We'll be touring Zion and Bryce and Grand Canyon, north rim at the end of September. Would appreciate recommendations on whether to take cold weather clothes, e.g. corduroys in addition to jean for hiking. I don't want to load our suitcase with "heavies" if we don't really need them; on the other hand, I hate being cold. Thank you. (Any other tips also much appreciated; this will be our first visit out that way.)

By touring, do you mean hiking? If you are hiking at different altitudes I'd suggest 2 or 3 layers that you can take off easily, such as polypropylene thin long underwear (top & bottom) thin turtleneck (silk or poly one) and a polartec pullover/cardigan. Concerning bottoms, I'd take the pants that can zip off into shorts and of course a pair of gaiters if the weather gets wet and of course a great pair of hiking boots like Vasque. My great advice to you is never wear cotton if you want to feel warm if its cool outside, cotton never wicks moisture away from your skin (sweat) like poly blends, light wool or silk.

It will probably still be warm to hot in Zion, cool to warm in Bryce and the Grand Canyon because of the elevations. Days will be warmer with cool to cold nights.

You might incounter a thunderstorm or too, but you can purchase cheap rain slicks in the area if needed.

Bring layers. Short sleeve, light weight long sleeves and a couple heavy sweaters or sweatshirts. I'd pack at least one pair of shorts for Zion. I always wear jeans when it's cold but put a pair of thermal underwear on if it's really cold.

Unless you are going to do some really serious hiking you won't have to bring hiking boots. I wear my reebok walking shoes on hikes like the Navajo - Queen's Garden loop in Bryce and the Emeral Pools in Zion. If you are going to go down into the Grand Canyon then I would bring hiking boots.

Utahtea

Try the weather feature and figure it out.

Poss,
We'll be there at that time too and have been following the weather closely. Looks like Zion will be hot - 80's & 90's even. We're skipping Bryce this time to spend more time in Capitol Reef, but it will be much cooler than Zion so you may need warmer clothes there. Also for the Grand Canyon. We can't wait to get there! Have a great trip!

You can make your own decisions as to what to wear based on this information.

Here's a link to the average temps. at Springdale (Zion) for Sept.:

http://www.weather.com/weather/clima...1?climoMonth=9

and for Bryce:

http://www.weather.com/weather/clima...0?climoMonth=9

and for the Grand Canyon (south rim):

http://www.weather.com/weather/clima...8?climoMonth=9

As you can see, it is still pretty warm except at night. Make sure you bring sun screen and hats to block the UV...the sun is very intense in the west. Have a great trip!