With so much to see and do along our Fall Color Loop, there are some backways you won't want to miss!
Areas like Mammoth Creek Road, Navajo Lake, Kolob Canyons, and the "C" Overlook offer beautiful views and can be added to a scenic fall drive, but they add some time to your visit. If you want to adjust the Fall Color Loop and add in views of lava rock or the quiet side of Zion, these routes can be a great adjustment to your drive.
The scenic side routes we mention below can be found highlighted in red in the map below.
Navajo Lake + Mammoth Creek Road
Hwy 14 – Mammoth Creek Road – Hwy 143
This loop continues to follow Hwy 14 over Cedar Mountain toward Navajo Lake and the town of Duck Creek, Utah. Driving past meadows, stands of bright Aspens and dark Pines, the views are beautiful, and it's a peaceful drive. Just past the town of Duck Creek, turn left onto N Mammoth Creek Road. Continue on Mammoth Creek Road, driving through lava fields, stands of vibrant aspens, and meadows until it connects to Hwy 143. From there, turn left onto Hwy 143 and continue on to the junction with Hwy 148 and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Things to See Along the Way:
Navajo Lake: This high mountain lake is a beautiful stopping point for hiking, fishing, or just a minute to take in the view.
Duck Creek Village: Great food, cute mountain town, and beautiful views along the Creek and at the ponds.
Hike the Aspen Mirror Trail: A short and easy hike around a beautiful alpine pond, the Aspens here are bright and worth the hike.
Stop to Check out Lava Flows: On Mammoth Creek Road, you'll travel past swells of dark lava rock with aspens between.
Visit Mammoth Cave: A small ice cave located along Mammoth Creek Road, this is a cool stopping point to consider.
Lava Flows and Fall Color Views along Mammoth Creek Road
Right Hand Canyon + The "C" Overlook
Hwy 14 – Right Hand Canyon – Kolob Reservoir Road
This scenic route branches off from SR 14 to the south and climbs a two-lane paved mountain road to the "C" Overlook Trail, the Cedar Highlands community, incredible valley views, lava rock flows, and eventually ends at Kolob Reservoir. For this scenic drive, follow Right Hand Canyon Road to the top of the mountain. When it levels out, you'll find a split in the road for Black Mountain Road and Kolob Road. You want to take Kolob Road for this one.
Stay on Kolob Road until you reach Kolob Reservoir.
Things to See Along the Way:
"C" Overlook + Views: From the overlook at this popular hiking trail, you have incredible views of the valley!
Lava Flows Near the Top: Where this scenic drive levels out, there are sweeping dark lava fields that are a must-see.
Keep an Eye Out for Wildlife: This is a great route to catch a glimpse of deer, small wildlife, and even sheep.
Kolob Reservoir: This is a local favorite spot for a quiet fishing adventure. Camping is permitted with a reservation.
Fall Sunset views from the "C" Trail Overlook in Right Hand Canyon
Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive
Five Mile Scenic Drive through Kolob Canyons
The north side of Zion National Park, the views in Kolob Canyons are every bit as spectacular as the views in the main park. Beneath towering vermillion cliffs, the fall colors in Kolob Canyons create a vibrant view that starts at the visitor center and sweeps through the valleys visible from the Timber Creek Trail and scenic overlooks.
For this drive, check in at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, and follow the single road for 5 miles to the top.
Things to Do While There:
Scenic Overlooks: There are a lot of paved, designated overlooks along the way, we say stop at them all!
Take a Quick Hike: The Timber Creek Overlook trail is a quick 1-mile trail at the top with incredible views.
Take a Longer Hike: The Taylor Creek Trail is 5 miles, but has incredible views and historic cabins.
Catch a Sunset: Plan your visit for later in the evening for beautiful sunset views.
Travel Safe
and we hope you find incredible fall color along the way. #VisitCedarCity