Park City, Utah’s prime place in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains means that travelers heading here can enjoy a vacation destination that experiences all four seasons of weather in a calendar year. As summer comes to a close and fall is ushered in, Park City transforms into a gorgeous place for those who enjoy leaf peeping to head out and make the most of some truly breathtaking views! The collection of maples and aspens that tend to dominate the local landscape here provides fall foliage enthusiasts with a kaleidoscope of hues to admire. Whether you only have a few days to spare to see the leaves changing colors this year, or you’re looking forward to an extended fall getaway, the following are some of the best Park City leafing spots for colorful viewing opportunities.
Make Time to Visit the Historic McPolin Farm for Fall Foliage Fun
Any time of year you’re lucky enough to be visiting Park City, you’ll find that a stop at the historic McPolin Farm is worth your while. This iconic local landmark is like an authentic step back in time thanks to the well-preserved architecture, but when you visit during autumn, it’s also a place where you can admire vibrant foliage against the backdrop of gently rolling hills. The leaves here really come to life in stunning color between mid-October and late October, so that’s a good timeframe to keep in mind when you’re planning ahead for your trip. You’ll want to set aside plenty of time to check out the hiking trails while you’re in the area and make sure you have a camera in hand as well. Many visitors head to the McPolin Farm during a Park City visit just before sunset to access the best light for photos, and the same framing rule can be applied during a fall getaway here.
Get Ready for an Amazing View Along Guardsman Pass
For many travelers, a trip to Park City in the fall to view the changing colors wouldn’t entirely be considered complete until they’ve taken time to explore Guardsman Pass. This scenic byway connects Midway and Big Cottonwood Canyon to Park City, with stunning vistas in place along the way to enjoy. At an elevation of 9,700 feet, Guardsman Pass can’t help but provide travelers with a picture-perfect vantage point out over the incredible changing seasonal colors showcased across the city’s surrounding terrain.
Driving Guardsman Pass is an activity you can customize to your own preferred pace. That said, there’s a good chance you’re going to want to take things slow because this route is saturated with maple and aspen groves that feature bold reds and golds between late September and early October. It’s always a good idea to head out on Guardsman Pass as early in the day as possible for leaf peeping to avoid the crowds. It’s also a great time of day to take advantage of viewing opportunities in the area while the natural light is a bit softer. Setting out early provides an opportunity to provide your leap peeping drive with short area hikes as well if you’re looking to get up closer to the colors and take great photos along the way.
Be Sure to Check Out Bonanza Flat During Your Fall Getaway
You don’t have to travel far from the heart of Park City, Utah to enjoy time admiring fall foliage at its best when you make your way to Bonanza Flat. This inviting leaf-peeping destination is just a few minutes from downtown, but it might just have you feeling worlds away from the hustle of life once you arrive. That’s because Bonanza Flat is a gorgeous wilderness area spanning nearly 1,500 acres on the outskirts of town that takes on some incredible colors each fall.
The best time of the season to admire the hues at their boldest is typically between early and mid-October, and you’ll want to consider either hiking or biking your way along the nature trails here because there’s more than 5 miles of dedicated routes to explore. Bonanza Flats is a popular place to see the fall leaves changing near Park City among tranquility seekers, thanks to the fewer crowds that typically come this way. When you’re looking for a quieter place to enjoy the changing colors of the season that includes access to aspen and pine forests as well as alpine lakes, Bonanza Flat is a stop you won’t want to leave off your list!
Pair Your Experience at Bonanza Flat with Time on the Bloods Lake Trail
If you’re lucky enough to find time to visit Bonanza Flat when you’re looking forward to admiring fall foliage this year, you’ll be in the perfect place to expand your options for leaf-peeping fun along the nearby Bloods Lake Trail. This route is ideal for a moderately challenging fall hike, but the stunning views you’ll encounter along the way are anything but standard. The Bloods Lake Trail sits on the side of a 10,000-foot mountain and embodies everything that visitors might be looking forward to most in an alpine adventure. From the fantastic rock features to the sweeping panoramic vistas, Bloods Lake Trail is designed to impress.
