Starting in Cedar City
(South to North)
🍂 The Great Western Fall Colors Roadtrip
Start in Cedar City’s crimson cliffs and travel north through Cedar Breaks, Brian Head, and Yankee Meadows before reaching Nebo Loop, Spanish Fork, and Provo Canyon. In just four days, you’ll chase fall colors from southern Utah’s red rock glow to the golden peaks of Utah Valley.
5 Days | Cedar City → Provo | Peak Colors: Late September–Mid October
From crimson cliffs to golden aspens, Utah’s fall colors are best seen on the road. This four-day road trip packs in Cedar City’s high-elevation wonders — Cedar Breaks, Brian Head,Kolob Terrace and Yankee Meadows — before taking you north through all six of Utah Valley’s scenic drives: Nebo Loop, Spanish Fork Canyon, Hobble Creek Canyon, Provo Canyon, Kyhv Peak Road, and Alpine Loop.
Every day is planned step by step with scenic stops, meals, and bonus experiences.
*If flying in, consider using Provo Airport for closer access
-
Day 1 — Cedar Breaks Kickoff + Crimson Cliffs (Cedar City)
Scenic drives today: Cedar Canyon → Cedar Breaks → Brian Head → Yankee Meadows → Parowan Gap
Overnight: Cedar City or Brian HeadEarly afternoon — Check In Cedar City or Brian Head
2:00 pm — SR 14 to Kolob Reservoir Scenic Backway
-
Drive the stunning paved road for 10 miles to the top. Turn around when the pavement ends.
-
Vast views of the valley below.
-
Note: This route gains elevation quickly and has sharp turns.
3:30 pm — Return to Cedar City and head south on I-15 (19 miles) to Exit #40
Kolob Canyons — Zion National Park
-
Spectacular views and vibrant fall colors contrast with stark canyons rising above.
-
This out-and-back highway is only 12 miles.
6:00 pm — Return to Cedar City and Dinner in Cedar City
-
Pork Belly’s Eatery (BBQ + southern plates)
-
Hermie’s Drive In (retro diner with burgers & shakes)
-
Milt’s Stage Stop, southern Utah’s oldest steakhouse
-
Grab a glass of wine at IG Winery, southern Utah’s first winery
7:00 pm — Evening Performance
Enjoy a show at the Tony Award–winning Utah Shakespeare Festival. -
-
Day 2 — Cedar Breaks Wonders (Cedar City - Parowan Gap)
Scenic drives today: Cedar Canyon → Cedar Breaks → Brian Head → Yankee Meadows → Parowan Gap
Overnight: Provo8:00 am — Breakfast in Cedar City
-
Seeking local diner food? Try Amber Kay’s.
-
For freshly roasted and ground coffee, try Grind Coffee House for their signature brews.
9:00 am — Cedar Canyon Scenic Drive (SR-14)
-
Beautiful highway with fall colors and peaks of red rock formations.
-
Stop at Zion Overlook for sweeping views of the Zion/Kolob Terrace.
10:30 am — Cedar Breaks National Monument (SR-148)
-
Point Supreme Overlook: Fiery amphitheater of red rock.
-
Alpine Pond Trail: 2-mile family-friendly loop through bristlecone pine and meadows.
12:30 pm — Lunch in Brian Head
-
Relax at a ski-style café before continuing the loop.
2:00 pm — Yankee Meadows Reservoir
-
Hidden gem with vibrant reflections of orange aspens on the water.
3:00 pm — Famous Cinnamon Roll Stop
-
Grab one at the Southern Country Chevron or the Parowan Café.
4:00 pm — Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
-
Ancient rock carvings that glow in the late-day sun.
5:00 pm — Head north toward Provo (3 hrs)
-
-
Day 3 — Nebo Loop Northbound
Scenic drive today: Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway
Overnight: Provo or Orem8:00 am — Breakfast at Sidecar Café, Springville
- Location: 1715 W 500 S
Motorcycle-themed diner inside Legends Motor Co. Try the Dutch Baby pancake or a country skillet. Afterwards, pop into the Legends Motorcycle Museum for classic bikes and cars.
