Why You Should Visit Utah National Parks in October

If you’re planning a trip to visit the Utah National Parks in October, here’s a list of things to see, do, and photograph!

Utah National Parks are some of the best places to visit in Utah, and October is one of the best months because of the moderate temperatures and fewer crowds!

Utah National Parks in October

Use this travel guide to plan your October 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! Be sure to add the list of Utah State Parks to your vacation itinerary. 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 October

If you’re planning a vacation to visit National Parks in October, it’s amazing time of year, especially for the parks in Utah.

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 October 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 October:

In a recent trip to Zion National Park in October, we experienced rain storms… and popup waterfalls! Be sure to have the right gear for the weather so you can still enjoy the outdoor activities!

It’s important to stay hydrated, eat salty snacks, and use sun protection all year. If you’re not used to a dry environment, you may also need to use lotion and lip balm!

All of the Utah National Parks are open every single day in October.

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Arches National Park in October

The high for most days is about 71 degrees with the lows falling into the low 40s when you visit Arches National Park in October.

You’ll enjoy all the Arches National Park hiking trails during the amazing weather in the fall! September is also an awesome time of year to enjoy the night sky at Arches!

Arches has implemented a TIMED ENTRY pilot program April through October, 2022: 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:

Where to Stay Near Arches:

Canyonlands in October

The temperatures at Canyonlands National Park in October are highs near 70 degrees with the lows around 40. Keep in mind the weather can be unpredictable if a storm rolls through with rain.

The two popular districts of this park differ quite a bit so know what to expect at Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles!

Activities to do at Canyonlands:

Where to Stay Near Canyonlands Island in the Sky

There are no lodging facilities in the park, only camping.

sunrise at sunset point Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon in October

At Bryce Canyon in October the temperatures begin to get more chilly with the highs hovering around 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and dipping down into the high 20s at night. We recommend layers with a fleece jacket for those colder mornings and evenings.

Bryce Canyon sunrise photography is spectacular! It’s worth getting up early to see the glow on the hoodoos at sunrise.

Here’s a list of Bryce Canyon activities to help you plan your vacation itinerary while visiting:

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon:

formations along the road at Capitol Reef National Park

Capital Reef in October

The temperatures at Capitol Reef National Park in October range from highs near 65 degrees and lows around 40 degrees. The October weather at Capitol Reef is perfect during the day for outdoor activities.

It’s important to dress in layers. We recommend a fleece jacketwarm hat and gloves if you’ll be outside in the early morning and evening.

You may encounter a rain storm in October, but it usually doesn’t snow.

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:

Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef

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Zion in October

When you visit Zion National Park in October the highs are usually around 79 degrees and the lows hover around 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared with a fleece jacket so you can get out early to enjoy the outdoor activities at the park to beat the crowds.  

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 September. 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:

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

You definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.

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