Southwest Weather
 

Which month (Sept. or Oct.) regarding the weather would be the best to tour via car in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah?

Hi - How about late September - early October? The best of two months! Start in Colorado (and why not New Mexico?) in September and work your way down to Arizona in October. Don't stay on the interstates - get off on the side roads to see the best of our great American Southwest. And, really, don't miss New Mexico - even though we're Arizonans we think New Mexico is a really overlooked jewel - then again, maybe we ought to keep that quiet - there is still open space there! Hope you have a grreat trip. <BR>

Because of the great variation in elevation that you will find in those three states, you pose a difficult question. Phoenix is going to be hot in September -- 100's being fairly common even then. By October, the higher elevations in Colorado (above 9,000 feet) can be quite chilly at night. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is above 8,000 feet, should be ok in September. The canyon area of southeast Utah is going to be warm during the day in September. You are to some extent trading cooler temperatures for daylight. Bryce Canyon, however, is above 7,500 feet (up to 9,000 at the end of the road), so it is usually quite nice even in August. Just where are you planning to go??

Bob ... regarding your question of or general trip ... we plan to start in phoenix ...to Grand canyon with points in between ... to Durango, Colorado and points in between ... then to Zion and Bryce and conclude in Las Vegas. <BR> <BR>Thanks for input ... Ben

I would start in mid September and head up through Sedona and Flagstaff to the GC. I hope you already have reservations at the south rim; if you don't then you may be able to find something at the private motels south of the entrances. I am not up on those because I never stay there. The south rim is about 7,500 feet above sea level, so it will be cool about sundown and up until about 10 AM. The climate is quite dry, so that 85 degrees there is much cooler than 85 degrees in Athens, Georgia. Bryce and the North Rim should be delightful that time of year. Durango is going to be ok, as is Mesa Verde. Zion is much lower than Bryce, and can be warm in September. The last time I was there, it was Labor Day, and it was miserably hot, and crowded. I suggest trying to visit Zion before the weekend crowds descend. <BR>