We are planning a 10-day trip in late July. Trying to decide between Utah (Zion, Bryce, etc) and Maine (Acadia Nat. Park, etc.). Is it too hot to hike for most of the day in July in Utah? We love beautiful scenery and hiking. We'd appreciate any advice. Thanks!

I love southern Utah, but it will be very hot and crowded in late July. You can try to beat the heat by doing shorter hikes in the morning and evening, and Bryce won't be too bad, but the average high in Zion in July is almost 100 degrees. I'd save this trip for spring or fall, when you'll avoid crowds and heat.

Maine in the summer is absolutely perfect! You may want to plan some additional activities though because I'm thinking 10 days in Acadia is a lot.

Maine.
add in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

here's your earlier post

All of my family trips to the southwest when I was a kid were in the middle of summer, and we did it all...Bryce, Zion, Arches, Mesa Verde, etc. We did tons of hiking but it is definitely a good idea to try for morning and late afternoon hikes. It is definitely doable. I grew up in rural Maine and while the actual temperatures are a little lower than the southwest, the humidity and the blackflies in high summer can be miserable. I would take the dry desert heat any day.

It really depends on what you want to do and the kind of scenery you want...arid desert with amazing rock formations or lush green mountains? Both are beautiful!