9:15 am — Drive to Payson & Begin Nebo Loop (37 miles total)
-
Enter via Payson Canyon; enjoy sweeping overlooks, aspen groves, and classic fall vistas.
-
Must-stops:
-
Payson Lakes — mirrored fall color on the water
-
Devil’s Kitchen — mini Bryce-like hoodoos
-
Scenic pullouts for Mount Nebo framed in gold and crimson
-
12:45 pm — Lunch Options (choose your vibe)
-
Rowley’s Red Barn (Santaquin) for fresh cider, donuts, and farm-made ice cream
-
Or head back toward Spanish Fork/Payson for quick local eats
2:15 pm — Bonus Options (light & family-friendly)
-
Short stroll at Payson Lakes day-use area
-
Photo stop at additional viewpoints on the loop as you complete your circuit
4:30 pm — Return to Provo/Orem
Relax at your hotel or stroll a stretch of the Provo River Parkway.6:30 pm — Dinner in Provo
-
Communal (farm-to-table) or Black Sheep Café (modern Navajo fusion)
-
Post-dinner treat: Taste drinking chocolate or Rockwell Ice Cream
- Location: 1715 W 500 S
-
Day 4 — Cedar Canyon + Cedar Breaks Finale
Scenic drives today: Spanish Fork Canyon → Hobble Creek Canyon
Overnight: Provo or Orem8:00 am — Breakfast at Sidecar Café, Springville
Location: 1715 W 500 S
Motorcycle-themed diner inside Legends Motor Co. Try the Dutch Baby pancake or a country skillet.
Afterwards, pop into the Legends Motorcycle Museum for classic bikes and cars.10:00 am — Spanish Fork Canyon Scenic Drive
Head southeast on US-6.10:45 am — Hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs
Trailhead: Diamond Fork Rd.
Distance: 4.5 miles RT (about 2–3 hours with soak time).
Reward: Milky-blue natural pools and a waterfall tucked in red rock and forest.
Parking: $10 per vehicle.2:00 pm — Late Lunch
-
Strap Tank Brewery (Springville, family-friendly with hearty food)
-
Or quick eats in Spanish Fork
3:30 pm — Hobble Creek Canyon Detour (optional)
Peaceful, less-crowded canyon east of Springville. Great picnic stops at Jolley’s Ranch.6:45 pm — Dinner in Spanish Fork or Springville
Check out our Full List of Restaurants Here8:15 pm — Evening Treat
Get a late-night soda at one of Utah’s famous soda shops. -
-
Day 5 — Alpine Grande Finale (Provo)
Scenic drives today: Alpine Loop + Kyhv Peak Road + Provo Canyon
Overnight: Provo or Sundance9:00 am — Drive the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway (20 miles)
- Enter through American Fork Canyon, weaving beneath Mount Timpanogos.
- Must-stops: Cascade Springs boardwalk, Sundance village stroll, and (if time) Timpanogos Cave before it closes for the season.
- Hike option: Stewart Falls (~2.5 hours, moderate).
12:00 pm — Brunch or Lunch at Block, Provo (opens at 10)
- Communal (farm-to-table)
- Black Sheep Café (modern Navajo fusion)
- Location: 3330 N University Ave
Local hotspot with French toast, biscuits & gravy, and creative brunch plates.
2:00 pm — Provo Canyon Scenic Stop
- Pull over at Bridal Veil Falls or stroll a stretch of the Provo River Parkway Trail.
4:00 pm — Kyhv Peak Road Lookout (sunset stop)
- Wind up to panoramic views of Utah Valley. Watch the mountains glow orange as the city lights flicker on.
6:30 pm — Dinner in Downtown Provo
8:00 pm — Sweet Finish
✅ Roadtrip Checklist & Map