Utah's summers can be brutally hot, but we have plenty of ways to stay cool. In addition to our shady canyons, refreshing lakes and rivers, and parks with splash pads and pools, there's a gigantic water park with 11 slides. Splash, play, and beat the heat this summer at Cowabunga Bay.
Cowabunga Bay bills itself as the "World's Largest Water Playground," and we believe it. With 2,500 square feet of water, 12 levels, and 11 waterslides, this place is pure paradise on a hot, summer day.
The waterslides are a thrilling way to cool off, too. With 11 different ones to choose from, riders young and old, small and big can find something that has just the right amount of thrills.
Cowabunga Bay is open for the summer! To visit, you'll want to visit its website to reserve a spot. Choose from two sessions: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Make your reservation on the Cowabunga Bay website, and follow the water park's Facebook page to stay updated on its latest policies. Does this waterpark look like fun? Tag the people you want to take with you this summer in the comments!
It is no secret that fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the cooler weather, the fall foliage, and the long list of autumn activities. In fact, my fall bucket list is quite long year after year. From southern Utah to the Idaho/Utah state line, there are countless bucket-list-worthy Utah fall activities for the entire family. The following are just 15 of my favorite things to do in Utah in the fall.
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Utah Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Utah For Fall Foliage
While there are so many things to love about the fall in Utah, the colorful leaves are at the top of the list. Here in the Beehive State, we are blessed with destinations that are picture-perfect and absolutely gorgeous in the autumn. However, timing is crucial to view fall foliage at its peak. Typically, by the beginning of October, you’ll want to head outdoors in northern Utah to view the fall colors. These colors often only last until the middle of October before they start to fade. By the end of the month, southern Utah will transform in color. However, one cold spell and the colors could disappear so don’t delay.
1. Logan Canyon
US 89 Scenic Byway-Logan Canyon roadside in the autumn.
Location: U.S. Route 89 from Logan to Bear Lake
Wow Factor: Colorful trees along the roadway and the streams create one of the best scenic drives in Utah in the fall.
Need To Know: The Logan Canyon Scenic Byway is approximately 40 miles but due to the nature of the road, plan up to an hour drive one way.
For a fabulous day trip, drive through Logan Canyon in northern Utah to capture breathtaking fall foliage. This route will take you along U.S. Route 89 from Logan to Bear Lake. I love this drive as the vibrant colors are mixed with the many evergreens in the canyon, creating an inspiring sight. Take your time as you work your way through this canyon and if you want to get out and stretch, stop by Tony Grove Lake or the popular Wind Cave Trail.
2. Little Cottonwood Canyon
The leaves change colors as the season changes from summer to autumn in the mountains surrounding Salt Lake City. Evergreens, aspens, and maple trees paint the granite mountainside of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Location: Near Salt Lake City
Wow Factor: The colors are not only vibrant in this canyon but there are many places to view the foliage such as on a scenic drive, hike, or at one of the ski resorts.
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Need To Know: A few hiking trails for viewing fall foliage in this canyon include the Albion Meadows Trail, Catherine’s Pass Trail, and Little Cottonwood Creek Trail.
Little Cottonwood Canyon is best known as home to two popular ski resorts near Salt Lake City: Snowbird and Alta. However, in the fall, it is known as one of the best places to view fall foliage in Utah. You can always drive the seven-mile scenic byway to enjoy the incredible colors but I recommend a hike. While there are several trails in the canyon, consider taking your family on the Cecret Lake Trail, a 1.8-mile, out-and-back trail that is full of natural beauty.
Wow Factor: Red Butte Garden is 100 acres on Salt Lake City's foothills. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West.
Need To Know: From October to December, Red Butte Garden is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. There is a fee to enter the garden that varies based on age and time of the year.
If you don’t want to leave the city, Red Butte Garden is the place to be. As you walk along the various paths, you’ll be completely surrounded by fall foliage — it’ll make you feel disconnected from the world. Walk over bridges or on one of the many hiking paths, sit next to the water features, and more. Plus, various areas of the garden offer fabulous views of the Salt Lake Valley. If you want to spend even more time at Red Butte Garden, attend one of the several events hosted here.
4. Fishlake National Forest
Utah. USA. Aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) and Glenwood Mountain reflected in Washburn Reservoir in autumn. Fishlake National Forest.
Location: South Central Utah
Wow Factor: While it is incredible in so many ways, due to the large number of trees, Pando comes to life during the fall when it transforms into a sea of oranges and yellows.
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Need To Know: Tucked away in this national forest is Fish Lake, the largest mountain lake in Utah.
Located in central Utah is the beautiful Fishlake National Forest. This area is best known for Pando, a huge area that looks like it contains more than 40,000 individual aspen trees. However, these trees are actually considered to be one organism – they share the same root system. Pando is believed to be the heaviest living thing on the planet and one of the oldest.
5. Zion National Park
The Virgin River winds its way under trees turning yellow with fall color and the iconic red rock cliffs of that Zion Canyon, in Zion National Park, is known for rise in background.
Location: Near Springdale
Wow Factor: There are numerous bucket-list-worthy trails that take you up close to the fall foliage.
