American Fork Canyon in the Fall – Utah

Depending on how much time you have, American Fork Canyon is a great destination to check out Utah’s fall colors, either by itself, or part of a longer tour that includes the Alpine Loop, Cascade Springs, Sundance, Vivian Park, Bridal Veil Falls, and Squaw Peak Road near the entrance to Provo Canyon. To really see everything, given the different species and elevations involved, you almost want to plan two trips, one in late September and another in early October. At lower elevations, you tend to get the maples and scrub oak, which turn first, and in the upper parts of the canyon, particularly along the Alpine Loop, you have the aspens which turn in early October.  There are a lot of factors involved that determine when things happen, and how good the display will be. But one thing that seems fairly constant, is that wetter years produce better displays of color.

1. This first shot was captured on a rainy, misty day near the entrance to American Fork Canyon (coming from Highland)

2. This shot comes from one of the numerous trails that can be found throughout the canyon, This one, in particular, follows American Fork Creek, which offers a reliable water source, and probably the best bet for decent color in dry or wet years.

 

3. This shot comes from farther up the canyon, just below Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. As you can see in the shot, the maples are dominate, while most of the aspen have yet to turn.