Few things are more enjoyable than spending a crisp autumn day out in the invigorating air exploring the many scenic pockets of our beautiful state. Utah has several places you’ll want to visit and many activities to engage in this fall, before the snow comes.
Drive the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
The leaves are already starting to change in the canyons. The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway runs along Highway 92 through American Fork Canyon and ends at Provo Canyon. It has a beautiful view of the back of Mt. Timpanogos.
The road has several switchbacks and chances to see wildlife too. The Alpine Loop is the gateway to several trailheads, campgrounds and picnic areas. You can spend 45 minutes driving through or make several scenic stops to make it an all-day adventure.
Take a hike
Utah is one of the best places for hikes where you can see autumn leaves. And with the cooler fall weather upon us, it is the perfect time to hike. You can find several websites that feature hikes in Utah, but hiking to the “G” and Battle Creek Falls are great and both start at Kiwanis Park in Pleasant Grove.
The hike to the “G” is steep, but has beautiful views of the valley. Battle Creek Falls is rocky, but not nearly as steep and ends at a fun waterfall that you can see from the bottom or top of the falls.
Visit a zoo
Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City has a new African Savannah which is an open, dramatic exhibit featuring giraffe, zebra, nyala, ostrich and African lions.
Willow Park Zoo in Logan is also a great place to view animals. It has smaller animals — birds, rodents, reptiles and more. It is a great opportunity to feed the ducks and learn more from the animal keepers as well.
Visit a beach
Even though Utah is a desert, there are several great beaches on which to sunbathe one last time before winter sets in. Antelope Island is gorgeous, but you have to be prepared for the brine shrimp flies. The sunsets are especially pretty over the Great Salt Lake.
Blackridge Lake in Herriman is smaller, but definitely fun. This man-made lake in west Salt Lake County is perfect for a couple hours in the sun. Highland Glen in Highland City offers visitors a chance to feed the birds, as well as swim and soak up the sun. Bear Lake has several great beaches too.
Catch a soccer or football game
It’s a great time of year for sports with baseball, soccer and football all happening. Real Salt Lake is doing well this season. This is the last chance to see Kyle Beckerman, Nick Rimando and the team in action before the regular season ends (only four more home games this season, which ends in October). Plan on getting your tickets early because they often sell out.
Football season is just beginning. Catch a college game at BYU, Utah or Utah State. All three teams are off to great starts for the season. If your entertainment budget is a little smaller, high school games are also played every Friday night.
This post was originally published on KSL and written by a Things 2 Do in Utah contributor.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.