It’s fall. The weather is great, the destinations are less crowded and the scenery is beautiful. Where should you head out to?
Trail Trailer is Utah-based. According to ExtremeTerrain.com Utah is the 2nd best off-roading state in the country. But what do those guys know? Utah is THE Best.
But that’s not our point.
Our point is that adventure travel, whether in Utah or elsewhere, is a four season sport and there’s few times of the year that are as spectacular for adventure than the autumn months of September, October and November.
We could easily make a top five list of just Utah locations alone. But we won’t. We’ll mix it up in the name of variety.
The truth is that the American West is a treasure at this time of the year and if you think summer is the only time to head out you’re missing on some of the best adventures out there.
Here are some suggestions:
June Lake, California
California is loaded with spectacular destinations but this back-side-of-Yosemite location of June Lake situated at about 8,000 feet in the Eastern Sierras. TravelandLeisure.com rates this area among the top fall color destinations in America.
And it is largely vacant in the fall. Plus there are miles and miles of off-road trails to explore.
Fish Lake National Forest, Uah
Fish Lake is a destination for trout lovers. This legendary high-elevation fresh water lake has generations of fish tales to share.
And if trout is your thing, definitely go for it.
But fall in Fish Lake National Forest is spectacular and when you’re not angling you could be exploring more than 2700 miles of off-road trail that will give you leaf peeping adventure among the Aspens to write home about.
Nestle near the dozens of off-road destinations and National Parks in south central Utah, Fish Lake never gets the attention it deserves among adventure enthusiasts.
But those who go know. You should go.
Logan, Canyon, Utah
Logan is our home and we are partial to our mountain trails.
If you’re in a car, a simple drive up Logan Canyon to Bear Lake carries it share of the feels. But if you want to adventure we humbly suggest taking a run up Millville Canyon Road.
It’s more challenging than it looks at the outset but you climb better than 2500 feet in about 7 miles and that gives you some unbeatable views in the fall.
Dixie National Forest Near Brian Head, Utah
Heading east out of Cedar City on State Highway 14 is going to take you over 10,000 feet and that meandering drive through the Dixie National Forest is spectacular at any time of the year – but especially in the fall.
The Stawberry Loop is a 7-mile trail through the Dixie National Forest that quickly gives you a variety of scenic views – from the aspen forest to the pink cliffs, it seems to show you in short order what Southern Utah is all about.
The trail is not difficult, is open to full size vehicles and 4-wheel drive is recommended.
Christmas Meadows, Utah
The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is one of the most famous drives through the Uinta Mountains running from eastern Utah into Southwest Wyoming. It’s popular whenever that road gets open, which is usually around Memorial Day due to the elevation.
It literally has thousands of available trails over the 30-mile distance of the highway.
The elevation and sparse population makes it an excellent adventure trail for those seeking solitude, beauty, wildlife and fall color.
Christmas Meadows is definitely worth of Googling. While campgrounds there might close due to early season snow access is pretty good for off-road outfits and the hiking there is outstanding.
But go early to mid-September. Usually by the first week of October it’s done, as far as color goes.
While 30-miles of highway doesn’t sound like much the winding roads through the beautiful mountains can take several hours to travel. Researching off-road spurs will take you places many miss – in the fall especially. Come well equipped.
