My huband and I are interested in traveling to Bryce canyon and zion Nat'l park in October. Does any one know what the weather is like in mid October? Are motels/hotels open?

I was at Zion and Bryce over 4 days in middle of last October. Never wore a jacket or long sleeved shirt. It was mild at Zion, wore shorts/capris and T shirts. Swam in the hotel pool (Flannigans, which we loved, had one of the two separate units in the back w/lots of room and w/private porch. Bryce was very warm; we took alot of water on the hikes there.
All the hotels we saw in Springfield and were open, and we stopped at Ruby's at Bryce.

I have to agree with EMD about Flannigans. We stayed there three nights last October and it was one of the best hotels we had during a three week trip. We had a second floor unit opposite the restaurant, and it was more like a suite than just a room with a king size bed. I doubt if you will find a more comfortable bed.

I forgot to include that the free bus to Zion stops across the street, and lets you off next to the hotel on the return trip. It was a pleasure not to be involved in looking for a parking place in the park.

If you are a senior, ask for the discount.

oct. sports some of utah's best weather warm days and cool nights. but not cold.

The weather in Zion is likely to be as described in previous posts. The weather at Bryce is more of a question mark. It could be, as described, warm in the daytime and cool at night. However, Bryce is at a much higher elevation than Zion and it could be anything from warm to cool to cold. I'd be prepared with a moderate jacket, hat, gloves, and light rain gear.

I've been there in mid-October when you could freeze your <you choose> off.

When we were visiting Bryce canyon we stayed in Hatch. We made long hikes in the canyon and it was hot (Sept.)but in the morning I had to scrape the ice from the car windows. Paul

tovarich: Why did you stay in Hatch? I used to live there and I loved it but it is a fairly long drive into Bryce Canyon and there are much closer places to stay.

Do you remember the pink cliffs east of town at sunset? I still think they are among the most pretty sights I have ever seen.

Just returned from both parks. Zion was in 80s during daytime; while Bryce had a high in low 70s it was already in upper 20s first thing in the morning. Did not hit 60s until after 11 am.