Fall in Southern Utah

As the weather starts to cool, the area around Cedar City, Brian Head, and Parowan prepares to put on a dramatic show. With a fall season that lasts weeks, not days, a backdrop of striking red rocks, and Southern Utah’s national parks, our area provides an unmatched destination for fall foliage viewing.

Rated as one of the “Top Eight Unique Destinations to View Fall Colors” by NBC’s Today Show and USA Today. The honors are partly due to the concentration of scenic routes that run through the red rock vistas of southern Utah, including National Scenic Byway 143 and Highway 148 through Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Fall Color Report - 2026

There is still lots of green, but the higher you get, the more yellows and oranges you will find, especially in areas like Brian Head Town,  Navajo Lake area and along Hwy 143. Take your time, enjoy the ride, and keep you eye peeled for livestock, wildlife, and that beautiful grove of trees just around the corner!

It has been a great week for leaves! @Life of Brian Head, Utah is predicting that the next 3 weekends should be the best time to take a drive along National Scenic Byway, Hwy 143. Our office also took a trip through Brian Head along Hwy 143 over to Hwy 14 and back to Cedar City. Hwy 143 is definitely showing the greatest rate of change. With beautiful stands of yellow, orange, and red easily viewed from the road, don't forget to take the time to pull over to stretch your legs, and don't forget your jacket. The best experience of fall is listening to the wind in the branches and filling your lungs with that crisp, clean fall air.

A small reminder that the Sydney Valley grove is not quite as eye-catching as in past years; the tallest of the trees are older, with fewer leaves each year. The new growth is coming along nicely and does have some nice color.