Visiting Utah National Parks in the Spring
Are you planning a trip to Utah National Parks in the spring? As you add places to visit in Utah to your bucket list, visiting the national parks is a must!
Spring in Utah is one of the best times of the year to visit the National Parks. The temperatures are starting to be warmer throughout the day and the nighttime temperatures are not so cold.
Although the crowds start to increase compared to visiting a Utah National Park in the winter, you will still see some iconic views and have some great weather with plenty of things to do and see.
Check out our handy Utah National Park Road trip itinerary to help you 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!
Here’s our guide to enjoying Utah National Parks in the spring: what to pack, spring weather and things to do for all five parks!
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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!
Spring Weather in Utah
Spring weather in Southern Utah is perfect for exploring the National Parks. While visiting you will see warmer days, but with nighttime temperatures still getting fairly cool. You might see an occasional rainstorm, but nothing that will prevent you from exploring.
In Central Utah (near Bryce Canyon) you will find temperatures around 50 degrees Farenheit on average as the highs with temperatures dropping all the way down to around 21 degrees Fahrenheit.
By the time May rolls around you will see averages rise to around 77 degrees and lows around 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
In Southern Utah, you will find warmer temperatures in the Spring with highs in the 60s in early March and lows dipping down to the mid-30s.
Once May hits the highs vary from 82 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit depending on which part of Southern Utah you are visiting. Lows will vary between the high 40s and the low 50s.
Be sure you know the expected weather and temperatures for the parks you’ll visit during the spring months:
- Arches National Park weather
- Bryce Canyon National Park weather
- Canyonlands National Park weather
- Capitol Reef National Park weather
- Zion National Park weather
Utah National Parks in the Spring
Looking for US National Park vacation ideas? Add the five national parks in Utah to your list!
Visiting Utah National Parks in the spring is a great time to go because the weather is so nice for outdoor fun!
When you’re trying to decide the best time to visit Utah National Parks, remember that spring begins the busy season for the parks in Utah. Between March and October the roads, hiking trails and parking lots typically fill to capacity.
If you can, avoid the holidays around Easter, spring break and Memorial Day. Those times are especially busy!
Arches National Park in the Spring
You’ll find perfect temperatures for hiking, exploring, and taking pictures when you visit Arches National Park in the spring.
Averages will hover around 64 degrees Fahrenheit in March with lows around 35 degrees. By the time May comes around you will find highs in the 80s with lows in the 50s.
While visiting you will want to go and explore many of the Arches National Park hiking trails. Whether you are looking for an easy hike that is 15 minutes or an all day hike there is a trail perfect for you.
The great thing about this time of year is that all the trails that were wet and icy in the winter are now clear to explore.
Check out all the fun things to do at Arches National Park
- 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
PLEASE NOTE: Arches will be doing 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.
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 National Park in the Spring
There is a reason that Canyonlands National Park in the spring is one of the most popular times of the year to visit.
The temperatures during the day range from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees and lows average between 30 degrees and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
The two popular districts to visit are:
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky, 30 miles from Moab
- Needles Canyonlands, 75 miles from Moab
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles
Activities and things to do at Canyonlands National Park:
- 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 National Park in the Spring
When you’re visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the spring you will want to be prepared for just about any weather. It is not unusual to have nights below freezing all the way through May. During the spring you may even still see snowstorms on your visit. For this reason, you will want to dress and plan accordingly.
Visiting Bryce Canyon in the spring still means fewer crowds which allows you to see most of the canyons and trails without waiting for long lines of people.
Attractions like ATVing, horseback riding, and rock climbing are beginning to open up during the spring months.
Of course, you will want to bring your camera and take photos of the most mesmerizing Bryce Canyon views as well as hike the beautiful trails while visiting.
With so many things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park, you are guaranteed to have an incredible experience 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 National Park in the Spring
Capital Reef is known as the hidden treasure that has all kinds of cliffs, canyons, and domes. With over 100 miles of adventure in the park, there is something for everyone at Capitol Reef National Park in the spring.
While visiting in the early part of the Spring you can expect highs around 58 degrees Fahrenheit with the lows dipping to around 34 degrees.
By May temperatures will be in the mid-70s and lows in the high 50s. With the park covering so much area and elevation, the temperatures can vary within the park.
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 National Park in the Spring
Moderate temperatures is the reason why Zion National Park in the Spring is a great time to go! Temperatures in Zion in early spring will hover in the 60s and will be as high as the 80s by late Spring. Lows will be around mid-30s in the early spring months and will rise to the low 50s by the later Spring months.
While visiting in the spring you will want to take the time to explore the Zion National Park Hikes. The shuttle will be running, so you can’t drive your car into Zion Canyon. Here’s a handy list of Zion Hikes without the shuttle.
Angels Landing pilot program begins April 1, 2022. On and after April 1, 2022, hikers going to Angels Landing will need a permit. The National Park Service (NPS) will issue permits using online lotteries at Recreation.gov.
And of course explore all four Zion National Park Scenic Drives to take in and photograph all the scenic views that are all around you.
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
