Bryce & Zion Spring or Fall
 

We're retired and considering a trip to Bryce, Zion, Arches, the Grand Canyon and possibly up to Yellowstone. I've never been to any of them. My husband has, as a child. Not a fan of heat so definitely not going in the summer. Looking for thoughts/preferences as to spring or fall.

If you want to go up to Yellowstone, you will need to go in the Fall--which is one of the best times to visit Yellowstone. Spring in the desert is beautiful, with so much in bloom. To avoid the heat, you are better off going at the end of March, beginning of April. But--Bryce can still have snow then, so adding another vote for Fall. I love the desert in the Fall--beautiful colors, cool mornings, warmer afternoons. The only dates to avoid are the third weekend in October, which is fall break for all of Utah and the parks are uber crowded. The first 2 weeks of October are amazing. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a 3-4 hour drive from Zion. Yellowstone is an 11 hour drive from Zion.

If you click on my user name, you will see trip reports for fall visits to Zion and Bryce.

I agree that fall probably works best weather wise if you want to combine the UT parks and Yellowstone in which case I'd head for Yellowstone first and then make your way south.

It does somewhat depend on what you mean by 'Spring' and 'Fall'

Big (HUGE) differences in some of the parks if you are talking about March vs. early June

Same in the Fall -- that could mean late Sept - or late Nov/early Dec.

Early Fall would be best for more of the parks than some other times.

Haven't narrowed down the time frame. Looking for recommendations. Spring could be April-June; Fall Sept.-very early Nov.

Yes by fall I was thinking September to early October. While Yellowstone roads may stay open as late as early November, weather starts to get very iffy into October. In spring most roads open in May. Any earlier and access is limited https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm

Yes, fall is best IMO. Start north in Yellowstone and work your way south. We spent the first two weeks of Oct. visiting Bryce, Zion and Arches. It was a fantastic time of year.