Fall and snow

Fall in this country is not a stable season. Flagstaff can turn. The North Rim is already high enough that nights are cold in late September. Zion’s color comes later, and I have been in snow more than once when I thought I was only there for maples or aspens.

If you are planning around color, the landers are honest about timing: Flagstaff in early October, West Fork the second or third week, Zion late October into November, the North Rim from late September. This note is what happens when the season does two things at once.