Utah in October or November...or April?

Went the first of Nov. Beautiful weather until Moab, then snow to Blanding. Cold , but sunny. South Rim was snowy and colder but never mind the weather as long as the crowds are down.

x2 on Fishlake - part of why we spend 5-7 days in the area.

Lauren wrote:
...wanted to be in Cap Reef for the aspen colors on Escalante Highway and other places again...

If you have not already found it checkout the Fishlake Scenic Byway near Lyman.

I have been to Moab in late April 10 times and once in late September. Got rain one day out of a week in the September trip but in April I have seen snow, rain, heat, and all "perfect" during a weeks visit. More "perfect" weeks that ones with bad weather. I feel that late April/May is a better time than September/October because in the spring the weather should be getting better where in the fall it will be getting worse. But it's unpredictable...

Never a bad time to visit Utah. Just more people you have to deal with during peak times.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

October, especially early October, is a GREAT time of year.

We have been to Cap Reef in later Oct and got snow and the aspen color was past. So we went there again in mid Sept --- too early. So I booked the third week in Sept at Thousand Lakes last Sept (as they fill up) and we are hoping for the right timing. We have also seen Bryce with and without snow. One never knows for sure.

But I would NOT go in November - and many places close sometime in October.

Hubby and I traveled through Southern Utah the last week in Sept. a few years ago and it was hotter than Hades, followed up with torrential rain and cold the following week. So the weather I found can be temperamental.

Lauren - That is the same time frame when we went. The colors were fabulous, no snow on Bryce then, but we had snow on the N. Rim of the Grand Canyon a week later.

I am not sure what you mean by the "canyons of Utah". It is a big state and so much to see. We are fortunate to live close and can go there often.

We also have done both you mention and, basically and ideally, you cannot go wrong in either case IMHO. (How is that for waffle'ing? :-)! )

We will be - God willing - at Capitol Reef end of Sept and Bryce first part of October this year. That, I think, is pushing it for Bryce but wanted to be in Cap Reef for the aspen colors on Escalante Highway and other places again. A DUSTING of snow at Bryce is great.

Enjoy.

robatthelake wrote:
When is the better time to tour the Canyons of Utah?

Another choice ???

We are of the group that will try to stay in the mountains through October then gradually start to head lower -- Having visited Utah in all seasons, all of which are just beautiful, the most Memorable are the times we have been there for a contrasting Snow Fall.

It is hard to describe the contrast one gets when they see the Red Rocks with a contrasting Snow. From an old post;

"While we were at Zion it was 70 at the top of Angels landing on December 20th and we had snow and 10 at Bryce on the 22nd The Hoodoos were beautiful with the sun setting in the snow, we will never forget the trip. Just watch the weather maps and enjoy. Also in December they have a great special in the hotel that includes dinner you might want to check it out "

A couple other areas, close by, that we have enjoyed in the winter;

Lake Powell
Canyon de Chelly
Window Rock
Rt 128 and 12
Sedona - Grand Canyon - South Rim

Other than the Weather when ever you choose you will likely have great memories.

BOL,