Utah

The most epic places to visit: 15 reasons to head to Utah this fall

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1 year ago

August 31, 2023

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The most epic places to visit: 15 reasons to head to Utah this fall

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

The hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park

Summer brings hordes of campers to Utah’s national parks and mountain bike lovers to Moab’s slickrock trails. In the winter, Snowbird and Park City are paradise to skiers and snowboarders. However, those in the know head to Utah in the fall, when visitors can avoid the heat and explore the best places to visit with less crowds, to include the state’s “big 5” national parks and noteworthy state parks. You can even enjoy some fall foliage, thanks to the quaking aspens and bigtooth maples. Here are 15 best reasons to visit Utah this fall.

Delicate Arch is one of Utah's most photographed wonders Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Sunset at Delicate Arch, Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of Utah’s most picturesque national parks, famed for its 2,000-plus sandstone arches. Delicate Arch is possibly the park’s top draw, an iconic image that can be found on Utah license plates! Visit Utah in the fall, and you’ll appreciate the almost 50-foot-high arch with a fraction of the summer masses. It’s particularly photogenic at sunset and well worth the 3-mile trek in to see it.

Turret Arch is a favorite amongst Moab photographers Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Sunrise at Turret Arch, Arches National Park

Arches that face the sun, like Turret Arch on the Windows Trail, light up with beautiful color at sunrise. Looking through to the framed desert-scape here, you’ll see the same view that acclaimed environmental writer Edward Abbey did when he spent several seasons here as a park ranger — an experience that inspired his memoir, “Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness.” Make sure to head into nearby Moab after your trek for some of Utah’s best craft beer and gourmet eats.

Bryce Canyon offers plenty of epic hiking trails Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

The tufa landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park

Erosion in Bryce Canyon National Park has created a magical wonderland of hoodoos, totem-pole-like spires that come in every possible pigment of magenta, pink, red, and crimson. It’s an outdoor lover’s playground, much like a natural Disneyland. Hiking trails abound here, from trails around the rim of the canyon to others weaving right through the tufa formations. If you come here in late fall, you might be lucky enough to catch the canyon under a dusting of fresh snow, like cake frosting, sitting atop the magical hoodoos.

Explore Buckskin Gulch, one of the country's longest and deepest slot canyons Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Buckskin Gulch, a 16-mile slot canyon

Utah is blessed with an array of colorful slot canyons, and Buckskin Gulch is one of the deepest and longest ones in the country. You can day hike part of the canyon from Wire Pass Trailhead, go even further on a multi-night backpacking trip, or combine it with a journey through the nearby Paria Canyon, which is also very scenic. As with other Utah canyons, coming in the fall is a safer bet, as summer rains can cause flash floods, not to mention it can be easier to pick up the necessary permits outside peak season.

You can float, drive, or hike through Canyonlands National Park Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Green River and The Maze, Canyonlands National Park

Comprised of several different districts, Canyonlands National Park is home to more than 337,000 acres of canyons, mesas, buttes, arches, and spires that will leave you dumbstruck and in awe of their beauty. You can go rafting on the Green River here or take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle through the section known as The Needles. If you are well prepared, rappel into the aptly named The Maze, the park’s least accessible district and a playground for highly experienced adventurers. It’s vast, empty, and home to some of the West’s wildest natural beauty.

Illuminated Mesa Arch at sunrise is a thing to behold Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Sunrise at Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park

One Canyonlands National Park highlight you shouldn’t miss (as you don’t even have to hike to get here) is Mesa Arch. Located in the Islands in the Sky District, Mesa Arch is less than an hour’s drive from Moab. This pothole arch frames much of the national park, with views of the 500-foot-high Washer Woman Arch and La Sal Mountains in the distance. Better yet, if you come here at sunrise, the underside of the arch gets illuminated by the sun, making for some magical photos. After sunrise, you can zip back down to Moab for a stack of pancakes!

