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. 

utah national parks in the spring

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!

Utah National Parks packing lists
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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:

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!

Delicate Arch Utah National Park in the spring

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

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:

Mesa Arch sunrise at Canyonlands

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:

Activities and things to do at Canyonlands National Park:

Where to Stay Near Canyonlands Island in the Sky

There are no lodging facilities in the park, only camping.

Bryce Point overlook at Bryce Canyon

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. 

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon:

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:

Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef

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:

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

You definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.

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