Hot days with cool nights are optimal for bright leaves, and that's exactly what we've got.
A few days ago I was hiking with friends in Alexander Basin (Mill Creek Canyon), and there were hefty patches of pink and orange on the opposing south-facing slopes, as shown in the photo above. By this weekend, the color should be fantastic!
Mill Creek Canyon is one of my favorite places for fall color. The altitude is moderate, so it's a great mix of fiery maples, rosy oaks, and golden cottonwoods and aspens. To give you an idea, here are some Mill Creek pictures from autumns gone by.
Below Elbow Fork, Oct. 3, 2008:
Church Fork, Sept. 29, 2009
Above Log Haven, Oct. 3, 2008:
My favorite hike for Mill Creek Canyon leaf-viewing is probably the Burch Hollow-Terraces loop. The hike follows the Pipeline Trail along the south face of the canyon and the Elbow Fork-Terraces trail along the north face of the canyon. This was the view Sept. 29, 2009:
Don't miss it!
Be sure to email your own fall foliage tips and photos to ealberty@sltrib.com!
—Erin Alberty
