Chasing Gold on Utah’s Back Roads
Fish Lake
Here in Saint George when the temperature gets to one hundred and teens level even the lizards wear flip-flops. It is hard not to think of cooler days, more horsepower, and winding roads. We can even dream of fall colors, which may be closer than we think. I sure hope so.
While there is color to be found nearby at Brian Head or Kolob Reservoir, if you are looking for one of the finest fall drives in the American West, point your car toward Fish Lake in central Utah. The journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination.
For travelers beginning in St. George, the adventure starts by heading north on Interstate 15.
St. George → Cedar City → US-89 North
Near Salina, connect toward Richfield, Take US-24 east
Turn onto UT-25 to Fish Lake
The crown jewel of the drive is the Fish Lake Scenic Byway (Utah Highway 25). This peaceful road climbs into the Fishlake National Forest before descending to the shores of Fish Lake itself. Numerous overlooks invite travelers to stop, breathe the cool mountain air, and admire the colorful forests reflected in the calm blue water. The byway is widely regarded as one of Utah’s premier autumn drives and offers exceptional opportunities to twist the steering wheel.
One of the most remarkable stops is Pando, the world’s largest known living organism. While it appears to be a forest of thousands of individual quaking aspens, every tree shares a single root system, making it one enormous living organism that has existed for thousands of years. During fall, the entire grove turns brilliant yellow almost simultaneously, creating one of nature’s most extraordinary displays.
Fish Lake itself sits at 8,900 feet above sea level. Surrounded by evergreen forests and golden aspens, its clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains like a mirror on calm mornings.
After exploring the lake, continue the scenic loop through Johnson Valley Reservoir and Highway 72. The drive meanders through forests, open meadows, and high mountain valleys where mule deer, elk, wild turkeys, and even moose occasionally appear along the roadside. Traffic is light, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the mountains.
Timing is everything. Peak fall colors around Fish Lake typically arrive from late September through the first week of October, although the exact timing depends on elevation, temperature, and seasonal weather. The higher elevations usually reach their peak first, followed by the lower forests over the next week or two.
A leisurely day trip from southern Utah is certainly possible, but spending a night at historic Fish Lake Lodge is a possibility. I have previously written about a road trip down highway 12 to Torrey which puts you in advantageous position to explore Highway 25 and making it back to Saint George the next day.
In an age of hurried travel, Fish Lake invites you to slow down. Roll down the windows or take off the top. Breathe the scent of pine and fresh mountain air. Stop at every overlook that catches your eye. Listen to the wind rustling through thousands of trembling aspen leaves.
Some road trips are about reaching a destination. This one is about savoring every mile. When autumn arrives in Utah, few places offer a more unforgettable journey than the golden forests surrounding Fish Lake, a place where nature reminds us that the most beautiful moments are often the simplest.
Author’s Note: Mickey Collins suggested I write about fall colors and I appreciate his thoughts. If any of the rest of you have something you would like me to write about, hit me up.
