Places to Visit in Utah in November

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!

Visiting Utah in November

There are a lot of places to go in Utah in fall. It’s important to know the expected weather and temperatures you may encounter! In November the weather can be cold and snowy, or sunny and moderate.

Utah weather in November will vary between Northern and Southern Utah. The temperatures in the higher elevations will be cooler than the lower elevations by 10 to 20 degrees.

Utah temperatures in November:

• Northern Utah (Salt Lake City): highs 51 / lows 33 degrees F 
• Southern Utah (St. George): highs 64 / lows 35 degrees F

In November the days are generally sunny, although there can be rain or snow showers any time. The higher elevation areas could even experience heavy snow storms! The Northern mountains will be cold and ski resorts are getting ready to open for the season!

During this time of year, you’ll want layers. We recommend being prepared for really cold temperatures as well, especially if you’ll be visiting locations in high elevations, just in case:

• fleece jacket
• insulated jacket
• winter hat
• winter gloves

If you’re planning an outdoor activity during your visit to Utah in November, make sure you check the forecast ahead of time as conditions can change quickly.

Places to Visit in Utah in November

Check out this list of amazing places to go and things to do when visiting Utah in November like exploring the National and State Parks, scenic drives, or attending fun events!

This is a list of the places we recommend visiting when planning a trip to Utah in November.

Antelope Island State Park in November

Located in the northern part of Utah about 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, this Utah State Park is particularly famed for its large population of bison – a majestic and iconic symbol of the American West.

In late October and early November, the annual bison roundup takes place at Antelope Island State Park. The first phase is where horse riders round up and push the smaller groups of bison into one large herd. The riders then drive the bison into a holding corral where they rest for about a week. 

During the second phase the animals are sorted and separated one at a time to receive their vaccinations. They receive individual health screenings that include checks for pregnancies, parasites, and health issues.

Here’s a list of more Utah State Parks we recommend you visit in November:

• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Goblin Valley State Park
• Great Salt Lake State Park
• Kodachrome Basin State Park

Scenic Byway 12 Drive in November

With Bryce Canyon at one end, Capitol Reef at the other, the Scenic Byway 12 is one of the most scenic highways in America. Along this All American Road located in south-central Utah, you’ll be amazed by the wonder and beauty of this area.

Scenic Byway 12 is a winding, country road 124 miles long. Plan an average speed of 40 miles per hour as you estimate your drive time.

You’ll find spectacular things to see, do, and photograph at all the best stops as you explore this Utah’s Scenic Drive!

Be sure to explore the scenic drives at both Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef as you begin and end the Highway 12 drive. If you’ve got a 4WD vehicle, there are two scenic drive hidden gems at Capitol Reef for anyone who appreciates solitude and exploring backcountry areas:

• Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
• Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
• Capitol Reef Cathedral Valley Loop
• Capitol Reef Burr Trail Loop

We recommend the Utah National Parks GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the-scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location as you drive through each park!

Canyonlands Sunrise in November

The unique landscape of this area makes photographing Canyonlands so fun. You can find amazing landscapes along the Island in the Sky scenic drive.

Mesa Arch is a popular year-round destination for visitors and photographers. The trail is an easy 0.5 mile loop marked by stone cairns and driftwood, and takes less than 30 minutes.

Due to the popularity of this Canyonlands sunrise photography spot, you’ll need to plan ahead and arrive WELL BEFORE sunrise in order to get a good spot. The area for taking the famous sunrise shot is small.

By November there aren’t many tourists, but you will contend with other photographers. Our best tip for photographing Mesa Arch: stay after sunrise! The golden glow on the under side of the Arch continues for quite a while, and you can capture awesome photos when all the other photographers have left.

We recommend visiting ALL of the Mighty 5 Utah National Parks in November to enjoy outdoor activities!

Natural Bridges National Monument in November

Located in southeastern Utah, when visiting Natural Bridges National Monument you’ll see stunning views of majestic natural bridges carved by eroding water over millions of years.

