Utah in April

[katego]

Hi Zone 3. I am doing some daydreaming about a trip through Utah. Is the weather likely to cooperate for riding from North to South through Utah during the 2nd or 3rd week of April?

Thanks!

-k

[CreepingMalaise]

Chances are the weather will be ok, but the conditions can change dramatically over a short distance, or time period.  A few of the best northern mountain roads will still be closed, and I've encountered snow on parts of hwy 24 and 12 as late as early June! Most parts of Utah probably average 1 in 5 days with rain/snow during April - but that's not as bas as it sounds - typically small storms that pass quickly.  Expect highs in the 50's and 60's, and lows in the 20's and 30's (colder at high elevations).

It's kind of a crap shoot, but if you allow some flexibility in your route to avoid higher elevations if the weather turns bad you should be ok.  

What routes are you considering?  Are you wanting to blaze through or catch the scenic and/or twisty routes?

[1KPerDay]

If you stick to the main roads, probably. The good roads will still be snowed over, or most of them will. Early June is pushing it.

[kmkirlin]

Central and Southern Utah will be perfect in mid-April: warm weather, but not too warm  You just need to watch out for snow in higher elevations.

[katego]

Thanks all. The only part of Utah that I have seen is the Delta (?) concourse at the airport . I would like to see as many good twisty roads as possible. My plan currently looks like this... In April leave Seattle for Palm Springs California via Southern Idaho, Utah, and the Grand Canyon. If you have ideas on the best non-interstate routes I am all ears! Highs in the 50's-60's sounds PERFECT. I will be camping along the way too (I have a good winter camp setup).

-k

[Tombstone]

If you stick to the main roads, probably. The good roads will still be snowed over, or most of them will. Early June is pushing it.

And the one's not still snowed over will have gravel/sand on them.

[bikerfish1100]

you're dreaming if you're really expecting temps in the 50-60 range thru much of that route. the best roads have elevation, and elevation has winter that lingers. you might get lucky- but i sure wouldn't count on it. a safer bet would be to run it up the coast.

[katego]

Hmm. Well maybe I will wait until later in the year. Thanks!

-k

[Clair]

All the "good" roads here in Utah are in the mountains for the most part.  Particularly in Northern UT.  They will still be closed for Winter in April and any that are open will still be heavily salted / sanded in April.  NOt conducive to riding.  Depending on our winter snowfall, some of the "fun" roads don't open until some time in June.  It is a crap shoot.

For southern Utah which is lower and more in teh desert you may have better luck as temps will be "warmer".  Hwy 12 is a must but it does crest a pass at like 9,000 feet or something high.  Lower region can be good but that pass can be very bad with snow.

[JonS]

Here is a chart for  SE Utah (Bluff) in April. Easily doable, if you leave in the middle of the month. As you can see, there is a big difference, night verses day.

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/84512?from=month_bottomnav_undeclared

[canyonchaser]

All the "good" roads here in Utah are in the mountains for the most part.  Particularly in Northern UT.  They will still be closed for Winter in April and any that are open will still be heavily salted / sanded in April.  NOt conducive to riding.  Depending on our winter snowfall, some of the "fun" roads don't open until some time in June.  It is a crap shoot.

For southern Utah which is lower and more in teh desert you may have better luck as temps will be "warmer".  Hwy 12 is a must but it does crest a pass at like 9,000 feet or something high.  Lower region can be good but that pass can be very bad with snow.

+1  Usually the good roads dont open in Utah until memorial day - we've been lamblasted with snow this year and there's a chance they may not be able to get the roads open by even then.

dp

[Chriscb750]

Just ran hwy 12 last Tuesday (March 18th)....fantastic!  It's kinda a day by day thing this time of year.  Other than it being a little chilly, which was tolerable, it was a great ride.  Still a lot of snow at the top, but it's off the road. 

Also rode the other fine bits and pieces in Southern Utah.  Being close to home it's a little easier because I can watch the weather and then go....it would be more of a challenge riding from a longer distance and being locked into vacation days, etc.  Gotta be flexable this time of year.