How beautiful is Provo this time of year? The kaleidoscope of fall colors seen throughout the valley and up Provo Canyon is just breathtaking. There’s so many beautiful mountain views, scenic byways, and places to enjoy the abundant and colorful fall foliage. The brilliant hues of red, orange, yellow, and purple come from the wide array of native trees, forests, and parks located in and around Provo.
This is the perfect season to take advantage of Provo’s trail system, go on an adventurous hiking trip, or take a long weekend drive. So let me take you there! I’ve put together a list of the best places in Provo for viewing fall foliage. Read on for all the details.
Provo Canyon
Embarking from Provo on US-189, Provo Canyon provides access to Bridal Veil Falls, Sundance Mountain Resort, Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, and the Provo River. This canyon shows the majestic beauty of the Wasatch Range and more specifically Mount Timpanogos.
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
The Alpine Loop features stunning views of Mount Timpanogos and impressive aspen groves, and provides access to numerous hiking trails and campgrounds. The Alpine Loop also provides access to Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Sundance Mountain Resort, and trails that lead from the road into the Mt. Timpanogos and Lone Peak Wilderness areas. The Byway has many photo opportunities with beautiful fall foliage, mountain vegetation, and wildlife.
South Fork Canyon
Access South Fork Canyon by going up Provo Canyon and then turning right at Vivian Park. South Fork Canyon has a grass park that is great to visit on a Sunday afternoon when you want to get away from it all. Enjoy the beautiful riparian forest including oak, box-elder, and maples.
Squaw Peak Road
Enter Squaw Peak Road through Provo Canyon HWY 189 Northbound. Approximately 2 miles up Provo Canyon there will be a right turn to Squaw Peak Road. Drive approximately six miles and the road will fork, take left fork. You will pass the Squaw Peak campgrounds and the road becomes a dirt road. Enjoy the beautiful scenic mountain drive and views. Some of the trees you will see are native maple, scrub oak, aspen and some fir.
Provo River Parkway Trail
The Provo River Parkway weaves its way through the city following the Provo River, along University Avenue to the mouth of Provo Canyon. Its 15-mile length stretches from Utah Lake State Park in Provo to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. At its northern end, the trail passes the base of Bridal Veil Falls for a spectacular view. The autumn views can be enjoyed later in the season on the southend of the trail, from lakeshore bridge to Utah Lake.
Slate Canyon Trailhead
This hike, a best-kept secret among locals, climbs to spring-fed conifers, aspens, and meadows in the Wasatch Range outside Provo. At the summit of Slate Canyon Dr there is a sign for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Enter and stay right on the gravel road until you reach the parking lots and the sign for the Bonneville Shoreline trail. The Slate Canyon Trail heads east and the Bonneville shoreline trail heads north. The trail is approximately 3.7 miles where it connects into the Slide Canyon Trail.
