Golden Roads
Five unforgettable fall drives through Northern Utah
Each fall, Utah seems to trade its summer greens for every shade of gold imaginable. Aspens turn brilliant yellow against dark evergreens, mountain peaks begin to show their first dusting of snow, and the crispness in the air makes the simple act of getting in the car and heading into the mountains feel like an adventure. It’s also one of the best times of year to explore Northern Utah by road.
From the high mountain passes of the Wasatch to the sweeping valleys surrounding Logan and Bear Lake, fall turns some of Utah’s most scenic highways into spectacular sightseeing routes. Along the way are mountain towns, alpine lakes, hiking trails, restaurants, resorts and plenty of places to pull over and simply take in the view.
Whether you have a long weekend or several days to spare, these five scenic drives can be combined into a leisurely fall road trip—or enjoyed one at a time. So fill the coffee cup, grab a jacket and leave a little room in the itinerary for unexpected stops. In autumn, the road is often the destination.
1. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
American Fork Canyon to Sundance
Few Utah drives are more spectacular in the fall than the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway.
Winding through American Fork Canyon and climbing toward the high country near Mount Timpanogos, the route delivers a dramatic succession of mountain scenery. Dense stands of aspen become the stars of the show in autumn, their golden leaves contrasting beautifully with the dark green of the surrounding forest and the rugged peaks overhead.
The drive is relatively short, which makes it easy to build into a day of exploring. Plan plenty of time for stops, however. Pullouts along the route provide opportunities for photographs and sightseeing, while hiking trails offer a chance to stretch your legs and experience the forest on foot.
One of the most recognizable stops is Bridal Veil Falls, the dramatic waterfall cascading down the mountainside near Provo Canyon. Sundance Mountain Resort is another natural place to linger, with its mountain setting, dining and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors beyond the summer season.
The Alpine Loop eventually brings you toward the Heber Valley, making it an ideal first leg of a larger road trip.
2. Heber Valley & Midway
A mountain drive with a little Swiss charm
After descending from the mountains, continue into the Heber Valley and toward Midway, a charming community known for its Swiss-inspired character and relaxed small-town atmosphere.
This is where the road trip shifts from scenic driving to destination exploring.
Midway makes an excellent place to stop for coffee, breakfast or lunch, with local restaurants and bakeries providing an excuse to linger. Nearby Deer Creek Reservoir adds another scenic element, particularly when the surrounding mountains are reflected in the water.
For something completely different, visit Homestead Crater, the remarkable geothermal formation tucked inside a 55-foot-tall limestone dome. The crater is one of Utah’s more unusual natural attractions and offers a memorable contrast to the surrounding mountain landscape. Golfers will also recognize the area as home to Soldier Hollow, while the broader Heber Valley offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and other outdoor recreation.
After a morning surrounded by mountain scenery, Midway provides just the right change of pace: good food, charming streets and a place to settle in for the night before heading back into the high country.
3. Mirror Lake Highway
High country, golden aspens and alpine lakes
If you want the quintessential Utah fall drive, put Mirror Lake Highway near the top of the list.
Also known as State Route 150, the scenic road climbs from the Kamas Valley into the Uinta Mountains, eventually reaching Bald Mountain Pass at more than 10,000 feet. Along the way, the landscape changes dramatically, moving from forested valleys into high alpine country dotted with lakes and meadows. In autumn, the aspens put on an extraordinary display.
Mirror Lake is an obvious stop, with its calm waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and trees. But don’t feel obligated to make it the only destination. Numerous pullouts and recreation areas make it easy to stop along the way, and the route offers opportunities for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing.
For photographers, this is one drive where it pays to keep the camera handy. The combination of golden aspens, mountain peaks, clear lakes and changing skies creates a new composition around nearly every bend.
The town of Kamas, located at the western gateway to the highway, makes a convenient home base for exploring the area. It also provides a good place to stock up on snacks or grab a meal before heading into the mountains.
4. Ogden Valley
From reservoir views to mountain resorts
North of Salt Lake City, Ogden Valley offers another beautiful fall escape, with the communities of Huntsville, Eden and Liberty connected by winding roads and surrounded by mountains. The route around Pineview Reservoir provides especially appealing autumn scenery. Water, mountains and colorful foliage combine for an easygoing drive that can be explored at a leisurely pace.
Huntsville makes a natural stopping point, with local restaurants and places to relax before continuing through the valley. The area also has a growing food and beverage scene, giving road trippers plenty of options for an afternoon or evening stop.
For a different perspective on the fall landscape, head to Snowbasin Resort. The mountain resort is known primarily for winter skiing, but its scenic setting doesn’t disappear when the snow melts. Fall activities and mountain views provide a chance to see the Wasatch from above, while nearby Powder Mountain adds another destination for those who want to explore the high country.
Ogden Valley is also a good place to slow down. Rather than racing from one attraction to another, spend an afternoon driving the back roads, stopping beside the reservoir or settling into a local restaurant as the sun drops behind the mountains.
5. Logan Canyon Scenic Byway
From Logan to Bear Lake
The Logan Canyon Scenic Byway may be one of Northern Utah’s most underrated fall drives.
Leaving Logan, the road follows the Logan River through a landscape of steep limestone cliffs, forests and mountain meadows. As the elevation increases, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with colorful foliage filling the canyon walls.
The Crimson Trail provides one option for hikers who want to leave the car behind for a while, while Beaver Mountainoffers another connection to the surrounding high country.
Further along, the road eventually reaches Bear Lake, where the landscape opens dramatically after the confines of the canyon. Known for its striking blue water, Bear Lake makes a fitting finale to a Northern Utah road trip.
And then there are the raspberry shakes. If you’re traveling during the right part of the season, stopping for one has become something of a Bear Lake tradition. It may not be the most sophisticated culinary stop on the itinerary, but that’s part of the fun. After days of mountain roads, alpine scenery and golden forests, sitting beside the lake with a cold raspberry shake is a pretty good way to end the journey.
FALL ROAD-TRIP SIDEBAR
Best Fall Restaurants
Build a meal into the itinerary in Midway, Huntsville, Eden or Logan, where local restaurants provide a welcome break between scenic drives.
Coffee Stops
Start your mornings with a locally roasted cup in Heber Valley, Kamas, Ogden Valley or Logan before heading into the mountains.
Pack a Picnic
Pick up sandwiches, pastries and drinks before heading into the canyons. Scenic picnic areas along the mountain routes make an easy lunch stop—and you’ll avoid having to rush back into town.
Easy Scenic Hikes
Add a short hike to your drive whenever you can. Look for trails of two miles or less if you want to stretch your legs without turning the road trip into an all-day hiking expedition.
Where to Stay
Make the journey part of the experience with a stay at Sundance Mountain Resort, Compass Rose Lodge in Huntsville, Conestoga Ranch at Bear Lake or Anniversary Inn in Logan. Each offers a different way to experience Northern Utah beyond the highway.
