The hot summer weather continues at the condo in Moab.  Daytime temperatures are around 100°F and there are occasional thunderstorms especially up in the mountains.  It’s important to keep an eye on the sky this time of year.  Remember, flash floods can occur even if the sky where you are standing is clear and blue.  Rainstorms as much is 40 miles away that you cannot see or hear can trigger flash flooding in both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

River rafting is one of the primary forms of recreation this time of year.  There are lots of different rafting companies that can take you on trips from one day to 3 weeks.  Some of the more popular trips take place at various spots along the Colorado River.  However, there are portions of the Green River that are suitable for rafting.

We highly recommend that visitors to the area take a guided raft trip.  Until you become familiar with the changing water levels, rapids and nuances of the canyons it’s much better to have a professional guide on board.

Bookings for the condo in Moab are filling up for September and October.  If you don’t mind the shorter days and cooler weather November is a great time to visit Moab.  All of the shops and restaurants are still open.  And there are far fewer visitors to the national parks.  The sun is at a much lower angle in the sky which makes the colors in the red rocks even more brilliant.

Once we get the first snow of the year (usually late November or early December) many of the shops and restaurants in town close for a few months during winter.  Some of the shopkeepers are avid skiers while other business owners head for Mexico or the Caribbean.  The town is pretty quiet from December through late February.  So, visiting in November gives you the opportunity to avoid the crowds but still enjoy the local sights and great food!

We are experiencing the typical mid-summer heat at the Moab condo.  Daytime temperatures can easily reach 100°F this time of year.  The lows at night are only dropping into the high 60s or low 70s.  So it's very important for everyone to drink lots of water and stay hydrated.  The wind has been kicking up recently which has resulted in the latest advisory from the National Weather Service below:

“The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red

Flag Warning below 7000 feet for wind and low relative humidity,

which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT Tuesday. A Red Flag

Warning has also been issued from noon to 8 PM MDT Wednesday. The

Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA…In Utah, Fire Weather Zone 487 Book Cliffs and

  Fire Weather Zone 490 Colorado River Basin below 7000 feet.

* WINDS…Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph during

  the afternoon and evening, both Tuesday and Wednesday.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…6 to 11 percent each day.

* IMPACTS…Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition,

  growth, and spread of fires. Agricultural burning is strongly

  discouraged.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions

are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of

strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can

contribute to extreme fire behavior.”

Bookings at the Moab condo are starting to fill up for both September and October.  You may wish to consider visiting Canyonlands and Arches National Parks during early or mid November.  The temperatures are cooler and the low angle of the sun really brings out the beautiful colors in the red rocks and surrounding mountains. 

We generally don’t see snow until late November or early December.  And you won’t find a lot of people at these national parks in November.  This means you get to enjoy all of the beautiful overlooks and hiking trails in a more pristine setting. You also won’t have to look for a parking space or wait in line at the entrance station.

If you are thinking of planning a trip next year now is a good time to lock in your reservations especially if you want to visit in April or May.  The Moab condo was booked almost every day during those 2 months.