The 4 Best Fall Drives in Southern Utah

September 30, 2021
Joseph Carson
Redrock Now

ST. GEORGE — Fall is officially here in Southern Utah, and if you’re like me nothing makes it feel more like fall than a leaf-peeping drive through the mountains.

Most of the trees in Southern Utah are evergreens like ponderosa pine or juniper. However, there are a few places within a couple hours of St. George where you can go to soak up all the fall vibes you want. We’ve compiled (and personally tested!) a list of four of the best fall drives near St. George. Starting with number one:

1. Cedar Breaks/Duck Creek/Panguitch Lake

As of today, September 30, the leaves on the Cedar Breaks/Duck Creek loop are at peak color. We recommend going to see them as soon as possible. They will be brown and on the ground within a week or two.

Start by taking I-15 north to Cedar City, then drive up Cedar Canyon toward Duck Creek. Turn left onto FH 050 just past Duck Creek Village, and drive until you reach SR 143. At this point, we would recommend turning right, driving to Panguitch Lake, then heading back up SR 143 to Cedar Breaks, and finishing off the loop back down Cedar Canyon.

Seriously, go this weekend! The leaves are perfect. And make sure you bring a jacket. It gets really cold up there. Plan on the whole trip taking between 4-5 hours, depending on how often you stop to take pictures. The best time to be up there is between 2pm and 6pm. After 6, it’s almost too dark to get very good pictures.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

The weather and temperatures right now are perfect for a drive in Bryce Canyon. There aren’t as many aspens and cottonwoods as there are up in Duck Creek, but there are some gorgeous spots of color along the road, especially near the south end of the park as you gain elevation.

To get there from St. George, take I-15 up past Paragonah and get off at exit 95. Take SR 20 across the mountains to highway 89, and from there it’s a straight shot south to Panguitch, then the highway 12 turn off for Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon. You can’t miss it!

The whole trip will take about 6 hours just driving, but longer if you stay, hike, and take pictures of the leaves.

3. Scenic Highway 89

The drive from Panguitch to Kanab is only about an hour and fifteen minutes long, but there are so many places to stop along the way! The fall colors are not totally out yet. There are a few spots (like pictured above) that make for great photos, but it will probably be several weeks before this area is at its peak.

Along highway 89 you’ll pass through Kanab, Orderville, Hatch, and Panguitch, which are full of shops, restaurants, and trails to explore.

4. Zion National Park

Before you get mad at me for putting this one last, let me explain myself.

I am Zion’s biggest fan. But, the leaves don’t really reach peak here until late October or November! When they do, it is stellar. But until then, if fall colors is what you seek, check out some of the other drives first.