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Can you go to Zion National Park in winter? Yes, you’ll be able to!
This gorgeous Utah park stays open year-round, and there are a number of benefits to visiting within the colder months. Most importantly, there are far fewer folks round.
We completely liked our journey to Zion in February. We had been blown away by the unimaginable surroundings—hovering purple rock cliffs, lush hanging gardens, slender canyons, and expansive vistas.
We hiked via a river, bought up near frozen waterfalls, and admired Zion Canyon from each angle—squeezing via its narrowest sections and admiring it from 1000 toes above.
In this publish, we share our high ideas for visiting Zion in winter together with what to put on, the perfect winter hikes, and why that is the perfect time of yr to go to.
At the top, you’ll discover a map with all of the locations talked about.
Contents
Why Visit Zion in Winter?
Lower Crowds
Zion National Park has turn into more and more fashionable lately. In 2021, it exceeded 5 million annual guests for the primary time (up from 2.8 million a decade earlier than).
Overcrowding has turn into a major problem with lengthy waits for shuttles and busy trails.
By visiting Zion National Park in February, we didn’t have any of those issues, although.
70% of Zion guests arrive within the busiest six months (April to September). June to August is very crowded with round 500,000 guests monthly.
In distinction, January is the quietest month with 91,000 guests. February is the second quietest month adopted by December. By March, customer numbers are greater than triple these of January.
If you wish to take pleasure in quiet trails and have the fantastic thing about Zion to your self, it’s clear that winter is the perfect time to go to. Just keep away from Christmas/New Year week.
No Mandatory Shuttle
For many of the yr, you should take Zion’s free shuttle bus to entry Zion Canyon (the principle a part of the park). This is sensible to cut back visitors and keep away from crowded parking tons.
But, it’s inconvenient. You’ll spend extra time attending to your vacation spot—the drive from Zion Canyon Visitor Center to the final cease, Temple of Sinawava takes 45 minutes on the shuttle vs 20 minutes driving your self.
Plus, queues for the shuttles could be lengthy, and also you’ll be restricted by the bus schedule.
Winter is the one time you’ll be able to drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive your self. If you wish to keep away from the obligatory shuttle, go to in December (aside from the vacation week on the finish of the month), January, or early February.
From mid-February, shuttles normally begin operating at weekends after which each day from March.
Lower Accommodation Prices
Zion lodging will get very costly in summer season, and chances are you’ll be compelled to remain farther from the park, making it tougher to get early begins (and keep away from the crowds).
Zion Lodge is the one place to remain contained in the park. It’s extra reasonably priced in winter and far simpler to seek out availability. Rooms begin from $220 an evening (together with tax) in winter and rise to $272 in summer season.
But that’s for those who may even get a room. June was already completely booked once I seemed in January. In the winter months, you’ll be able to e book final minute.
Springdale is one other nice location for visiting Zion. This small city is correct subsequent to the park entrance and has an array of eating places and out of doors gear shops.
We stayed at Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale. The location was good, proper subsequent to the park entrance and we had been in a position to stroll to a number of the trails.
All rooms have kitchenettes, so that they’re nice for self-catering, and a few have separate bedrooms. There’s additionally a pool, sizzling tub, river seaside, and lovely Watchman mountain views. We liked it.
But costs fluctuate extensively for Cable Mountain Lodge. A King Studio is $183 an evening (together with tax) in winter and doubles at $367 from April to October. Check the newest costs at Cable Mountain Lodge right here.
Easier to Get Angels Landing Permit
Angels Landing is Zion’s most infamous path. The unimaginable views excessive above Zion Canyon draw the crowds, however getting there entails scrambling on a slender rocky ridge with steep drop-offs.
We didn’t do it because it seemed terrifying, however if you wish to courageous it, you’ll must plan prematurely.
Zion launched an Angels Landing allow system in 2022 to cut back crowding. To get a allow, it’s a must to enter a lottery just a few months earlier than your go to.
For instance, for a go to from December to February, the seasonal lottery is open from 1 October to twenty October, with permits issued on 25 October.
You also can enter a day-before lottery.
You’ll have a a lot better likelihood of profitable the allow lottery throughout winter in Zion National Park when fewer persons are getting into.
