Scattered yellows and reds are becoming more common in the trees as summer fades away. 

In Northern Utah, the fall leaf-viewing window can be narrow and hard to plan for. This year, The Farmers’ Almanac and OpenSnow meteorologists are expecting the maples and aspens along the Wasatch Back to start turning within the next two weeks, with colors peaking from early to mid-October.

Justin Brown, co-owner of guide company All Seasons Adventure, is no stranger to leading hikes built around the fall. 

“The way we approach it is to try to follow the colors,” Brown said. “Generally, those are (starting at) higher elevations and working lower.”

Brown said he’s observed that the autumn colors arrive slightly later but with brighter hues when there’s late summer rain, and the leaves stay on the trees longer. He thinks the heavy precipitation throughout August will be a good sign for a bright, colorful autumn.

Early in the season, Brown said Bonanza Flat is a good location to see aspens. Lofty Lake Loop and Bald Mountain along Mirror Lake Highway are great for those seeking a little more adventure, he said. Both are considered moderate trails, but with different challenges. Lofty Lake Loop is just around 5 miles long with little elevation gain. The Bald Mountain trail is just under 3 miles, but there’s a steep climb of 1,200 feet to see the summit.

Along with hikes and scenic drives, Brown said fall is an excellent time for mountain biking because of the cooler temperatures.

Travis Engvall, community outreach supervisor for Basin Recreation, recommended a variety of trails for hiking or biking, from the longer routes like the 16-mile Flying Dog trail or 9-mile Rob’s Trail to shorter trails like Willow Creek or the Right Turn Sage loop.

“The mixed-surface trail system around Willow Creek offers a more accessible way to enjoy fall colors,” Engvall said.

Brown also recommended fly fishing during late fall, especially through the Middle Provo River area.

“The later colors where the Cottonwoods are still trying to change can be really nice,” Brown said. “Throughout the fall, as that yellow creeps down, that’s really cool to see from the riverside.”

For people looking to bring dogs along, Engvall recommended visiting the Run-A-Muk off-leash dog area. The area has beginner and intermediate hiker-only trails where dogs are safe to run free.

Cascade Springs, Guardsman Pass and Empire Pass are also highly recommended for fall drives, along with the classic Alpine Loop. 

Another popular hike is the Horse Flat trail along the Alpine Loop. The trail starts at the top of Cascade Springs and follows through meadows and aspen groves to an overlook of Mount Timpanogos. Early morning is the best time for this trail.

Trails in the Park City area can be busy during fall weekends, so Engvall said to plan accordingly and park only in designated areas. Preparation also includes checking trail regulations before heading out on an e-bike or bringing along dogs, packing plenty of water and always sharing details and estimated return times with someone outside of your party. 

Brown advised hikers to stay cautious of moose over the next few weeks. Bull moose become more active during the fall, so Brown said it’s important to give them as much space as possible, at least 100 yards.

“It’s a really great time as a local to get out and experience the town,” Brown said.

The post How, when and where to see the best fall leaves in the Wasatch Back this year appeared first on Park Record.

The Christian Center of Park City held their annual family-friendly and non-competitive Hike For Hunger at Deer Valley Resort Saturday afternoon, September 9, 2017. The event, which featured three hiking and two biking trails, aimed to raise awareness about hunger issues in the Park City community. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

Link to full gallery here: https://parkrecordphoto.smugmug.com/PHOTOS-CCPCs-Hike-For-Hunger/

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The Christian Center of Park City held their annual Hike For Hunger at Deer Valley to raise awareness and funds for the food pantry on Saturday, Sept. 10 2016. Attendees were treated to chairlift rides to the hikes, food by Deer Valley (donated by the Nicholas & Company), drinks (PC Brewery & Joel Gott Wine), bounce houses, live music (Motherlode Canyon Band), face painting and more. Registration was $25/person OR a bag full of groceries. (Tanzi Propst/Park Record)

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