There’s no bad time of year for visiting Zion National Park. From the long, warm days of summer to the lack of crowds in the winter, to the mild shoulder seasons, the park is truly a year-round destination. But if you’re planning a Zion e-bike rental during your stay, some seasons might stand out from others.
Fall is one such season. As summer comes to an end and the days get shorter, fall arrives in the park. This season is often touted as a favorite among locals, and for good reason!
Thinking about planning a visit this season? Keep reading to learn 4 reasons to visit Zion this fall.
1. Zion Sees Some Changing Fall Colors
One of the best reasons to visit Zion National Park this fall is the chance to see the changing colors. Despite being surrounded by red-rock desert landscapes, Zion itself is located in a high portion of the Colorado Plateau. This high elevation means that Zion sees all four seasons, and changing fall colors.
Because Zion features a variety of elevations, it experiences a long fall season. You can travel through the park for much of the season and see trees covered in bright yellow, orange, and red leaves somewhere in the park. Most years, the best time to see the fall colors in the park is from late September to the second week of October.
A Zion e-bike rental is a great way to experience the fall colors, especially in the Lower Canyon. Enjoy a leisurely ride and take in the vibrant colors, and stop for plenty of photo opportunities. You can also ride your e-bike into the Upper Canyon. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to arrange for transportation through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, as bikes are not allowed to ride through it.
2. Crowds are Beginning to Drop
The months of May, June, and July see the highest number of visitors to Zion National Park. In 2022, all three months experienced more than 500,000 visitors each. But come August, visitor numbers begin to drop. As kids go back to school and summer holidays come to an end, fewer tourists make their way to Zion National Park. In 2021, the month of October saw just under 470,000 visitors — a drop of more than 200,000 people!
While fall weekends will still draw visitors eager to see the changing colors in the park, they tend to not reach the crowd levels of summer. And weekdays see far fewer visitors. Whether you’re hoping to hike a popular trail or simply want to wander the park without facing crowds of other visitors, fall is a great choice. Less traffic in the park also makes for a more relaxing e-bike ride!
3. Temperatures are Dropping, Too
An e-bike ride is a great way to beat the heat during the summer in Zion. But if you’re also hoping to do some hiking, the triple-digit temperatures of June, July, and August can be a challenge for even experienced hikers.
But by late September, temperatures in the park are finally beginning to cool. The average daily high in July is 97 degrees Fahrenheit — by September, that average has dropped 10 degrees. And by October, average daily highs sit in the mid-70s, with an average low in the high 50s. Temperatures begin to dip overnight this time of year as well, which makes for cool mornings and evenings.
4. The Season is Known for Mild Weather
While dropping temperatures make for great weather for hiking, don’t expect things to cool off too quickly. One of the best things about visiting Zion any time of year is that the area tends to experience mild weather yearround. While the park does get snow and freezing temperatures, they are less common than in many surrounding areas.
This means that you’re just as likely to be able to wear short sleeves and enjoy a warm day in November or December as you are to have to bundle up for a snowy day in January. Zion also sees an average monthly rainfall of less than inch for all but January, February, and March each year. The mild weather makes Zion a great year-round destination for outdoor lovers.
Choosing the Best Season for a Zion E-Bike Rental
Ready to start planning your next Zion adventure? With its cooler temperatures, mild weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant colors, fall is definitely a contender for the best time of year for visiting the park. But there’s something to be said for visiting in the summer, spring, and winter as well!
If you’re ready to start planning your next Zion adventure, check out this article to learn more about the other seasons and what you need to know about planning a visit.