Thanks, Ben. All of these hikes are very much worth doing and I’m planning to expand this story soon, adding a couple of hikes I took in May, the Fairyland Loop in Bryce Canyon, which is really nice, and the Navajo Knobs Trail in Capitol Reef, which is unquestionably one of the best hikes not just in Utah but in all of the National Park System. Watch for those.

To answer your question, late August will be very hot throughout the Southwest. Bryce is higher and cooler and by choosing the right day (based on the forecast) and getting early starts hiking (around sunrise or not long after) to take advantage of the coolest times of day, plus carrying plenty of water and food and protecting yourself from the sun, you could safely hike there in late summer. Capitol Reef is also higher in elevation, though not quite as high as Bryce.

In Zion Canyon, which is lower in elevation, the average high will be in the 90s in late August, but mornings are cooler. The Kolob Canyons area of Zion is at higher elevation and usually several degrees cooler than Zion Canyon.

So, with the right planning and preparation, hiking in these parks isn’t necessarily dangerous. But if you’re not prepared and your hike stretches beyond late morning or into afternoon, and you haven’t brought enough water and are moving slowly, yea, it definitely could be dangerous. I’d say you should plan on finishing any hikes by mid-morning or lunchtime.

I hope that helps. Have fun and stay safe.

I enjoyed your article and definitely hitting up some of these trails, including landing a permit and hitting Angels Landing. Unfortunately, we are heading there at the end of August. We are experienced day hikers but never been to Utah. What can we expect in regards to weather (how hot?). Is it a dangerous heat or manageable with proper hydration..etc? In the little research I’ve done so far, it seems to be a little cooler at Zion and Bryce than the other three. What’s your opinion on that?

Thanks,
Ben

Hi Kitty,

Mid-March can be a great time to hike in southern Utah’s national parks, though it is kind of early season, so you could also see cold rain or snow flying. It depends on elevation. The hikes on this list are a good place to start and I could certainly offer other suggestions keyed to your interests in a much more in-depth way through my Custom Trip Planning, where I’d help you plan your trip and identify the hikes you’ll really enjoy.

Thanks for the question and good luck with your trip planning.

Good for you, Kathy. Get back there again as soon as you can. The Subway requires a permit. Read my story about it (linked in the description above). I’m just coming off another great trip in Canyonlands. Southern Utah is magical.

Thanks, Jay. Normally, mid-October is a prime time of year in southern Utah. Temperatures vary with elevation. Certainly check the forecast before hiking into any narrow canyons, and avoid them if there’s any chance of rain. But you should have great hiking conditions. Enjoy!

Loved reading this article. Planning to go to this area next week. Thinking of spending 4 days in the area. How is Utah in mid October?

Sincerely,

Jay Wah

Yes, it is, Tom. Got plans for spring?