Road through the vermillion cliffs of Capital Reef National Park Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Waterpocket Fold, Capital Reef National Park

Capital Reef is another reason to visit Utah this fall. Although nowhere near as popular as Zion, Arches, or Bryce, it’s still a magical place, full of golden sandstone formations, vermillion cliffs, and natural bridges. The park sits on a 100-mile geologic wrinkle in the earth called Waterpocket Fold. You can see so much natural beauty here without leaving your vehicle, as a road runs through Capital Reef, past many of the national park’s attractions. Autumn is a fantastic time to be here, as the golden yellow leaves of the cottonwood and aspen trees contrast with the surrounding red sandstone cliffs.

Dead Horse Point State Park was a filming site for "Thelma and Louise." Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Dead Horse Point State Park

Utah’s “big 5” national parks aren’t the only reason to visit Utah in the fall. The state parks are less crowded, cheaper, easier to get into, and often just as scenic. Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the best and has a majestic lookout over the Canyonlands and Colorado River. If you recognize some of the scenery, this is where the iconic final scene of “Thelma & Louise” was filmed, with the two protagonists driving their Thunderbird into the canyon. An added plus for day-trippers who just want to photograph the magical sunsets here: Hip and happening Moab is only 30 miles away.

Easy walking to one of Utah's most incredible views Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Canyon Overlook Trail, Zion National Park

Zion was Utah’s first national park and attracts around 5 million visitors every year, making it one of the most-visited national parks in the country. All the more reason to visit in the shoulder season of early fall. You’ve got the best of Southwestern colors and landscapes almost all in one place here, with incredible canyon vistas throughout the park. The one-mile Canyon Overlook Trail is the shortest in the park, suitable for families and hikers of all ages.

Climb Utah's stairway to heaven in Zion National Park Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Angels Landing Trail, Zion’s stairway to heaven

For those with a head for heights and who are up to the challenge, head for Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park. This day hike climbs a spine 1,488 feet above the canyon floor, culminating with a chain-aided scramble across a narrow ledge to achieve a dazzling aerial view of the national park. The trail’s steepest ascent goes up 21 switchbacks in the face of the cliff to reach the chains and cables at the finish line of Utah’s natural stairway to heaven. Limited permits are required for this hike. Visiting in the fall will give you far more chance at getting one.

See iconic buttes and Navajo country in Monument Valley Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Sunrise at Monument Valley

The West and East Mitten Buttes have starred in countless westerns and TV shows. These iconic formations are in Monument Valley, which is part of the Navajo Nation, straddling the Utah-Arizona border. The buttes lie on the Arizona side, but Utah offers epic views.
If you want to get close to the sandstone and desert, you can access them through the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where a dirt road loops around all the scenic attractions. Summers are roasting hot here, whereas fall visits have comfortable weather and maybe even a dusting of snow if you come toward the end of the season.

You'll find Forrest Gump Point along US Highway 163 Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Forrest Gump Point, Monument Valley

Everyone remembers when Forrest Gump stopped running. US Highway 163 offers epic views of Monument Valley, and it’s also how you can access Forrest Gump Point, where you’ll find a plaque commemorating the place Forrest quit running after three years, two months, 14 days, and 16 hours. Quite a few tour buses stop here during the summer, but come fall, you might have this iconic spot — and long stretches of highway — all to yourself.

Iconic sandstone features are part of the Utah magic Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Checkerboard Mesa, Zion National Park

Lines formed by cross sedimentation on the white Navajo sandstone have led to the name of this iconic Utah natural feature. You’ll find Checkerboard Mesa just through the tunnel on State Route 9 in Zion National Park. Beautiful landscapes like this are what make Utah road trips so special, so start gearing up now for a fall visit to Utah, and make sure you bring plenty of spare camera batteries, as there’s practically a shot around every bend!

Hiking in Virgin River in The Narrows Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

The Narrows, Zion National Park

The narrowest part of Zion Canyon, The Narrows is another Zion must-see. The Virgin River weaves through this series of slot canyons that go through pristine Southwest canyon country. Summer storms bring flash floods, making The Narrows a dicey proposition at that time of year. However, fall brings more stable weather to the area and usually lower river levels, making the walk far more pleasurable. Make sure to bring shoes that can get wet — and know your limits. You have to come back the way you came, unless you’re equipped for an extended backcountry trek.

