Five Fall Drives Near SLC

I absolutely love fall and the leaves are starting to turn in my neck of the woods.  Here are my suggestions for taking a fall foliage drive if you live near SLC.

Little Cottonwood Canyon

To get to Little Cottonwood Canyon, take I-215 to the 6200 S. exit and follow the signs to Snowbird/Alta.  The foliage is beautiful but there are not very many opportunities to stop and take pictures so I recommend taking a hike to Red Pine Lake.

The hike is a bit strenuous (at least it was for me) so I also suggest stopping off at Snowbird for Oktoberfest while you are there!

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood also offers some beautiful vistas for foliage viewing.  Take the 6200 S. exit on I-215 and follow the signs to Brighton/Solitude.  There are lots of opportunities for hiking around the Brighton Ski Resort.  My favorite place to hike is Silver Lake.

Alpine Loop

The Alpine Loop is a 24 mile drive between American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon and it is my favorite fall drive.  Take exit 284 from I-15 and follow SR 92 east into the mouth of American Fork Canyon.  There is a $6.00 fee to enter.  Follow the road all the way to the Sundance Ski Resort and through Provo Canyon.  As you climb in elevation you will see beautiful golden stands of aspens (which I love).

While you are in American Fork Canyon you can visit Cascade Springs which is beautiful in the fall.

Nebo Loop

The Nebo Loop is a  32 mile byway between the cities of Payson and Nephi (an hour away from SLC but definitely worth the drive).  Take I-15 south to exit 248 and head east on 800 S.  Turn right on 600 E which eventually becomes the Nebo Loop Road into the mountains.  The views are spectacular and there are many pullouts along the byway.

Mill Creek Canyon

Mill Creek Canyon is one of my favorite places any time of year but in the fall it is glorious!  Take I-215 to Wasatch Blvd. and turn on to Mill Creek Canyon Road.  There are lots of popular hikes for viewing the leaves but I really enjoy having bonfires at one of the many campsites.  There is a $3.00 fee per vehicle as you leave the canyon.

Definitely make plans to enjoy the beautiful leaves!  I went on my first drive of the season to the Alpine Loop yesterday and it was so relaxing.  I have so many memories of fall drives on Sunday afternoons with my family growing up!