Looking for fall colors in Southern Utah? 
 

These hiking trails near Cedar City offer vibrant autumn scenery, crisp mountain air, and unforgettable views. When the leaves start changing at the high elevations and the local coffee shops roll out all things apple and pumpkin spice, it's time to hit the trails! 
 

These trails range in difficulty and terrain, so keep your hiking abilities in mind, the amount of time you have, and what type of scenery you are hoping to see. 

Fall Colors on the Kanarra Falls Trail


What to Know About Fall in Cedar City


With a blend of elevations within a short drive, Cedar City sees leaves change at different times, leading to a long viewing season. You can catch fall colors at Brian Head and Cedar Breaks before the colors change at elevations like Kanarra Falls and around town in Cedar City. You can blend bright fall leaves with red rock views, alpine forests, and incredible scenic drives in between. 
 

 

Best Hikes for Early Fall Color (Mid-September) 


Leaves start to change at the early elevations in mid-September, so here are a few hikes to add to your list for an early fall color hike. For these, we're looking at trails in Brian Head, Cedar Breaks, and Duck Creek Village. 

Aspen Mirror Trail bridge that leads to a fishing pond.

Aspen Mirror Lake

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, UT - This out-and-back/loop is short but scenic and ends at Aspen Mirror Lake within the Dixie National Forest. Surrounded by Aspens, it is a spectacular fall destination and is a great hike for families through the summer and fall. Aspen Mirror Lake is a…

Twisted Forest

Twisted Forest

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, UT - Featuring a labyrinth of Bristlecone Pines and a unique view of Cedar Breaks, this is a high-elevation hike with a sheer drop-off at the end. From the trailhead, there is a brief downhill followed by a steady climb that is worth it! Trailhead location…

Hiking the Alpine Pond Trail - Cedar Breaks

Alpine Pond

CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT, UT - A picturesque walking trail, located in Cedar Breaks National Monument, leads to a surreal alpine pond. Perfect in the summer to view wildlife and wildflowers. Early in the season this trail may have drifts of snow or be muddy. This loop trail…

A paved trail through Brian Head, Ut

Brian Head Town Trail

BRIAN HEAD, UT - This paved trail follows Hwy 143 through the forest and wildflower meadows of Brian Head. There are several access points in Town, but the trailheads exist at the intersection of Aspen Drive and 143 as well as Bear Flat Road. This trail is also popular with…

Best Hikes for Peak Fall Color (Late-September to Early October) 


Leaves start to change at other elevations in late September and early October, so here are a few hikes to add to your list for peak season, pumpkin spice in hand and your best flannel, hiking in southern Utah. For these, we're looking at trails on Cedar Mountain and Parowan Canyon. 

Yellow stands of aspens are found in the fall along the unpaved Navajo Lake Loop trail, around beautiful Navajo Lake.

Navajo Lake Loop

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, UT - A moderate 8.6 mile loop around the beautiful Navajo Lake near Duck Creek Village. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and mountain biking. There are two official trailheads, one located at the east end of Navajo Lake the other on the…

Five Mile with Noahs Ark

Noahs Ark

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, UT - This trail is a steep and steady climb that rewards hikers with a spectacular view of the Vermillion Castle, other canyon rock formations, and surrounding hills. Hiking poles are recommended due to areas of loose gravel. This is a pet-friendly trail…

Hiker with dog on the Bristlecone Pine Trail

Bristlecone Pine

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, UT - It is an easy trail that is great for families from late spring to fall. Enjoy views of Zion National Park from an observation deck as you wander among a grove of ancient Bristlecone Pines.  Trailhead location: At the top of Cedar Canyon (Hwy 14)…

Best Hikes for Late Fall Color (October) 


Cedar City, Kanarraville, and Kolob Canyons see leaves change last, extending the chance for gorgeous fall hiking through the month of October. These trails are a blend of paved accessible trails and more arduous hikes that are great for a fall afternoon. 

The Cedar Canyon Trail is a paved trail with two bridges that cross over Coal Creek and connect to the Coal Creek Trail in Cedar City, UT.

Cedar Canyon

CEDAR CITY, UT - Following Cedar City’s Coal Creek, this gently rolling paved trail leads to a pair of bridges and waterfalls in Cedar Canyon that are surrounded by views of the area’s famous red rocks. The trailhead is located in the Ann J. Gardner Canyon Park at 151…

Kanarra Falls

Kanarra Falls

KANARRAVILLE, UT - A moderate to strenuous water hike that requires you to hike along and through the stream up the canyon. Due to the uneven terrain, hiking poles and good grippy water shoes are recommended. Dogs are not allowed.  Click HERE for Trail Video Click HERE for…

Mountain Biking - Lichen It Trail - Cedar City, UT Marc Piscotty © 2017

Lichen It

CEDAR CITY, UT - Easy trail that meanders its way up the hill. Turn around once you have reached the Upper Lava Flow trail. Please be aware this is a popular trail among mountain bikers; use caution around corners. Trailhead location: South end of Cedar City, the Southview…

Kolob Timber Creek Trail

Timber Creek Overlook

KOLOB CANYONS | ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT - Perfect for an afternoon walk, the trail follows the ridge to a small peak, offering views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and Pine Valley Mountains. The trail is accessible year-round if the scenic drive is open. Trailhead location: At…

Keep an eye on our Fall Color updates at @visitcedarcity

Our team takes weekly drives around the fall color loop to check the status of the leaves and give you the details on where to find vibrant fall colors in the area. 
Give us a follow, check those color updates, and we'll see you on the trails!