It’s hard to beat Utah’s dry summer nights, but every time fall rolls around, the state’s outdoor enthusiasts rejoice. Lower temperatures and colorful foliage are among the many reasons to celebrate autumn’s arrival, and the following outdoor activity ideas are great ways to capitalize on Utah’s beauty come fall.
The place to be this fall in the up-and-coming city Lehi is Cornbelly's. Here you'll see why this fantastic location has had people from all over flocking to it for over 20 years. There are so many attractions that you won't want to leave. If haunted houses, hay rides, mini golf, campfires, and all sorts of other fall activities sound fun to you, get yourself over there! You'll need fuel to complete the corn maze so head to the highly-rated restaurant the Rising Bun where you can eat light Asian cuisine. Don't forget to try one of their amazing desserts.
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Sundance Mountain Resort is famous for its Full Moon Lift rides during the summertime and early fall, but come October, the small but stunning ski resort takes a turn for the spooky. Forty-five minutes on the Halloween Lift Ride makes for a romantic date, but be careful not to spill your hot chocolate when a freaky scarecrow jumps out at you. If you feel like grabbing a souvenir for the night, head over to the resort’s general store, where you can buy classic Sundance t-shirts, sweatshirts, rustic lollipops and a range of items from Sundance’s famous catalogue.
The Provo River Parkway Trail is one of Provo’s most beloved pathways. Although frequented by runners, walkers, and bikers, the 30-mile trail always feels peaceful and scenic. In the fall, the trail is particularly gorgeous—a late afternoon bike ride down the Provo Canyon portion of the trail is a veritable slice of heaven. Spice up the day by ending your bike ride near Utah Lake, where you can visit CLAS Ropes Course for a ride on its popular Halloween River Cruise.
The Squaw Peak trail is a favorite of hikers in Utah County. Measuring in at seven miles round trip, the trail is easy to access but still feels remote. What’s more, hiking Squaw Peak is a surefire way to work up a sweat. If you haven’t hiked for a while, you may want to consider working yourself up to this particular hike, which is steep but rewarding. Hit up the trail in early fall and you will see some of the best foliage Utah has to offer. After trekking up to the peak, you'll have worked up quite an appetite. Head to Taste Downtown in Provo where “chocolate is their specialty.” Treat yourself to one of the most scrumptious sipping chocolates to exist, topped with fresh whipped cream. Check out their menu for all of the unique and delicious items on their tasting menu.
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On a crisp morning in early fall, there’s nothing quite as surreal as Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. It may take you a few hours to reach them from Salt Lake City or Utah Valley, but they are one of Utah’s most unique geological features.
There is something liberating about visiting a national park without a formal guide, but if it’s your first time visiting one of Utah’s national parks, hiring a guide is 100 percent worth it. Wildland Trekking is a nationwide outdoor tour company, and its guided backpacking tours of Capitol Reef National Park are the best of the best. With perfect temperatures and smaller crowds, fall is one of the best times to explore Southern Utah.
Yoga and lunch at a saloon may seem like a strange combination, but the relaxing nature of yoga actually works well with an old-fashioned burger, trust us. Snowbasin’s “Mountain Top Yoga” is an incredible experience, especially in the fall—for $15, you get a gondola ride to the top of the mountain for an exhilarating outdoor yoga class in a beautiful alpine setting. And what better way to spend the day than with yoga and fries?
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Utah is famous for its world-class fly fishing, and Park City is one of the state’s most popular fly fishing hubs. With access to two different rivers, the city is a good place to be for all things outdoors. Fly fishing in the Provo River is a particularly good option, and All Seasons Adventures Fly Fishing (based in Park City) has experienced guides who can help you get the most out of your experience.
It seems fitting that the best time to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument is in the fall—from September through October, the stunning red rock that makes up the monument is perfectly accented by evergreens and flaming fall foliage. But of course, a trip down south is not complete without some stargazing and s’mores, both of which are absolutely prime at the nearby Point Supreme Campground.
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