Zion Canyon’s October 29 forecast called for partly sunny skies and a daytime high of 74°F, followed by increasing chances of rain over the weekend. The NWS forecast issued at 12:31 a.m. MDT on October 29 put the October 30 rain chance at 60% during the day and 80% at night. Thursday’s weather alone was therefore a poor basis for finalizing weekend camping and canyon plans; travelers needed to check the forecast for each day of their trip.
Areas Affected
These figures were for a forecast point in Zion National Park and Zion Canyon at about 4,003 feet. October 30 was forecast to reach 69°F, with an overnight low of 49°F. Expected daytime rainfall was 0.1 to 0.25 inch, with greater amounts possible in thunderstorms.
The rain chance for October 31 was 40% during the day, rising to 90% at night. November 1 also carried a 90% chance of precipitation and a forecast high of 60°F, cooler than Thursday. Sunday’s expected rainfall was 0.5 to 0.75 inch. Those were forecast amounts, not rainfall already observed.
A rainy forecast does not by itself mean the Narrows is closed. NPS says it closes the Narrows when Virgin River flow exceeds 150 cubic feet per second or NWS issues a Flash Flood Warning. Check the actual flow and applicable alerts separately; the chance of rain alone cannot establish whether the canyon is passable.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
Watchman Campground, near the South Entrance, operates year-round and requires reservations. Standard sites can be reserved up to six months ahead, and NPS notes that the campground is full nearly every day from mid-March through late November. Anyone shifting dates to avoid weekend rain should first check actual availability rather than expect to secure a site on arrival.
RV travelers must also check restrictions between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance on the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway. A single vehicle cannot use this section if it exceeds any of these limits: 35 feet 9 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches wide, 11 feet 4 inches high, or 50,000 pounds. Measurements include side mirrors and rooftop equipment. Towed combinations are subject to a separate combined-length limit.
Vehicles exceeding the size limits should approach Watchman Campground through the South Entrance. For much of the year, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is served by a free shuttle that does not itself require a reservation. Before departure, check campground reservations, park alerts, the shuttle timetable and UDOT road conditions together. Adjust canyon activities and vehicle travel separately when heavier rain is forecast.
Sources: NWS Zion point forecast · NPS Zion conditions · NPS large-vehicle restrictions · NPS Watchman Campground · NPS campground operations
Photo: NPS Photo · Original photo page · Public domain: Full Granting Rights. Original or supplied proportionally reduced image used.