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Fall is already the best time to visit Zion, although spring is pretty sweet too. But Zion in autumn has a gorgeous surprise: changing leaves. Most people don't think of southern Utah as being a fall touring sort of place, yet Zion Canyon boasts a terrific number of deciduous trees that unfailingly delight the senses with their showy plumage come the autumnal months. Best foliage-viewing hikes: Emerald Pools and Taylor Creek.

The other benefit to fall hiking in Zion is the weather. Summers here can be darn warm and crowded. Fall, however, cools to perfect temperatures and of course has fewer visitors. Best exposed hikes (meaning, little shade, which works much better in the fall than summer) that lead to grand views: Observation Point, the Watchman Lookout trail, West Rim Trail, and of course famous Angels Landing.

Zion is also famous for its slot canyons, and fall can be a marvelous time to explore them. Two classics, the Narrows and the Subway, are favorite fall picks.

[photo courtesy of doortoriver]