Visiting Utah National Parks in September
As the temperatures begin to drop and leaves start to change colors, visiting Utah National Parks in the fall is one of the best times of the year to go! If you’re planning a trip to visit the Utah National Parks in September, here’s a list of things to see, do, and photograph!
Utah’s National Parks have something to offer everyone. From biking and hiking trails to campgrounds and day trips, there are plenty of activities that will make your September vacation an unforgettable experience.
With its dramatic red rock canyons, towering mountains and awe-inspiring sunsets, Utah National Parks are some of the best places to visit in Utah! September will be a busy time of year so be prepared for crowds.
We are lucky to only live a few hours away from all five National Parks in Utah so we’ve been able to visit many times during all seasons! The tips we share for planning a September vacation are based on our experiences visiting the area throughout the years! Our tips include what to pack, weather, things to do and places to stay for all five parks!
Use our Packing list for Utah National Parks to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in September (UV protection, hydration, and more)! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image 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 in September
If you’re planning a vacation to visit National Parks in September, it’s amazing time of year, especially for the parks in Utah.
All of the Utah National Parks are open 24/7 every single day in September.
We highly recommend you check the specific NPS website for the most updated information regarding the US National Parks Reservations required for the time you’ll be visiting. 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 September.
Utah National Parks Weather in September
When determining the best time to visit Utah National Parks, it’s important to know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit.
The Utah National Parks fall weather is ideal with moderate temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. Layers are key for the cooler mornings and evenings as the weather changes from summer to fall.
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
Stay hydrated, eat salty snacks, use sun protection when visiting Utah National Parks in September. If you’re not used to dry heat, you’ll want to use lotion and lip balm!
- WATER: Drink plenty of water – we use hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in our backpack.
- ELECTROLYTES: Carry Propel powder packets to add to your water to provide electrolytes!
- FOOD: Pack and eat salty and healthy snacks.
- SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, and hydrating lotion, especially if you’re not used to dry heat.
- CLOTHING: Light-colored wicking and UV protectant clothing is best – no cotton shirts, socks or jeans!
- LAYERS: Pack a fleece jacket, winter hat, and winter gloves!
Arches National Park in September
The average highs are close to 88 and lows are close to 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you visit Arches National Park in September.
You’ll need an Arches Timed Entry Ticket to enter the park during the busy daytime hours. Don’t worry if you didn’t get a timed entry ticket. Just plan to enter the park before 6 a.m.
One benefit to getting in the park early is you can see and photograph the sunrise at Arches National Park!
Arches National Park September Activities
- Arches National Park Fall Activities
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Arches National Park Fall Hikes
- Arches National Park Photography
- Arches National Park Tours
Where to Stay at Arches in September
- Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
- Hotels Near Arches National Park
- Arches National Park Camping
Canyonlands in September
The temperatures at Canyonlands National Park in September are highs near 88 and lows near 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In the fall it’s still important to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses when visiting Canyonlands!
The two popular districts of this park – there’s a big difference between Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles!
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky, 30 miles from Moab
- Needles Canyonlands, 75 miles from Moab
Canyonlands National Park in September
- Canyonlands National Park Fall Activities
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Canyonlands National Park Fall Hikes
- Best Photo Spots at Canyonlands Island in the Sky
- Canyonlands National Park Tours
Where to Stay Near Canyonlands in September
Bryce Canyon in September
The weather you’ll find at Bryce Canyon in September is pretty much perfect with highs around 70 and lows around 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared for cool to cold mornings and evenings at Bryce Canyon in September – wear layers and pack a fleece jacket!
Bryce Canyon sunrise photography is spectacular! It’s worth getting up early to see the glow on the hoodoos at sunrise.
Bryce Canyon National Park September Activities
- Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Activities
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Hikes
- Bryce Canyon Photo Spots
- Bryce Canyon National Park Tours
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon in September
Capital Reef in September
The weather at Capitol Reef National Park in September is pretty ideal with highs around 80 and lows around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spend time in the Fruita area of Capitol Reef. At the Gifford Homestead you’ll find unique handmade items in the shop. In September you’ll enjoy locally baked fruit pies and homemade ice cream!
Picking fruit from the orchards is a popular activity at Capitol Reef! In September you’ll be able to pick peaches, pears and apples, yum!
Capitol Reef National Park September Activities
- Capitol Reef National Park Fall Activities
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Capitol Reef National Park Fall Hikes
- Capitol Reef National Park Photography
- Capitol Reef National Park Tours
Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef in September
- Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park Camping
- RV Parks Near Capitol Reef National Park
Zion in September
When you visit Zion National Park in September you’ll find average temperatures are highs in the 90s and lows in the 60s degrees Fahrenheit.
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!
You will need permits to hike one of three trails in the park: Angels Landing, the Subway, and from the Narrows top-down. We’ll detail this more later in the article about hiking at Zion.
Zion National Park September Activities
- Zion National Park Fall Activities
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- Zion National Park Fall Hikes
- Zion National Park Photo Spots
- Zion National Park Tours
Where to Stay Near Zion in September
- Places to stay at to Zion National Park
- Camping in Zion National Park
- Hotels Near Zion National Park
Plan a Utah National Parks Vacation in September
- Utah National Park Road Trip Itinerary
- Arches National Park Travel Guide
- Bryce Canyon Travel Guide
- Canyonlands National Park Guide
- Capitol Reef National Park Guide
- Zion National Park Travel Guide
