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!
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:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
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.
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:
- Auto Touring → Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Hiking → Arches National Park Hiking Trails
- 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 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!
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky, 30 miles from Moab
- Needles Canyonlands, 75 miles from Moab
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 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:
- Auto tour → Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Camping → Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
- 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 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 jacket, warm 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:
- 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 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:
- 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