If you want to hike it in its entirety as you admire fall foliage along the way, you’ll need to be prepared for a 2.8-mile round-trip experience. The elevation gain is only 465 feet, and it can be completed as a loop or out-and-back experience, depending on your preference. To reach the Bloods Lake Trail and see fall leaves changing color this year, you’ll head up Guardsman Pass and access the trailhead from there. Many visitors find the dense aspen groves to be the most impressive sights along the Bloods Lake Trail, but there’s a lot to be said for the opportunity to simply settle in at sparkling Bloods Lake and admire the view out and over the landscapes from there, too.
Experience Fall Beauty Along Jenni’s Trail for Yourself This Season
For fall foliage seekers looking to access great views closer to the heart of town, Jenni’s Trail at Park City Mountain is where you’re going to want to be. This 3-mile trail comes with an elevation gain of around 195 feet, and is a multi-purpose trail typically used for hiking and biking alike. If you’re making plans to drive in to access the trailhead, you’ll be thrilled to find there’s plenty of convenient parking options in the lot located right at the base of Park City Mountain Resort.
This is an amazing trail to add to your fall foliage lineup if you’re looking to see golden aspens around the resort blooming in golden hues! If you’re not exactly sure where to start your journey, just keep your eyes open for the Jenni’s Trail signage located near the First Time Lift in the base area. You’ll quickly be pleased to discover that this trail comes with gentle inclines, and places to stop and admire those seasonal colors, too. Whether you complete the trail in its entirety or hike a portion is completely up to you, but it’s bound to be an unforgettable journey either way. If you do decide to cut your hike short, look for the Crescent Mine Grade located about halfway up Jenni’s Trail, as it’s a place where you can cut back for a shorter loop.
Enjoy That Autumn Glow at Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter
In the event you’re traveling to Park City this fall with the kids included as part of your group, we would recommend making your way to the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter at least once. This is also a great choice for autumn travelers who are simply looking for a place where they can pair education and admire the spectacular colors of the season in tandem. You’ll find the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter located at 1258 Center Drive, and the EcoCenter here is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.
No matter when you arrive, you’ll find this 1,200-acre nature preserve is truly one-of-a-kind. Many fall foliage enthusiasts would agree that the best time to see the changing colors here is between mid-October and late October, but depending on the weather, things might start changing earlier in the month too. The beauty of making Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter your leaf-peeping destination of choice in Park City is that you won’t only be treated to the changing colors across the landscapes here, but you’ll have options to see how hues are altered across meadows, upland trails, and wetlands alike.
Fall is a fantastic time to pair an afternoon of admiring colorful leaves with wildlife viewing at the Swaner Preserve. By autumn, there’s a good chance your trip this way could come with opportunities to spot everything from deer and migrating birds to even the occasional moose in the area. Many fall foliage seekers love their time at the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter for the quiet, uncrowded trails they can explore at their own pace with binoculars in hand. It’s a wonderful leaf-peeping destination for solo travelers and families alike looking to learn more about the area’s diverse ecosystems this fall.
Some of the best trails here for seeing the changing seasonal colors at their best include the Spring Creek Trail and the Stealth Trail, too. If you choose to spend your time on the Wetlands Discovery Trail, you’ll enjoy amazing colors surrounding you at every turn on a loop that’s conveniently set up with interpretive signage and runs right near the EcoCenter itself.
Once you’ve had your fill of fun soaking up the fall colors overhead, make sure to set aside time to explore the EcoCenter, which hosts interactive displays, a rooftop deck for panoramic views, and seasonal art exhibits to check out. If you check the event schedule ahead of your arrival, you might be lucky enough to find a spot open on one of the center’s guided outings and learn even more about this incredible fall destination you’ve come to explore.
Elevate the Leaf-Peeping and Adventure on Rob’s Trail
When you find yourself longing for a bit of an adventure, that includes great leaf-peeping too in Park City, you can’t go wrong with quality time enjoyed on Rob’s Trail. You’ll find this trail within the Sun Peak neighborhood with an access point at Bear Hollow Drive. Those who set off to explore Rob’s Trial and the fall foliage that awaits will want to be prepared for a 4- to 5-mile hike.
At various points along the trail, the elevation gain spans anywhere from 800 to 1,000 feet, but the effort is clearly worth your while once you come face-to-face with the incredible fall colors that are at their peak here between late September and early October. Rob’s Trail is a wonderful route to explore when you want to pair leaf-peeping with hiking or mountain biking, and having binoculars handy is recommended for top-notch birding along this route as well. It’s a good idea to set aside at least a half-day for your time on Rob’s Trail when you want to get the full experience and enjoy admiring your surroundings at your own pace.
