Check out southern Utah fall colors and enter The Indy’s photo contest

The kids are out of school, the temperatures are cooling off, and southern Utah fall colors are bursting just in time for Fall Break. Take this great opportunity to see some of the splendor, but make sure to take your camera. The Independent is hosting a Fall Color Photo Contest, and the winner will receive a two-night stay at The Grand Lodge at Brian Head.

Southern Utah is renowned worldwide for its diverse contrasting beauty. Within a short distance, it is possible to enjoy the desert floor beauty, gorgeous red rocks, towering beauty of Zion and Bryce Canyon, along with majestic mountains filled with glowing leafed trees. Many of these opportunities are available year-round. However, to catch the spectacular fall display Mother Nature produces every year, the season is limited. The glorious fall colors come but once a year and are currently at their peak. The long Fall Break weekend seems almost coordinated to offer the opportunity to get out and see them. Southern Utah fall colors are in their prime of brilliantly vibrant splendor.

Southern Utah fall colors are abundant in several area locations. Many are within close enough proximity to be taken in during a day trip, whereas other locations are better enjoyed as a multiple-day excursion. Some of the best opportunities for seeing fall colors currently are on Beaver Mountain, Cedar Mountain, or in Brian Head.

Brian Head Resort offers a great escape for seeing the fall colors on a day trip, but given the other activities provided at the resort, it also makes for a good long weekend excursion.

The town of Brian Head, popular worldwide as a top-quality ski resort town, is privy to some of the most amazing opportunities to take in Mother Nature’s display of fall colors. Staking claim as Utah’s highest elevation town, Brian Head’s allure as a year-round attraction offers a retreat to reconnect and get grounded. Whether the recharge is needed for yourself, you and a significant other, or the whole family, Brian Head offers the escape to a peaceful serenity.

Boasting some of the greatest snow on earth, the resort attracts skiers from around the world to experience the prime powder in the winter, but the resort also offers a grand buffet of additional activities throughout the year. Hosting some of the areas most energy packed events has increased the popularity of Brian Head Resort as a year-round destination. With breathtaking hiking and mountain biking trails, the resort offers a mountain of expanded opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to experience adventure in unparalleled scenery. This is a great weekend for getting out to enjoy the panoramic views from the slopes bursting with fall colors, especially with Zion National Park expecting huge crowds.

While you are in Brian Head, The Grand Lodge is an ideal setting for relaxing. Soaking in the ambiance will have you enjoying the “altitude adjustment” in comfort. To tempt the palates, you can either get a quick bite to eat in the casual atmosphere of the Lift Bar and Patio or find something more along the lines of fine dining at Leany’s Steakhouse. And if you are going to make the Brian Head excursion more than just a day trip, the majestic accommodations in the spacious rooms of The Grand Lodge will add the perfect touch to your southern Utah fall color experience.

Whether enjoying views from the patio or room, the vibrant colors are found in every direction with nature’s canvas providing the glorious scenery. Nestled in the trees, The Grand Lodge offers several options to walk straight from the lobby into the midst of the grandeur of the fiery, eye-popping color of the wooded mountains.

Whether you go to Brian Head, Cedar City, or just around the corner to Pine Valley, make sure to take your camera because you may just win a two-night getaway to The Grand Lodge at Brian Head. For more information on the contest, visit the Independent’s Facebook Event page before 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the deadline for the photo contest as Monday, Oct. 19.