Late spring (April-June depending on elevation) and early fall (September-October) are probably the best times to visit.  Sudden changes in weather can occur at
any time, particularly at higher elevations. July and August are the months of
thunderstorms, although the rainy season can last well into October. Most storms last less
than an hour, clearing out for a fabulous sunset display.Summer temperatures can reach 100 degrees at lower elevations (desert areas closer to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Recreation Area), but will be much cooler on Boulder Mountain and the Aquarius Plateau. During the winter months snow and colder temperatures can occur throughout the area--but some of the best hiking can be done in winter at lower elevations. Escalante and Boulder's best-kept secret is an agreeable year-round climate for all kinds of outdoor activities. Always inquire locally about the weather forecast before beginning your trip. For local forecasts for the state of Utah, including Escalante, visit the University of Utah's site for up-to-date information: http://www.met.utah.edu/cgi-bin/wx/frcst_zone.cgi
Also, make sure to check out the Utah Travel Health & Safety web site, which offers valuable information regarding heat illness and dehydration prevention, wildlife safety precautions, winter driving tips, hypothermia and frostbite prevention, coping with altitude sickness, slot/narrow canyon flash flood safety, and much more. |
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