Summer is coming to an end, and the fall season is on its way to Southern Utah. If you’ve only ever visited Zion National Park and Southern Utah during the summer months, there are some things about the fall season that you should know. For instance, many park facilities, including the shuttle buses and the visitor centers, adjust their hours when fall arrives. This might mean that you’ll need to do a little more planning if you’re going to be camping near Zion this time of year.
But don’t let these changes scare you. Why? Because fall might just be the best season for glamping in national parks like Zion.
Keep reading to learn a few reasons why, and how to start planning your own glamorous camping adventure at Zion Wildflower Resort this fall.
Temperatures are Dropping
During the summer months, it’s not unusual for temperatures to top 100 degrees in Southern Utah. If you were planning to do some traditional camping near Zion, this could be a real problem. Of course, every glamping tent at Zion Wildflower comes equipped with air conditioning or a cooling unit, so those triple digit temps won’t impact your ability to get a great night’s sleep.
But those high temperatures might impact other things, like your ability to safely and comfortably enjoy some of Zion’s trails, like the famous Angels Landing. As September and October wear on, temperatures in the region begin to fall. In September, the average daily high is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. But by October, the average has dropped to a comfortable 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
These cooler temperatures are perfect for hiking, especially if you want to take on more strenuous trails like Angels Landing or The Narrows. If you plan to do some hiking, be sure to dress in layers. Those comfortable daytime temps can get a bit too cool early in the morning or in the early evening. They’re also perfect for cozying up beside a campfire during your glamorous camping experience.
Crowds Begin to Disappear
Labor Day Weekend marks the last of the busy holiday weekends in Zion. While Thanksgiving and any warm fall holidays will draw more people than usual back into the park, for the most part, this time of year sees far fewer crowds than during the summer months.
If you really want to have the trails to yourself, plan your visit for late fall. On average, about half the number of visitors enter the park during the month of November than during September. And September sees about 200,000 fewer guests than July. If you are visiting during the early fall, head to one of the park’s less-visited trails and areas, like Kolob Canyon, to avoid those still-thinning crowds.
Another great way to get away from the crowds any time of year is to opt for luxury camping near Zion. Zion Wildflower’s spacious property is the perfect spot to relax after a long day of hiking and exploring, no matter the time of year. Whether you book our Zion park cabins or a glamping tent, our resort offers a quiet oasis even during the busy summer months.
The Region Comes Alive With Color
When fall officially begins, millions of people flock to state and national parks in New England and throughout the Midwest to take in the colorful scenery as the leaves change. But did you know that you can take in equally stunning views right here in Utah?
While it may be considered a desert state, Utah is home to a variety of deciduous trees that shed their leaves each fall. And before they do, they erupt in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Framed against the backdrop of red sandstone cliffs and mixing with deep green evergreen trees, your favorite Utah destinations look completely different this time of year.
Zion is no exception. From mid-September to early-October, give or take a week or two depending on the year’s weather, the park’s deciduous trees begin to change. This is a great time to hike high up on Angels Landing to look down on the beautiful colors. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take a drive through the park and along surrounding roads to see the colors as well. Glamping in national parks like Zion is the best way to enjoy the incredible views this time of year.
Glamping in National Parks in the Fall
With cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and some stunning displays of color, fall is definitely one of the best seasons for glamping in national parks.
If you’re thinking about planning your own glamorous camping experience, Zion Wildflower Resort is the perfect destination. We offer a wide variety of lodging options to choose from. Whether you want a slightly more rustic glamping tent or a cozy ZIon park cabin, you’ll find it all at our resort. Book your stay today to see for yourself what makes fall a great season to visit Southern Utah.