With three different bridges standing at heights ranging from 30 to 90 feet, the most breathtaking photographs are taken from ground level looking up.

• Sipapu Bridge: spans 268 feet and stands 220 feet high, making it the largest and most famous of the three bridges.
• Kachina Bridge: or the “middle bridge”, spans 204 feet and stands 210 feet high
• Owachomo Bridge: spans 180 feet and stands 106 feet high

The monument has a scenic drive that takes visitors to overlooks and trailheads. You can see stunning rock formations, canyons, and mesas along the way. You can easily see all three bridges in about 1 hour. If you’re really short on time, plan to drive and visit the overlooks only.

Check out these other Utah National Monuments that would be good to visit in November:

• Dinosaur National Monument
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• Hovenweep National Monument
• Monument Valley

Lower Calf Creek Falls in November

When the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah was formed, the Calf Creek Falls area became a tourist destination. The falls are named for its use as a natural pen for calves back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

The Lower Calf Creek Falls trail is about 3 miles one-way and will require approximately 1 1/2 hours to hike one-way.

The trailhead is located along Scenic Byway 12 at the Calf Creek Campground, 11 miles south of the town of Boulder, and 15 miles east of the town of Escalante, Utah. Arrive EARLY to find a parking spot at the Calf Creek Falls trailhead.

The hike is moderately difficult due to the long stretches of deep sand that will slow your pace. The path is generally flat with no shade as it follows the creek. November is an amazing time for this hike to avoid the heat of summer!!

Kanab in November

November is one of our favorite times to visit Kanab, Utah! Not only are you surrounded by Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon, but you’ll find many other hidden gems to explore as well to get off the beaten path.

Kanab is a great place to set up camp for outdoor lovers. You’ll find plenty to explore in Grand Staircase-Escalante and Vermillion Cliffs National Monuments.

One of the best spots in Vermillion Cliffs is White Pocket which is technically in Arizona by just a few miles. Kanab is one of two entry spots to this otherworldly landscape.

There are even more Kanab photo spots including the Great Chamber, Moqui Caves, the Toadstool Hoodoos, and Wire Pass.

Utah Activities and Hikes in November

If you’re looking for the best outdoor activities and hikes in Utah during the month of November, the state offers some of the most beautiful mountains, canyons, deserts, and more!

Utah Fall Activities – Enjoy the beautiful views and outdoor activities in Utah’s National Parks like biking, scenic drives, off-roading, tours, and photography.

• Arches National Park Fall Activities
• Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Activities
• Canyonlands National Park Fall Activities
• Capitol Reef National Park Fall Activities
• Zion National Park Fall Activities

Utah Fall Hikes – In Northern Utah, hikers can explore the lower elevations of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. In Southern Utah there are a variety of trails at all five Utah National Parks.

• Arches National Park Fall Hikes
• Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Hikes
• Canyonlands National Park Fall Hikes
• Capitol Reef National Park Fall Hikes
• Zion National Park Fall Hikes

Utah Events in November

You’ll find local events all around Utah in November like Utah Jazz basketball games, concerts, festivals, performing arts, and more!

In Park City there are year-round events to enjoy with the majestic Wasatch mountains as the backdrop! 

• Utah Jazz Games
• Eccles Theater Events
• Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
• Fall Live Music Series in Park City
• Utah Symphony

Utah Travel Guides & Maps

Places to Stay in Utah

• Coolest Hotels in Utah
• Hotels in Utah
• VRBO Vacation Rentals in Utah
• Arches National Park Places to Stay
• Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
• Canyonlands Places to Stay
• Capitol Reef Places to Stay
• Zion National Park Places to Stay

Utah Bucket List

Check out even more fun Utah Bucket List ideas for your vacation. Be sure to grab the free printable that includes ideas for things to see, do and taste all around the state! Click the image below!