What are the best parks to visit in Southern Utah in early/mid October? I understand that the altitudes vary, and that some can get quite cold at night. Plan is to arrive in Salt Lake City, stay a few nights in Park City, then drive South- to spend 4 nights in 2 park areas. Arches looks amazing, and have heard great things about Zion and Canyonlands. Is it too much to do in 4-5 days?

Note that this year, all Utah schools have fall break the weekend of October 20-23. It will be beyond crowded. Avoid that time period if you can. If not, make reservations now. If I had that short amount of time, I would either do Arches and Canyonlands--and stay the whole time in Moab. Or do Zion and Bryce and move from one to the other. Bryce will be colder but not bad--I have gone in mid October and we were fine in long pants/sleeves and a fleece jacket. I personally think you would get more out of the Arches/Canyonlands plan plus the drive to Moab is only 4 hours.

I totally agree with Stanton-Hyde. Either Arches and Canyonlands OR Zion and Bryce.

Arches could be quite warm, especially if it is early October. Pack warm and cool weather clothes, and bring sunscreen and plenty of water wherever you go.

I went last year in October and at the last minute packed two pair of shorts. I ended up wearing them all week long, even in Bryce.

All 5 of the national parks in Utah are great in October (Bryce will be cold by the end of the month but still wonderful). In that time frame I would chose Moab for Arches and Canyonlands, OR, Zion/Bryce. If you chose Moab you can stay there to see both parks and many other attractions in the area. If you take the second option, try to get lodging in Bryce or immediately outside at Ruby's and stay either in Springdale or the Zion Lodge for Zion. I think either option would be fine - you just have to decide which areas are more appealing to you this time and plan a return trip for the other!