Hidden Springs Lodge is located just below the Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah. As summer’s heat gracefully bows to autumn’s gentle touch, the Uinta Mountains of Utah transform into a living canvas, brushed with vibrant hues of gold, red, and orange. Nestled in the northeastern corner of Utah, this majestic mountain range is celebrated not just for its rugged grandeur and high-alpine lakes, but for the timeless spectacle it puts on each fall—a season of color that feels almost otherworldly.
Rising east of Salt Lake City, the Uinta Mountains are unique among North America’s great ranges in that they run east to west, rather than the typical north to south. Their peaks, many soaring above 13,000 feet, form the backbone of the Ashley National Forest. The range is home to Utah’s highest point, Kings Peak, and hundreds of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests, each contributing its part to the autumn display.
While Utah is more popularly known for the red rock deserts of the south, the Uinta Mountains offer a contrasting scene—a landscape where quaking aspens create golden corridors and mountain maples ignite the slopes in fiery reds and oranges. The altitude, climate, and diversity of tree species all play into the region’s dazzling fall palette.
Aspen groves, in particular, are the stars of the show. These trees, with their white bark and shimmering, coin-shaped leaves, are known for their ability to clone themselves, creating sprawling “clonal groves” that can be thousands of years old. Come September and early October, their leaves shift from bright green to brilliant yellow, often tinged with orange. Interspersed are the deep reds of mountain maple and the rusty browns of scrub oak, combining for a mosaic that is both vivid and serene.
Timing is crucial when chasing autumn colors in the Uintas. The spectacle typically begins in mid-September, reaching its peak by late September or the first week of October, depending on elevation and yearly weather variations. At higher elevations, the colors change earlier, so those seeking the full array should plan accordingly.
Weather and What to Pack
Autumn in the Uintas can be unpredictable. Days may be warm under a clear blue sky, but temperatures swing drastically at night, often dipping close to freezing. The key is to dress in layers—think warm base layers, insulated jackets, hats, and gloves for early morning or late-evening excursions. Waterproof boots are recommended, as trails can be muddy from late-season rains.
Getting There
The Uintas are easily accessible from Salt Lake City or Park City via Highway 35, also known as the Wolf Creek Pass. This classic route winds through valleys and over mountain passes, offering panoramic views and numerous pullouts for photos or short hikes. For those coming from the east, Vernal offers an alternative entry point to arrive at Hidden Springs Lodge.
Beyond hiking, fall is a wonderful time for wildlife viewing. Elk bugling echoes through the valleys during the rut, marmots and pikas scurry about gathering food for winter, and hawks soar overhead, migrating south. Birdwatchers and photographers will find endless inspiration in the changing scenery and abundant life.
To experience the fall colors in the Uinta Mountains is to witness the earth’s artistry at its finest—a fleeting moment each year when the landscape is transformed, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a family seeking a weekend escape, a photographer in search of the perfect shot, or simply a lover of nature’s quiet wonders, the Uintas offer something for everyone.
As autumn fades and the first snows dust the peaks, the memory of golden forests and crisp mountain air lingers, a reminder of the timeless cycle that renews and inspires. So, pack your boots, grab your camera, and set out for Utah’s high country—where the fall colors of the Uinta Mountains await, ready to enchant once more.
