Fall in Southern Utah

As the weather starts to cool, the area around Cedar City, Brian Head, and Parowan prepares to put on a dramatic show. With a fall season that lasts weeks, not days, a backdrop of striking red rocks, and Southern Utah’s national parks, our area provides an unmatched destination for fall foliage viewing.

Rated as one of the “Top Eight Unique Destinations to View Fall Colors” by NBC’s Today Show and USA Today. The honors are partly due to the concentration of scenic routes that run through the red rock vistas of southern Utah, including National Scenic Byway 143 and Highway 148 through Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Fall Color Report - 2026

Our office took a fall color drive on Wednesday to see what the snow might have done to the trees at Cedar Mountain's higher elevations. The high elevation is past peak, showing 100% change, and the majority of the leaves have fallen. There are some beautiful stands of trees along Hwy 14 to the Zion Overlook and around Navajo Lake, with beautiful golden yellows and vibrant oranges. The large stand of aspens along Hwy 143, around mile marker 22, has also fully changed, with a beautiful mix ranging from yellow to orange.

Though Sydney Valley has mostly fallen, there is still a nice grove of color tucked in on the south end of the valley. The sheep are grazing in the open valleys as well, which make for fun fall photos!

Along Hwy 143, High Mountain is now changing and looks beautiful from the drive. Brian Head is at 100% change, with some yellows still visible sprinkled through town. Continuing down the mountain along Hwy 143 back to Parowan, there were some nice groves of yellow along the route. The Forbay and Yankee Meadow are still pretty green, but they are starting to change.

This weekend we would drive Cedar Canyon, visit Navajo Lake, and hike the Aspen Mirror Trail in Duck Creek. After that, take the loop through Cedar Breaks National Monument to catch the last of the leaves, stop in Brian Head for lunch, and scout next weekend's scenic drive in Parowan Canyon!

Next week we will be watching areas like Right Hand Canyon as well as Kolob Canyons!

Happy Leaf Peeping! Be sure to tag us in your social posts; we LOVE seeing fall through your eyes! @VisitCedarCity

HIGH ELEVATION - ALPINE

8,000 - 10,000 FEET| This area includes Brian Head, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Panguitch Lake, Duck Creek, and Yankee Meadows

Trees found in this area are Spruce, Quaking Aspen, and some Ponderosa Pine

MID ELEVATION - SUBALPINE

6,000 - 8,000 FEET | This area includes Zion Overlook, Ashdown George, Parowan Canyon, Vermillion Castle, Panguitch, Mammoth Creek, and Kolob Reservoir.

Trees found in the area are Scrub Oak, Maple, Ponderosa Pine, Pinion, Juniper, and some Quaking Aspen.