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Forums · RMNP

Zion/Bryce in the Fall

Discussion

7 replies
Posted by Bill Fach on August 2, 2014 at 5:00 PM
Hey folks, I have a chance to visit Zion and Bryce this fall. Dates are real flexible so would appreciate any advice on timing and locations. I will only have a week and am torn between settling on one or two parks or trying to hit Canyonlands/Capitol Reef/Arches too. We'll be working our way east after visiting our son in Los Angeles. Thanks in advance for any tips. >=))>
Posted by Bret Edge on August 2, 2014 at 8:30 PM
Don't try to fit in all of the Utah parks or all you'll do is drive. I'd focus on Bryce & Zion if I were you. Zion fall colors start in late September with aspens in the high country and extend through early November with cottonwoods in the canyon.
Posted by Phillip Noll on August 2, 2014 at 9:26 PM
For Zion, 7-10 days with Halloween in the middle usually works for me.
Posted by Paul DeCesare on August 3, 2014 at 2:13 AM
At Bryce, Bryce Point and Sunset Point provide good views that you can drive right up to. Get there by 6:30am so you have time to set up. I went to Bryce Point in Oct 2011, and right before sunrise a tour bus with 50 people pulled in, so I simply stepped over the tiny horse fence and walked right up to the edge. Most people fear heights and sure enough I had the whole view to myself.

And I didn't realize until halfway through the shoot that my ISO was at 1600 so now I have grainier images than I care for. :rolleyes:

Enjoy!
Posted by CAZ on August 4, 2014 at 8:44 AM
If cost is an issue, plan the Zion part of the trip November 1 or later. Most places in that area switch to their winter rates at the beginning of November. It's a happy coincidence that there are usually far fewer people in the area then too.
Posted by Monika Chace on August 4, 2014 at 3:34 PM
Remember that there's the mandatory shuttle in Zion through October 7am -7:30pm
Posted by Anne K. Rusk on August 4, 2014 at 6:52 PM
November in Zion is awesome. Less people, no shuttle, fall colors, better rates at lodging and much cooler temps. You can rent a dry suit and boots for the narrows without a problem. I recommend the Cable Mountain Lodge right outside the park: comfy beds and they have a microwave/mini fridge. It's an easy drive from LA (done it a couple times). Have a great time!
Posted by Bill Bean on August 10, 2014 at 9:57 PM
Very timely post. I have a business trip to St George in late October. Looks like it might be a job for the big boy camera kit.