isabel

I'm trying to figure out what is sensible clothing and footwear for an August trip to the national parks of the southwest (Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon north rim).

First - guide books and official park sites 'recommend' hiking boots with ankle support but I see so many photos of people hiking with what look like regular running shoes - and even sandals (Teva type). If I only plan to do the moderate hikes, and don't generally have ankle issues, are these enough. Seems like they'd be cooler.

Second - I see photos of people wearing shorts. Now don't laugh - but years ago I was on an archaeological dig in Colorado one summer and we had to wear jeans and boots due to the rattlesnake threat. Even though it was a hundred degrees and we were wearing bikini tops we had to have our legs and feet completely covered. Don't they have snakes in Utah ( I know they do) - so how is it safe to wear shorts?

Any other suggestions?

lgott

It's very unlikely you'll encounter a rattlesnake on any moderate hike in the three named parks. In August, you should mostly be worried about dehydration and heat stroke.

I would definitely wear shorts for hiking. Having said that, early mornings and late evenings will be chilly at GCN and Bryce (possibly in the forties). Long pants are best then -- although when hiking I still wear shorts at those temperatures, knowing that it will get hotter as the day goes on, and as you hike down into GCN or Bryce.

Shoes are a trickier topic. The answer depends in large part on the length of your hikes, and which hikes you plan to take. For moderate hikes at the three parks mentioned, I'd wear low rise, light weight hiking shoes. You would probably do fine with sturdy running shoes, but some trails are rough or rocky, and you could end up a bit foot sore. I'd only wear hiking boots with ankle support if I were carrying a heavy pack on longer hikes (e.g., to the bottom of the Grand Canyon).

A final note: at Zion, the heat is likely to be brutal. Be prepared!

treplow

Igot gives you good advise. You are getting new clothing, get the lightweight cargo pants that have zippers to convert long-pants to shorts.

Shoes, I think Igot sums it up very nicely

Snakes: In the Spring and Summer, I usually check for snakes and scorpions before sitting on a rock or a picnic table. Never was bothered by one of these critters, but couple of friends were.

HappyTrvlr

The temperature at the bottom of Bryce will be much warmer, i.e. hotter, than at the top. Remember that you'll be at high altitude. Water is critical.

elnap29

We've been many, many times and have never seen a snake. There is one hiking trail near the Visitor Center at Zion that did have a rattlesnake warning sign. I opted not to take that hike, but my DH did and never saw a snake. So the snakes are there, but you are not so likely to see any, particularly in the main canyon where there are so many people.

We always hike with long pants but it is terribly hot in August, so you'll want to bring shorts. It is also monsoon season, so you might have some rain, too.

tomfuller

To clear any misconceptions any of you may have, long pants are no protection from rattlesnakes. Working in the woods in snake country I wore 8" boots and jeans. I was buzzed at a few times but never was bit. The long pants were mostly to keep my legs from getting scratched up and to keep from getting burned on any hot rocks I might encounter. Don't reach in any holes in the rocks and you should see a rattlesnake before it buzzes.
Now I wear khaki pants. If the temp gets above 100, I pour some water inside my hat and put it on.