Best Fall Hiking in Utah National Parks
Utah has five of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the parks!
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced hiker, there are plenty of trails for fall hiking in Utah National Parks. We created this list of the best fall hiking trails you’ll find at all 5 Utah National Parks.
From the vast canyons and towering mountains of Zion National Park to the red rock formations of Arches National Park, there’s a hike for everyone looking for a great outdoor adventure.
It’s important to stay hydrated, use sun protection, and get the latest weather information before hitting the trails at all Utah National Parks in the fall!
Be sure to grab a copy of our spring packing list for Utah National Parks so you’re prepared with the right clothing and gear for fall hiking. You can get a 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 for Hiking
Deciding the best time to visit Utah National Parks is different for everyone.
Be sure you know the expected Utah National Parks Fall Weather for the parks you’ll visit in September, October, and November:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
Tips for Fall Hiking at Utah National Parks
One of the best Utah National Parks activities is hiking. It’s important to be prepared with the right clothing and gear for the fall months.
Fall Clothing for Hiking
Early fall will still be hot and dry at the National Parks in Utah. Late fall you’ll enjoy moderate temperatures. The mornings and evenings will be cold!
- Wicking Clothing: Loose-fitting, light-colored, wicking clothing.
- Sunhat: Sun protection for early fall.
- Fleece jackets: Layers are key during the fall!
- Darn Tough hiking socks: Do not wear cotton socks. Darn Tough Socks are comfortable, breathe well, and prevent blisters!
- Sturdy hiking shoes: Hiking shoes or boots should be sturdy with good tread and traction.
Fall Hiking Gear for Utah National Parks
Here’s the hiking gear we recommend for exploring all five parks:
- Water: Use refillable water bottles or hydration packs. We carry Propel powder packets to add to our water to help replace electrolytes.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin! Due to the dry heat in Utah you’ll also want lip balm and lotion!
- First aid kit: No matter whether your hike is long or short, always pack a hiking first aid kit. Make sure your first aid kit has the essentials like plasters, bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, etc.
- Headlamps: If you’ll be hiking in the morning or late afternoon, carry a headlamp so you’re prepared in case you need to hike in the dark.
- Snacks: Pack salty and easy to digest snack to replace electrolytes.
Best Fall Hiking in Utah National Parks
This list includes the best hiking trails to explore at Utah National Parks in the fall.
You’ll definitely want to pack your photography gear for hiking to capture the natural beauty you’ll see as you hike through the Utah National Parks.
Fall Hiking at Arches National Park
As you explore the trails at Arches in the fall, you’ll see natural stone arches, stone pinnacles, rock fins, and large balanced rocks! You’ll need an Arches Timed Entry ticket until October 31 to enter the park from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Here’s a list of the best Arches National Park Fall Hikes:
- Park Avenue
- Balanced Rock
- The Windows
- Double Arch
- Delicate Arch
- Sand Dune Arch & Broken Arch
- Skyline Arch
- Devil’s Garden Trail – Landscape Arch
Fall Hiking at Bryce Canyon National Park
We recommend you talk to a park ranger to get the most updated information about trail conditions for all Bryce Canyon hikes. Some trails close due to unsafe conditions due to rain storms.
Most day hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park are found in the Bryce Amphitheater area. This makes it easy to create the best Bryce Canyon hiking experience for the time you have to spend at the park.
Here’s a list of the best Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Hikes:
- Sunset to Sunrise
- Rim Trail
- Bristlecone Loop
- Mossy Cave
- Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden Trail
- Tower Bridge
- Fairyland Loop
Fall Hiking at Canyonlands National Park
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the rugged landscape at Canyonlands that has been transformed into a multitude of canyons, mesas, buttes, and arches by the erosion of the Green and Colorado rivers.
Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky is a popular destination for great hikes, spectacular viewpoints and photography. It’s the most popular district to visit because it’s so close to Arches National Park and Moab, about a 30 minute drive.
Needles Canyonlands, on the other hand, takes about an hour and a half to get to from Moab. It has plenty of hiking, backpacking and off-roading trails, making it perfect for adventure seekers.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike, you’ll find a variety of Canyonlands National Park Fall Hikes to explore this awesome park!
Island in the Sky Fall Hikes:
- Mesa Arch
- Grand View Point
- Upheaval Dome
- Whale Rock
- Aztec Butte
Canyonlands Needles Fall Hikes:
- Roadside Ruin
- Pothole Point
- Cave Springs Trail
- Chesler Park Loop
- Druid Arch
Fall Hiking at Capitol Reef National Park
This list of Capitol Reef fall hikes details the distance, time, elevation gain, and important information about what it’s like to hike each trail.
We always recommend you talk to a park ranger to get the most updated information about trail conditions and weather, especially during the fall rainy season!!
Early fall monsoons can dump heavy amounts or rain over a short period of time which can result in flash floods. Get up-to-date weather information and watch for changing weather conditions. DO NOT enter a narrow gorge or slot canyon if storms are threatening!
With its vast array of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, Capitol Reef National Park Fall Hikes offer something for every type of hiker.
- Capitol Gorge
- Goosenecks Overlook
- Sunset Point
- Grand Wash
- Hickman Bridge
- Cohab Canyon
- Cassidy Arch
- Chimney Rock Loop
Fall Hiking at Zion National Park
With its stunning vistas and breathtaking trails, Zion National Park is a great destination for hikers of all levels. In the fall, Zion Canyon is only accessible by using the Zion National Park shuttle.
If you want to avoid the crowds, here’s a list of Zion hikes without the shuttle!
Remember that many trailheads start at an elevation around 5,000 feet. This can make “easy” trails challenging if you’re not used to the higher elevation.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an intense hike up one of the park’s many peaks, there are plenty of Zion National Park Fall Hikes to choose from.
- Pa’rus Trail
- Court of the Patriarchs
- Emerald Pools
- Weeping Rock
- Riverside Walk
- Canyon Overlook
- The Narrows
- Angel’s Landing – Angels Landing permit is required
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
