Is August a good time to go to Zion National Park?
August is a great time of the year to view wildlife in Zion. Both the large and the small animals are out during this time of year for visitors to see.
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It is also scorching, with temps reaching 110ºF during July and August. My best advice for hiking Zion in the summer is to start before sunrise, take lots of water, and choose hikes that run along a stream or river. Starting your hike later in the day is also a great option.
From March through late November, access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by shuttle bus only. Private vehicles are allowed to access the Scenic Drive only when the Shuttle System is not in operation.
For the average national park explorer, late spring or early fall is the best time to visit Zion. From April to May and September to October, the weather is good, crowds are fewer, and hiking conditions are optimal.
Best Time to Go to Zion National Park to Avoid CrowdsThe least crowded months in Zion are December to February when the weather is cold. If you're looking for warmer weather with fewer crowds, consider visiting from March to April or October to November instead.
Ideally, you need two to three days to really explore Zion National Park. This will give you enough time to hike one of the longer trails such as Angels Landing or the Narrows and enjoy all the major viewpoints.
In summer the days tend to be pleasant, with daytime highs in June typically in the high 60s to low 70s (F), high 70s to low 80s in July and August, while September is similar to June.
The park shuttle bus is required to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and most of the hikes in Zion Canyon. Summer is the busiest time to visit Zion. Be prepared to share the park with around a half million other people each month.
The distance from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is roughly 160 miles (257 kilometers). The drive typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours. Bryce Canyon National Park is quite a bit further — 260 mi (418 km) from Las Vegas. You'd cover that distance in roughly 4 hours.
Zion National Park is open year-round, but about 70 percent of visitors come between April and September. If you have the flexibility, making the trip during the park's off-peak months of October through March means less crowded hiking trails and fewer view-blocking selfie sticks.
The month of August is hot and not the best time to visit Utah, especially if you want to enjoy the outdoor activities at the National and State Parks around the state.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park for Smaller CrowdsIf you have the flexibility, making the trip during the park's off-peak months of October through March means less crowded hiking trails and fewer view-blocking selfie sticks. If you're looking for a really quiet escape, January is the best time to visit.
The NPS manages the number of hikers at Angels Landing by issuing permits ahead of time. The permits are divided between the Seasonal and Day-before lotteries. During the summer season (June 1- August 31) those issued lotteries will get permits to start their hike from the Grotto Trailhead (Shuttle Stop 6):Before 9 AM.
Mid-day heat in June, July, and August relegate good hiking to mornings and late afternoons. With the longest days of the year in June, the sunrise will come very early, and the sun's light may not fully fade to dark until after 9 PM.
One of the important differences between Bryce Canyon and Zion is that Bryce is at significantly higher elevation than Zion. In fact, Bryce has areas that are as much as 5,000 feet higher in elevation than Zion. This means that Bryce is significantly colder—and snowier—than Zion for a significant portion of the year.
August in Bryce Canyon is typically very pleasant with the exception of possible afternoon thunderstorms. The average high is 77 and the average low is 50 degrees Fahrenheit (25/10 degrees Celsius). August averages 12 days of thunderstorms per month.
Bryce Canyon National Park in Spring and Fall: April and October. These are probably the best months to visit the park if you're looking for a quiet, reflective experience with mild weather.
You could do this Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip in a weekend, though a full three or four days is ideal if you plan to hike. To keep it short, devote about half a day to see the main lookouts at Bryce Canyon and hike a part of the Rim Trail or the Navajo Loop.
In many national parks, staying inside the park is important. At Zion, staying outside the park might actually be a little better. Don't worry too much. This is one of those happy situations where both choices are very good.
Best Time of Year to Visit Zion and Bryce CanyonFrom April to October, the weather is warm, perfect for hiking. But crowds flock to these parks in the summer. To avoid crowds, it's best to visit in either spring or fall. The best months in Zion and Bryce Canyon are April, May, September, and October.
The closest airport to Zion National Park is in St. George, Utah – just 45 minutes from Zion National Park. The St.George Regional Airport is the nearest airport both in proximity and time.