Summer in California, Nevada and Utah

Hi - I'm new to the forum and have visited the States a couple of times over the last 15 years (I'm from the UK). The most recent trips were to Florida but a group of us are thinking of spending 3 or 4 weeks on the West Coast next year. Part of the trip would be hiring an RV for 7-10 days and starting in Las Vegas we'd be visiting Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion National Park, Bruce Canyon and Capitol Reef. I've not finalised details yet but we would have to come during July/August (school holidays) - would the temperatures in California/Utah/Neveda be far too hot to travel comfortably at that time of year - especially in an RV?

For the same reasons as you, all of our travels from the UK have been in July August. In my experience the heat is much more bearable in the west than in Florida because of the relatively low humidity, you just have to make sure you drink plenty to avoid de-hydration. What I cant comment upon is the RV as we have always had minivans.

UK

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America forums.

It does routinely get into triple digits (say 100-120ºF, 38-49ºC) in the southwestern US in July and August. The local consolation is that it is a 'dry heat', meaning that the humidity is relatively low. However, July and August are monsoon season, at least in southern Arizona, when humidity starts to build and afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence. That said, it is possible to travel during that time provided you take a number of sensible precautions. As UK points out, the main one is to drink plenty of fluids (of the non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic variety); but also wear loose fitting, light colored clothing and a good wide-brimmed hat (There's a reason cowboy hats look the way they do.); plan to do most of your strenuous outdoor activities such as hiking in the morning and to be driving or resting during the early afternoon when temperatures will be highest (We call it 'siesta'.); and make sure that the RV can be well ventilated for those times you'll stop without access to an electric hookup for the A/C. The fact is that many thousands of people visit these areas in the summer and there's no reason why you can't as well.

AZBuck

Be sure to sample the food native to the Grand Canyon/Monument Valley area, especially at the Blue Coffee Cup Cafe in Kayenta, AZ (across from the Holiday Inn). The food is excellent and the menu is somewhat unusual. Navajo fry bread with honey is a specialty!

Have a great trip and enjoy every minute!