Hello planning on hitting these 3 parks on mid September from Phoenix, AZ. I have 5 days to do it. Any weather related advice? Thanks

 

I was in Moab and did Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse state park, as well as several of the scenic byways in mid-March of this year. I took 11 days total (2 to get there, 7 days based out of Moab, and 2 days home). It is a beautiful area, and I would like to go back.

As far as weather - be prepared for anything. The week before I was there they had a pretty good snow storm, but I had great weather. Coming up from NM and AZ it was cold (mid-20s) in the higher elevations in the morning, but then near 80 by afternoon in Utah. September should be warmer in general. I dressed in layers that I could shed as the day progressed. Heated gloves and jacket liner made the difference on those cold mornings.

 

Bryce is about 8000', so easily hits freezing or below in Sept. Warms up quickly after sunrise. Just beware. Beautiful area, keep an eye on the weather.

 

The wife and I did a 2200 mile "loop" out of Clovis, NM and back thru the canyons in just after Labor Day in '07 or '08.
Definitely "cool" in the higher elevations and after the sun goes down 'till 10:00AM so plan you riding while when the sun is out.

Warm (or better still, heated) gear is a must as is rain gear.

It's better than going in July or August and if you have a chance to go to Carlsbad Caverns, you should go.
It took my years to get my wife there and she loved it.
You may or may not get to see the bats "so their thing" being it's so late in the year but I think it's worth the effort.

We're thinking about a return trip, just not sure when.

 

The one that's missing in that group is Grand Canyon North Rim if interested. Excellent scenery into and at the park.

Since in WA - any chance of leaving from Las Vegas? That would save some time (around 300 mi if compare LV to Zion v. Phoenix to Zion.)

I did enjoy seeing the Saguaros but closer to the real scenery means more fun in your 5 days.

 

Moab and Zion should be fine, if not still quite warm. Bryce is at 8000' and can be very chilly that time of year. Probably too early to hit snow in the higher elevations, but keep your eyes on the local weather.

 

Moab was a highlight of my USA trip .....awesome