Canyonlands Weather and Best Times to Visit

If you are planning extensive hiking or backpacking in Canyonlands, then spring or fall are the best times.

If you are making a brief visit to overlook the rims in the Island in the Sky District, summers are fine - but perhaps avoiding mid-day heat.

On the River District, the best time of year is summer (late spring to fall).

Temperatures can be 100+ degrees in the dry desert of the southwest - of which Canyonlnads is the very heart. But higher elevations in the Island in the Sky, and water temperatures on the River District can significantly mitigate the otherwise brutal heat.

The temperatures in spring are mild, making this a great time of year for hiking, mountain biking and four wheel driving. The Visitor Centers open in early March, which will help you get the most of your visit. However, spring comes with some varied weather, and growing crowds.

The summer is a great time to visit Canyonlands National Park as the days are longer, the evenings are warmer, and the Park is in full swing offering a variety of interpretive hiking and stargazing programs. Temperatures will likely be 100+ degrees, so be sure to have an abundance of water, you’ll also need an abundance of patience as the the crowds will be in full force.

Falls seems to make the colors of the red rock cliffs and canyon a deeper, richer hue. It’s gorgeous. The milder temperatures make Fall a nice time of year for hiking and other outdoor activities.This is a popular time of year, so the Park is still relatively busy.

Winters can be mild with an occasional dusting of snow. The Visitor Center is close during the winter, however the crowds become almost non existent and the temperatures are generally warm enough for daytime hiking.