There are so many fun things to do in Utah for fall break!
A fall break spent at home can still mean fun family adventure. Our state is a playground, and there is a long list of things to see and experience.
Lisa Stansworth shared a handful of fall break adventures that will get you out of the house.
Guardsman’s Pass Fall Drive
Lisa’s all-time favorite fall drive is up past Heber, specifically to Guardsman’s Pass. “We stop and get hot chocolate at 7 Eleven, go up through the mountains, and end in Midway or Heber,” Lisa said. The drive offers beautiful views, and at the end, you can explore local attractions like the Heber Creeper, outlets, and the Alpine Slide.
Heber Creeper
The Heber Creeper is a fun experience for train lovers, featuring old-fashioned trains with seasonal and scenic routes. The trip lasts a couple of hours, traveling through Heber Valley and past Deer Creek Reservoir. “I think it’s really fun if you have a train lover,” Lisa emphasized.
Fall Hikes
If you love fall hiking, Lisa recommended a couple of trails in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The Willow Lake Trail is a short, family-friendly hike that ends at a beautiful lake. “The leaves are just fantastic… and there’s not a whole lot of people on that trail,” Lisa mentioned.
Another great option is a walk around Silver Lake, which is accessible and easy for everyone, including those with strollers. “They built the boardwalk up and it is just easy for everyone,” Lisa said.
Sweeney Todd at the Utah Opera
If you’re looking for a bit of culture, Lisa suggested checking out Sweeney Todd at the Utah Opera. “Sweeney Todd will be there at the Capitol Theater,” she said. “It’s probably for some of your bigger kids if they wanted to go to it.” This PG-13 production is better for older kids and is a fun, seasonal cultural activity.
Haunted Houses
If you’re into them, Lisa’s son provided a comprehensive list of haunted houses across the state. “They’re a little bit too intense for me,” Lisa said, “but my 16-year-old gave me a list of his favorite ones.”
- Haunted Forest – American Fork
- Nightmare on 13th – Salt Lake City
- Fear Factory – Salt Lake City
- Castle of Chaos – Midvale
- 10th West Scare House – Logan
- Frightmares – Farmington (Lagoon)
- Haunted Basin – Huntsville
- Night Stalker Haunted Trail – West Jordan
Southern Utah Adventures
If you’re in or traveling to St. George, Lisa recommended exploring Snow Canyon State Park. “You can spend as little or as much time as you want,” she said. “There’s literally something for all levels.” The park has a variety of activities, from slot canyons to lava tubes.
Another beautiful hike is the Red Reef Hike, “Depending on what time of year and the water, there’s sometimes a creek that goes through it and it’s absolutely beautiful,” Lisa said.
You may have heard of Gunlock Falls, as it is a crowd favorite. “My suggestion is to go early in the morning because it does get really crowded, but it is beautiful,” Lisa recommended. There is a website that tells you if the water is running, helping you plan your trip accordingly.
Find more travel ideas from Lisa on her podcast, “Choose Your Happy Place,” or on Instagram at @chooseyourhappyplace.
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