Forum Discussion

terry_thiessen's avatar
Jun 27, 2014

Se utah in July

Planning on spending a few,weeks in se utah starting in July through August .i know it will be hot but does it cool down at night . We plan on camping off grid. Would like to hear about your experience and what to expect. Appreciate any information. Thanks
  • Thanks a lot knew I would get some good information. Hadn't thought about a 12 volt fan or the wet towels will add to my list of things to buy and do.
  • Can be variable. We were at Canyonlands NP in June, went hiking before noon, huddled in the shade in the afternoons; it usually cooled off in the evening but takes a while because of the heat in the rocks. I recall a couple of hot nights and one really bad sand/windstorm.

    Try to position your trailer so it's in the shade in the afternoon.

    Also might dry an evaporative cooler with a small fan if lots of water is available. The air's so dry there, water easily evaporates and cools down the surroundings. Maybe just a bunch of towels soaked in water and hung up would help.
  • we just got back mid- June. It was hot during the day, but a little shade makes a huge difference in the afternoon. We stayed at Goose Island, right on the Colorado River, NE of moab. There is a HUGE cliff that shades the campground from about 4 on. It ain't cool but it's bearable at night with a little 12v fan. If you get a chance and have a vehicle that can go offroad, don't miss Schafer Trail
  • Yes, it cools after dark. I recall camping at Devil's Garden (no hookups) in Arches NP in August when it was well over 100 late afternoon/early evening, but we had no trouble sleeping as it cooled. I'd recommend a little 12-volt circulating van to move the air around.
  • Hey me too but I'll be starting in Moab and working my way down to Zion.
    Yea, it will cool down to about 90 ;). Given the high elevation it does cool down considerably after sunset and is quite comfortable IMHO.

    Last time there (yrs ago) I camped off grid and put more miles on dirt than pavement. No issues with heat or the few people I ran across, had a blast. Be aware of sudden thunderstorms and flash floods as August is monsoon season. Don't camp in a wash. I suffered from hyperthermia due to miscalculation of water on one slot canyon hike. Carry lots of water.