Welcome to Carbon County, Utah—where autumn’s vibrant colors come alive against the backdrop of stunning landscapes and rich history. As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s no better time to explore the beauty of this hidden gem in Central Utah. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to hike, bike, or ATV through breathtaking terrain, or simply someone eager to savor the season’s flavors at local eateries, Carbon County has something for everyone. In this Fall Guide, we’ll take you through the best spots for leaf peeping, outdoor adventures, and must-visit dining spots to make your autumn getaway truly unforgettable.
1.Best Spots for Fall Foliage
Filled with aspen groves, recreation areas and scenic trails, Carbon County, Utah holds some of the best spots at Utah’s core for leaf peeing. Leaf peeping is a term growing in popularity for enjoying the leaves changing colors. When traveling September-November, a destination with fall colors should be at the top of your list. Here are some of the best spots for enjoying fall foliage in Utah:
Gordon Creek Falls I Helper, UT
Huntington Canyon: Just outside of Carbon County, this canyon drive in Emery County is a 37-minute drive from Price, UT, and a state-recognized scenic byway. The byway winds through the Manti-La Sal National Forest, offering stunning vistas of the towering mountain peaks and the valleys stretching out below. Get driving directions from Price.
Nine Mile Canyon: Not only is this a beautiful drive through Wellington, Utah’s changing colors, but Nine Mile Canyon Road leads drivers through the world’s longest outdoor art gallery. More than just a beautiful drive, Nine Mile Canyon is a 46-mile-long canyon decorated with artwork engraved by the Ute and Freemont Tribes as far back as 600 and 1300 A.D. Read more about Nine Mile Canyon.
Scofield Reservoir: A beautiful drive south on I-15 South from Salt Lake City, sits Scofield Reservoir and State Park. See the changing colors from a hike around the Reservoir, or the area’s off-roading trails. To make the most of your time at Scofield State Park, consider reserving one of their 77 camping sites available for booking. The dark sky photography is breathtaking this time of year. See campground availability.
Price Canyon: Located North of Castle Gate off of the highway, Price Canyon Recreation Area is a beautiful spot to enjoy leaf-peeping from along the Price River. Pack a picnic with you to enjoy at one of their three picnic areas, or around the campfire ring.
Perched on a high ridge overlooking Price Canyon, the Bristlecone Ridge Trail offers a scenic journey through nature. Named for the tall bristlecone pine trees that line its path, this trail traces an old road leading to the Ford Ridge communication towers.
Price River: Take a stroll or bike ride along the Price River Trail for leaf peeping along the peaceful Price River. You can stroll or ride as long as you’d like on this 7-mile path between Helper and Price. For rental options, contact Altitude Cycle in Price at (435) 637-2453.
When to See the Fall Leaves
Planning your trip for optimal leaf peeing will not only ensure you don’t miss the changing colors but can help you make the most of your fall trip. Historically, mid-September through early October is the peak time when the colors are changing in this area of Utah.
Our suggestion - make your visit 4-5 days in length to reduce the rush of having to see and do it all in a weekend. Extending your stay also gives you some insurance with potential shifting weather and colors.
Photography Tips
- Stay on the trails: Stick to designated trails and recreation areas to avoid area erosion.
- Shoot during golden hour: You’ll get both the golden hues of the sunset and the trees.
- Share your photos on social media: Tag @CarbonCorridor on Instagram and @Carbon County Utah on Facebook as well as a location tag to let us know where you snapped your shot and we will share on our social media!
- Love it and Leave it: Love the area you are visiting by taking photos and videos, and respecting the historical artifacts by leaving them be.
2. Outdoor Activities
Visitors come from all over the country and state to enjoy the recreation Carbon County has to offer. From our off-roading trails, to lake and pond fishing, the area holds some of the best recreation in the state.
Where to Hike
Gordon Creek Trail
Length: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Why It’s Great: Gordon Creek Trail offers an easy route to two stunning waterfalls, making it perfect for those seeking impressive views with minimal effort. It’s a versatile trail, welcoming hikers, bikers, OHVers, horseback riders, and even dogs.
