Road maintenance may require brief closures of individual areas at other times. Summer days are pleasant and nights at 8,000 to 9,000 feet are cool. July is the warmest month with an average daytime high of 83F and a nighttime low of 47F. Much of the area's precipitation comes in the form of afternoon thundershowers during mid- to late summer. Spring and fall weather is highly variable. Cold daytime temperatures in winter are offset by high-altitude sun and a dry climate.
Winter nights are sub-freezing.
The area can have snowstorms from October through April. The annual snowfall averages 100 inches. The high altitude sun can burn in any season - hats and sunscreen are recommended all year. Layered clothing is good preparation for the plateau's temperature extremes and frequent strong winds. Boots with good tread and ankle support are strongly recommended for hikes into the canyons.