See Bryce Canyon in Snow
Zion Canyon solely sees snow just a few instances a yr, and it doesn’t normally final lengthy.
We did see some snow at increased elevations in Zion, however for extra of a winter wonderland, I like to recommend taking a day journey to Bryce Canyon National Park (1 hour 45 minutes from Springdale).
Bryce is at 2000 toes increased elevation than Zion and infrequently sees snow in winter.
On our mid-February go to, Bryce hadn’t had snow in weeks, however there was nonetheless sufficient round to make the magical hoodoos (rock spirals) much more scenic than common.
For extra locations to go to within the space, see our Southwest highway journey itinerary.
Zion Winter Weather: How Cold Is It?
Southern Utah has pretty delicate winter climate.
December and January are the coldest months with afternoon highs of round 50ºF to 60ºF (10ºC to 15ºC), whereas evening temperatures can drop beneath freezing (on common 23ºF or -5ºC).
It can fluctuate, although. As I write this in January, Zion goes via a chilly snap with temperatures starting from 16ºF ( -9ºC) to a most of simply 36ºF (2ºC).
February is usually hotter, particularly by the top of the month. When we visited in mid-February, the climate was surprisingly delicate.
While it did get near freezing on some mornings, it normally warmed up shortly with afternoon temperatures reaching 57ºF (14ºC) and even 72ºF (22ºC) on just a few days. We had not anticipated to be sitting outdoors within the solar in t-shirts.
Although the winter months are the wettest, Zion’s precipitation ranges are nonetheless pretty low. Be ready for rain, however we didn’t have any throughout our week within the park.
As Zion’s winter temperatures are by no means too excessive, mountain climbing within the park is ok with the best garments.
Tips for a Zion Winter Trip
Consider An America the Beautiful Pass
Entrance to Zion National Park prices $35 per automobile and is legitimate for seven days.
If you’re more likely to go to two different nationwide parks (together with close by Bryce) within the subsequent yr, it’s price getting the America the Beautiful annual nationwide parks go for $80. You solely want one per household/automobile.
You can purchase the go from Zion’s entrance gate or to avoid wasting time, purchase it prematurely from REI.
Some Roads May Close
Driving via Zion Canyon shouldn’t be an issue in winter. Even if it does snow (hardly ever), roads are ploughed shortly afterwards.
The solely highway that at all times closes in winter is Lava Point Road, which is normally solely accessible from May to September because of its increased elevation.
It’s positioned within the quieter Kolob Terrace space of the park, a great place to seek out solitude. Kolob Terrace Road and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive are normally open in winter, however there could also be ice. Check the situations earlier than you drive up there.
Trails Can be Icy
Some Zion mountain climbing trails could be icy in winter, particularly at increased elevations or in shady areas.
Occasionally, some (corresponding to Lower Emerald Falls) shut as a result of hazard of falling ice, so examine the Zion NP web site or with rangers earlier than you head out.
We discovered the AllTrails app actually helpful for current hike experiences to see what the present situations are.
We additionally downloaded an offline map of each path we did and by no means bought misplaced. You want an AllTrails+ subscription for this, but it surely’s nicely price it in case you are an everyday hiker.
As it was pretty delicate once we visited, we didn’t have any points with ice. There had been patches round, but it surely was straightforward to keep away from them. A number of weeks earlier many trails had been icy, although.
If you’re a eager hiker, I like to recommend packing Kahtoola Microspikes in case of ice. You put these on over your mountain climbing footwear for wonderful traction. We used them on our hike in Bryce Canyon.
Hiking poles are additionally a good suggestion in slippery situations. I used these cheap TrailBuddy collapsible poles.
Days Are Shorter
At Zion National Park in January, the solar rises round 7.45am and units round 5.30pm. By mid-February, this extends to 7.20am and 6pm.
As the times are shorter than in the summertime, you’ll have much less time on your hikes, so it’s a good suggestion to get an early begin. Hiking trails are quieter for those who begin round dawn too.
I additionally discovered that gentle was restricted. We favored to begin early to keep away from the crowds, however Zion Canyon is in shade for the primary few hours of daylight. The gentle is a lot better for images within the late afternoon, however trails are busier.
Parking Can Fill Up
The draw back of the shuttle not operating in winter is that it’s a must to take care of doubtlessly busy parking tons.