Stop by Glenwood Cemetery for Reflective Observation
For a unique and reflective place to see the fall leaves changing color in Park City, consider stopping by Glenwood Cemetery while you’re in town this autumn. You’ll find this 5-acre cemetery located at 401 Silver King Drive, and it’s open year-round. Many visitors are not only thrilled by the stunning golden aspens that surround this restful destination, but intrigued by the fact that this cemetery was first established in Park City in 1885. It was a final resting place for many area silver miners and has earned its space on the National Register of Historic Places. We would recommend stopping by between early and mid-October to see the canopy of aspens overhead at their most brilliant.
Book Your Fall Getaway to Park City in Style
Make sure your fall getaway to Park City for fantastic leaf-peeping this year includes booking a luxury rental property through Abode Park City ahead of time. Our properties will keep you close to the trails and destinations you can’t wait to explore, while offering up world-class standards of luxury, comfort, and convenience every day of your stay. Reach out to learn more and to start turning travel plans into reality soon!
The shoulder season of September is actually a perfect time to visit Jackson Hole & Park City as the weather is still dry and the parks are still open, the fall colors are changing with incredible wildflowers and beautiful mountain scenery. The fall’s wild palette of colors makes these areas a heaven for the photo enthusiast or viewers of nature’s annual colorful spectacle. Be prepared for backcountry hiking with knowledge of the area, water and food, and bear spray for the remote chance of a close encounter during fall in Utah.
GORGEOUS SCENERY DURING FALL IN UTAH
CECRET LAKE
The whole family will love the best in the state wildflowers, the easy and lovely hike to the Cecret Lake holds incredible sunsets just below Sugarloaf. The popular day trail begins at 9000 feet of elevation running west from the campground, it climbs a gentle slope, with about 300 feet of elevation gain and is located right by Albion Basin Campground, you have the option to continue hiking up from this trail to Sugarloaf Peak. Take the time to relax at the beautiful alpine lake in the Little Cottonwood Canyons Albion Basin near Alta Ski Resort and Snowbird Ski Resort and take lots of photos of your family with the mountains as a backdrop. Along the way, there are interpretive signs with information about the basin, its plants, animals, and geology. From the lake, you can return the way you came, or explore the area. Remember, swimming is not permitted in the lake!
SUNDANCE
Summer is always a good time to go hiking but fall is even better because colored leaves are breathtaking in the Sundance area. Stewart Falls is one of the most scenic and photogenic waterfalls in northern Utah. Hike to the two over 200 feet tall tiers before it freezes during the winter. It is an easy but steep hike through a beautiful forest on the east side of Mountain Timpanogos, you will spot beautiful vistas and little friends along the way. The recommended trail starts at Aspen Grove, along the Alpine Loop Road. Several trails start here so pay attention to the signs. The Stewart Fall trail is a 3.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back and easy to find trail, it is wide and well maintained. And for the adventurous that want to get to one of Utah’s most recognizable mountains, Mount Timpanogos, take the Aspen Grove Trail, which runs 8.3 miles one way, starting at the Theater-in-the-Pines picnic area on the mountain’s east side. That trail is very scenic and passes several waterfalls. Daytime temperatures along the trails are usually warm but it can get very chilly at high altitudes so dress in layers and bring a jacket!
GUARDSMANS PASS
An easy one mile hike featuring high mountain meadows, pine trees and wildflowers takes you to a popular lake with a rope swing. The trail forks at the trailhead/parking lot but the forks are unmarked. Take the left fork for Bloods Lake. The first three quarters of the trail is a light downhill through meadows and patches of pine trees. The last bit is a moderately steep downhill to the lake. The trail around the lake is flat but there is a section that walks across a boulder field. The trail and lake are heavily trafficked towards midday, especially on weekends. There are some great places for hanging hammocks near the rope swing. This is a kid-friendly and dog-friendly hike. Good to know: The parking lot is shared for several trails in the area and gets full very quickly. Avoid parking on the shoulder of the road outside of the parking lot, Police will ticket cars illegally parked.
