Three trails in Bountiful and Farmington offer peak fall color through early October, according to a fall foliage guide Discover Davis published Friday, Sept. 25.

Mueller Park Trail, Farmington Canyon and the Lagoon Trail all made the guide's list of top Davis County spots for autumn leaves. Canyon colors tend to peak one to two weeks ahead of valley locations, according to Discover Davis, so residents who find lower trails still green should head uphill.

Mueller Park Trail, Bountiful

Mueller Park Trail climbs through dense groves of maples and evergreens inside the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The 7-mile out-and-back route gains about 900 feet of elevation on packed dirt and rock, according to Visit Utah. No fees or permits are required for hiking, though a day-use fee applies at the picnic area.

Hikers who go the full 3.5 miles reach Elephant Rock, where views stretch over Bountiful, the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island. The trail is shared with mountain bikers and horses, so stay alert on blind corners.

The trailhead sits at the end of Mueller Park Road, reached from I-15 via the Woods Cross exit at 2600 South. Parking fits about eight cars, with overflow along the roadside. Color peaks from mid-September through early October.

Farmington Canyon

Farmington Canyon offers two ways to take in the fall leaves. Drivers can follow the narrow, unpaved road toward Bountiful Peak for a scenic windshield tour. Discover Davis advises driving cautiously and yielding to oncoming traffic on the upper road.

Hikers can tackle the Farmington Creek Trail, a 3.1-mile out-and-back route with 889 feet of elevation gain, rated easy to moderate. The trail winds along the creek under a thick canopy of changing leaves, past historic ruins, small waterfalls and old crashed cars visible from the path. No fees apply, and dogs are welcome on leash.

A dirt parking lot serves the trailhead, but it fills fast. Early morning or late afternoon arrivals have the best chance at a spot. Color peaks from mid-September through early October.

Lagoon Trail, Farmington

For families wanting a flat, paved option, the Lagoon Trail loops around the perimeter of Lagoon in Farmington and follows Haight Creek. Dogs are allowed on leash. Its color window runs a bit later, from early October through mid-October. Walkers in late September and October may catch the seasonal atmosphere of Lagoon's Frightmares, which runs through Sunday, Nov. 8.

Discover Davis recommends staying on designated paths, packing out all trash and keeping pets leashed on all three trails.

Upcoming community events

  • Monday, Sept. 28: Bountiful Junior High boys basketball intramurals begin.
  • Friday, Oct. 2: Davis School District students join the statewide Read-A-Thon.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 7: Farmington Junior High boys basketball tryouts.