Backpacking Utah in july?

[jb56chevy]

You have been given lots of good advice already. I would echo Zion and vicinity in the summer, Arches, Canyonlands, the San Rafael Swell, and Moab are too hot then. If you only have a short window to do some hikes I would do day trips from a base camp. I have stayed at the top of Orderville and it was nice.

I like Orderville better than the narrows, but if you could split the narrows over two days it would be awesome. Subway is great, too. You will have to drive a bit to get there but hiking in Buckskin Gulch is about as spectacular a hike as you will ever do. You can do an out and back or pull the permit and do the overnight loop.

[Tango]

If you want to cool off there is a local haunt called Oowah lake a short drive from Moab, along the river and up, up, up (Manti La Sal Mountain Loop Rd). It is up in the Manti La Sals and is at elevation. When I was there in July there was still snow under the trees! Very nice hike there through Heidi alpine meadows and the wild flowers were in bloom! Gorgeous!

Since I am so new it won't let me post a link, just google Oowah lake. There are some tent sites up there. It was very nice and a nice break from the hot!