Harvest Season in Dinoland: 10 Family Friendly Activities to Do This Fall

Nothing says "fall" quite like a corn maze and a pumpkin patch! Just a short drive from Vernal, you'll find local farms that embrace the harvest season with a spirit of adventure. This is a fantastic way to spend a cool autumn afternoon or evening.

Fall in Vernal is packed with local, family-friendly events perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. Get a head start on the festivities at the Annual Pumpkin Palooza, which often has pumpkin-themed activities and tasty treats. Another charming, small-town tradition you won't want to miss is the Great Jensen Pumpkin Festival. This popular event, often held on a single night in late October, features magnificent pumpkin displays, a bonfire, and live music, making for a perfect family outing. Later in the month, a popular favorite is the Frightful Family Film Fest at the Western Park Indoor Arena. It's a fun way to enjoy some spooky films and snacks with the community. Then, get your costumes ready for Trick-or-Treat Street, a fantastic local event where downtown Vernal comes alive with kids in costumes visiting businesses for candy. This safe, fun, and memorable event is the perfect way to cap off the spooky season. For dates and times for these and other local happenings, check out the Vernal Community Calendar!

Autumn is a magical time to explore the trails around Vernal, as the landscape transforms with a dazzling display of fall colors. While many people associate the area with its desert terrain, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red that emerge, especially in the higher elevations. Look for the golden shimmer of aspen groves and the fiery shades of maple and oak trees as they pop against the deep green of pines and the striking red rock of the canyons. The best time to experience this natural art show is typically in late September and early October. Consider a hike on a trail like the Dry Fork Flume or Jones Hole, where the fall foliage creates a beautiful contrast and a perfect backdrop for your autumn adventure.

For a different kind of adventure, explore the Uinta Basin from behind the handlebars of an ATV. The Outlaw Range Ride OHV Trail offers a fantastic ride through a portion of the picturesque Uinta Mountains. This is an easy-to-moderate 26-mile loop that runs through grassy meadows and towering trees. In the autumn, the trail becomes even more scenic with the changing colors of the leaves, offering a great contrast to the deep green pines. You may even spot some local wildlife, from deer to elk, enjoying the crisp autumn air. It’s a thrilling way to experience the area’s rugged natural beauty.

The Vernal area is a mountain biking paradise, with trails for every skill level. The McCoy Flats Trail System is a perfect spot for families, offering up to 35 miles of interconnecting loops with a mix of flowing singletrack and fun, rocky sections. It’s a great way to explore the very same landscapes where dinosaurs once roamed!

What's a harvest season without a farmers market? The Ashley Valley Farmers Market is a wonderful way to experience the local bounty. Typically running every Saturday from July through September and sometimes into early October, it's the perfect place to find fresh, locally grown produce, delicious baked goods, and unique artisan crafts. It's a great spot to grab ingredients for a fall feast or simply enjoy a morning of community spirit.