Utah National Parks in August: Vacation Travel Guide
If you’re planning a trip to visit the Utah National Parks in August, check out the vacation travel guide below to know what to expect.
Utah National Parks are some of the best places to visit in Utah, but August will be HOT! Keep reading for tips to avoid the heat so you can enjoy the National Parks in Utah during the month of August.
We share tips to plan your August vacation to the Utah National Parks: what to pack, weather, things to do and places to stay for all five parks!
Check out our handy Utah National Park Road trip itinerary to plan your trip visiting all five parks!
Don’t forget to add the list of Utah State Parks to your list of places to visit. There are stunning State Parks near the National Parks that are must-stop locations!
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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 in August
If you’re planning a vacation to visit US National Parks in August, keep in mind that the five Utah parks will be HOT.
All of the Utah National Parks are open every single day in August.
Utah National Parks in the summer aren’t our favorite time of year to visit because of the heat and crowds. Stay hydrated, eat salty snacks, use sun protection, and limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day! If you’re not used to dry heat, you’ll want lotion and lip balm handy!
Some of the National Parks in Utah now have permits to enter or do certain activities, so be sure to check about reservations required in August when determining the best time to visit Utah National Parks.
Be sure you know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in August:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
August is summer monsoon season with heavy rain and lightning. We recommend you talk to the rangers before hitting any trail to get the most updated conditions so you’re prepared.
Rain storms in the desert can create popup waterfalls that are so fun to see…. safely!
Arches National Park in August
The average highs are in the 100s and lows in the high 60s degrees Fahrenheit when you visit Arches National Park in August.
We recommend you get out early to hit the Arches National Park hiking trails so you avoid the harsh sun and hottest part of the day. There are not many shady spots in Arches so keep that in mind.
August is an awesome time of year to enjoy the night sky at Arches!
Arches has a TIMED ENTRY pilot program April to October: Visitors can book reservations first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov. The park will release reservations three months in advance in monthly blocks.
More things to do at Arches:
- Auto Touring → Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Camping → Arches National Park Camping
- Hiking → Best Hikes in Arches National Park
- Junior Ranger Program
- Photography → Arches National Park Photography
- Ranger-Led programs
- Stargazing- Don’t miss checking out the amazing night skies!
- Visitor Center
Where to Stay Near Arches:
- Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
- Arches National Park Camping
- Hotels near Arches National Park
- RV Parks Near Arches National Park
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab – we enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this hotel due to its location close to Arches.
- Purple Sage – our all-time favorite place to stay in Moab – walking distance to shopping, full kitchen, and only 8 units so you don’t feel lost in a large hotel.
- Red Cliffs Lodge – rooms up to 6 people – located 17 miles from Moab, this lodge is known for its beautiful location, winery and activities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
- Vacation Rentals – we really like rentals with a kitchen, washer and dryer and amenities like a swimming pool and hot tub.
Canyonlands in August
The temperatures at Canyonlands National Park in August with highs in the 100s and lows in the upper 60s. It’s important to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses when visiting Canyonlands National Park in the summer!
There are two popular districts to visit: Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles:
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky, 30 miles from Moab
- Needles Canyonlands, 75 miles away
Activities to do at Canyonlands:
- Auto tour → Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Climbing
- Hiking → Canyonlands Hikes
- Junior Ranger Program
- Photography → Best Photo Spots at Canyonlands Island in the Sky
- Ranger-led programs
- Stargazing
- Visitor Center
Where to Stay Near Canyonlands Island in the Sky
There are no lodging facilities in the park, only camping.
- Island in the Sky Campgrounds
- Needles Canyonlands Camping
- Where to stay near Canyonlands
- Hotels near Canyonlands National Park
- RV Parks Near Canyonlands National Park
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab – we enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this hotel due to its location close to Canyonlands.
- Purple Sage – our all-time favorite place to stay in Moab – walking distance to shopping, full kitchen, and only 8 units so you don’t feel lost in a large hotel.
