Experience the Best of Fall at Utah State Parks
Fall is the perfect time to explore Utah State Parks. With the vibrant colors of changing leaves and the crisp, refreshing air, the parks come alive in a whole new way. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone this season.
From scenic hikes through colorful forests to cozy campfire nights, Utah’s state parks offer plenty of ways to enjoy autumn. Take a moonlit hike, join a ghost tour, or experience one of the many other exciting events happening at parks across the state.
We’ve compiled a guide to this season’s top activities, events and must-see locations. Be sure to check back for updates as the season unfolds.
Start planning your autumn adventure today:
AUTUMN FUN
DARK SKY
HIDDEN GEMS
OUTDOOR ESCAPES
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
AUTUMN SAFETY
AUTUMN FUN
Working of the Bison
Antelope Island State Park
October 29-31
Join us at the bison corrals for an up-close (and safe) opportunity to see bison and learn about how and why they are managed.
Educators and Group Organizers: Group tours must be scheduled in advance and cannot be guaranteed otherwise. Please contact tackley@utah.gov for more information.
Park Impacts: None
Creepy Crawlers
Dead Horse Point State Park
October 31 – 1:00 PM
Happy Halloween! We are celebrating with a talk about some of our more creepy crawlers that live in the park. We will meet at the Dead Horse Point Overlook at 1:00 PM.
Haunted Campground
East Canyon State Park
November 2 – After 4:00 PM
Are you ready for a hauntingly good time? Join us at East Canyon State Park for a night of spooky fun and Halloween magic! Enjoy a variety of activities, including:
- Trunk-or-Treating and competitions with prizes for the best-decorated campsite and trunk!
- Dark Sky Stargazing with the University of Utah Physics Department.
- Campfire Fun with ghost stories and marshmallow roasting.
If you’d like to join the Trunk-or-Treat by decorating your vehicle and handing out treats, please contact the park at 801-829-6866 or message East Canyon State Park on Facebook to sign up.
- Campsite Fees: $25 for single sites, $35 for double sites (reservations required)
- Entry Fee: $5 per person after 4:00 PM for non-campers
Campsite Reservations: Haunted Campground Reservations
Don’t miss this fun-filled evening for family and friends!
Maple Tapping Workshop: Tubing Systems
Wasatch Mountain State Park
November 2 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Learn the art of maple tapping with Dr. Michael Farrell! Join us for an informative and hands-on workshop where Dr. Farrell will demonstrate the installation of natural gravity-based vacuum tubing systems for tapping maple trees. Whether you’re a home hobbyist or part of a commercial operation, this workshop is for everyone interested in maple syrup production.
Dr. Farrell, who ran the Cornell University Maple Syrup Research & Extension Program for 13 years before starting his own business, will share his expertise in the field. Through the Forest Farmers, he now taps over 150,000 trees annually across multiple locations.
This workshop is free, but registration is required. Everyone is welcome!
Iron Mission Days
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum
November 8 & 9
Join us for Iron Mission Days, a special community event featuring living history, pioneer craft demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Admission is $4 per person or $20 per family.
Veteran’s Day
Jordanelle State Park
November 11
Free day use for all Veterans. Simply show your ID at the gate.
Holiday Lights Wagon Rides
Jordanelle State Park
November 25 – Dates coming soon!
Experience the holiday magic with a festive wagon ride through a dazzling light show, pulled by a team of Percheron draft horses! Suitable for all ages, this event is curated to sprinkle a little magic into your holiday season. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on-site every Friday and Saturday evening, interacting with guests and posing for photos—so be sure to watch for them!
Event Details:
- Ride Duration: Approximately 15-20 minutes (ride length may vary depending on the horses’ pace).
- Time Slots: Rides begin at 6:00 PM and run until 9:30 PM, departing every 30 minutes. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled reservation time. For example, if you book a 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM slot, check-in at 5:50 PM, and your wagon will depart between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
- Ticketing: Each time slot can accommodate up to 105 people. If your party exceeds 15 people, please book multiple reservations for the same time slot. Private rides are also available.
- Food and Drink: Christmas treats like s’mores, hot chocolate, and cider will be available for purchase.
- Accessibility: Please note that because this is an interactive light show involving lasers, it is not sensory-friendly. If you are sensitive to light, take necessary precautions for your safety and comfort.
Important Information:
- Ticket Sales: All sales are final. The event operates rain, snow, or shine.