AROUND JACKSON HOLE
TWO OCEAN LAKE
Making noise and bringing pepper spray is not a choice, this hike is in BEAR country. Those looking for a more secluded hike will enjoy looping Two Ocean Lake. Leaving from the Two Ocean Lake Trailhead, you can head around the lakeshore for views of the Teton Range. Wildflowers populate the area, brightening up the landscape and making for stunning views. If you hike this trail in September you might see the sunflowers in bloom. The fall colors are in full swing and are just wonderful to look at, on the southern side of the lake you will be in a dense forest then the north side opens up into more open patchy aspens/shrubby terrain, pretty fun! Due to the wet, marshy nature of the landscape, Two Ocean Lake is a popular area for mosquitos so don’t forget your bug spray! Grand Teton National Park charges a fee to enter that varies by vehicle or if entering on foot, horse, or bike. For more information, visit this website.
BRADLEY-TAGGART
Fall is going to be your absolute favorite season in Jackson after doing this trail. Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop is a 6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail. Located roughly 2.5 miles north of the Moose Entrance Station in Grand Teton National Park. This hike visits two of the six glacially-formed lakes that lie at the base of the Teton Range, colorful leaves and fresh snow on the mountains makes it a great place for pictures. Make sure your camera is charged! Grand Teton National Park charges a fee to enter that varies by vehicle or if entering on foot, horse, or bike. For more information, please click here. https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/fees.htm
PHELPS LAKE
Tons of wildlife live in this area, you might be able to see bears, elks, deer and moos getting ready for the winter. Carrying bear spray should not be optional here. Take a moderate 7 miles and only 725 ft gain elevation, out and back trail for the closest views of Phelps Lake. The trail takes hikers through a wooded section, before opening up at the Phelps Lake Overlook. The overlook will place you high above Phelps Lake, with views of the lake and valley. If you are looking to access Phelps Lake you will need to continue another mile down to the lakeshore via a series of switchbacks. In the northeast side of the lake you will find the Jumping Rock, a large 30 feet boulder where people jump from to the lake. Considering that the hike back to the overlook is an uphill climb, relax on the shore of Phelps Beach before heading back.
Contact our team to learn more and find accommodation in Park City, such as one of our lovely Canyons Village rentals, while on your vacation during fall in Utah!
As the sunlight begins to wane, the trees begin to put on a show for us, and this special season presents itself in a display of color that one must revel in. A great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of these mountains in the Fall is to head out on some of our most spectacular hikes. Early autumn reds and oranges pop up first, and then soon after the hillsides are covered in gold. Below are a few of our favorite trails and Park City hikes to take in the Fall and all her glory.
ENJOY THESE 5 PARK CITY HIKES FOR LEAF PEEPING
BLOODS LAKE
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 465 feet
Trail Use: Hiking Only
Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back
Dog-Friendly: No
Parking: The parking area is right before you get to the Guardsman Pass summit. There is also a new restroom provided.
Bloods Lake is a local favorite. You can’t beat a pristine high alpine lake perfect for swimming on warm summer days. The trail is fairly easy but it does have some moderately steep areas.
To get to the Bloods Lake Trailhead travel through Empire Pass, one of the 58 Scenic Backways designated by the State of Utah, where epic mountain views are abundant. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the parking lot from Main Street Park City. Note: Guardsman Pass is only open from May to October
Once parked, cross the street, make your way over to a prominent sign marking the Bloods Lake Trailhead. The trail is beautiful as it meanders through meadows, with scenic views of the Wasatch, and dense Aspen groves, which show their true colors during this time of year! As you make your way through the golden tunnels, you’ll find yourself at the base of some switchbacks. This is where the trail gets pretty steep and a bit strenuous. After you hike up this steep section, the trail flattens out and Bloods Lake comes into view.
ROB’S TRAIL
Distance: 5 miles (or more if you decide
Elevation Gain: 1003 ft
Trail Use: Hiking and Biking
Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back (or Loop if you sync up with other trails)
Dog-friendly? Yes – but Park City requires dogs on leash
Parking: There’s parking at the trailhead on Bear Hollow Drive to your left. Please park your car at an angle, and there are no restrooms available.
Rob’s Trail is another local favorite, especially in the Fall. Tucked in a neighborhood close to the Canyons side of Park City Mountain, Rob’s is a moderately strenuous, multi-use trail with plenty of opportunities for spectacular views and lots of leaf-peeping.
