Canyonlands Area - Spring versus Fall

[dezzouk]

Hi There,

I am long term planning to travel from the UK and do an extensive 2 week photography focused visit of the Canyonlands Area ( Island In The Sky, White Rim Trail, Needles and The Maze )... Trip would of necessity be largely camping and backpacking centric ( would rent a Jeep for the White Rim and hire an outfitter for The Maze, others would be logistically easier )...

Would be interested in your views as to best time to visit the Region between Spring and Fall... The options I am considering would be mid may to mid June versus late September to mid October...

I realise one cant control the weather but would prefer to come in a less windy / rainy time of year ( although I love cloudy skies! ) and would be very keen to avoid tangling with no-see-ums if possible... Is the Fall time frame more / less busy...

That would seem to preclude Spring for me, but very interested in your experiences and thoughts on when is the best time to visit!!

Thanks in Advance
Des

[Scott P]

Late September though mid October would be better, even though it rains more then. Still, this is a desert and it doesn't rain that much. When it does though, it can rain hard and flood.

For backpacking, late May though Mid June is usually pretty hot in Canyonlands. Temps go up and down, but near 40C (104F) is probable on at least a few days then. It's usually dry then. Gnats are a problem near water.

[dezzouk]

Late September though mid October would be better, even though it rains more then. Still, this is a desert and it doesn't rain that much. When it does though, it can rain hard and flood.

For backpacking, late May though Mid June is usually pretty hot in Canyonlands. Temps go up and down, but near 40C (104F) is probable on at least a few days then. It's usually dry then. Gnats are a problem near water.

you are right, maybe first two weeks of May might avoid gnats and heat...

[Scott P]

you are right, maybe first two weeks of May might avoid gnats and heat...

Early May can be a little hot (but usually isn't that bad), but be aware that the gnats are already out. They were already getting bad in North Wash (for example) over a week ago.