- Contact: For assistance with booking, call 435-654-1655 or email rmo.reservations@gmail.com.
We look forward to having you join us for this enchanting holiday experience!
Fillmore City Christmas Lighting Celebration
Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
November 30
Free Admission
Join us for this annual celebration on the Saturday evening following Thanksgiving. Enjoy park activities including a visit from Santa, musical performances, a park full of festive lights, and refreshments!
DARK SKY
Spooktacular Star Party
Dead Horse Point State Park
October 30 – 7:30 PM
Join us as we get ready for Halloween. During this spooktacular event we will tour the constellations and stars talking about some of the more spooky or strange stories that are told about our night skies. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot at 7:30 PM.
Star Party
East Canyon State Park
November 2 – 6:30 PM
Join the University of Utah Physics Department for a Dark Skies Program at East Canyon State Park! Experience the wonders of the night sky with guided stargazing, telescope viewing, and constellation tours. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about astronomy and enjoy the beauty of East Canyon’s dark skies.
Star Party
Dead Horse Point State Park
November 5 – 6:30 PM | Visitor Center Parking Lot
Join us for a magical night of stargazing! Explore the constellations, enjoy telescope viewing, and learn about the wonders of the night sky. Meet in the parking lot of the Visitor Center.
Registration required.
Last Star Party of 2024
Goblin Valley State Park
November 8 – 7:30 PM | Observation Point
Join park rangers for the final star party of the year! Learn about constellations, dark skies, and stars while viewing celestial objects through the park’s telescopes. It’s a great chance to explore the wonders of Goblin Valley’s clear night skies.
*For nighttime programs, please bring red lights only if possible to help preserve night vision.*
Full Moon Hike
Dead Horse Point State Park
November 15 – 5:30 PM | Visitor Center
Experience the beauty of the full moon with a one-mile ranger-led hike through the park. Walk by moonlight and learn about the fascinating nocturnal life here at Dead Horse Point. Meet in front of the Visitor Center.
Registration required.
Stars & Stories
Dead Horse Point State Park
November 27 – 6:00 PM | Visitor Center Parking Lot
Join us for a night filled with stars and stories! See the Milky Way and learn about constellations in the dark skies of Dead Horse Point. Meet in the Visitor Center Parking Lot.
Registration required.
HIDDEN GEMS
Wild Art at Antelope Island
Antelope Island State Park
November 15 – 1:00 PM | Fielding Garr Ranch
Join us at the historic Fielding Garr Ranch for a cozy afternoon of drawing from still life! Observe natural objects and artifacts while being gently guided through the process. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Basic materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Dress warmly, as the weather may be chilly!
There is no fee for this program—regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Activity Friday
Camp Floyd State Park
November 29 – 10:00 AM | Historic Fairfield School
Looking for Thanksgiving break plans? Join us for a fun family activity at the historic Fairfield School! Spend the morning creating something together and making lasting memories.
Admission is $4 per person or $15 per family. Reservations are required as space is limited. To reserve your spot, email campfloyd@utah.gov.
OUTDOOR ESCAPES
Sunset Talk
Dead Horse Point State Park
November 7 – 4:30 PM | Dead Horse Point Overlook
As the sun sets, join a ranger for an engaging discussion about the amazing features inside and outside the park. Meet by the bathrooms at the Dead Horse Point Overlook, then enjoy a short walk along the West Rim Trail to reach our viewing spot.
Sunset Talk
Dead Horse Point State Park
November 21 – 4:15 PM | Dead Horse Point Overlook
Learn about the incredible landscape and views from the Dead Horse Point Overlook as the sun sets. Meet by the bathrooms at the overlook, then take a short walk down the West Rim Trail to reach our talk location.
Hike with a Ranger
Antelope Island State Park
November 22 – 5:00 PM
Join the park naturalist at the Buffalo Point trailhead at 5:00 PM for a guided hike. Enjoy breathtaking views of the setting sun across the Great Salt Lake as we explore Antelope Island’s rich history.
There is no program fee for this event. Standard park entry fees apply. For more information, contact tackley@utah.gov
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Autumn in Utah invites you to explore on your terms. If you love discovering new paths and creating your own adventure, we’ve handpicked three top self-guided experiences just for you. These unique adventures promise excitement and enjoyment at your own pace:
North Region
Horseback Riding at Antelope Island
Antelope Island State Park
Experience the thrill of horseback riding with Rhodes Valley Outfitters at Antelope Island! All levels of riders welcomed and encouraged to participate in this exciting Antelope Island experience.