Need To Know: There is a private vehicle pass fee of $35. You will also need a permit to hike Angels Landing.
As someone who grew up in southern Utah, let me give you a little secret … fall is the best time to visit Zion National Park. Not only are the temperatures bearable and the crowds significantly less, but the fall foliage against the towering red cliffs is inspiring. If you want to really capture views of the fall colors, consider exploring the Watchman Trail, Observation Point Trail, and the Canyon Overlook Trail. I also recommend visiting Kolob Canyon.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Utah
One of the best things to do in fall in Utah is to spend a day at a pumpkin patch. Here in Utah, we are blessed with destinations where you can not only find the best pumpkins to take home but they also offer a long list of fall activities like corn mazes, pumpkin cannons, hay rides, and corn pits. Oh, you can’t forget about the food! The following are just three of our favorite pumpkin patches in Utah.
Wow Factor: There are two locations and each one offers more than two dozen activities for toddlers to adults.
Need To Know: Tickets vary based on each location. Many activities are included in your general admissions ticket but several do require an additional fee.
Cornbelly’s is one of the most popular and well-known pumpkin patches in Utah. In fact, there are two locations for this fall day trip destination — Thanksgiving Point and Spanish Fork. Each location has dozens of attractions including the Cornbelly’s Express Train, a barn swing, and slides in Spanish Fork to a corn flyer ride, carousel, and farmcade games in Lehi. Just make sure you save plenty of time to search for pumpkins. There’s so much to do here, you’ll need a full day to enjoy it all.
Wow Factor: This is a small-town family farm that offers numerous activities from mid-September to early November.
Need To Know: Some activities are only available on certain days throughout the season. You will want to visit the Little Bear Bottoms website for exact times and dates.
Located in Cache Valley is Little Bear Bottoms, a delightful family-friendly pumpkin patch. Typically open from mid-September to early November, this pumpkin patch has a corn maze and straw pyramid, a haunted river trail, and a spooky barn ride. Here, you even get to pick your pumpkin straight from the pumpkin patch but it is no easy choice. There is a large assortment of pumpkins and gourds to choose from.
Wow Factor: This incredible farm has been in the Staheli family for six generations.
Need To Know: Staheli Family Farm is open Monday through Saturday during its fall season. Pay attention to the farm's website for dates and times of certain activities such as Field of Screams and when witches roam the grounds.
In southern Utah, you must head to Staheli Family Farm. This is one of the best fall day trip destinations with more than 30 attractions including duck races, a petting zoo, and a corn maze. If you love a good scare, head into the Field of Screams on certain nights throughout the season. I recommend you come hungry to this pumpkin patch as the menu features items like mini donuts, pumpkin bread sundaes, waffle cones, and more.
Best Fall Festivals In Utah
Whether you plan to spend a single day or an entire weekend, the best fall festivals in Utah feature vendors, activities, and lots of delicious food. The following are just four autumntime festivals in Utah to add to your bucket list this year. You won’t want to miss a single one.
Wow Factor: This fall festival allows you to celebrate the old-fashioned way! You'll feel like you've traveled back in time.
Need To Know: There is a $12 admission fee and children under the age of 2 are free. Some activities do require extra fees.
Each year, the American West Heritage Center in Wellsville hosts the Fall Harvest Festival. Typically held in the middle of October, this weekend event features some of our favorite fall activities including a corn maze, train rides, pony rides, and more. You can also learn about life on the farm back in the day with demonstrations of various machinery, candle dipping activities, and a cider press.
Wow Factor: This family-friendly festival will not only put you in the fall spirit, but it is educational and delicious as well.
Need To Know: There is a $3 entrance fee for the Honey Harvest Festival.
The Utah Honey Harvest Festival is one of the newer fall festivals in Utah and it is quickly becoming one of the favorites. This weekend event takes place in mid-October and is honey focused. Enjoy world honey tasting, pony and camel rides, wagon rides, a petting zoo, honey contests, harvest activities, and so much more. Activities do vary from year to year but you can expect every year to be filled with excitement and family-friendly fun.
Wow Factor: There's nothing better than apples in the fall and you'll find plenty at this October event.
Need To Know: While free to attend, this festival is technically a fundraiser for the New Harmony Fire Department. All of the profits from this event go to purchasing life-saving equipment and supplies.
Entering its 26th year, the New Harmony Apple Festival takes place on the second Saturday in October each year. This event is free to attend and features a day full of activities from kid's games and bounce houses to mechanical bull riding, vendors, locally-grown produce, and so much delicious food.
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12. Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival, Cedar City
Wow Factor: Celebrate Iron County's agricultural roots with all types of ag-related events including the popular sheep parade.
Need To Know: Most events are free to attend at this festival except for the Dutch Oven Cook-off Tasting.
To celebrate Iron County’s rich agricultural history is one of the most unique fall festivals in Utah — the Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival. Taking place in Cedar City the last weekend in October, this event features all types of livestock and agriculture-related events. You can attend the ranch rodeo, cowboy poetry, antique tractor and horse pulls, and the quilt show. I personally love the Dutch Oven tasting contest and you don’t want to miss the sheep parade where more than 1,000 sheep fill Cedar City’s Main Street.
