LOCAL NEWS

WATCH: Utah’s changing leaves from Chopper 5

Oct 7, 2022, 9:10 AM

(Chris Williams)...

(Chris Williams)

(Chris Williams)

Fall is upon us and the leaves are changing into brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Check out the video above for some spectacular views from Chopper 5.

KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson said Utah is nearing the best time to see changing leaves.

This first week of October started to show more oranges and darker colors which will continue into next week. By the week of Oct. 17, leaves should be at their peak, with reds joining the mix.

Best fall drives

Utah.com listed some of the best places around the state for scenic fall drives.

Alpine Loop – One of Utah’s Most Spectacular Scenic Drives

Probably the most popular drive, this loop winds through the mountains near Mount Timpanogos passing nearby sites like Bridal Veil Falls, Cascade Springs, Tibble Fork Reservoir, Timpanogos Cave and Sundance. Take state Route 92 east from the Timpanogos Highway exit (No. 284) off Interstate 15, or exit No. 272 off I-15 in Orem and take S.R. 52 east to U.S. Highway 189 to S.R. 92.

Brigham City to Logan to Bear Lake

Up north the drive from Brigham City to Bear Lake carves through Logan Canyon for one of the prettiest views of fall leaves. Drivers should follow U.S. 89/91 from Brigham City north to Logan via Sardine Canyon (25 miles). Continue northeast from Logan on U.S. 89 to Bear Lake through Logan Canyon (now a National Scenic Byway) and the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Ogden to Weber Canyon to Parley’s Canyon to East Canyon to Emigration to Salt Lake City

For those interested in a more ambitious drive or a day trip, driving from Weber Canyon to Salt Lake City, hitting two other canyons along the way. Follow I-84 southeast from Ogden to the Morgan exit. Take S.R. 66 south to East Canyon State Park and S.R. 65. Continue south on S.R. 65 along Pioneer Memorial Highway to I-80. Take I-80 west to Salt Lake City.

Bountiful Peak Drive

This route connects Farmington and Bountiful on dirt roads in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Take the Lagoon exit in Farmington, head east to Main Street and then stay on 600 North, ending at 100 East. Merge onto Farmington Canyon Road.

Parley’s Canyon to Emigration Canyon

This is a Salt Lake area version of tour #3a 25-mile loop tour along I-80 and Emigration Canyon. Near the entrance to Emigration Canyon, you’ll pass by two landmarks: Hogle Zoo and This Is The Place Heritage Park. Other nearby sites: Fort Douglas (site of the Olympic Village during the 2002 Winter Olympics) and the University of Utah. Option: follow I-80 east to Park City.

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Just 12 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, this canyon leads up to two popular ski resorts — Brighton and Solitude. To drive there, get off I-215 at exit 6 and follow S.R. 190. south to the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Turn left here. S.R. 190 continues up this canyon. As you head up the canyon, you enter the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The road loops at the top to come back down.

Big Cottonwood Canyon to Guardsman’s Pass to Park City to Heber Valley

Following the same directions to Big Cottonwood Canyon, just before getting to the cabins at Brighton, drivers will take the Guardsman’s Pass road over the mountain to enter Park City or Heber. Just know to take a sharp left turn after passing Solitude Resort!

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Little Cottonwood Canyon, known for its flowers of the Albion Basin in the summer, has equally impressive leaves and contains ski resorts, Snowbird and Alta. Drivers should get off I-215 south at exit 6, then proceed south on S.R. 190. Continue straight through the Big Cottonwood Canyon intersection. The route becomes S.R. 210/Little Cottonwood Canyon. The route ascends into the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Mount Nebo Scenic Byway

Further south in between Nephi and Payson, this route climbs to over 9,000 feet, providing incredible views of the Utah Valley and climbs near the impressive 11,928-foot Mount Nebo, the tallest mountain in the Wasatch Range. To access the south end – from Interstate 15 at Nephi, take exit 225 to travel east on S.R. 132. Five miles from the Interstate, look for a left turn (north) onto Forest Road 015, which is the scenic byway. Travel north on the byway, following the signs at junctions. The byway ends just outside Payson, from which you can access I-15 again.

Kamas to Mirror Lake

This 30-mile drive on S.R. 150/Mirror Lake Highway takes you from Kamas into the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. From Salt Lake City, take I-80 East until U.S. 40 toward Heber City.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

6 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

7 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

8 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

9 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

10 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

WATCH: Utah’s changing leaves from Chopper 5