling slickrock, twisty singletrack and jaw-dropping vistas. This adventurous trail is best enjoyed without the blistering heat.
Hike Snow Canyon
There isn't much in the way of fall color in Snow Canyon, but the mild temps make fall the perfect time to visit this beautiful state park. Scattered with volcanic cones, sand dunes, lava flows, and soaring red sandstone cliffs, Snow Canyon is a must for any trip to Southwestern Utah.
RELATED: 10 EPIC FAMILY FRIENDLY HIKES IN SOUTHERN UTAH
Paddle board or Kayak at Quail Creek, Sand Hollow, or Gunlock State Parks
The water may be a touch too cold for swimming, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy gliding and paddling on the water. Surrounded by vibrant red desert cliffs, any one of these lakes make for an excellent way to spend a fall afternoon.
Hike Red Reef Trail
This popular trail in the Red Cliffs National Reserve gets stunning fall color and is the perfect adventure hike for families. With an amazing desert backdrop, towering red rock walls, arches, petroglyphs, rock caves to crawl through, tree stumps that look like elephants, and trees that look like snakes, this hike is one that you do not want to miss when visiting Southwestern Utah.
ATV tour at Sand Hollow
Explore miles and miles of sand dunes, zoom down sand hills, and take in expansive and stunning views in the crisp fall air. An ATV ride in the soft red desert sand of Southwestern Utah is the ultimate family adventure.
Hike, Climb or Go Canyoneering At Lambs Knoll
Lambs Knoll is located along a lesser-traveled section of Zion along the scenic Kolob Terrace road. With stunning fall color, hiking, climbing, slot canyons, and canyoneering what more could you ask for? Lambs Knoll Climbing Area has a little something for everyone.
This article was written in partnership with the St. George Tourism Board and Travel Mindset. For more information about attractions in and around the St. George area, visit GREATERZION.COM. You can also follow them on Instagram @greaterzionutah.
Happy adventuring,
Arika
