When you think of national parks to visit in the fall, you may think of parks in New England or elsewhere in the East, where the many trees turn every shade of red, yellow, and orange. But while many of the parks in the West and Southwest might not have the tree coverage of those parks, they still put on an incredible display in the Fall. This, coupled with pleasant temperatures and the already incredible landscapes, make these some of the best national parks to visit this time of year.
If you’re thinking about taking a trip this fall, Utah Luxury Tours can help. We have several Scheduled Departure Tours to choose from in September, October, and November. Or, you can book one of our Private Tours to fit your schedule and your travel group’s unique interests.
If you’re ready to start planning your fall adventure, keep reading. We’re bringing you some of the best national parks to visit in the fall.
Zion National Park
If thinking of fall in national parks conjures up images of deep forests of trees, Zion might be the place to change your mind. Zion National Park is already one of the country’s most stunning national parks. Come fall, the trees begin to change, and the yellows, reds, and oranges are even more vibrant against the red wall canyons and cliffs of the park.
If you want to experience fall in Zion, mid-October to mid-November is the best time to visit. Keep in mind that fall colors will show in the higher elevations first and make their way into the Lower Zion Canyon later in the season.
Fall isn’t just a great time to visit for the changing colors. Cooler temperatures and thinning crowds also make for a more pleasant experience in this popular park.
Grand Teton National Park
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the desert landscapes of Zion is Grand Teton National Park. The aspen trees that fill the park turn a bright yellow, set against the darker mountains and the bright blue sky, now void of the haze of summer, above.
One of the most unique things about visiting the Grand Tetons in the fall is the chance to see more wildlife than usual. Many animals native to the area, including bison, elk, and pronghorn, migrate south this time of year and pass through Grand Teton on the way to their winter grazing grounds.
Fall comes a little earlier to the Grand Tetons than it does Zion. The leaves begin to change in early September, with the season lasting through mid-October. Peak color change is usually sometime around the third week of September through the first week of October.
Grand Canyon National Park
As fall arrives in the Grand Canyon, the leaves begin to change, and hiking in the canyon becomes far more comfortable as temperatures start to dip.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the best places to enjoy the fall colors. The South Rim is largely covered in evergreen trees, which don’t see color change this time of year. The higher elevation and the winding mountain drive to the rim make for incredible views this time of year. But if you do want to experience fall at the North Rim, keep in mind that this entrance to the park closes seasonally. This year, the North Rim will close to visitors on October 15, leaving a smaller window to visit in the fall.
Like Grand Teton National Park, the Grand Canyon also sees more wildlife activity this time of year. Many animals become more active in the fall because of the cooler temperatures and their need to prepare for wintertime. Fall is also the rut time for elk and deer, making them more active.
Arches National Park
You won’t see the same amount of color change in the fall in Arches as you might in the other parks on this list. But this doesn’t make it any less worthy of a visit.
Fall is perhaps the best season to visit Arches National Park. Cooler temperatures and fewer visitors make this time of year more comfortable for hiking and taking in the sights, especially at the park’s most iconic points. The average temperatures from September to early November are usually between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows dipping to between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Choosing the Best National Parks to Visit in the Fall
From the changing colors to the cooler temperatures, fall is a great time to plan a visit to your favorite national park. Arches, Zion, the Grand Canyon, and the Grand Tetons are some of the best national parks to visit in the fall. But there are plenty of other incredible sights to see across the West and Southwest this time of year.
The best way to experience this season in your favorite park is with a trip booked through Utah Luxury Tours. In addition to visiting these well-known parks, you’ll also get the chance to experience fall in lesser-known state parks, national monuments, and other destinations.
If you’re ready to start planning your fall trip, check out our selection of Scheduled Departure Tours today.
