Suggested Drives:
Utah’s Patchwork Parkway, Hwy-143 to Mammoth Creek Road then Hwy-14 to Kolob Reservoir Scenic Backway
This scenic drive is always beautiful no matter what time of year you drive it.
- 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 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 height 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.
Interagency Passes are also accepted.
*Visit Cedar City · Brian Head has made every effort to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information but assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or changes. This is a reference Fall Color Report only and implies no endorsement of any event or business listed.
When to Visit For The Best
Leaf Peeping Opportunities
To plan the best possible leaf-peeping opportunities, take a look below, or starting September 1st, find an up-to-date Fall Color Report on our homepage.
Mid-September:
The highest elevation areas traditionally experience 30-50% color at this time. Cedar Breaks National Monument and the surrounding area will be at their best.
Late September through early October:
Typically, the best time for leaf peeping in Southern Utah, the leaves around Brian Head and Cedar Breaks National Monument should be at peak and the Duck Creek, Navajo Lake, and Panguitch Lake should be close behind.
Mid-October:
The colors in the high elevation generally are past peak at this time; however, there should be some great color along Highway 14 from Cedar City to the Zion Overlook, as well as Parowan Canyon along Highway 143.
Late October through early November:
Zion National Park generally offers the best fall color viewing at this time.
*Visit Cedar City · Brian Head has made every effort to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information but assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or changes. This is a reference Fall Color Report only and implies no endorsement of any event or business listed.
