not summer.

Crowds are very bad during summer though, European "trash" from Germany and Italy will be the only people you encounter along the way. They're active and fit unlike Americans who stay at the top. This European phenomena pervades the entire national park system in the southwest. They're everywhere.

I've visited in July and August, hiked to the ranch. It's fine if you siesta from 11 to 3. It's not a hard hike.

I agree with 22:32.

Best Time of the year to visit Southwest Utah is October, so I would pick Thanksgiving over Summer. If you like to hike the best park is not Grand Canyon, it is Zion and Bryce. You can't do much at Grand Canyon without a permit, which you can't get. Don't plan for too long at GC, because you get a better sense of smaller parks that are more accessible.

OP here. Thanks for the feedback. How crowded is the Grand Canyon/Utah area in late June?

About ten years ago, we went to the Southwest in early November. Many of the parks were already closed. The north rim of the Grand Canyon closed while we were there. So, if you decide to go in November, which is a great time, make sure you check to see if the places you want to visit are going to be open.

We went in March a few years ago during spring break and it was still very cold and snow on the ground.

Thanksgiving.

I was in southern CA/AZ/Grand Canyon in summer 2012 in early August and it was no less than 110 degrees outside. 90 at the Grand Canyon (higher elevation). Miserable.

Parts of grand canyon close around Columbus day. We went last year Columbus day weekend and it snowed at top of Canyon. In November it will be cold.

Summer time will be very hot.

I would do October/September if I could

Well, I'd pick March, if it was an option. Beautiful weather.

However, between those two? Definitely Thanksgiving. Check the Grand Canyon Nat'l Park website though because some trails may be closed at that time of year.

Debating summer vs. Thanksgiving time. Input?