Your Guide to Leaf Peeping in the Ogden Valley

Every autumn, thousands of visitors drive into the Ogden Valley to view the fall colors on routes like SR-39 through Ogden Canyon, SR-167 over Trappers Loop, and the Monte Cristo highway. These scenic routes are popular, so expect higher traffic volumes on fall weekends. Roadside parking is regulated, making it important to plan ahead for a smooth trip.

Use this guide if you’re planning an autumn mountain drive through the Ogden Valley.

When should I plan a fall drive through the Ogden Valley?

Leaf peeping in the Ogden Valley typically spans from mid-September to early October, with colors peaking in late September. Higher elevations (like Monte Cristo) peak first, followed by the valley floor surrounding Pineview Reservoir.

Weekend traffic typically peaks around noon, with secondary spikes in the early morning and late afternoon. If your schedule is flexible, consider traveling on a weekday morning. If you are visiting during the peak times, allow extra travel time, maintain a safe following distance and do not cross a double yellow line to pass a slower-moving vehicle.

Keep in mind that SR-39 Monte Cristo Highway closes seasonally due to heavy snowfall, typically from late November through May.

Key scenic routes and where to stop

Because many of these routes are narrow and tightly hemmed in by steep canyon walls and drop offs, designated parking pullouts are limited, and parking on the narrow shoulders is prohibited to keep emergency corridors open. This is especially important to keep in mind for Ogden Canyon.

👉No Emergency Lane Parking: Stopping on unpaved shoulders outside of clearly marked turnouts is enforced by the Weber County Sheriff’s Office to prevent accidents and maintain emergency access.

👉Private Property: Many small turnouts off SR-39 lead to private residences or roads and cannot be used for public parking or turnarounds.

The Ogden River Scenic Byway (SR-39)

The Ogden River Scenic Byway is one of Utah’s officially designated scenic byways. The 30-mile paved route follows SR-39  and climbs to nearly 9,000 feet near Monte Cristo.

The byway has three distinct legs:

1. Ogden Canyon

Starting at 12th Street in Ogden, the byway follows the Ogden River through Ogden Canyon. This is a narrow, two-lane highway with vehicle-length restrictions. Do not stop in the travel lane or park on the shoulder. 

Designated stopping areas include:

• Canyon Trailhead: Located near the west entrance to Ogden Canyon, offering a paved/gravel parking area with restroom facilities for trail access.  
• Cold Water Canyon and Indian Trail Access: A designated gravel parking area near the middle of the canyon.

Traveler Tip: Park only in  designated parking areas or developed pullouts. If you’re towing a trailer or camper, measure the total length of your vehicle and trailer before traveling. Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 50 feet are prohibited in Ogden Canyon.

Continuing east past Huntsville and Causey Reservoir, SR-39 climbs 23 miles through South Fork Canyon into the high country of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This stretch features dense evergreen forests with aspen groves so watch out for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk if you’re chasing sunrises and sunsets. There are restrooms available at the recreation area at the top.

2. Pineview Reservoir and Huntsville 

After leaving Ogden Canyon, SR-39 continues past Pineview Reservoir and through Huntsville.  At the roundabout in Huntsville,  take the right exit to remain on SR-39 and continue along the scenic byway. 

👉Traveler Tip: Before continuing east toward Monte Cristo, make sure you have enough fuel. The next gas station along SR-39 is in Woodruff.

3. The Monte Cristo Highway

Continuing east past Huntsville and Causey Reservoir, SR-39 climbs 23 miles through South Fork Canyon into the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Expect curves, changing weather and recreational traffic, including motorcycles, cyclists and vehicles towing trailers. Watch out for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. 

Designated pullouts and developed U.S. Forest Service recreation areas are available along the highway. Near the summit,the paved Monte Cristo Scenic Overlook has room for vehicles to pull off the highway and view of the valley and Wasatch Range.

The road beyond the overlook passes through open-range so you may encounter livestock on the road. Be alert and follow the posted speed limits.

👉Traveler Tip: This area is popular for multiple uses. Driving alert, using designated turnouts and driving at a speed appropriate for conditions is the safest way to enjoy this drive. Slower moving vehicles should use pullouts to let vehicles pass.

