Fall Road Trip

Suggested route to see the best fall foliage in Southern Utah

Kolob Finger Scenic Byway / North Zion National Park

About 18 miles south of Cedar City, just off I-15, Exit #40, is the well-traveled Kolob Fingers Scenic Byway. This paved highway climbs through several switchbacks to unfold the spectacular Kolob "finger canyons". These rugged and steep rock formations are colored in vibrant shades of red. The road features several pull-out areas with magnificent overlooks and geologic information panels. The road ends five miles in at the Timbercreek Overlook, where there is a nice picnic area and short walking trail.  Once you have soaked in the scenery, return to I-15 the way you came. 

At this time of year, the orange shades of the valley's scrub oak and golden hues of the rabbit brush make an interesting contrast to the broad scenery.  A great hiking trail to see the beautiful fall colors is Taylor Creek.  This five-mile hike follows the middle fork of Taylor Creek past two homestead cabins to the beautiful Double Arch Alcove. Since Kolob is a part of Zion National Park, there is a $35 entrance fee payable at the Visitor Center at the Canyon entrance and is good for 7 days, including Zion National Park Main Canyon. 

*National Parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. For more information, please visit: visitutah.com/plan-your-trip/federal-government-shutdown-information.

Utah's Patchwork Parkway, Hwy-143 to Mammoth Creek Road, then Hwy-14 to Kolob Reservoir Scenic Backway

This scenic drive is always beautiful Summer thru Fall. *Remember to be mindful of wildlife and livestock that may be on the road, be patient, and give them the right of way.

• Begin in Parowan (I-15 Exit #75 or #78) and from Main Street turn east on Center Street, which becomes Hwy-143. Hwy-143 climbs past the colorful Vermillion Cliffs through Parowan Canyon, to the forested heights of nearly 10,000 Feet.
• About five miles up Hwy-143 is the Yankee Meadow Rd. turn-off. This is a nice side trip on a good gravel road. The Yankee Meadow road leads from the pinion juniper forest past the Vermillion Castle picnic area, through some incredible red rock formations and canyons to the alpine reservoir of Yankee Meadow. Here you can fish or just wander around the lake for a pleasant morning in the pines and aspens. Return to Hwy-143 the same way you came in.
• Continuing south on Hwy-143, the road will wind through some intricate chimney-shaped formations and then will climb a 13% grade to Brian Head Ski and Summer area. Here, you’ll find some great activities to enjoy including hiking, mountain biking, ATV tours, horseback riding and scenic chairlift rides (Saturday and Sunday only).
• Continuing south on Hwy-143, about two miles past Brian Head, is the Brian Head Peak Rd, another nice side trip. This good gravel road travels for about 4 four miles to the heights of 11,000 ft. There’s an incredible view that stretches into Nevada to the west and into Cedar Breaks to the south. Return to Hwy-143 the same way you came in.
• Head south on Hwy-143 for another mile and when you reach the Cedar Breaks Hwy-148 Junction, continue east on Hwy-143. The highway rolls past some alpine meadows and beautiful stands of aspen trees, complimented by rocky knolls of ancient lava rock. Along the way you will pass Sidney Valley and located on your right will be a stand of aspen trees that have leaves that turn red in the fall. This mountain scene has drawn photographers and scientists from all over the country and was recently featured in USA Today.
• A few miles past Sidney Valley look for the Mammoth Creek Road. Here you will head south on the paved road for about 14 miles to the junction of Hwy-14. A great side trip is the Mammoth Caves - an ancient lava tube that’s fun to explore (just follow the signs).
• At the junction of Mammoth Creek Rd and Hwy-14 you will want to head west. The road goes past the mountain village of Duck Creek and scenic Navajo Lake Road (a nice side trip for fall color viewing).
• At the junction of Hwy-148, you can opt to go into Cedar Breaks National Monument and back to Brian Head or you can continue on Hwy-14 past the Zion Overlook through the Ashdown Gorge and into Cedar City.
• Just before Cedar City, there is a nice side trip known as the Kolob Reservoir/Right Hand Canyon Scenic Backway. The road twists and turns up the face of Cedar Mountain. The maple and oak along this backway are stunning and the view into the Cedar Valley is not to be missed. Best to follow the road until it turns to gravel, then turn around and return to Hwy-14. “Best of Fall Color” Loop ends in Cedar City.