Rob’s Trail is an out and back, but you can make it a loop by syncing up with the Ambush Trail, which will cross the slopes of The Canyons, and loop around to Rosebud’s Heaven where you can then reconnect with Rob’s. If you choose to do a loop you’re looking closer at a 7-mile hike. Rob’s is great for a mellow hike or an easy trail run, as it starts with a pretty consistent gentle climb, through lots of Aspen trees. When you get to the top, aspens give way to pine trees, and you come across a nice bench for a rest. From that spot you have some amazing views of The Canyon’s slopes lit up in gold.
IRON CANYON TRAIL
Distance: 2.35 miles
Elevation Gain: 920 ft
Trail Use: Hiking
Out and Back or Loop: Out and Back
Dog-Friendly? Yes
Parking: There is no specific parking area at the trailhead, but parking is available along the road – make sure to read the signs carefully. The trailhead is at the end of Iron Canyon Court – a small cul-de-sac off of Iron Mountain Drive. There isn’t a trailhead marker so it is a little difficult to find.
For a quick but moderately steep hike to peep some amazing colorful panoramic views, head up the Iron Canyon Trail, which starts at the top of Iron Mountain Court, and provides a wide view of the now colorful ski slopes of Park City Mountain Resort.
The vast overlook of Park City is your destination, and it is well worth the climb! Most of the trail is shaded by Aspens, so it’s like you are hiking along the yellow brick road as they shed their leaves. There are no switchbacks along this hike so it’s a pretty straight-up strenuous climb with 860 feet of elevation gain.
PARK CITY MOUNTAIN – JENNI’S TRAIL
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 195 ft
Trail Use: Hiking and Biking
Out and Back or Loop: Out and Back or Loop
Dog-friendly? No
Parking: Large lot at the base of Park City Mountain Resort, easy to find parking
Now that lift access is closed on Park City Mountain Resort, the only option to get involved in some golden Aspens on PCMR is to hike up! At the PCMR base area near the First Time Lift, you’ll find signage for Jenni’s Trail. Follow the meandering, gentle uphill trail through gorgeous Aspen groves with smooth switchbacks that cross numerous ski runs until it opens up to some spectacular views of Park City Mountain with the leaves going off. The trails on PCMR are a bit of a choose your own hiking adventure, as you can go as long or as short as you want, try an out and back or a loop, by hooking up with a couple of other trails.
SILVER LAKE TRAIL
Distance: 4.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,433 feet
Trail Use: Hiking/Running Only
Out and Back or Loop: Out and Back
Dog-friendly? No
Parking: Visitors can park at the Silver Lake Village.
Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Trail is designated as a foot-traffic only trail, so you’re guaranteed more tranquility as you hike through the peaceful landscape. The trail is nicely marked beginning at the base of the Silver Lake chairlift. This is an absolutely gorgeous hike that ends at the top of Bald Mountain with picturesque cliffs on one side and a bird’s eye view of the Heber Valley on the other.
ADVICE
Set realistic goals and research the trail ahead of time – pay attention to the total distance and the total elevation gain. Have an idea in mind of how far you can comfortably hike in a day and how much elevation gain is too much, and get an idea of how long the hike will take so you don’t get stuck on the trail in the dark if you decide to do these hikes during sunset (if so bring a headlamp)
Bring enough water and snacks for the amount of time you think you’ll be on the trail
Tell a friend where you are headed in case of an emergency
Bring layers and rain gear – the weather can be fickle this time of year
Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes
Keep in mind the altitude if you are coming from a lower elevation – stop as many times as you need to catch your breath, stretch your legs, and hydrate
Wear sunscreen – even on cloudy days, at our elevation, you can get a pretty gnarly sunburn
Leave No Trace – Please pack out any trash you find and stay on the trail
Make sure your phone and camera are charged to take all the photos of the beautiful fall foliage
Practice proper trail etiquette – downhill hikers always yield to uphill hikers
If you are on a shared multi-use trail, stay alert, and be aware of your surroundings. Mountain bikers should always yield to hikers.
This is truly an amazing time of year to be in Park City, with the transformation from Summer to Fall, the newly crisp air, and the colorful foliage all around us. It’s not too hot, and not too cold (yet), what a great excuse to get out on the trails for a couple more hikes before the days get shorter and the snow begins to fall. Click here to browse our fantastic vacation rentals in Park City!
TWO OCEAN LAKE
PHELPS LAKE