Bruin Point Trail
Length: 12 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Why It’s Great: For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Bruin Point Trail provides a rewarding challenge. The trail takes you up to Bruin Point, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the autumn-colored landscape. The climb is steep in sections, but the panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort.
Nuck Woodward Trail, Nine Mile Canyon
Length: 5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Why It’s Great: This trail is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike. As you hike through the canyon, you’ll not only enjoy the vibrant fall colors but also have the chance to see ancient petroglyphs and other cultural artifacts. The trail is relatively easy, making it a great option for families or those looking for a more leisurely hike.
Biking Trails in Carbon County
Woodhill Trail System
Length: 20 miles (whole system)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Why It’s Great: You can make your ride as short or as long as you want to. Beginners can ride along Luke’s Trail from the Trailhead and loop back to the parking lot once they hit Kenilworth Road, which offers riders a fun single-track ride for more experienced riders
Price River Trail
Length: 15 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Why It’s Great: The Price River Trail is a fantastic option for bikers of all levels. The trail follows the Price River, offering beautiful views of the water and the surrounding fall foliage. It’s a smooth ride with plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery or snap a few photos.
Scofield Reservoir Loop
Length: 20 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Why It’s Great: This loop around Scofield Reservoir is perfect for those who enjoy lakeside biking with a backdrop of autumn colors. The route offers a mix of paved and dirt roads, making it a versatile ride for both mountain and road bikes. Along the way, you’ll find spots to pause and enjoy the peaceful setting, perhaps even spotting some local wildlife.
Good Water Rim Trail
Length: 15 miles (whole system)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Why It’s Great: Nestled in the San Rafael Swell region of Utah, the Good Water Rim Trail is an exceptional ride for those who go out and find it. Located in the area known as "The Wedge", this trail features excellent cross-country singletrack that primarily follows the rim of Goodwater Canyon. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the "Little Grand Canyon" with the San Rafael River winding at its base.
Our Recommendation- Before you head on any trail or ride, be sure to check trail openings and predicted weather.
ATVing in the Carbon Corridor
Sunnyside Coal Mine
Located near Bruin Point, the Sunnyside Coal Mine trail offers ATV and OHV riders a scenic journey through golden aspen groves along Water Canyon. As you ride, you’ll be immersed in Utah’s rich coal mining history, with a highlight being the 3.5-mile-long cable tram that serves as a reminder of the area’s industrial past.
Tavaputs Plateau
You can access the area by Nine Mile Canyon Road and then up Cottonwood Canyon.
Read more about the Tavaputs area in Visit Utah’s ‘The Hunt for Tavaputs’ blog. Home to wild horses and bighorn sheep, this area is beautiful to explore. Be sure to monitor access and any notices made by the Bureau of Land Management, who manage the area.
More Riding
South of the Carbon Corridor is the vast Arapeens Trail System. Interconnected, this network makes it easy to ride from one canyon to the next.
For a more comprehensive list of trails you can enjoy on an ATV check out this map. Read Visit Utah’s 7 Best Off-Roading Trails in the Carbon Corridor blog for more trails to check out in the Carbon Corridor.
Sherald’s Frosty Freeze I Price, UT
3. Local Restaurants and Cafés
A Fall Guide isn’t complete without your lunch and breakfast spots added. Plan your trip using our full dining index, here are a few spots to add to your list:
- For Coffee: Happiness Within Coffee Shop has some seriously delicious seasonal latte’s and you’ll love cozying up in an armchair to look through your leaf peeping pics.
- Lunch: We are a one brewery County, and Helper Beer has it all. Good beer and great pizza. Try their BBQ Chicken Pizza or grab local beers to-go as a souvenir.
- Dinner: Serving a full burger menu and Taiwanese street food, Apple Chicken Cafe is a fusion of cultures and flavors and the perfect spot for a group that can’t decide on an eatery.
See You There
Carbon County offers a fall experience that will make memories for you and your family to enjoy for years to come, with its rich mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cozy local spots to refuel after a day of exploration. Whether you’re chasing the changing colors along scenic byways, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, or riding through the rugged terrain on an ATV, this region invites you to immerse yourself in the season.
Pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to experience the best of fall in Carbon County, Utah!