Parking is restricted in any respect the trailheads, particularly The Grotto (for Angels Landing) and Temple of Sinawava (for The Narrows).
If the parking fills up, they’ll cease letting vehicles drive into the park, so your solely choice will probably be to cycle in (e-bikes are really useful).
When we had been there the weekend earlier than President’s Day weekend, they stopped letting vehicles into Zion round noon.
This was the primary time in two months the park had been that busy, although, and was doubtless as a result of milder climate and proximity to a vacation. This shouldn’t be an issue in January or on weekdays.
It’s another excuse why getting an early begin at Zion is so necessary. I like to recommend arriving at The Grotto earlier than 7.30am and Temple of Sinawava or Zion Lodge (for Emerald Pools) by 9am.
Water Stations Close
There are water bottle refill stations at many of the parking tons, however these shut in winter. If you want a refill, there’s one in Zion Lodge (subsequent to the restrooms within the foyer).
Some Campgrounds Close
South Campground and Lava Point Campground shut within the winter.
Watchman Campground, subsequent to the South Entrance, is open year-round. We didn’t see many tents in winter, however there have been some RVs.
What to Wear to Visit Zion National Park in Winter
As the climate is so variable with chilly mornings and infrequently delicate afternoons, layers are your finest guess.
My typical outfit for mountain climbing in Zion was:
Simon normally wore:
He additionally had a Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer down jacket, however solely wanted the additional layer for Bryce.
We each had light-weight, packable rain jackets however didn’t want them.
See my information to mountain climbing The Narrows in winter for what we wore on this chilly river hike.
When we visited Bryce Canyon, which is far colder, we each wore 4 higher layers, and I wore two pairs of leggings.
Best Zion Winter Hikes
We discovered Zion National Park in winter superb for mountain climbing. Yes, the mornings had been chilly, however we quickly warmed up on the path.
We by no means bought too sizzling, as we’d have in summer season, and we had been in a position to comfortably hike within the afternoon (when it grew to become t-shirt climate).
Here are the Zion hikes that we liked.
The Narrows Bottom Up
Distance: 6 – 10 miles return (flip round everytime you need)
Time: 4 – 7 hours
The Narrows was our favorite Zion hike and certainly one of our high journey experiences ever.
You stroll within the Virgin River via the narrowest part of Zion Canyon beneath towering purple rock partitions.
You are assured to get moist (at the very least to waist top in elements) and sure, the water could be very chilly, however the Narrows is likely one of the finest issues to do in Zion in winter.
The proper gear is important within the colder months (we rented dry fits), however you’ll keep away from the overwhelming summer season crowds and revel in this attractive place in peace. We additionally liked seeing the frozen waterfalls.
Read my information to mountain climbing The Narrows in winter for all the pieces it is advisable to know.
West Rim Trail (Angels Landing Alternative)
Distance: 3.6 miles+ (5.8km) return
Time: 2 hours+
The Narrows and Angels Landing are the most well-liked hikes in Zion. So a lot so that you simply now must enter a lottery to hike Angels Landing.
Even for those who handle to get a spot, Angels Landing will not be for everybody. The last part entails scrambling on a slender ridge 1400 toes above the canyon flooring with steep drop-offs. There is not any room for error right here!
It’s positively not appropriate for younger youngsters or anybody afraid of heights or unsteady on their toes.
Hiking Angels Landing in winter is even scarier as there’s usually ice on the path.
It seemed too terrifying for us, so we skipped it.
The excellent news is you could nonetheless expertise a lot of the path with out a allow. The hike begins from The Grotto and follows the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout.
It’s a steep climb up on a principally paved path with stunning views again all the way down to the canyon. As you get increased, the chance of ice will increase, particularly at Walters Wiggles, a sequence of quick, steep switchbacks.
For a lot of the winter, you’ll want traction units like Microspikes to rise up right here safely. Check the AllTrails web page for the newest situations.
On our go to, we noticed large chunks of ice, but it surely had melted sufficient to stroll round.
Even with out ice, correct mountain climbing footwear quite than sneakers are necessary because it’s steep and slippery in elements.
At Scout Lookout, you’ll be able to proceed up the slender backbone to Angels Landing (with a allow) or watch folks make their approach up.
