Utah National Parks

[happycamper1942]

We want to visit Utah in 2014 and are trying to determine when to go. Most of the trip reports I have found on various websites seem to be from trips in the fall, i.e. September and October, but it would be more convenient for us to go in late spring.
We want to have reasonable weather, we don't mind cool nights but would like to be clear of snow. Has anyone gone in spring, or have any suggestions?
Thanks

[happycamper1942]

Thank you all for the advice. We will probably go in April.

[MKish]

We went last spring and it was perfect. There was a little snow on the ground at Bryce but it wasn't too cold and the hoodoos are pretty when dusted. Cedar Breaks was closed though.

You'll still need reservations for Zion!

[Francesca_Knowl]

pando2 wrote:

Francesca Knowles wrote:
No advice whatever to offer, Pando2, but I just have to ask:

Is your screen name in honor of the famous "heaviest organism on earth" aspen by the same name in Utah, and will you be visiting it on your trip?

A nice thought but not as complicated as that. My name is Peter and my wife's is Olwyn, hence P and O

Oh...well you oughta check it out while you're there, anyway.

One ancient, living plant that covers many acres.... one of the biggest organisms on earth!

[happycamper1942]

Francesca Knowles wrote:
No advice whatever to offer, Pando2, but I just have to ask:

Is your screen name in honor of the famous "heaviest organism on earth" aspen by the same name in Utah, and will you be visiting it on your trip?

A nice thought but not as complicated as that. My name is Peter and my wife's is Olwyn, hence P and O

[LewBob]

Mike's right to mention the gnats, "cedar" gnats can be vicious in the spring in areas where juniper trees are common. Since we live nearby, we rarely visit our favorite area, the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, in the spring. Less likely to encounter them in the fall. That said, any time in Utah's canyons is a good time.

[exhaustipated]

Definitely stay far away from Moab between April 12th through April 20th of next year during the Moab Easter Jeep Safari event. More than likely you will not find a place to camp and you will encounter hundreds if not a thousand or more people during that time. Spend some time at Bryce or Zion or maybe even Canyonlands. You might want to check out and see Monument Valley and stay at Goulding's.

[Dome]

I go to Moab every spring, April is good but by mid May it can be very HOT. You should look up the average weather numbers on one of the weather app. You can learn a lot information there.

[kohldad]

It depends on where you want to visit. In April, you can always find comfortable temps if you are flexible in your plans and can change the elevation. Canyonlands if there is a late cold snap, Bryce if there is an early heat wave or some place in between.

Just watch out for the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab unless you like off-roading and crowds.

[FreeLanceing]

I've gone in april. I thought it was nice, a little cool but nice. I did not have problems with bugs and there were not many tourists. A few buses of asian people was about it. There was still some snow in the draws and shadows but most was gone. My son went in June and it was hot and busy.

[Mello_Mike]

Spring is fine in Utah, but you have to be careful of the knats and "no-see-ums." Make sure you bring deet along with you if you plan on hiking or seeing any sights on foot.

[Francesca_Knowl]

No advice whatever to offer, Pando2, but I just have to ask:

Is your screen name in honor of the famous "heaviest organism on earth" aspen by the same name in Utah, and will you be visiting it on your trip?