Judy Jewell - Moon Best of Zion & Bryce: Make the Most of One to Three Days in the Parks

. Bryce is even spectacular after darkthe lack of light pollution makes this an excellent place to view the Milky Way.

This itinerary works best April-October.

Avoid the largest crowds and intense heat by traveling outside the July-August window.

Make reservations for lodging and dining up to a year in advance at Zion Lodge (888/297-2757; www.zionlodge.com) or the Lodge at Bryce Canyon (877/386-4383; www.brycecanyonforever.com); however, last-minute bookings are often available. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is open April-October.

Check to make sure shuttle reservations arent required at Zion.

Stuff your pack with a picnic lunch, lots of water, and snacks.

Parking may be full, especially in summer, at Zion. Pay for parking in Springdale for easy access to the free Zion-Springdale shuttle.

Navajo Loop hoodoos

The parks are both open year-round, although spring and early fall are the most pleasant times to visit. These are also the busiest seasons, and travelers may find that popular campgrounds and hotels are booked well in advance.

Spring rain can dampen trails, and late winter-early spring storms can play havoc with backcountry roads. Zion Canyon is pleasant in the early spring. Bryce Canyon, at elevations ranging 6,600-9,100 feet (2,012-2,774 m), can be snowy well into the spring, but it is pleasant during the summer when other areas of Southern Utah bake.

Day: 54-73F (12-23C)

Night: 29-43F (-2-6C)

Thunderstorms are fairly common in summer and bring the threat of flash flooding, especially in slot canyons. By July and August, its quite warm in Zion, and July is the warmest month in Bryce Canyon.

Day: 80-100F (27-38C)

Night: 57-68F (14-20C)

September and October are lovely times to visit Zion, with moderate temperatures during the day and cool nights. Be sure to pack layers, because temperatures can easily vary by 30F during the course of the day. Late October is a good time to view fall colors in Zion Canyon. Since Bryce is at a considerably higher elevation, October visitors should pack warm clothing and not be shocked to see snow.

Day: 57-78F (14-26C)

Night: 27-49F (-3-9C)

A few highways in the Zion-Bryce area close for the winter, most notably the roads around Cedar Breaks National Monument. However, winter can be a great time to visit the high country around Bryce, where cross-country skiers take to the park roads. Note that winter snows can close the southern reaches of Bryce Canyons scenic route from time to time.