Fall officially arrives today this year, the moment the sun crosses the equator and days start getting shorter than nights. In Utah County, that also means orchards are open, corn mazes are already running, and the canyons are about to put on a show. Here's where we're sending our own families this season.
Chasing Fall Colors
You don't have to drive far in Utah County to catch peak color. American Fork Canyon and the Alpine Loop toward Timpanogos usually hit their stride in late September through early October, with aspens turning gold against the dark pines. Provo Canyon up toward Sundance is another classic, especially if you catch it on a clear morning with the mountain still catching the first light. For something a little less crowded, Payson Canyon and the Nebo Loop give you the same drama with a fraction of the traffic.
Timing your drive for a weekday morning avoids most of the leaf-peeping crowds, and the light is better for photos anyway.
Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches Worth the Drive
Cornbelly's has two Utah County locations this year, Lehi and Spanish Fork, both known for elaborate corn mazes, pumpkin blasters, and rides for kids of every age.
Glen Ray's Corn Maze in Spanish Fork opens for the season September 18 and runs through October 31, with a corn maze, straw slides, a petting zoo, and their Field of Fright haunted maze after dark.
Gordon's Family Farm, also in Spanish Fork, is open through November 1 this year with a corn maze and seasonal drinks, a good pick if you want fall photos without the biggest crowds.
Jaker's Jack-O-Lanterns in Springville, run by Harward Farms, keeps things affordable at $7 a person, with hayrides, a petting zoo, and a genuinely fun corn pit for younger kids.
Hee Haw Farms in Pleasant Grove runs through November 2 with a fall fair, corn maze, pumpkin patch, and rides that range from ponies to a full tractor expo.
Rowley's Red Barn in Santaquin sits right in the middle of working orchards, so it doubles as one of the better apple and pumpkin picking spots in the county if you want to bring something home besides photos.
Apple Picking Season
If picking your own apples is the goal, Santaquin and the orchards around Rowley's Red Barn are the easiest bet in Utah County, with the picking window generally running from mid-September through October depending on the variety.
What This Has to Do With Us
We spend a lot of this blog talking about market data and closing costs, but honestly, this is our favorite time of year to just be in this county. Whichever canyon you pick or farm you end up at, we hope you get a genuinely good fall weekend out of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does fall officially start in 2026?
The fall equinox lands on September 22, 2026, marking the astronomical start of the season in the Northern Hemisphere.When is peak fall color in Utah County?
Typically late September through the first couple weeks of October, though exact timing shifts year to year with weather. American Fork Canyon, Provo Canyon, and Payson Canyon are all reliable spots.Are Utah County pumpkin patches open on the actual first day of fall?
Most are. Several, including Glen Ray's and Gordon's Family Farm, open in mid-September and run through late October or early November.What's the most affordable pumpkin patch option in Utah County?
Jaker's Jack-O-Lanterns in Springville is one of the most budget-friendly at $7 per person, with kids 2 and under typically free.Where can I pick my own apples in Utah County?
Santaquin, particularly around Rowley's Red Barn, is the most established apple-picking area in the county.Do I need tickets in advance for these fall activities?
It varies by farm. Larger destinations like Cornbelly's often sell tickets online in advance, while smaller farms may take walk-ups. Checking each farm's website before you go is worth the extra step.
This article is for general informational purposes only and reflects publicly available information at the time of writing. Hours, dates, and pricing for seasonal attractions can change, so confirm current details directly with each location before visiting.
