Tales From Utah Valley: The best ways to experience autumn in Utah Valley
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- The Murdock Canal Trail can provide beautiful views in autumn.
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- Walking the Murdock Canal Trail can be a good way to enjoy the cool autumn weather.
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- Laura Giles
Even though there is snow in the mountains, we’re still enjoying the wonders of autumn: crisp air, changing leaves, football, pumpkins, beautiful sunsets, less yard work and sweaters. Utah Valley is the perfect place to spend autumn — a respite between hot summer days and our long Utah winters. Here are a few ideas for how to spend these colorful autumn days.
Murdock Canal Trail
The 17 miles of this trail, which winds from 800 North in Orem to the Timpanogos Highway in Lehi, are used by people of all ages. It is not uncommon to see entire families on the trail. Others prefer to go it alone. Cyclists, walkers, runners, Rollerbladers, scooter riders and others using almost any mode of nonmotorized transportation use the trail every day.
The beautiful views from the trail make this the perfect way to enjoy fall. While the trail is very busy during the summer, many people use it during the fall as well. Evenings are especially nice because the autumn sunsets make walking the trail a serene and warm experience.
Canyons
How lucky are Utah County residents to live near more than one canyon? Hiking, cycling or driving through the canyons during autumn is a feast for the eyes. The colorful leaves make this the perfect time to enjoy. There are still plenty of colors to see, and the dusting of snow is making the sights even more beautiful.
Photography
Photography is a pastime of many, and autumn in Utah County is perfect for it. Some local favorite photography spots are Kyhv Peak in Provo Canyon, the Cascade Springs Bridge while traveling the Alpine Loop, and Swinging Bridge near Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork Canyon.
Many photographers walk the shores of Utah Lake during all seasons. Autumn is an especially wondrous time at the lake with seasonal colors, animals, 226 species of birds and, again, those beautiful autumn sunsets.
Murals
Downtown Provo is full of murals painted in recent years by local artists. Strolling through the downtown area during an autumn afternoon and looking at the murals can be an enjoyable way to take in the cool weather and creative art. Other local cities, such as Pleasant Grove, have also begun creating murals in their downtown areas.
Feed the hungry
Fall is the perfect time to gather fresh produce to donate to local food pantries and food banks. Other foods are needed as well. “Our pantry shelves are looking a tad bare, much like a picnic without the lemonade. We’re calling on you, our community of kitchen-table heroes, to help fill them up! Think of it as passing the potato salad at our big, neighborhood feast. Each can, box or bag you donate helps keep the spirit of sharing alive, nourishing our community one belly at a time. Let’s keep our community potluck going!” states a recent post on the Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry Spanish Fork Facebook page.
Tabitha’s Way pantries, located in Pleasant Grove, Saratoga Springs and Spanish Fork, provide food assistance to thousands of individuals each month. Community Action Services and Food Bank in Provo helps foster self-reliance to thousands of families each year.
