Southern Utah NP
 

We're just starting looking at a vacation for next year and would like to do the National Parks in Utah. When is the best time of year to go without it being really cold or hot (don't have to worry about kid's schedules) and where is the best place to fly into? Thanks.

This depends on which parks you want to go to. Go to http://www.nps.gov/applications/park...tate.cfm?st=ut and take a look at them. It's probably easiest to fly into Las Vegas (or Salt Lake City). As for temps, spring or fall are best, but you can check the temps at each park on their webpages (click on an individual park, go to "Plan your visit" and click on the Weather/Climate link. Most of them will have a chart with temps by month.

From experience, I would say October or May, and fly into Vegas (if you're going to Bryce & Zion). I am not sure if Salt Lake City is any closer, but Vegas flights and car rental would be cheaper.

Bryce and Zion have such different temperatures that you will have to prepare for both cold and hot. Last time I went (April a few yrs back), Zion was 80 degrees and Bryce had a blizzard & the trails were iced over.

We've done 2 trips during Sept (one early and one late in the month). Anytime after Labor Day and the crowds are much smaller since the kids all are back in school. You'll miss the summer heat but get in before the weather turns cold.

If you want to see all of the parks, you might try to arrange an open jaw flight starting in SLC and flying out of Vegas (or visa-versa). I like the parks in early May or early October.

I agree that May and October will probaby be the best time.

There are a lot of National Parks in Utah & spread all over the state. How much time do you have for this trip?

Utahtea

We were in Utah during the first two weeks in September; perfect weather. Be sure to visit Capitol Reef NP. Loved it!