Canyonlands National Park in October
October at Canyonlands National Park averages a daytime high near 70°F and an overnight low around 38°F, with about 1.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.4× the park's average month, which makes October a busy month here.
- Average low
- 38°F
- Average high
- 70°F
Range across the year: 17°F to 95°F
- Precipitation
- 1.1 in
- Daylight
- 11.0 hours
Roughly 11% of the park's yearly visitors come in October: about 88,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes October the 5th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the May peak (1.8×) and the January low (0.1×).
October is our recommended month at Canyonlands: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 54°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 8.5 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 30% of annual visitors, choosing October instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 11 hours of daylight in October to explore — between the 9.3-hour midwinter low and the 14.6-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 796,057 recreation visits, down 2.7% from 818,492 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 13.2%, so a October visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How October compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 84°F / 51°F | 1.5× Busy | 59 Fair |
| October | 70°F / 38°F | 1.4× Busy | 44 Poor |
| November | 55°F / 26°F | 0.6× Quiet | 46 Fair |
All twelve months at Canyonlands, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Canyonlands in October
The National Park Service tags 4 Canyonlands activities for fall. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Auto Touring in Canyonlands · reservation required
- Backcountry Camping in Canyonlands · 1-14 days · reservation required
- Boating in Canyonlands · 1-12 days · reservation required
- Experience the Shafer Trail · 1 hour
Frequently Asked Questions
October averages a daytime high near 70°F and an overnight low around 38°F at Canyonlands National Park, with about 1.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 8.5 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
October is busy at Canyonlands National Park (about 1.4× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 44/100. October is our recommended month for this park.
The busiest month is May and the quietest is January. October sits at about 1.4× the park's average, or 11% of annual visitation.
A typical October sees about 88,000 recreation visits at Canyonlands National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Canyonlands in October
Booking a October trip to Canyonlands National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live October availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Canyonlands
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in October.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.