Visiting Utah National Parks in the Fall
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! Enjoy the fall weather that is “just right” for outdoor activities camping, fishing, biking or simply enjoying nature walks.
As you’re looking for places to visit in Utah, visiting the national parks is a must, but keep in mind fall is the busy season!
From hiking through Zion National Park’s lush canyon walls to exploring Bryce Canyon National Park’s surreal hoodoos, there are plenty of activities for all ages.
With its magnificent landscapes, fresh air and breathtaking views, Utah’s national parks offer an unforgettable adventure that should not be missed this season!
Keep reading for our list of things to do, what to pack and where to stay when you take a fall vacation to the National Parks in Utah!
Use our Packing list for Utah National Parks to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the fall! 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!
Fall Weather at Utah National Parks
“Perfect” is the best way to describe the Utah National Parks fall weather and temperatures!
Fall weather in Southern Utah is perfect for exploring the National Parks. While visiting you will see days starting to cool down from the intense summer heat. Expect warm days, but nighttime temperatures will start to cool down as the months progress. For us fall is one of the best times to visit Utah National Parks!
Be sure you know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit in the fall:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
You’ll want to have a fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves handy for early mornings and late evenings, especially toward late fall! If you’re not used to dry heat, you’ll also want lotion and lip balm handy!
Tips for Visiting Utah National Parks in the Fall
Remember that fall is still a busy season for the Utah National Parks. During September and October the roads, hiking trails and parking lots typically fill to capacity. Typically by November, things start to wind down and crowds begin to thin.
Be sure to check each park’s website for the current seasonal changes for timed entry tickets, hiking permits, Visitor Center hours, Ranger-led programs, and campground reservations.
Have you heard about the Utah National Parks GuideAlong App? It’s a great way to have your own private guide to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
Fall is a great time for hiking, biking, scenic drives, and stargazing!
Arches National Park in the Fall
visiting Arches National Park in the fall is a terrific time of year to enjoy the red rock formations, dramatic sandstone canyons, and towering spires! It’s the best time for outdoor activities because the temperatures will be “just right”! Whether you spend just one day or stay for longer, there are plenty of ways to experience Arches National Park in the fall.
- Arches National Park Fall Activities
- Arches National Park Fall Hikes
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Arches National Park Photo Spots
- Arches National Park Camping
- Arches National Park Tours
You will need an Arches Timed Entry Ticket to visit the park in September and October. Timed entry tickets are required in addition to your park pass OR entrance fee. You may enter the park before 7 am or after 4 pm without a timed entry ticket.
Canyonlands National Park in the Fall
There is a reason that Canyonlands National Park in the fall is one of the most popular times of the year to visit. The temperatures are “just right” for enjoying outdoor activities at the park.
With the park broken up into sections, you will want to plan your trip out accordingly to ensure that you see everything and do everything you would like on your trip.
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky, 30 miles from Moab
- Needles Canyonlands, 75 miles from Moab
Here’s a list of things to do at Canyonlands National Park in the fall:
- Canyonlands National Park Fall Activities
- Canyonlands National Park Fall Hikes
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Canyonlands National Park Photography
- Canyonlands National Park Camping
- Canyonlands National Park Tours
Bryce Canyon National Park in the Fall
Take note that when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the fall you will want to be prepared for colder temperatures due to the high elevation. Attractions like ATVing, horseback riding, and rock climbing are beginning to wrap up during the fall months.
Be sure to pack your camera to take some of the most mesmerizing photos of the Bryce Canyon views seen along the scenic drive and the hiking trails!
- Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Activities
- Bryce Canyon National Park Fall Hikes
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- Bryce Canyon Photo Spots
- Bryce Canyon National Park Tours
- Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
Capital Reef National Park in the Fall
Capital Reef is a landscape filled with cliffs, canyons, and domes. There are so many things to do at Capitol Reef National Park in the fall!
The best thing about fall is picking fruit in the orchards!! Check the website for the Capitol Reef harvesting times for each type of fruit. Typically you’ll be able to pick peaches and pears from August to September and apples from September to October
- Capitol Reef National Park Fall Activities
- Capitol Reef National Park Fall Hikes
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Capitol Reef National Park Photography
- Capitol Reef National Park Tours
- Capitol Reef National Park Camping
Zion National Park in the Fall
It will still be crowded at Zion National Park in the fall, but at least the temperatures will be more bearable than summer!
NOTE: You will need to use the Zion National Park shuttle to access the popular Zion Canyon in the fall. Here’s a list of Zion hikes without the shuttle if you’re looking to escape the crowds a bit.
You’ll need an Angel’s Landing permit if you plan to hike beyond Scout Lookout (the chains section).
- Zion National Park Fall Activities
- Zion National Park Fall Hikes
- Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- Zion National Park Photography
- Zion National Park Tours
- Camping in Zion National Park