👉Seasonal Closure Notice: While the lower byway through Huntsville remains open year-round, the high-elevation section of SR-39 near Monte Cristo Summit closes seasonally due to snow (typically from late November through May). Plan your drive before the winter gates close!

2. Trappers Loop Scenic Backway (SR-167) and Snowbasin Road (SR-226)

SR-167, also known as Trappers Loop, connects I-84 near Mountain Green to SR-39 in Huntsville. It provides an alternate route for vehicle and vehicle combinations that exceed Ogden Canyon’s 50-foot length restriction.

Watch for motorcycles and vehicles towing trailers, and use caution when passing or traveling around corners.

Brake-Check Area: The brake check area near the summit of SR-167 is NOT a scenic pullout. The brake check lane is intended for heavy vehicles and trailers (over 10,000 GVW) to safely inspect their braking systems before continuing down the steep mountain grade. 

East Fork Overlook and Green Pond Trailhead (located on Snowbasin Road): 

The East Fork Overlook and Green Pond Trailhead are separate stops along SR-226. The overlook has a small roadside pullout with space for only a few vehicles, while Green Pond Trailhead has a larger designated parking area. Parking is limited at both locations, so park completely outside of the travel lane and do not stop along the roadway. Be advised that these are primitive stop, meaning there are no restroom facilities, trash receptacles, or running water.

👉Traveler Tip: Avoid roadside parking on Trappers Loop, even just to take a quick picture; there are no designated pullouts wide enough to safely fit vehicles. Use East Fork Scenic Overlook or Green Pond Trailhead (located on SR-226) to park safely out of traffic lanes. Parking on the undesignated, unpaved shoulders is unsafe and can lead to shoulder damage, erosion and the spread of invasive weeds.

3. SR-158 and Powder Mountain Road

SR-158 follows the northern side of Pineview Reservoir before climbing toward Powder Mountain. Powder Mountain Road is one of the steepest state highways in North America, with sustained grades of 14% or more. Pullouts on this corridor are intended primarily for safety, chain installation, and emergency brake cooling—not  sightseeing or leaf peeping.

Emergency Brake Check / Slow-Vehicle Turnouts: A few paved turnout bays are positioned along the climb and descent. These allow slow-moving traffic to let vehicles pass or give overheating brakes a chance to cool down. Avoid parking in these areas so they can serve their intended safety purpose.

Resort Lot Access Points: The legal places to stop are the resort’s dedicated parking areas (such as the Timberline Lodge or Sundown lots) near the top of the highway.

👉Traveler Tip: SR-158 is a narrow two-lane road. Stopping on soft shoulders or unpaved turnouts along SR-158 poses a safety hazard.

Roadside parking

Mountain roads like SR-39 and SR-167 serve  local residents, visitors and emergency responders. Parking on narrow or undesignated shoulders can block traffic and emergency access.

Park only in designated parking areas or developed pullouts. When parking is permitted, position your entire vehicle, including the tires and side mirrors, outside of the travel lane. Do not block gates, driveways, or emergency access.

Follow posted parking restrictions. Parking illegally may result in a fine or towing.

Is there a fee to drive Ogden Valley routes?

Driving state routes (SR-39, SR-167, SR-158, SR-226) are completely free, there are no highway tolls or general entrance fees to drive through the valley. 

Keep in mind: If you plan to park and use developed U.S. Forest Service day-use sites, boat launches, or campgrounds, recreation fees apply. Check posted signs or the Forest Service’s website for current fees. 

Where else can I plan a fall drive in Utah?

For destination ideas beyond the Ogden Valley, explore Visit Utah’s fall color information. 

You can also find traveler information for other popular recreation areas on UDOT’s Roads to Recreation sites:

• Cottonwood Canyons: Plan travel to Big and Little Cottonwood canyons, including parking, transit and seasonal road information.
• Wasatch Back: Find traveler information for Park City and surrounding areas, including Parleys Canyon.
• Timpanogos Area: Prepare for a drive on the Alpine Loop and through Provo and American Fork canyons, with information about parking and recreation access.
• Zion Area: Find route, parking, transit and park-access information for SR-9 and communities surrounding Zion National Park.

Wherever your fall drive takes you, check the UDOT Traffic website or app for current traffic, construction, crashes, weather conditions and seasonal road closures before you travel.