8 Gorgeous Places for Fall Family Photos in Southern Utah

Fall family pictures in Southern Utah are a little different from fall photos anywhere else. You can have golden aspens, red rock cliffs, pine forests and desert landscapes all within a relatively short drive. The trick is knowing where to go and, perhaps more importantly, when to go.

Here are some of the locations Southern Utah photographers repeatedly recommend for beautiful fall family pictures.

If your dream family photo involves golden leaves, tall trees and that cozy mountain feeling, Cedar Mountain should be near the top of the list. Local photographers frequently recommend the area for fall sessions because the aspen trees turn brilliant gold and create a classic autumn backdrop. The best color is typically around late September into early October, although the exact timing changes with the weather. (My Deer Little Fox)

For families who want a little Southern Utah drama mixed into their fall photos, Kolob Canyons is hard to beat. Photographers point to the combination of crimson cliffs, mountain scenery and changing foliage as one of the area's standout combinations. The higher elevations around Kolob can begin showing fall color in September, with some areas continuing into early October. (My Deer Little Fox)

Pine Valley gives you a softer, woodsy look than the area's famous red rock locations. Local photographers recommend it for families wanting pine trees, golden grasses, mountain scenery and pockets of fall color. It is especially pretty in late September and early October when the mountains start looking decidedly autumnal. (Tana Clark Photography)

Not every Southern Utah fall picture needs a pile of orange leaves. Snow Canyon gives families those iconic red and white sandstone formations, warm fall light and plenty of interesting scenery. Local photographers regularly use the park for family sessions, particularly in fall when temperatures are more comfortable. The White Rocks area is another option if you want a lighter, more neutral background. (Tana Clark Photography)

For something a little different, head toward Grafton near Zion. The historic buildings, surrounding red cliffs and cottonwood trees create a backdrop that looks completely different from a typical family session. Photographer Kayla Stewart specifically recommends Grafton for fall portraits, noting that the cottonwoods can turn beautiful golden-orange against the old pioneer buildings. (My Deer Little Fox)

If you are willing to head higher into the mountains, Cedar Breaks National Monument offers spectacular scenery with colorful cliffs, mountain views and surrounding fall foliage. The Cedar Breaks area sits at nearly 10,000 feet, so fall arrives earlier here than it does in the lower elevations. (Visit Cedar City)

For families who want gorgeous scenery without driving all the way into the mountains, photographers also recommend Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Red rock, sagebrush, valley views and colorful sunsets give these pictures a distinctly Southern Utah look. (Ashlyn Peck Photography)

The biggest thing to remember is that fall doesn't arrive everywhere in Southern Utah at the same time. Higher locations such as Cedar Mountain and Pine Valley can peak in September, while lower-elevation areas may not show their best fall color until October or November. (My Deer Little Fox)

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So before booking your family photo session, check the elevation, watch the fall-color reports and talk with your photographer. A little timing can be the difference between "nice family picture" and "that one is definitely going on the wall."