Utah Leaf-Peeping: 6 Off-Road Trails to See Fall Colors in 2025

Fall comes fast in Utah, and if you blink, you might miss it. Like many other states in the region, the prime window for leaf peeping in Utah is late September through early October. Of course, if you are planning to explore the higher elevations, the trees will begin to change color a bit sooner. By the time the calendar flips to fall, Utah’s backcountry is already glowing with golden aspens, fiery red oaks, and bigtooth maples splashed across the mountainsides.

If you’re planning a trip, timing is everything! One of the best ways to know when to go is by using the American Forests Estimated Fall Foliage Map, which helps you track when and where the leaves are changing across the state. Pair that with our scouted trails, and you’ll have everything you need to plan the perfect fall adventure, whether it’s a quick day drive or a weekend camping trip.

Now let’s dive into some of our favorite Utah trails to explore this fall season.

Tips for Fall Trail Adventures in Utah

• Watch the weather: Utah’s mountains are unpredictable in fall. A trail that’s dusty one weekend can be muddy or snow-dusted the next. Always check conditions before heading out.
• Go midweek if you can: Fall foliage season is short, which means popular trails and campgrounds can fill quickly. Weekday trips give you a better shot at peaceful views.
• Pack for chilly nights: If you plan to camp on a high-elevation trail, temperatures often dip below freezing after dark. Bring layers, a good sleeping bag, and a propane fire pit to stay warm.
• Bring a camera: Pretty self explanatory, you’ll definitely want to capture the views. And once you’re back home, don’t forget to share your favorite shots by adding them as a review on our trail guides!
• Follow Leave No Trace principals: Fall is a fragile time for Utah’s ecosystems. Stay on designated routes, pack out trash, and leave campsites better than you found them so others can enjoy them too.

Best Off-Road Trails to See Fall Colors in Utah

Murdock Basin Road

• Difficulty: Easy

Just over an hour from Salt Lake City, Murdock Basin Road is a rocky dirt climb into the Uinta Mountains, through plenty of Aspen trees. The road is rough but not overly technical, so a high-clearance 2WD can make it in dry conditions. With endless dispersed camping and quiet corners, it’s a great option to explore this fall season.

Monroe Mountain Road

• Difficulty: Easy

At over 10,000 feet, Monroe Mountain Road crosses the Fishlake National Forest, a prime destination for fall colors when the aspens and maples begin to turn. The route offers wide mountain views, quiet lakes such as Box Creek Reservoir and Big Lake, and countless primitive campsites along the way. While the northern section is a smooth gravel road, the southern half is rougher and best suited for high-clearance, 4x4 vehicles.

Squaw Peak

• Difficulty: Easy

Squaw Peak is a slower but more scenic way to travel between Orem and Springville, and it’s packed with fall views during the months of September and October. The road starts paved, passes several forest campgrounds, then narrows into a bumpy stretch with dips that may be a challenge for low-clearance vehicles. With both campgrounds and dispersed camping available, it’s a versatile option for leaf peeping close to town.

Timpooneke Road

• Difficulty: Moderate

For a taste of alpine Utah just minutes from I-15, Timpooneke Road delivers. The 10-mile gravel road hugs the western face of Mount Timpanogos, offering amazing views of Utah Valley and dense aspen forests. It’s narrow in spots with steep drop-offs, but otherwise easy enough for any AWD. With both Campgrounds and dispersed camping along the way, it makes a great basecamp for exploring this fall.

Forest Lake

• Difficulty: Difficult

This short but rocky trail near Pleasant Grove winds through pine forests and golden aspen groves before topping out at 10,000 feet. Rock gardens and mud pits make it a little more technical but it’s perfect for lightly modified rigs with bigger tires looking for a less populated trail to explore the leaves changing colors. There are peaceful camping spots at the top and plenty of wildlife sightings, making it great for a quick fall getaway.

Mary Ellen Gulch

• Difficulty: Moderate

If you like a side of history with your foliage, Mary Ellen Gulch won’t disappoint. The Wasatch Range trail climbs past abandoned 1800s mines on a rugged road that gets progressively rockier and steeper the higher you go. Tight turns and ledges test both vehicles and drivers, but the payoff is mountain views and colorful aspen valleys that feel worlds away from the city.