#89 S / Utah, in October

We used to do the reverse (Tucson to Zion) in October, taking both 89 and 89A, and with a 30' fifth wheel and 30' MH towing a van (in different years, obviously).

The switchbacks on 89A can be a bit tiresome, but the views and solitude of the North Rim are well worth it. The rim "closes" October 15th, but they typically have a limited number of campsites available thru Oct 31. There's also a great Forest Service campground right in Jacob Lake that we've used allowing us to drive in/out of the Rim with the truck or van.

Thanks for the 'experienced' input! We are really starting to get excited about our upcoming Western trip!

We aren't unnerved about snow....we live where 'lake effect snow' is a fact of life for four or five months of the year...but cautious about towing a big trailer in the snow! We can (and will) wait if it's necessary....not on any iron-clad schedule!

Thanks again for the input!

I absolutely love heading down to the southern part of Utah in October. It varies of course but the days tend to be quite pleasant, the nights cool to cold. Great hiking and exploring weather, and for us, we would much rather have to use extra blankets or the furnace at night than roast in the heat.

Regarding the possibility of snow, it's possible but unlikely, and should you encounter any it will more than likely be a short lived event with little to know impact for the major roads. If you're lucky enough to be able to have flexibility in your travel plans, even Dec thru Feb are great in the Southern national parks as the snow adds a lot of beauty to the landscape. Even in the dead of winter the roads are generally cleared up within a day or so of a snowstorm.

We spent the entire month of October in Utah 3 years ago. Was beautiful weather. All five National Parks are fantastic.

Thanks for all the input and suggestions! We are really looking forward to a leisurely transit down to Tucson! We'll definitely be stopping at the National Park(s) in Utah

2gypsies wrote:
October is a perfect time for Hwy 89 in Utah to Arizona. We've done it many times from our summer travels in the north to our winter in the south. We never had snow. We stopped at the national parks over and over again...never tire of them. Enjoy your trip.

+2 But I've been in snow (not a lot, but enough) at Panguitch and Flag in October!

October is a perfect time for Hwy 89 in Utah to Arizona. We've done it many times from our summer travels in the north to our winter in the south. We never had snow. We stopped at the national parks over and over again...never tire of them. Enjoy your trip.

Freak deal if you get snow in October. I'd be more worried about getting 2 flat tires at the same time.
We ride Moab in October, and sweat during the day. We ran a space heater in a tent trailer two years ago, nothing last year.

I-70 from Sevier to Kanab is a good road. It has its share of twists and rollers, but do not hesitate to take this route. You aren't going to miss anything if you don't continue to I-15 and then head south.

I grew up in Page. Personally, if you aren't going to go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, just take the route through Page. There is no need to do the climb just so you can turn at Jacob Lake and head down the switchbacks with a big trailer; that would just be a waste of time and fuel. Besides, the 89A from House Rock Valley Rd to the river is shoulder-less and not the smoothest stretch of pavement. In a car/truck/bike sure, great alternate with some good views, but not running heavy.

Will be there in late Sept and even if it snows these are US highways... they will get plowed if necessary so in a day you will be good to go.