The Alpine Loop scenic byway is the must-do autumn leaf tour in the Wasatch Back. Famous for its outstanding views of the fall foliage on the shoulders of Mt Timpanogos, this tour offers additional side excursions such as Timpanogos Cave and Cascade Springs, as well as myriad hiking trailheads sprinkled throughout the byway. On your way in or out of the loop don’t forget to allow some time to stop by Sundance Resort, where you can enjoy a scenic lift ride, mountaintop yoga, or Sunday brunch at the Foundry Grill.

For those looking to entertain the kiddos, the Heber Valley Pumpkin Patch (Ranch Farms 2715 S Ranch Drive) offers opportunities for pumpkin picking and more. Other options for the young ones include taking a ride on the Pumpkin Train or visiting Howl ‘O Ween Town or Tractor Day at Kohler Creamery. Maybe try all three – your kids will be over the moon!

For fall photo opportunities take a short hike up Memorial Hill, or visit the Tate Barn. For a longer outing consider heading up to Wasatch State Park for a picnic and enjoy an abundance of hiking and biking options.

After working up an appetite on the trails or in the pumpkin patch, grab a bite to eat in Midway at the Mercantile or Lola’s Street Kitchen, or head over to Granny’s Drive-In in Heber for a classic burger and milkshake.

Once you work up an appetite, stop by Mirror Lake Diner or Samak Smoke House, both conveniently located at the bottom of Mirror Lake Highway. These local spots offer hearty meals perfect for refueling after your outdoor adventures. Or if you are headed out to the Wolf Creek Highway, make arrangements to visit the Woodland Biscuit Company, which is worth a trip in its own right (open Saturdays and Sundays, reservations highly recommended).

Those with kids will want to mark their calendars for Saturday, October 19th to attend the Fall Festival at High Star Ranch. Highlights of this event include a Scarecrow Walk, wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, face painting, food, live music, and more.

Superloop Option

Looking for a full day of autumn auto touring? Head over Wolf Creek Pass and keep going on Highway 35 through Tabiona and Hanna before cutting over to Fruitland and Strawberry Reservoir to return to Heber and Kamas via Daniels Pass. Don’t forget to make a stop at Strawberry Visitor Center and take a walk on the Discovery Trail to view the spawning Kokanee Salmon in the nearby river. This is an annual autumn spectacle that is not to be missed for nature lovers.

From the summit, you can descend into Big Cottonwood Canyon, where the winding road offers more chances to take in the beautiful fall foliage. As you drive down, keep an eye out for trailheads and viewpoints that provide great spots to stretch your legs and soak up the views. Once at the bottom, make your way over to Little Cottonwood Canyon to experience Oktoberfest at Snowbird, where you can enjoy traditional Bavarian food, live music, and family-friendly activities (weekends through October 13th).

Or perhaps head up Millcreek Canyon to enjoy an outstanding meal in the gorgeous settings at Log Haven. Those looking for a more casual meal near the Cottonwood Canyons will want to check out Porcupine Pub & Grill or Lone Star Taqueria, both of which offer great food in relaxed settings.

Superloop Option

Link this trip with the Alpine Scenic Loop (described in the Heber Valley section of this newsletter) for a full day of scenic auto touring. Just make sure to get an early start!

Those searching for a great drive/hike/bike combo should head up to Bonanza Flat, a beautiful area with 1,500 acres of open space and miles of scenic trails. The diverse landscape offers something for everyone. This outing also includes the option for an extended loop drive by heading down Pine Canyon Drive through the charming towns of Midway and Heber, and then returning to Park City via Highway 40, allowing you to take in even more of the area’s stunning fall scenery.

If you are looking to stay close to Main Street, there are plenty of autumn outings in Old Town. Take a stroll in Daly Canyon at the top of Main Street, and finish it off with a refreshing beverage at Top of Main Brew Pub. For a slightly more strenuous hike in Old Town, try the Treasure Hill Trail, which traverses the hillsides above Old Town and offers outstanding views. The added bonus of this outing is that it begins near the High West Saloon, so you won’t have to travel far to reward yourself for your on-trail efforts.

Lastly, if you are looking for an Old Town outing in early October, consider joining the efforts at the 8th Annual Shot Ski on Saturday, October 12th. This event is one of fall’s most exciting gatherings in Park City, and it raises money for dozens of our local non-profits. Come out and join this fun competition with Breckenridge and help Park City set a new shot ski world record.