- Red Cliffs Lodge – rooms up to 6 people – located 17 miles from Moab, this lodge is known for its beautiful location, winery and activities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
- Townhomes south of town – we really like the townhomes in Spanish Valley with kitchen, washer and dryer in the unit and a swimming pool/hot tub (just a 5 minute drive south of Moab).
Bryce Canyon in August
The weather you’ll find at Bryce Canyon in August is almost perfect with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 50s degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared for rain since August is part of the summer monsoon season at Bryce Canyon. Always check the Bryce Canyon weather forecast and carry rain gear so you can still enjoy the outdoors.
Bryce Canyon sunrise photography is spectacular! It’s worth getting up early to see the glow on the hoodoos at sunrise.
And be sure to explore the Bryce Canyon scenic drive to see the mesmerizing Bryce Canyon views!
Here’s a list of Bryce Canyon activities to help you plan your vacation itinerary while visiting:
- Auto tour → Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Climbing
- Hiking → Bryce Canyon Hikes
- Horseback riding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Photography → Bryce Canyon photo spots
- Ranger-led programs
- Stargazing
- Visitor Center
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon:
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Bryce Canyon Hotels
- Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging
- Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
- Bryce Canyon National Park RV Vacation
- Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
- Best Western Ruby’s Inn – easy access right outside the park
- Best Western Plus – also right outside the park
Capital Reef in August
The weather at Capitol Reef in August is hot with highs near 88 and lows near 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
In August afternoon rain storms are common due to it being summer monsoon season. Be prepared with rain gear. for you and your camera! Stay informed on the specific weather conditions and forecasts on the NPS website for the areas of the park you will visit that may affected by flash flooding.
Be sure to explore some of the Capitol Reef hikes like Hickman Bridge and Grand Wash.
The Capitol Reef scenic drive is a must-do activity. And be sure to stop at the Gifford House to get homemade treats like pie and ice cream!
Here’s a list of fun things to do in Capitol Reef National Park:
- Auto tour → Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Fruit picking in the orchards (seasonal)
- Gifford House treats
- Hiking → Capitol Reef Hikes
- Horseback riding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Photography → Capitol Reef National Park Photography
- Ranger Led Programs
- Rock climbing
- Stargazing
- Visitor Center
Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef
- Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park Camping
- Hotels near Capitol Reef National Park
- RV Parks Near Capitol Reef National Park
- Capitol Reef Resort – this is where we stay! Make it a unique experience and stay in a teepee or covered wagon!
- Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel – basic rooms and cabins with a deli and store right on the property which is so convenient!
- Vacation Rentals Near Capitol Reef – we like finding a place with a kitchen so we can prepare our own food.
Zion in August
When you visit Zion National Park in August expect HOT temperatures with highs near 100 and lows near 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also summer monsoon season here with flash flooding possible so always be aware of the weather and stay current on conditions with the rangers.
You’ll also need to know how to use the Zion National Park shuttle since it’s the only way to access Zion Canyon in August. You can still explore the other three Zion National Park scenic drives without the shuttle!
There are so many activities and fun things to do at Zion National Park:
- Auto tour → Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- Backpacking
- Bicycling
- Camping
- Hiking → Zion National Park Hikes & Zion Hikes Without the Shuttle
- Horseback riding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum
- Photography → Zion National Park photo spots
- Ranger-led activities
- Stargazing
- Visitor Center
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
You definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
- Camping in Zion National Park
- RV parks near Zion National Park
- Holiday Inn Express – our favorite place to stay with an outdoor pool and amenities you’d find in a high end hotel
- Zion Lodge – we haven’t had a chance to stay here yet, but you can’t go wrong staying right IN the park!
- Under Canvas Zion – if you want to experience a less crowded part of Zion, this is the place! It’s in the Kolob section of the park.
- Vacation Rentals in Springdale – you’ll want to stay in Springdale so you’re close to the park entrance and can walk to shopping and restaurants.
Plan a Utah National Parks Vacation
- Utah National Park Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks
- Arches National Park Travel Guide
- Bryce Canyon Travel Guide
- Canyonlands National Park Guide
- Capitol Reef National Park Guide
- Zion National Park Travel Guide