Rhodes Valley Outfitters invites you to experience the unparalleled beauty of Utah’s Antelope Island from a one-of-a-kind vantage point – on horseback. Our seasoned horses are your trusted companions as you explore the heart of the Great Salt Lake. With our commitment to safety and personalized service, every ride is tailored to your preferences and experience level, ensuring an unforgettable adventure. Take a journey through captivating trails and panoramic views, where the scent of sagebrush fills the air and the native wildlife echoes across the landscape. Escape the ordinary, and experience the beauty of Antelope Island with Rhodes Valley Outfitters!
Contact Us To Book Your Adventure
Antelope Island Ride Rates
- 1 Hour Antelope Experience: $85.00 per rider
- 2 Hour Antelope Experience: $105.00 per rider
- Additional Time: $40.00 per hour, per rider when available
- Bring Your Own Horse Experience: $50.00 per hour, per rider when available
Tips To Keep In Mind When Booking
- Trail rides are offered year-round.
- Riders must be 8 years old to participate.
- No double riding allowed.
- One-hour rides are recommended for riders 8 to 12 years old.
- Riders under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- All rides start off with a 10 to 15-minute arena lesson to introduce horse and rider.
- Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
- There is a weight limit of 230 lbs, and each rider must be able to mount their horse unassisted.
East Region
3D Archery Range
Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation
Our 3D archery range is located just west of the entrance station near Indian Bay. Practice your skills with shots ranging from 15 to 60 yards at varying angles and difficulty, at a variety of life-size targets. All ages are welcome. There is a waiver form located at the range that everyone must sign and if you are under 18 years of age you will need a parent’s signature on the waiver form.
Cost to use the range is free with paid $10 park day-use fee, any camping fee, or an annual pass.
The range is open from April through November. However, due to staffing shortages during some of those months, the gate may be locked. Please call ahead or find us at the park to open the gate (or you can just walk in from the gate). From the end of May through the end of September, the gate is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Southwest Region
Kodachrome Penny Press Geocache Challenge
Kodachrome Basin State Park
We recently set up a penny press geocache challenge. We have four different smashed pennies available in our gift shop and now we have four geocaches where you can find these pennies in a small container in the park. The coordinates for the geocaches are:
1-Cool Cave: N 37°31.864′ W 112°00.833′
2-Shakespeare Trail: N 37°30.403′ W 111°58.952′
3-Grand Parade: N 37°31.404′ W 111°59.185′
4-Angel’s Palace: N 37°31.651′ W 111°59.467′
See if you can find them all! Happy hunting…
AUTUMN SAFETY
As the weather cools down, safety remains vital for your outdoor adventures! Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Check your gear before heading out. Ensure it’s in good condition for the season’s activities.
- Inform a trusted person of your destination and estimated return time.
- Pack a kit with essentials for handling minor injuries. Bring important items like sunscreen and bug repellent. Communication devices such as cell phones or radios are vital for reaching out for assistance in an emergency.
- Avoid going solo. Bring a friend when exploring for an extra layer of security.
- Stay informed about weather forecasts and park conditions, including boat ramp closures and fire restrictions.
- Keep an eye on changing weather conditions and seek shelter if storms approach unexpectedly. If you are on the water and see signs of an approaching storm, it’s best to err on the side of caution and return to shore. Prioritize your safety and seek shelter until conditions improve.
- Always wear appropriate safety gear, including life jackets for boating and helmets for off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding. Be aware of Utah’s laws regarding life jacket and helmet requirements.
- Temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the evening and at higher elevations. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions throughout the day. Bring a jacket, even if the day starts out warm.
- Know the boating rules and regulations before hitting Utah’s lakes and reservoirs. Observe speed limits, watch for other watercraft, check water levels and hazards, and never boat under the influence. Always designate a sober driver. For more tips, visit the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation.
- Always check fire restrictions in advance and practice campfire safety. Never leave fires unattended, contain them in approved pits or cleared areas, avoid windy days and keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby. For more tips, visit utahfiresense.org.
Prioritize your safety and have a fantastic time exploring Utah’s stunning landscapes!
Autumn at Utah’s state parks is full of beauty and adventure waiting to be explored. So, grab your favorite flannel, bring along family and friends and experience the best of the season. Whether it’s the crunch of leaves underfoot or the thrill of discovering something new, this fall is all about making lasting memories.
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