best time for leave colors in Zion National Park?

[GB1]

Anybody know?

Popular Photo magazine says first week in Nov, but I called Zion and the person I spoke with said 2nd to 3rd week in Oct. But it didn't seem like she really knew. Plus it depends what altitude you're at and what colors you will see.

GB

[mn shutterbug]

Every year can be different, dependent on the weather of course. Not only can the timing be different, but also the intensity of the colors. Due to our drought this year in MN, they are predicting duller colors and a shorter peak time. I flew out to Maine 2 years ago, in October. I chose the week that is commonly the best week to be there, for the colors. That year, due to the wet season they had had, everything was 2 weeks behind schedule. I didn't see one colored leaf, except for green. It's a good thing that wasn't my reason for going to Maine.

[mjs1973]

Did you call someone in the park? It could be that you spoke to a seasonal worker who isn't from that area. You may want to call someone from the Zion Canyon Visitors Bureau. A lot of states have a fall color report that's updated online. I did a search for one in Utah, but couldn't find anything. You may have better luck tho.

Like Mike said, a lot depends on the weather. We pretty much skipped fall last year. It went from green to brown without much color at all. I'm hoping we can make up for it this year with all the rain we had last month.

[GB1]

Thanks guys. Yeah I know there's a lot of variables: I was hoping to rap with someone on the phone that could describe the details to me, but the person I spoke with at Zion just seemed to blurt out 2nd / 3rd week in October like she was reading it from an official training doc.

From what I've heard you will get some reds at higher elevation and those will of course kick in earlier since it's higher. The yellows are at the lower elevations.

Maybe I'll call again and hope to get someone else on the line. MJS, I also did a search of their website but didn't see anything. I really want to avoid getting there at totally the wrong time and also want to hear what it's like THIS year - I've found that out west many of the parks aren't spectacular even in average years. There's just so much drought out here.

GB

[photophorous]

I was there in Oct a couple of years ago and found lots of great colors. I think it was the 2nd week, and I suspect I was a week or two early for the peak. I think the best thing to do is to contact the Park Ranger's office. There are probably multiple offices, so if one is not helpful, try another. Good luck. Zion is a very cool park. If you have time, Bryce Canyon isn't far away and it's very nice too.

Paul

[GB1]

Thanks Paul - I think you're right in that I just have to call back a few times to get a few opinions. Glad to hear you hit it at about the right time last year...... unlike poor Mike here If it were a little closer I think I'd keep calling then just run out to my car and drive like a nut right then ... maybe I still will (!)

G

[GB1]

I found something online:

http://www.scenicsouthernutah.com/re...orreport.shtml

Looks like end of October to first week in November for Zion.

Gb

[GB1]

I found something online:
http://www.scenicsouthernutah.com/re...orreport.shtml
Looks like end of October to first week in November for Zion.
Gb

The site's changed the link to http://www.scenicsouthernutah.com/fa...r_report.shtml