Fall foliage gondola rides at Snowbasin

27 Sep 2024, 21:00 by Snowbasin · KSL.com

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

When it comes to experiencing Utah's fall foliage, few places can match the views and colors of Snowbasin. Nestled in the mountains just east of Ogden and southwest of Huntsville, Snowbasin is a leaf peeper's paradise, and this year's colors promise to be some of the best.

If you haven't visited Snowbasin in the fall, the resort, and especially its Needles Gondola, is an unforgettable experience. Here are just a few reasons why:

Needles Gondola

While hiking Snowbasin's mountain trails and driving the canyon are great ways to enjoy fall colors, one of the best and most jaw-dropping ways is to see Utah's foliage from above, while riding the Needles Gondola. This popular gondola ride offers incredible bird's eye views of the vibrant tapestry below, all set against a rugged mountain terrain backdrop.

The Needles Gondola runs Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Oct. 6. The ride lasts about 25 minutes and tickets are $39 for adults and $29 for youth ages 5-12 years old and seniors who are at least 65 years old. Kids under four years old are free. You can purchase tickets here.

Snowbasin Resort

Ride the Needles Gondola and you'll be treated to brilliant shades of red, yellow, orange and purple in every direction. Between the vibrant colors, the mountain and forest views, the gentle sway of the tram and the crisp, fall air, riding the gondola is an unforgettable experience.

Summit views, scenic trails and a sky-high brunch

At the summit, you'll be treated to one of the best vantage points in Utah, overlooking the Ogden Valley and stretching all the way to Pineview Reservoir. On clear days, the views can extend for miles. It's an amazing perspective that's well worth the price of admission.

For those who want to take their peeping to a more immersive level, Snowbasin offers several hiking trails that meander through the mountains. The trails range from easy strolls to challenging hikes and allow visitors to experience the fall colors up close.

Pro-tip: ride the gondola in the morning. Once you're through exploring, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Snowbasin's famous Mountain-Top Bunch Buffet at the Needles Lodge, sitting at the summit, 8,700 feet above sea level. Their culinary team always provides only the freshest local ingredients and proudly showcases an always-changing array of handcrafted, delicious dishes for your enjoyment.

Ryan Thompson

SnowWiesn Oktoberfest

As a bonus, a ticket to the Needles Gondola also grants entry to SnowWiesn, Snowbasin's Oktoberfest celebration. There you'll find live music, traditional German food and of course, plenty of tasty treats and drinks. SnowWiesn is a family-friendly event and offers fun activities, games and competitions for kids and adults of all ages.

Snowbasin is also dog-friendly, both on the Gondola and at the SnowWiesn Oktoberfest, so feel free to bring your furry friend along for the fun.

Tips for visiting Snowbasin in the fall

If you plan to visit Snowbasin to experience the fall colors, here are a few tips to make your trip the best it can be:

Buy tickets in advance. The Needles Gondola is quite popular, so it's best to purchase your tickets ahead of time to make sure you secure your spot. Tickets can be purchased here.
Dress in layers. Fall weather in Utah can be unpredictable, especially up in the mountains. Be sure to wear or bring layers just in case the temperature drops or warms up.
Make sure your phone is charged. Given how beautiful the views are, there's a good chance you'll be taking lots of pictures and video.
Leash for your dog. Snowbasin and the Needles Gondola are dog-friendly, but they need a leash. Don't forget it at home!
There's plenty of room to spread out at Snowbasin, but be prepared for some lines at the gondola.

Get your tickets now

Snowbasin's fall foliage is not only loved by locals, but has also garnered national attention. The resort's stunning displays go viral each year on social media, with people from all over the country fawning over the remarkable views. Snowbasin has even been featured on "Good Morning America."

Don't miss out on Utah's best fall views. Visit snowbasin.com/tickets today to purchase tickets.