Autumn in Cedar Breaks Photograph by Nick Jorgensen

If you were to pose the question, "When is the best time to visit Zion National Park?" Many might be tempted to answer, "Even a bad day in Zion is better than a good day anywhere else." However, the frequent Zion visitor would probably say that fall is the most wonderful time of year in Zion and the surrounding area.

In years gone by, it was one of the best kept secrets. Labor Day signaled the end of the tourist season and Zion Lodge closed up on October 1st. But that is no longer true... the secret is out. September is beautiful and October is even better. Sometimes the glorious weather lingers until Thanksgiving. As a result of the enormous elevation change in the park, from 3,666 feet at Coal Pits Wash to 8,726 feet at Horse Ranch Mountain, it is possible to enjoy fall for months!

You might start the season visiting our nearby sister park, Cedar Breaks National Monument. At over 10,000 feet, the foliage starts changing early and the resulting color is a great compliment to the alpine meadows and the red rock amphitheater. While there, check out the Monument's "Star Parties." The beautiful night sky is another thing you won't want to miss at Cedar Breaks National Monument.

While it is starting to get a little chilly at Cedar Breaks, September is still warm in Zion. Take advantage of the last Zion Narrows Service Project on September 10th. The water level is low in the Virgin River and it is a great time to see the majestic Zion Narrows.

Fit hikers will enjoy a vigorous day, October 14, 2011, doing the "Rim to Floor" hike. Class members will hike the East Rim Trail down to the canyon floor at Weeping Rock. Class is limited to 8 participants, so register early for this enjoyable 8-mile hike.

Possibly our most popular and exciting course of the year, Fall Foliage Photography, is October 30-November 1, 2011. Learn great techniques for capturing Zion's beautiful landscape highlighted in autumn colors. Class size is limited.

As an extra bonus, Zion Canyon Field Institute is offering workshops and demonstrations in conjunction with the "Zion National Park Plein Air Art Event." Click here to see the great art events.

For a full list of fall Field Institute courses, click here.

Office Administrator Karolee Dennett gets extra busy this time of year as interested visitors call to inquire about the best time to catch fall colors in the park. Our best educated guess is the east side of the park peaks the 2nd and 3rd week of October while the Cottonwoods in Zion Canyon are brilliant the 1st and 2nd week of November. With the volume of rain we have seen this water year we have high hopes for a spectacular autumn. Hope you can join us this year.