Fall road trips in Utah are close to perfection Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Epic drives along State Route 9

Even if you aren’t a hiker, biker, or outdoor adventurer, simply driving through much of Utah will showcase its incredible natural beauty. State Route 9 runs the length of Zion National Park, and in the fall you might have some of the hairpin turns and climbs up through mesas and buttes all to yourself. Passing places like Checkerboard Mesa, State Route 9 is the perfect route to see some of Utah’s most beautiful natural wonders. It’s far from the hustle and bustle of Salt Lake City, or even places like Park City or Moab for that matter. Just make sure to have a full tank of gas when setting out, as pumps can be far and few in-between.

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Related Topics:arches autumn Bryce Explore Fall Featured Interests national parks nature outdoors recreation Utah Zion

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Utah

Utah Utes women’s basketball: Utah State matchup on Dec. 4 moved to Delta Center

Published

1 hour ago

November 5, 2024

Press Room

Utah Utes women’s basketball: Utah State matchup on Dec. 4 moved to Delta Center

The University of Utah women’s basketball team is set to make history by playing its first-ever game at the Delta Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m., when it takes on in-state rival Utah State. Originally scheduled for the Jon M. Huntsman Center, the game’s new location offers a unique opportunity for both the team and its growing fan base. Utes Head coach Lynne Roberts expressed excitement, noting the increased support for women’s basketball and how the sport’s national growth makes this an ideal event to spotlight in the Beehive State.

“This is a great opportunity for our team, and for our fans, whose support of our program has elevated significantly in recent seasons,” Roberts said. “With the growth and popularity of women’s basketball nationally, this is a great showcase for an in-state matchup.”

Why Utes fans will soon find it hard to support the Utah Jazz

The game’s move to the Delta Center, previously known as the Salt Palace, is another milestone for Utah women’s basketball as the program gains visibility and attracts larger audiences. This season opener has already shown promise; Utah began the season with a commanding 105-52 victory over Southern Utah. Six players scored in double figures, with Gianna Kneepkens leading the charge, scoring 18 points in her return after missing most of the previous season due to injury.

Next up, the Utes will face Weber State at home on Nov. 7 before traveling to play Northwestern on Nov. 14, marking their first away game of the season. With a strong start and an upcoming game in a larger arena, the Utah women’s basketball team continues to showcase its talent and build excitement among fans in what could be a memorable season.

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Utah

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is expected to win reelection after his surprising endorsement of Trump

Published

12 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Press Room

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is expected to win reelection after his surprising endorsement of Trump

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is expected to easily win reelection in the deeply red state, but his surprising choice to back Donald Trump this year has voters wondering what they should expect over the next four years from a leader they long thought to be a moderate Republican.

Cox is favored to win over Democrat Brian King, a trial lawyer and state representative who served for eight years as Utah’s House minority leader.

The governor also faces conservative write-in candidate Phil Lyman, who urged his supporters to vote for him instead of Cox after losing the Republican primary in June. Lyman’s campaign threatens to pull some Republican support away from Cox, but it likely won’t be enough to affect the outcome.

While moderate Republicans have historically fared well in Utah’s statewide elections, Cox has recently sought to convince voters that he is more conservative than his record shows.

The governor bewildered voters and political observers when he pledged his support to Trump after the July assassination attempt on the former president. Cox did not vote for Trump in 2016 or 2020.

Cox’s sudden turnabout has risked his reputation with his moderate voting base while likely doing little to win over followers of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, many of whom booed Cox at the state GOP convention this year.

The governor has dug in his heels in the months since he backed Trump. He reaffirmed his commitment to Trump in September even as the former president faced scrutiny for ramping up rhetoric against immigrants — behavior Cox said he hoped Trump would abandon when he endorsed him in July.

House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, talks to members of the media at the Capitol in Salt Lake City, May 19, 2021. Credit: AP/Kristin Murphy

Cox also has appeared with Trump on the campaign trail and at Arlington National Cemetery, where each appearance was ensnared in a controversy. After Trump’s staff had an altercation with a cemetery official, Cox broke rules — and likely federal law — in using a graveside photo with Trump in a campaign fundraising email.