While you possibly can flip again right here and it’d be a worthwhile hike, I extremely suggest persevering with up the West Rim Trail. It goes on for miles so go so far as you’d like.
It’s very peaceable up right here, and after about 10-Quarter-hour, you’ll get a great view of tiny folks on the impossibly slender ridge of Angels Landing.
We walked a few mile previous Scout Lookout earlier than turning again (for a complete hike of two hours 40 minutes). We wished we’d introduced lunch for an extended hike because it’s attractive and feels far-off from all the pieces.
Keep in thoughts it’ll be snowier up right here so traction units could also be useful.
Parking at The Grotto fills up shortly (we noticed it full at 8am), so I like to recommend beginning at round 7am.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Distance: 1 mile (6.6km) return
Time: 35 minutes
Don’t miss this quick and pretty straightforward path with a panoramic view excessive above the canyon.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is in East Zion. It’s not removed from the South Entrance however isn’t on the shuttle route so that you’ll must drive your self year-round. Unfortunately, parking is restricted so arrive early (earlier than 9am in winter).
We discovered the stroll up straightforward, however there are some steep drop-offs and it may be icy (it wasn’t for us). Wear footwear with good traction and contemplate spikes/poles.
The view on the finish is unimaginable!
Emerald Pools Trail Loop
Distance: 2.3 mile (3.8km) loop
Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Some guests are dissatisfied in Emerald Pools (they’re extra brown than inexperienced), however we actually loved the pretty straightforward loop hike we did to the Middle, Upper after which Lower Pools.
You also can go to simply one of many swimming pools for a shorter stroll, however every has its personal character and is price seeing.
Parking is reverse Zion Lodge. We began with the path as much as Middle Emerald Pool, which is steep at first then ranges out with attractive views down into the canyon and river.
The Middle Pool isn’t that thrilling, however we loved the journey there. About 10 minutes on, up some steep sandy steps that get the center going, we reached the Upper Pool.
These are extra dramatic with a skinny waterfall streaming down a large rock wall.
Heading again down the path we reached the Lower Emerald Pool. This is the busiest pool because it’s simply accessible and really dramatic.
The slender falls run down the cliff face, and you may stroll underneath the overhang behind the water.
As the trail behind the Lower Pool will get moist, it may be icy and the path could shut. In this case, you’ll be able to nonetheless see it from the lookout above.
Watchman Trail
Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3km) return
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
The Watchman Trail is right on your first hike in Zion. It begins only a few minutes’ stroll from the customer centre, so you’ll be able to stroll right here from Springdale. It was simply 5 minutes from our resort, Cable Mountain Lodge.
We discovered it tougher than we anticipated as we went at 4pm on a sunny day, and it was a sizzling climb up with none shade.
The afternoon gentle is nice, although, because the Watchman mountain (a Zion icon) is totally lit up in its vibrant glory.
For us, this hike wasn’t a lot in regards to the vista on the high and extra in regards to the gorgeous views the entire approach.
Note that this hike could be very muddy. It was dry for us, however examine the situations earlier than you go and maybe take mountain climbing poles.
The Watchman will not be normally busy, so you’ll be able to hike it later within the day when parking contained in the park is troublesome.
Pa’rus Trail
Distance: 3.5 mile (5.6km) return (or much less)
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
The Pa’rus Trail is the best hike in Zion. It’s a flat paved path alongside the river you could stroll or bike and go so far as you want.
Like The Watchman, this begins close to the customer centre so it’s simply accessible. As we had been staying so shut, we walked elements of this just a few instances and I ran the entire thing one morning with hardly anybody round.
While it’s not a must-do, the Pa’rus Trail is an efficient choice to stretch your legs and benefit from the mountain views, particularly in case you are staying in Springdale. It’s particularly stunning within the late afternoon.
Map of Zion National Park
Is It Worth Visiting Zion in Winter?
Yes, Zion National Park is 100% price visiting in winter! It’s by far the perfect time to keep away from the overwhelming crowds you’ll discover the remainder of the yr.
Temperatures are pretty delicate so mountain climbing is pleasurable (even in The Narrows!) and lodging is extra reasonably priced.
While Zion is spectacular at any time of yr, there’s one thing further particular about having fun with this epic magnificence in peace.
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