This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

A ho-hum winter and warm, dry spring teased Utahns outside early to hit the state's famous outdoor destinations.

But daily, sometimes heavy, rain across much of the state throughout May has put a damper on plans for Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of summer.

"Things had been going well until the rain set in the last couple of weeks," said state Parks and Recreation Director Fred Hayes. "Boaters were out as soon as the ice came off the reservoirs. And campers were taking advantage of the great weather. But this rain has changed things."

Campgrounds at state parks are primed and ready to host visitors, but reservation numbers are down for the typically booked holiday weekend. Some state parks — those in southern Utah's warmer, drier climes — are 80 to 90 percent booked. But most of the parks — particularly those at higher elevations — were booked at closer to 50 percent of capacity through Thursday.

Campgrounds at Utah's five national parks will likely be close to full this holiday weekend because families made reservations long ago.

Arches National Park Superintendent Kate Cannon said visitation at the popular park near Moab is already up 20 percent from last year's numbers — and 2014 visitation was up 20 percent.

But with rain expected throughout the long weekend, and snow at some elevations, it is likely there will be quite a few empty spots at campgrounds.

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City is predicting periods of "long-duration" rainfall through Monday, with snow levels dropping to 8,000 feet in northern Utah and 7,500 feet in southern Utah.

Winter driving conditions can be expected at popular high-elevation destinations, including the Mirror Lake Highway, Monte Cristo Summit, Wolf Creek Pass, Guardsman Pass and at high points of highways 12, 14 and 143.

Weather officials are also warning people to keep an eye out for lightning and possible rockfalls due to the recent rains.