Free & Cheap Utah Fall Activities
When fall arrives, I want to participate in every activity, eat every treat, and celebrate. However, my wallet doesn’t like that plan. Fortunately, there are numerous free and budget-free fall activities in Utah to help you enjoy this season yet not break the bank. The following are just three of my personal favorites.
Wow Factor: This is one of the best scenic drives in Utah County for fall foliage. It's miles of breathtaking scenery.
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Need To Know: Two hiking trails that are found along this scenic drive include Stewart Falls and Cascade Springs. Both are some of our favorite fall hikes in Utah.
There are some breathtaking scenic drives in Utah during the fall months but it is hard to beat the Alpine Scenic Loop. This drive takes you up American Fork Canyon on Highway 92, connects to Highway 189, and takes you down through Provo Canyon. The entire drive is only 26 miles but plan to spend hours on this journey — you’ll want to stop at every overlook and pullout to capture a few pictures.
14. Hike the Silver Lake Loop in Big Cottonwood Canyon
Wow Factor: Not only will you enjoy gorgeous fall foliage but much of this hike is on an ADA-accessible boardwalk.
Need To Know: This can become a busy hiking trail when fall foliage is at its peak. Plan the timing of your visit wisely.
Your entire family will want to come along as you hike the Silver Lake Loop. This isn’t a strenuous hike by any means. It is less than one mile long and most of the trail boasts a boardwalk that’s ADA-accessible. As you go, you’ll enjoy some incredible water views as well as unbelievable fall foliage. You’ll also want to keep your eyes out for wildlife as you never know what creatures may come up and say hello.
15. Admire Bridal Veil Falls
Utah-Provo-Bridal Veil Falls
Location: Provo Canyon
Wow Factor: Bridal Veil Falls is 607 feet tall, making it the tallest waterfall in Utah.
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Need To Know: Not only will you capture remarkable fall foliage views around the waterfall but in the surrounding area as well.
Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most impressive and easily accessible waterfalls in Utah. You will find it off U.S. Highway 189, just a few miles up Provo Canyon. Right alongside the road, you’ll find a parking lot where you can stop and capture gorgeous views of the falls, which are surrounded by reds, oranges, and yellows when fall foliage reaches its peak. If you want to get even closer to the falls and the vibrant colors, hike the Bridal Veil Falls Trail, which is approximately 1.5 miles and is considered quite easy.
What are some of your favorite fall activities near me? What do you consider to be the best places to visit in Utah in the fall? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you. And, if you are looking for even more adventures throughout the Beehive State, we recommend visiting Viator for a little inspiration.
Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors, enjoy a little fresh air, and make a splash — a REALLY big splash. That’s exactly what you can do at Splash Summit, a 17-acre waterpark in Provo, Utah. This is one of the largest waterparks in the Beehive State with more than a dozen waterslides, a 500,000-gallon wave pool, and lots of space to relax and catch some of the sun’s rays. Whether you spend an afternoon, a full day, or even make multiple trips, a visit to this Utah waterpark is going to create unforgettable summer memories.
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No matter your age and whether you want a relaxing day by the pool or you are searching for an adrenaline rush, this waterpark will not disappoint. You’ll be impressed the minute you walk inside the gates.
This 17-acre waterpark is home to three different swimming pools. Each pool offers something unique that takes it a notch above your traditional swimming pool.
If you like a little more adventure, check out the 500,000-gallon wave pool. You’ll feel like you are on quite a ride as you go up and down in the water.
Young swimmers will want to spend all of their time in Adventure Bay. This is a shallow pool with water sprays, a playground, slide, and more. It’s the perfect place for kids who are not quite tall enough for the big slides to still make a big splash.
Whether you love large water slides or you just like to take it slow, there are all types of water attractions for you to enjoy. This waterpark is home to 15 different water attractions that range in levels of intensity.
If bringing young children with you, make sure to check the height requirements for each attraction. Each ride has different rules and requirements that must be followed.
Some of these rides, like Cave-In, take you through dark tunnels and drops. Others, like Summit Plunge, let you swing from a rope approximately nine feet above the pool.
Whether you come with the entire family, a group of friends, or even on a solo trip outdoors, Splash Summit is going to make a big splash and help you have a summer to remember.
Splash Summit is typically open each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During the month of July, this waterpark offers extended hours. You can learn more about these hours, as well as ticket prices, rules, height requirements, etc., on the Splash Summit Waterpark website.
Have you spent time at this waterpark in Provo, Utah? If so, what were some of your favorite water attractions? Did you check out the huge wave pool? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Do you have a favorite place to visit during the summer? What about a favorite hike or lake? Do you have a city park that you love? Let us know about it! Fill out this nomination form and tell us about some of the things you love to do during the summer in Utah!
And while a waterpark is a terrific way to cool off in the summer, we always love a trip to the beach. Check out this video by Only In Your State that highlights some of the best beaches in America.
