gnomemom

Hi Everyone!

Getting close to time to book our trip. We were originally planning for Memorial Day, 2014. Now, I'm wondering if July would be better weather than early June? What about crowds? Are summer crowds pretty equal for June vs. July?

Thoughts? Opinions?

Thank you!

Bobmrg

Two suggestions, pending answers from locals: www.weatherbase.com for historical data and www.wunderground.com to just explore. You might also check the National Park Service web sites for each park. It will be a heck of a lot hotter in July than June no matter what.

Crowds are a fact of life these days...you will spend a lot of time driving the south rim of Grand Canyon just looking for a parking place.

Myer

I've been there in late May and mid-September. Excellent weather. July is hot and monsoon season.

When I've been there there's always been a fair number of people. Not crowds really.

spirobulldog

I would say Mid May would be the best time. I've been there several time over Memorial Day weekend. Crowds haven't been that bad(maybe a bit at Zion, but the shuttle make that easier as no traffic). Earlier the better, IMOP. Even early May.

You are very smart to plan a year in advance and get exactly what you want. FWIW, I like the cabins at Bryce Lodge and Zion Lodge best.

gnomemom

Thanks... I did check the park web-sites for their weather charts. I think we're going to try to swing June rather than July. I imagine 4 weeks does make a difference.

J62

I know many people recommend staying IN the park at Zion - at the Lodge. I'm of a different opinion. Since the town of Springdale is so close by I think you are equally wise to stay there. Here's why.

- Hotels have pools and hot tubs. Great way to cool down and relax after a day's hiking!

- many hotels have suites with kitchenettes, or a least a fridge. Makes for a quick & cheap breakfast & packing a lunch to carry with you

- Many dining options in town, plus several food markets to get groceries.

Yes, you have to take the shuttle into the park, but it's not that big a deal once a day.

gogogriff

BIG. June is cooler and more manageable than July (which I would just take off the table--and I live here!), May cooler and quite a bit less crowded than June.

I agree with J62 about staying in Springdale. We like to wander the street--one main road with everything, plus there are fun concerts there in the summer at the outdoor OC Tanner Ampitheater with the red cliffs of Zion as back drop.

http://www.dixie.edu/tanner/schedule/index.html