SW Utah
 

We are considering a trip to Bryce and Zion just after Memorial Day, so late May to early June. Is it too hot to go then? Of course I'm a bit far out to get accurate weather predictions, the weather in Bryce looks good but Zion looks like it could be very hot. Does anyone have any experience traveling there in eary June?

I would say go for it. Bryce is at a higher elevation, so it would be perfect. Zion could be warmer. There was still snow at Bryce when we were there Memorial Day weekend a couple of years ago.

Do your hiking early and late at Zion, if it's warm. Mornings and evenings can be cold, while afternoon could be warm or just right.

In 2007 I was there exactly then. The weather was great.

It was warm in Bryce the first day. The second I woke up to snow on the ground but it soon melted.

Zion was warm but not overly hot.

Inpark lodging is always an issue this late but if you call several times a day you should get cancellations.

You can see my photos of these trips at:
www.travelwalks.com

I'm just back from Zion and Bryce, and I definitely agree you should go!

There was also snow in Bryce last week, but not much of it. Just snow showers on two days and it didn't stick.

Temps were cool in mornings and evenings and I needed a fleece jacket and gloves, but mid day temps were mild.

Zion was warmer and as spiro said, hiking is best done in the mornings and late afternoon when it's cooler.

As Myer said, keep calling for in park reservations. When I booked online, sometime in March, Zion Lodge showed no vacancy for one of my 3 nights. But I called and was able to get a room over the phone.

For my first two nights at Zion Lodge, there was a sign at the desk showing vacancy. So the moral is, keep calling.

If you can't find in park lodging, there are many places in Springdale, just outside of Zion, and there's Ruby's Lodge just outside of Bryce.

We went to Zion over Memorial Day last year and it was warm, but not super hot. I think you'll be fine.

Lee Ann

Hurry, excellent time to go
Zion - this is spring so hiking the Narrows (Virgin River) is not possible as water flow is too great from snow melt.
Almost ditto for Subway hike in Kolob Canyon.


IF hiking Zion, start early if hiking to Angel's Landing as the trail faces the sun.
There is not serious hiking in Bryce, just a stroll down to the valley.

You should also consider visiting a very cool Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Suggest
Go to Amazon.com and do a Kindle book search for
Arches, Zion, Bryce.
Crital is page count - use their 'peek' feature .
Kindle books are cheap compared to hard cover. If you have an E-reader, you can carry them with you.

They can be read on desktop PC/Mac by downloading their app. http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.htm...cId=1000493771

Actually was there in late April and the river was pretty low, I was surprised. People were hiking the Narrows. I don't know if it was a late spring or a low runoff.

But generally just after Memorial Day is a great time to go.