Sunday Drive - Leaf Peeping in Southern Utah

Southern Utah is a stunning destination year-round, but it's especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color. The red rock formations and alpine forests provide a dramatic backdrop for the vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red.

If you're planning a leaf-peeping trip to Southern Utah, here are some of the best places to find fall foliage:

Zion National Park

Zion National Park's towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and lush vegetation are simply breathtaking at every time of year. But in the fall, when Zion's leaves change color, they add another layer of beauty to the park's scenery. The best places to see fall foliage in Zion include:

• A scenic drive on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: This scenic drive winds through the park, and through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel offering stunning views of the colorful leaves.
• A shuttle ride along the Virgin River: Finding fall foliage in Zion at the right time of year with just a ride on the park's shuttle system up the main canyon road. Take the shuttle all the way to the end at the Zion Narrows and you won't be disappointed in the fall colors you'll find. 
• The Overlook Trail: This is an easy one-mile hike, east of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The views of Zion Canyon from far above will take your breath away. This short one-hour trek is perfect for families and those who are not ready for long strenuous hikes.
• Angel's Landing Trail: If you're up for a more strenuous hike, challenge yourself by taking the 5.4 mi (8.7 km) Angels Landing hike, which offers views down into the canyon from a staggering height of 1,500 ft (457 m).

Kolob Reservoir

Kolob Reservoir is located just outside of Zion National Park. The reservoir is surrounded by mountains and forests, and the fall foliage is stunning.

Some of the best places to see fall foliage at Kolob Reservoir include:

• The Kolob Reservoir Overlook: This scenic overlook offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
• The Kolob Reservoir Trail: This easy hiking trail winds around the lake, offering close-up views of the fall foliage.
• The Pine Creek Trail: This moderate hiking trail leads to a waterfall, and the fall foliage is especially beautiful along the trail.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Cedar Breaks National Monument is one of the best places to see fall foliage in Southern Utah. The park is home to a massive amphitheater with colorful rock formations and alpine forests.

In the fall, the leaves in Cedar Breaks change color, creating a stunning display of red, orange, and yellow. The best places to see fall foliage in Cedar Breaks include:

• The Rim Trail: This easy hiking trail winds around the rim of the amphitheater, offering stunning views of the colorful leaves.
• The Spectra Point Trail: This moderate hiking trail leads to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the amphitheater and the surrounding mountains.
• The Hickman Bridge Trail: This challenging hiking trail leads to a natural bridge, and the fall foliage is especially beautiful along the trail.

Cedar Canyon

If the leaves at the higher elevations around Cedar Breaks and Biran Head have already fallen a drive up Cedar Canyon, located just west of Cedar City, offers another, later in the season opportunity for leaf peeping.

For week by week reports on the best places to find fall foliage you can go to visitcedarcity.com, the Cedar City tourism board's website.

Tips for planning your leaf-peeping trip in Southern Utah

• The best time to see fall foliage in Southern Utah is typically from late September to early November. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the weather conditions.
• Many of the best places to see fall foliage in Southern Utah are located in national parks and monuments. These parks and monuments typically charge an entrance fee.
• Some of the hiking trails in Southern Utah can be challenging. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
• Let someone know where you plan to go if you're planning a hike or longer drive. Some of the best locations for leaf peeping and hiking can have little to no cell phone service and you'll want to leave a note on where you plan to go - just in case.