Nathan Michael

Combine the stunning beauty of the Wasatch Front mountains with an array of vivid fall colors when leaves show off their dazzling red, orange and yellow hues, and it’s hard to beat the scenery of Northern Utah in the autumn.

One visitor told VisitOgden.com, “It looks like someone spilled a giant box of Trix cereal on the Wasatch Mountains!”

It’s no wonder going on canyon drives and hikes to see the fall foliage is a popular tradition, beginning in the mid-to-latter part of September. Here are a few places near Ogden to take in the kaleidoscope of colors:

Most streets headed east from downtown Ogden lead to trailheads for what the locals call BST. As described by VisitOgden.com: “Tunnels of colorful oaks and maples on the BST open to stunning overlooks of the city below, and spur trails poke up most of the smaller canyons: Beus, Strong’s, Waterfall, Taylor, Jump-Off, etc. Any visit to Ogden in September needs to include at least a short stroll on the BST.”

There are some pull-outs, but the best way to experience Ogden Canyon’s steep walls is in a convertible or on a motorcycle, VisitOgden.com notes. Be sure to pay attention to the road. There are a lot of people driving with their heads on a swivel when the leaves pop.

This gentle trail is amenable to novice hikers and mountain bikers, who’ll both soak in splendid views of the rugged and awe-inspiring terrain.

Just like the ski slopes in this area, the views here are world-class. Drone photographer Scott T. Taylor compared the colorful views around Snowbasin to be like Skittles. The ski resort offers beautiful trails for hiking and biking, while scrub-oak-laden Highway 226 leads to scenic views of Snowbasin and the Ogden Valley.

This is a wonderful spot to canoe, kayak or paddle board around an idyllic reservoir in a blissful alpine setting. The feeder streams turn bright red when abundant freshwater Kokanee salmon make their runs in the fall.

Here’s an interesting tidbit from VisitOgden.com: The predominant quaking aspen in the area, about 9,000 feet in elevation, is known for turning orange and red colors even though most aspen generally only turn yellow.

Have you ever driven or hiked any of these places to view the fall foliage? Where’s your favorite spot? We appreciate you taking the time to read this blog!