The Manti-La Sal National Forest begins at the edge of town and spreads east into the Wasatch Plateau. The forest offers a welcome contrast to the hot, dry valley floor in summer: the plateau rises above 3,500 metres and stays cool through July and August. The road to the plateau passes through stands of aspen that turn brilliant gold in late September and early October, making this one of the better autumn foliage drives in central Utah.
Hiking and mountain biking trails head into the high country from several trailheads near Manti. The Skyline Drive, a rough dirt road running along the plateau's crest for some 160 km, gives access to high meadows, small lakes, and exceptional views across the Great Basin to the west.