Stunning, Colorful Fall Foliage Abounds At This Underrated National Monument In Utah

Utah is famous for its red-rock giants, linked together by the state's legendary Mighty 5 road trip. When fall arrives and the air turns crisp, the state's parks burst into brilliant colors set against a backdrop of towering stone amphitheaters and endless desert vistas. While two of the most famous parks, Bryce Canyon and Zion, attract millions of visitors every year, there's a lesser-known spot nearby where autumn puts on a dazzling show to smaller crowds.

Cedar Breaks National Monument is home to a stunning red-rock amphitheater, where hoodoos and arches rise from ancient stone. Come late-September, quaking aspens shimmer in shades of yellow and gold in a stunning contrast to the monument's orange cliffs and clear blue skies. 

Sitting at over 10,000 feet in Utah's high country, this massive natural amphitheater spans three miles across and plunges a staggering half-mile deep into the earth. From the rim, visitors are treated to a kaleidoscope of spires, pinnacles, and sculpted walls, reminiscent of Utah's most famous parks. Beyond the rim trails, visitors can enjoy forest strolls, winding scenic drives, and star-filled night skies. You'll want to visit the park from mid-September through October to see the best of the fall colors.

The must-do fall hike is Alpine Loop Trail, which offers a close-up view of many of the park's colorful groves of quaking aspens. The figure-of-eight trail features a lower and upper loop, leading through diverse landscapes. The upper loop winds through the forest, with its glorious foliage, and across vast meadows that are carpeted with wildflowers during summer. The lower loop delivers sweeping views of the amphitheater, and leads to the scenic Alpine Pond. Keep in mind that all trails here begin above 10,000 feet, an elevation that can challenge even seasoned hikers unaccustomed to thin mountain air.

But Alpine Loop is just the beginning of what Cedar Breaks has to offer. Quaking aspens are dotted around the park, so be on the lookout for pops of color among the evergreen forests. For a leisurely experience with huge pay-offs, the wooded sunset trail is a gentle two-mile stroll between two overlooks. You can expect panoramic views of the amphitheater and, of course, front-row seats to watch the sun dip below the horizon.

The fun isn't over once darkness falls, as Cedar Breaks transforms into one of the country's most spectacular stargazing destinations. You can join park rangers on Night Sky Tours every Friday and Saturday night through mid-October. DarkSky International designated Cedar Breaks a Dark Sky Park in 2017, recognizing it as part of "one of the largest regions of remaining natural darkness in the lower 48 U.S. states." Through the park's powerful telescope, you can explore stars, distant planets, and colorful nebulae. Wrap up warm on those chilly fall nights: this free activity is worth every shiver and teeth-chattering moment.

If you're hoping to stay overnight within Cedar Breaks, you're out of luck in fall. The park's only campground at Point Supreme closes in mid-September and doesn't reopen until June. However, just 15 minutes north, you'll find Brian Head, a mountain village that boasts one of the best ski resorts in Utah. There are many lodging options available year-round, including the charming and reasonably priced Brian Head Lodge.

The journey to Cedar Breaks is just as beautiful as the park itself, particularly during fall. The high-elevation Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway leads you right to the park's visitor center, and features many pull-outs where you can see for hundreds of miles on a clear day. That route connects with Utah's Patchwork Parkway (Scenic Route 143), which takes you past the shimmering waters of Panguitch Lake, another spot for gorgeous fall colors from late-September.

Getting to Cedar Breaks requires planning. The nearest major airports are Las Vegas (three hours southwest) and Salt Lake City (four hours north). Rent a car at either airport and take a longer trip in the area to make the most of the American West during fall. Cedar Breaks is near U.S. Route 89, often celebrated as America's most scenic road trip. It skirts both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, and leads all the way from the Canadian to Mexican borders. The choice is yours: A cool and colorful fall trip toward Montana, or a balmy vacation heading to southern Arizona. Cedar Breaks is right in the middle of it all.