One of the best parts of the fall season is watching the leaves change color. From oranges to yellows to deep reds, leaves are bursting with vibrant colors this time of year. You can see the changing colors are all around Park City, but if you’re a serious leaf peeper, there are some specific routes where you can see fall foliage at its best. Buckle your seat belt and get ready to see amazing fall colors around Park City!
Mirror Lake Highway
The Mirror Lake Highway is a 42 mile stretch of state road that begins in Kamas and stretches into the Uinta Mountains.
Being one of the highest roads in Utah, the vantage point is second to none. At the highest point at Bear Mountain, the panoramic view is simply breathtaking. Driving the entire route of the Mirror Lake Highway can take three hours, so be sure to budget plenty of time on your fall foliage tour. There are also places along the way to stop for a picnic if you wish.
Big Cottonwood Canyon to Park City
This route offers plenty of beautiful fall foliage scenes along the way.
This drive is best taken from Salt Lake City to the 6200 South Exit and following the signs to Big Cottonwood/Brighton/Solitude ski areas. You can drive along the 15 mile path or stop for a hike and take in the views. Whichever you choose you’ll see some of Utah’s finest fall foliage at its peak. The route takes about an hour round-trip.
Alpine Scenic Loop
Drive along rugged alpine canyons of the Wasatch Range on this 20-mile drive.
The Alpine Scenic Loop travels along Utah Hwy.92 up American Fork Canyon and through Uinta National Forest. You’ll see beautifully colored maple trees against the backdrop of the forest. The loop is completely paved and is open from about late May through late October. Along the route you’ll also see Robert Redford’s Sundance house and have the option to take a detour to Cascade Springs.
Nebo Loop
The Nebo Loop is a winding road that stretches between the towns of Payson and Nephi.
The scenic drive climbs 9,000 feet and has what some people tout as the best foliage in the country. Catch views of the Utah Valley, the Wasatch, and Mt. Nebo which is the highest peak of the Wasatch Range. The drive is a 32 mile loop with plenty of campgrounds and hiking opportunities in case you want to put it in park for a while.
Flaming Gorge Uintas Scenic Byway
Set aside a good portion of your day if you choose to travel along the Flaming Gorge Uintas Scenic Byway.
That’s because it spans 82 miles in one direction and takes nearly four hours to complete. Drive from Vernal through the Ashley National Forest and see the golden colors of fall foliage at its best. As you drive make your way up the Uinta Mountains before hitting the peak at 8,400 feet. You’ll also pass many geological formations along the way.
Amazing fall colors are blooming around Park City. The season passes quickly, so enjoy it while you can!
