This Mountain Town Glows Gold in Fall-and This Scenic Train Is the Best Way to See It

"From the moment I landed in Salt Lake City, the Wasatch Mountains loomed in my peripheral vision. As I munched on my Italian sub at Caputo's, a favorite local deli, I realized how much they were a part of the local landscape here. And in the fall months, the Wasatach Range becomes even more dazzling, as the trees that cover it turn into a brilliant patchwork display of yellow, orange, and red before they turn white just in time for ski season."

"And on Saturdays in October, the Heber Valley Railroad becomes the pumpkin train. You can enjoy the leaves from your window while snacking on delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Plus, you can even pick your very own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and take it home with you. Meanwhile, on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays in October, the train celebrates spooky season with a special Halloween Express. Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Mummy will take you to the haunted "Grim Hollow Station" on this kid-friendly Halloween experience."

The Wasatch Mountains frame Salt Lake City and transform into vivid fall colors before winter ski season. The historic Heber Valley Railroad, about an hour outside Salt Lake City and dating to the 1800s, provides scenic excursions like the Lakeside Limited and Deer Creek Express with wide views of Deer Creek and the Heber Valley. Autumn foliage typically peaks late September through early October. October Saturdays feature a pumpkin train with pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and a pumpkin patch. Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays host a kid-friendly Halloween Express to Grim Hollow Station. During the holidays the North Pole Express includes carols, hot cocoa, and a visit with Santa; nearby ski trails are within a short drive.

Read at Travel + Leisure