Best Fall Activities in Utah National Parks

Be sure to reference our packing list for Utah National Parks so you know what to pack for your fall vacation. Get the free printable by clicking the graphic below!

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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks

Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Utah National Parks Fall Weather

We find the best months to visit Utah National Parks are in the fall when the weather is just right for outdoor activities!

In the fall it’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection for any outdoor activities in Utah National Parks. Layers are key for the cooler mornings and evenings as the weather changes from summer to fall.

• Arches National Park weather
• Bryce Canyon National Park weather
• Canyonlands National Park weather
• Capitol Reef National Park weather
• Zion National Park weather

Fall Activities in Utah National Parks

During the fall months, all five parks offer a wide range of activities and attractions that make them a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Hiking in Utah National Parks is one of the best ways to see the natural beauty of the landscape in these areas. We’ll detail those trails below.

You’ll definitely want to pack your photography gear for hiking to capture things you see as you hike the trails.

We get asked often about the best photography spots at Utah National Parks. This list of activities will include those photo spots at every park!

Have you heard about the Utah National Parks GuideAlong App? It’s a great way to have your own private guide to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.

Fall Activities at Arches National Park

In September and October you’ll need an Arches National Park Time Entry Ticket. Timed entry tickets will be required from 7 am to 4 pm.

You CAN visit Arches without a ticket as long as you enter the park before or after those times, which are the best times of day for Arches National Park photography anyway!

Check out all the Arches National Park fall activities you can do to explore the natural stone arches, stone pinnacles, rock fins, and large balanced rocks!

• Arches National Park Fall Hikes
• Arches National Park Scenic Drive 
• Sunrise at Arches National Park 
• Sunset at Arches National Park
• Arches National Park Tours
• Things to Do Near Arches National Park

Fall Activities at Bryce Canyon National Park

Fall is the perfect time to visit Bryce Canyon. Throughout the fall the temperatures range from the highs in the 60s to the lows in the teens by the time November hits. 

Hiking is one of the most unique Bryce Canyon National Park fall activities where you walk right along hoodoos, windows, arches, bridges, tunnels, waterfalls and more!

Horseback riding is one of the most popular Bryce Canyon National Park tours! It’s a terrific way to see the hoodoos up close without hiking!

Here’s a list of even more fun activities to do at this stunning park:

• Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Hikes
• Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
• Bryce Canyon Sunrise Photography
• Bryce Canyon to Zion
• Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12

Fall Activities at Canyonlands National Park

There is no gas, food, or lodging (only campgrounds) at Canyonlands National Park so pack water, food, and proper clothing so you can be self-reliant.

There are a variety of things to do at Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles Canyonlands, plus the surrounding areas: scenic drives, hiking, camping, and river rafting

Here’s a list of Canyonlands National Park Fall Activities:

• Canyonlands National Park Fall Hikes
• Island in the Sky Scenic Drive 
• Best Photo Spots at Canyonlands
• Scenic Drive to Needles Overlook
• Scenic Drive to Anticline Overlook

Fall Activities at Capitol Reef National Park

Located in south-central Utah, you’ll find a variety of Capitol Reef National Park fall activities available like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

Our favorite part about visiting in the fall is picking fruit from the orchard:

• Peaches: August to September
• Pears: August to September
• Apples: mid-August to mid-October

If you love the outdoors, you’ll find a variety of Capitol Reef National Park fall activities to explore this diverse park and the surrounding area!

• Capitol Reef National Park Fall Hikes
• Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
• Capitol Reef National Park Photography
• Capitol Reef National Park Camping
• Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12

Fall Activities at Zion National Park

Visiting Zion National Park in the fall is one of the best times to enjoy moderate weather. It’s also one of the busiest times of year so expect crowds. We recommend getting an early start to the day!

Keep in mind that Zion Canyon is only accessible by using the Zion National Park shuttle during the fall months.

There are a variety of Zion National Park fall activities from hiking and camping to rock climbing and sightseeing:

• Zion National Park Fall Hikes
• Zion Hikes Without the Shuttle
• Zion National Park Scenic Drives
• Things to Do in Zion National Park Besides Hiking
• Zion National Park Photography
• Things to Do Near Zion National Park

Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Travel Guides for Utah National Parks

Check out our Utah National Park travel guides that detail the best things to see, do and photograph at all 5 parks!

• Arches National Park Travel Guide
• Bryce Canyon Travel Guide
• Canyonlands National Park Guide
• Capitol Reef National Park Guide
• Zion National Park Travel Guide