When to Visit Utah’s National Parks
Planning a road trip to the Mighty 5? Here’s everything you need to know before picking your travel dates.
Nature lovers and adventure seekers agree: Utah’s five national parks are remarkable.
Known individually for their unique red rock features and geological sites, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks make up a road trip-worthy collection of outdoor destinations called Utah’s Mighty 5.
Day hikers, backpackers, campers, climbers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds can find their perfect adventure in the Mighty 5, along with dramatic red rock formations, deep canyons, stunning arches, and much more!
Best Way To Visit Utah’s Mighty 5
Whether you’re visiting one or all five national parks in Utah, the best way to explore these awe-inspiring places is in an RV. Traveling in an RV provides an easy immersion into the park’s natural wonders and beauty while having the comfort and convenience of an RV.
And Blacksford’s RV rental location in Las Vegas is the perfect place to rent a new, low-mileage RV, and kick off your Utah national park road trip adventure!
But timing is everything. Picking the right time of year for your road trip will enhance your overall experience and allow you to spend more time in nature. From dodging crowds and busy campgrounds to escaping the desert heat, here are the best times to visit each of Utah’s national parks.
Rent an RV for Your National Park Adventure in Utah!
When to Visit Utah National Parks
Spring and Fall: Fewer Crowds and Less Heat
If you like quiet trails and cooler weather, you’ll love Utah in the spring and fall. These times of year are ideal for outdoor adventure thanks to the moderate temperatures—typically ranging from 60°F to 80°F.
Crowds tend to subside, too (with Zion being an exception), as many children in the United States are in school. The tail end of fall into winter offers more solitude along with chilly temperatures and snow in higher elevations—some roads and trails may even be closed, but travelers often find it worth the peace.
Summer: Best for Kids’ Schedules
Summertime is often an easy choice for travelers, especially those with kids. And while it’s not off-limits to a great national park road trip experience, this popular travel season can introduce extremely hot temperatures in Utah.
Some days exceeding 100°F, the temperatures can often make outdoor recreation dangerous.
Paired with high visitation and bust campgrounds, visiting any of Utah’s Mighty 5 in the summertime requires a lot of patience, planning, and time in air conditioning.
Each of Utah’s five national parks has a sweet season—a time of year that’s perfect for road trippers. They vary slightly between each park, but knowing these popular dates offers a great planning framework!
Arches National Park
Just outside Moab, Utah, a popular outdoor town known for its access to off-roading, mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and more, Arches National Park offers a surreal opportunity to see some of nature’s most beautiful geologic artwork.
Timed Entry: Arches is piloting a timed entry vehicle reservation system in 2024. Check the Arches Timed Entry website for details.
Timing: Popular times to visit Arches National Park include the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October). These months have pleasant weather, making them prime times for hiking and outdoor adventure.
Environment: Expect crowds during peak seasons, particularly at iconic spots like Delicate Arch and the Windows Section. The park can feel congested, especially in the mornings and late afternoons.
Camping: Campgrounds fill up quickly during peak seasons. There’s one campground in the park (The Devil’s Garden) and several in Moab, just south of Arches. Reservations are essential and can be made up to six months in advance.
Bryce Canyon National Park
People come from all over the world to see the remarkable hoodoo formations in Bryce Canyon National Park. The park’s remote location, far from major cities, gives it some of the most stunning night skies in the United States, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.
Timing: Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit.
Environment: Summer brings large crowds, especially along the main viewpoints like Sunrise and Sunset Points. The park can be quite busy, particularly in the afternoons. Try to time your visit around mid-late Spring or Fall to avoid crowds.
Camping: Bryce Canyon offers two campgrounds: North and Sunset. Both campgrounds within the national park tend to fill up quickly during summer. Book well in advance if you're visiting during peak season.
Canyonlands National Park
Hiking in Canyonlands National Park Canyonlands National Park should be on every national park adventurer’s bucket list. The park is very large and consists of four sections: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, Horseshoe Canyon, and the Maze.
Timing: Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are the most popular times to visit Canyonlands, especially the Island in the Sky district, which offers spectacular views over the canyons.
Environment: Canyonlands is generally less crowded than Arches, but the Island in the Sky district can see many visitors during peak seasons due to its proximity to Moab. The Needles and Maze districts are more remote and less crowded year-round.
Camping: The Island in the Sky Willow Flat Campground is first-come/first-served and can fill up quickly during peak seasons. The Needles Campground is also popular, so early arrival is always recommended.
Capitol Reef National Park
Road trippers often overlook the white sandstone domes, diverse canyon walls, and scenic hiking trails in Capitol Reef National Park, making it an excellent place to seek solitude in the quiet seasons.
Timing: Capitol Reef is busiest in spring (March to May) and fall (September to October).
Environment: Even during peak seasons, Capitol Reef is one of the least crowded of Utah’s national parks.
Camping: Reservations are highly recommended at Fruita Campground from March through October. During the off-season, it’s first-come/first-served, and often less crowded. Capitol Reef also has two first-come/first-served primitive campgrounds.
Zion National Park
From hiking Angels Landing to canyoneering in Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park is a treasure trove of outdoor adventure experiences. With so many exciting and iconic sites, it’s no wonder Zion is Utah’s most visited national park.
Timing: Peak visitation hits during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These seasons offer the best weather for exploring the park's many trails.
Permits: All Angels Landing hikers are required to have a permit. Check the Angel’s Landing Permit page for more information.
Environment: Expect crowds in the spring and fall, especially in the main canyon around popular trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows. The park operates a shuttle system to manage traffic, but be prepared for long lines.
Camping: The Watchman Campground is popular and fills up quickly during peak seasons. Reservations are essential and can be made up to six months in advance. Note: In 2024, the South Campground is closed for construction.
Start Planning Your Mighty 5 Road Trip!
Whether you’re planning a summer trip while the kids are out of school or ready to take on the quiet chill of winter, Utah’s national parks offer four seasons of adventure.
Plus, when you rent an RV from Blacksford, you can take on any season: With premium heating and air conditioning systems, you’ll sleep comfortably and start each day ready to explore.