On a tour to GC first week October

Question

Hi. Wondering if anyone has info about what to wear for this upcoming tour. We will be visiting the GV , Bryce C, Zion and Lake Powell. Will I need a lot of long sleeve layers? Should I bring my waterproof merril high tops or will summer low Merrill’s be ok? Our first time so not sure. Weather does not look too cold.. thanks so much!

Answer

Visiting the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Lake Powell in early October is a wonderful time — the temperatures are generally mild, but conditions can vary considerably by location and elevation. Since this will be your first trip, it’s best to prepare for layered clothing and versatile footwear.

Temperature guidance:

Grand Canyon: South Rim elevations are around 7,000 feet. Early October daytime temperatures are usually in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C), but mornings and evenings can drop into the 40s°F (5–10°C).
Bryce Canyon: Higher elevation (~8,000 feet). Daytime temps often in the 50s–60s°F (10–20°C), and nights can be quite cold, potentially near freezing.
Zion: Lower elevation (~4,000 feet). Generally warmer, with daytime highs in the 70s–80s°F (20–27°C) and cooler mornings/evenings.
Lake Powell/Page area: Usually warm during the day, 70s–80s°F, but mornings can be chilly.

Clothing suggestions:

Layering is key: short-sleeve base layers, long-sleeve shirts, and a lightweight fleece or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
A windbreaker or light waterproof jacket is useful if you encounter any light rain or wind.
Convertible hiking pants or comfortable pants for walking are ideal.
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended, especially at higher elevations.

Footwear:

Waterproof Merrell high tops are a good choice, especially for Bryce Canyon or if you plan on hiking any trails with loose rock or morning dew.
Summer low-top Merrells are generally okay for lower-elevation hikes like Zion or Lake Powell, but high tops provide more ankle support for uneven terrain.

Additional tips:

Bring a small daypack for water, snacks, and extra layers.
Check weather forecasts a few days before departure, as conditions can shift quickly, especially at higher elevations.
Comfortable socks and a change of socks each day are recommended for long hikes.

Overall, early October is mild but variable, so plan for layering, versatile footwear, and sun protection. You likely won’t need heavy winter gear, but mornings and evenings at the higher elevations will be cool.

On a tour to GC first week October

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