One Of The Most Underrated States For Fall Foliage Is A Western Gem That Explodes With Color

Once the summer is over, the kids have gone back to school, and the blazing afternoons start to transition into crisp mornings, the leaf peepers start to emerge. If you consider yourself one of the many autumn enthusiasts on the hunt to find the best fall foliage, you almost certainly know about absolutely gorgeous colors sweeping across New England or Appalachia, creating some of the best fall foliage in America. But did you know that some of the most vibrant foliage is actually in the second-driest state in the US?

Utah is a prime location for leaf peeping. The Beehive State is typically inundated with visitors who want to experience "The Greatest Snow on Earth" at any of the state's incredible ski resorts in the winter, and there's also a boom in tourists who want to explore the Mighty 5 parks in the summer. But autumn? Miss this kaleidoscope if you dare, because it is a show to behold. If you want to visit during peak leaf season, you'll not only experience crisp temperatures but also fewer crowds, and what could be better than that?

If you decide to visit in September, you could start to see the autumn leaves emerge at the higher elevations. But as October creeps in, the colors really start to show off. One of the most highly recommended scenic drives is the Alpine Scenic Loop (SR92). You can start at either American Fork Canyon or Provo Canyon and follow the 20-mile route past Mount Timpanogos, with various trails and stops along the way. The entrance fee is just $6 for a three-day pass and $12 for a 7-day pass, but if you have an America The Beautiful pass, you're covered.

Zion National Park — the most popular of the Mighty 5 — has some incredible scenery only enhanced by the fall color. So, if you'd rather look instead of concentrating on driving, take the shuttle bus to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (closed to private vehicles most of the year). Shuttles are free and run about every 10 minutes. If you opt to go when the shuttles aren't running, be sure to listen to the Zion Canyon Shuttle Narration to get the most out of your drive.

If you're taking the Alpine Scenic Loop and plan to stop along the way, be sure to visit Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork Canyon. Tickets are required, so don't forget to make a reservation — they often sell out. The tour is about three hours and is $12 for visitors over $12 and $7 for visitors aged between 2 and 11. For a longer day trip, visit Robert Redford's Sundance Mountain Resort along the Alpine Loop. Whether you plan an overnight stay or just want to do some ziplining or horseback riding, there's something for everyone.

If you opt to head to Zion instead, the shuttle will drop you off right at the trailheads of popular hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. But if you're looking for a satisfying bite to eat, travelers on Tripadvisor highly recommend stopping at Hangry Goat in Springdale near the entrance of the park before you hit the trails.