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Okay, so my Mom has a rare shutdown from work this week, and we're planning on going down south. Not only are we going, but a bunch of our cousins are also going, and me and my oldest brother have to plan the trip out. Seeing as how it is really hot this time of year, we want to go somewhere where there is 1) a lot of shade (trees, or rocks) and 2) a lot of running water. Which of our National Parks (including Grand Canyon but not Great Basin) would best fit these requirements??

Thanks in advance for the help SP!!

You're always going to find SHADE at Zion National Park.

Of course, so is everybody else! That's where you can take advantage of the Park's
shuttle system.

You don't even have to park inside the Park. The shuttle can pick you up outside the Park.

This will give you access to a number of cool hiking trails, beginning in the shady corridor
along the amazing Virgin River.

If you choose the Grand Canyon, go to the North Rim! It's much cooler and within reach of
some really shady campgrounds; and not too far from Jacob's Lake.

Also, have you been up to Timpanogos Cave yet? It's very cool inside caves. Have fun !!!

Assuming you're wanting to stay in the Colorado plateau (Grand Canyon, all the southern utah parks, etc), Bryce Canyon might be a good option. It's much cooler there than the other parks due to the higher elevation.

I hate the heat, so that's my suggestion.