Trump has not in turn endorsed Cox’s bid for a second term in the governor’s office.

Polls statewide open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

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Utah

The Cougars flipped the script on the Utes, proving the doubters and 'experts' wrong

Published

19 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Press Room

The Cougars flipped the script on the Utes, proving the doubters and 'experts' wrong

If the University of Utah football season were a movie, it would be “The Perfect Storm.” You know the story. Captain Whittingham and the gang catch a lot of big fish and think they’re headed for a big pay day. There are lots of warning signs that trouble is coming, but, yeah, they sail on — right into the perfect storm.

Parts are flying off the boat. Members of the crew are being thrown to the floor and getting injured, especially first mate Cam Rising. Senior XO Andy Ludwig jumps overboard. The boat is heavy and slow. They are thrown for a loss, over and over … and then they get steamrolled.

Everything that can go wrong, goes wrong.

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Meanwhile, their neighbors, BYU, are living in La La Land. Everything they touch is gold. Everything that can go right, goes right. It’s one big Hallmark movie, with Reese Witherspoon in the lead. Sometimes it looks like they’re in trouble, but, nope. Take the Kansas State game. The offense slept through the whole thing, but the team won 38-9 behind punt returns, fumble returns and interceptions. It was like Christmas, a birthday and an anniversary rolled into one half of a game.

Then there was Baylor, which outgained BYU by 120 yards — and lost.

The Cougars are living a charmed life.

Exactly no one saw any of this coming. Can we all agree that preseason polls — and polls in general — are fun but worthless. In both the AP and ESPN preseason polls, Utah was 12th and BYU unranked (the Cougars also didn’t get a single vote for the “others receiving votes,” which was 17 teams deep).

Utah was picked to finish first the Big 12; BYU was picked to finish 13th.

As of this week: BYU is first, Utah 13th.

BYU is 8-0, Utah 4-4 and riding a four-game losing streak. BYU is ranked No. 9 in the national polls; Utah has fallen out of the rankings.

They flipped the script.

Utah and BYU will meet in Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday.

Utah’s season is an unmitigated disaster. Much has been made of the loss of injury-prone quarterback Cam Rising, who missed all of last season while recovering from surgery. He played one and a half games this season before getting injured again, only to return for one game weeks later and incurring another injury on the second play of the game, one that sidelined him for the season. He could return for an eighth season next year, which invites comparisons to the old bit in “Tommy Boy.”

Lots of people graduate in seven years!

Yeah, they’re called doctors.

Anyway, the point is — and Coach Kyle Whittingham would be the first to say this — a solid program should be able to weather the loss of any one player without falling off a cliff. The Utes managed to win eight games without Rising last season. In retrospect, heading into the 2024 season maybe they should have planned better for a potential injury to Rising, especially given his long list of injuries. Instead, they replaced him with a true freshman quarterback, one who was in the state high school playoffs a year ago.

If the transfer portal were a physical place, you wouldn’t want to stand in front of the doors this winter at Utah. There’s going to be a stampede. Also, the Utes will go quarterback shopping.

On the 40th anniversary of BYU’s unbeaten national championship season, BYU is doing a good imitation of that magical run. A year ago they won only five games. Good luck finding any preseason predictions that placed BYU in the top 10 of the Big 12 or the national top 25.

It’s time to take BYU seriously. The Cougars handed 13th-ranked SMU its only loss of the season. It handed No. 22 Kansas State one of its two losses. Another of their victims, Oklahoma State, has been ranked as high as 13th. The Cougars rank 29th in strength of schedule, according to the highly respected Sagarin ratings, even though five of their wins have come against teams that currently have losing records.

The Cougars suddenly find themselves among the leading candidates for a berth in the newly expanded, 12-team College Football Playoff. The schedule favors them; their final four regular-season games match them with Utah (four wins, four losses), Kansas (2-6), Arizona State (5-2) and Houston (3-5). The two road games — Utah and Arizona State — pose the biggest challenges.

The Cougars have a lot riding on those games.

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham looks looks on from the sideline during game against TCU at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. The Utes will look to spoil the Cougars’ perfect season Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

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