Utah National Parks in September: Things to See, Do, and Photograph
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 National Parks are some of the best places to visit in Utah, but September will is a busy time of year so be prepared for crowds.
Keep reading for our tips to plan your September 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 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 every single day in September.
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 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 in September:
- 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. If you’re not used to dry heat, you’ll want to use lotion and lip balm!
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 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 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 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
Activities to do at Canyonlands:
- Auto tour → Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Camping → Island in the Sky Campgrounds & Needles Canyonlands Camping
- Climbing
- Hiking → Canyonlands Hikes
- Junior Ranger Program
- Photography → Canyonlands National Park Photography at 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 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. Always check the Bryce Canyon weather forecast, 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.
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 September
The weather at Capitol Reef National Park in September is pretty ideal with highs around 80 and lows around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
This part of Utah is a dry high desert so it’s important to drink and carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection!
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 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!
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 Photography
- 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
