Would appreciate some opinions on how busy it will be in October when we're visiting South Utah (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon). Will we need to book (some) accomodation in advance or can we take it a day at a time, which we'd prefer to do?
Another question: are mosquitoes etc a nuicance in south Utah?

Zions and Grand Canyon still see some traffic that time of year - but the others should be somewhat quiet. You shouldn't have much trouble with accomodations.

Pests shouldn't be much of a problem in October. Bryce and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon might be pretty cold in the later parts of October.

Have fun.

We were at the S. Rim of the Grand Canyon and Zion two years ago during the first week of October. It was fantastic. The weather was great and there were NO crowds!!!!

A few of the overlooks at the Grand Canyon we got off the shuttle bus and we were the only people around for a long time.

I agree with Dutch. You don't want to go to late in October. We've heard that the weather starts getting COLD.

Utahtea

October is a great time to go to avoid crowds, it is just after the busy season. I would keep it in the beginning of the month because it does get cold. Mosquito's wont be a problem in October. In fact I have lived in utah my whole life and been to southern Utah every year and don't think there has ever been a problem. I am not sure about the booking but you might be safe just taking it a day at a time, Unless there is a bike race or something. You should definitely do the Angel's Landing Hike in Zion's - It is amazing but will also scare the crap out of you if you go all of the way....

Useful answers, thank you.
We've already booked for Oct 19-31, so just have to pack some more clothes.
As for Angel's Landing Hike in Zion, I've just had a look at some photo's and it looks like a fun thing to do. Seeing as my traveling companion (my father) is only 82, I think we'll have a go at it.

Smalley,

Just remember that the N. Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed at this time of the year.

Have a good trip!

Utahtea

We visited Bryce, Zion, & Capitol Reef the week of Oct. 21-25 last year. The days were very nice, but it was quite chilly at night. Mosquitoes were not a problem, probably because it was so dry when we were there. Some places are already closed at that time of year. The parks were not crowded so I would think you could find lodging. We stayed 2 nights at Ruby's Inn just outside of Bryce. I booked through Best Western's website for a very good price. While checking in I overheard the clerk quoting a person who had walked in a much higher price than I had paid. I have noticed this same practice at other places we have stayed. It might be less expensive to plan your lodging in advance and book your reservations through the hotel websites.

Well, if your 82-year-old father makes it to the top of Angels Landing, I will feel like a real wimp. I have tried that hike twice, and have not been able to finish it. It's a good trail (except for the part where you have to hang on to the rail to avoid dropping 5,000 feet on EITHER side)--but just the visuals alone are enough to petrify me. However, I did see families with small children traipsing down like it had been a breeze--so.....good luck to you!

Me too anniejay! I got through a portion where I was having to hang onto chains, but then looked back over my shoulder, realized what would happen if I slipped and couldn't hold on and that's all she wrote. I backed back down to the level section above Walters Wiggles. So did my husband and son though they made it a bit further than I did. Our daughter and son-in-law, Fearless Fosdicks, finished it. My heros!! A couple was up there with them with back packs. Pulled out black tie garb from their back packs, and donned it for their annual Christmas card photo. How cool!!

As an aside, we do all our trips over Thanksgiving week, so have done the Grand Canyon twice then, Bryce and Zion another year, and Flagstaff and surrounds this past year. Although we live in FL, it has been very comfortably cool for us even the last week in November. It provided absolutely perfect temps for hiking in the GC. One year it was a bit icy in spots at the very top early in the morning when we set out, but by Indian Gardens we were all stripped to T-shirts, happy as larks. Our last day in Zion 2 years ago there was a dusting of snow, which would have negated any thoughts of Angels Landing, which we'd done the day before, but the rest of the trip the temps for hiking couldn't have been nicer.

Many thanks for the additional thoughts. I've had a closer look at Angel's Landing and that last 1/2 mile looks quite something. We'll see how we feel about it when we get there! If the old man does get across, I'll be sure to report back on it in November.
Found some really great photo's of the Landing, Zion in general and more on this site: www.citrusmilo.com/joe/zion/angelslanding.cfm