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Travel_glampers's avatar
Sep 16, 2019

Southern Utah in late June?

We are wondering how brutal southern Utah is in late June? We have been to all of the major parks there at other times of the year, and have family members who really want to see the area. Late June is our only time available. We know elevation is key to temperature, and think Bryce Canyon would probably be fine. We are seeking advice on whether this can be an enjoyable trip, and what specific parks/areas can be comfortable temperature-wise. We are okay into the lower 90's, but hate the thought of much higher temps. Mainly, we would be sightseeing, driving, and taking short hikes. Would driving Route 12 then be pleasant or too hot? What about Capitol Reef? We are planning to go to Yellowstone prior to Utah to avoid the crowds there, and want to see Colorado after we leave Utah. We will be towing a fifth wheel. Please give us your recommendations and suggestions on whether this area can be enjoyable then. Thanks.

11 Replies

  • I have been out there all times during the year including every month of summer many times. And I don't mean this to sound flippant but it depends on the temp that year. Last year we were in Escalante, Zion Bryce and Capital Reef. Bryce was nice, Zion and Escalante were quite warm in the high 90's and low 100's. This year it was sub 90 in Escalante et al same time period in mid June at least while we were in the area.

    If you are doing the driving from viewpoint to viewpoint, getting out and looking the heat regardless of what it is shouldn't be a real issue. Hwy 12 inside the vehicle the outside temp shouldn't matter much, not like there is a lot places to stop and walk around outside of some dedicated hiking. The area east of Bryce between there and Capital reef is warm with the exception of Boulder Mountain area where you are gaining some real elevation. In fact this past June when we were up there it was down right cool and rainy but in Torrey down lower sunny with upper 80's. For hiking I would plan morning hikes wherever possible as that can make a big difference the earlier the better. Sometimes we are on the trail by 7am or even earlier. Most of our hikes are on the longer side so we still dont get back until the heat of the day has come and sometimes gone but at least the first part of the hike is cooler. We also do a fair amount of canyoneering so in the slots it is typically cooler by 10-15 degrees which helps. Take plenty of water and drink it. A wet bandana draped over your head for periods of time or around your neck or whatever can make a nice difference in your comfort especially if there is a breeze going which certainly isn't uncommon.

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