How To Identify Utah Fall Leaves

Primetime leaf-peeping is hitting earlier this year, peeps. The colors of Utah fall foliage are unmatched. But do you know what trees make up the brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red?

🍂 Quaking Aspen

Aspen trees have small, round leaves that usually turn yellow in the fall but can also be orange or red-orange. They thrive in higher elevations (aka in our mountains) and especially stand out around this time of year because they grow in dense stands. Since the trees change colors all at once, it makes a big visual impact on our mountainsides.

🍂 Canon or Bigtooth Maple

The Maple really shines in the autumn with colors of yellow, red, and orange. The leaves are typically larger which accounts for the impressive color displays. When in doubt, look at a picture of the Canadian flag to help you identify.

🍂 Gambel or Scrub Oak

The Gambel Oak or Scrub Oak is native to the western part of the U.S. It’s common to see oak trees and oak shrubs. The leaves are lobed and turn orange to red-brown.

As you look at leaves this season, see if you can spot the differences, and listen to City Cast Salt Lake for some of the best places to see fall colors.