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Are you able to go to Zion Nationwide Park in winter? Sure, 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 significantly, there are far fewer folks round.
We completely cherished our journey to Zion in February. We have been blown away by the unimaginable surroundings—hovering purple rock cliffs, lush hanging gardens, slim canyons, and expansive vistas.
We hiked by a river, bought up near frozen waterfalls, and admired Zion Canyon from each angle—squeezing by its narrowest sections and admiring it from 1000 toes above.
On this submit, we share our prime ideas for visiting Zion in winter together with what to put on, one of the best winter hikes, and why that is one of the best time of 12 months to go to.
On the finish, you’ll discover a map with all of the locations talked about.
Contents
Why Go to Zion in Winter?
Decrease Crowds
Zion Nationwide Park has develop into more and more well-liked lately. In 2021, it exceeded 5 million annual guests for the primary time (up from 2.8 million a decade earlier than).
Overcrowding has develop into a significant issue with lengthy waits for shuttles and busy trails.
By visiting Zion Nationwide 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 particularly crowded with round 500,000 guests per 30 days.
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 great thing about Zion to your self, it’s clear that winter is one of the best time to go to. Simply keep away from Christmas/New Yr week.
No Necessary Shuttle
For many of the 12 months, you could 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 heaps.
However, it’s inconvenient. You’ll spend extra time attending to your vacation spot—the drive from Zion Canyon Customer Heart to the final cease, Temple of Sinawava takes 45 minutes on the shuttle vs 20 minutes driving your self.
Plus, queues for the shuttles may 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 (apart 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.
Decrease Lodging Costs
Zion lodging will get very costly in summer time, and chances are you’ll be pressured 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 inexpensive 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 time.
However that’s should you may even get a room. June was already completely booked after I seemed in January. Within the winter months, you’ll be able to guide final minute.
Springdale is one other nice location for visiting Zion. This small city is true 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 situation was good, proper subsequent to the park entrance and we have been in a position to stroll to among the trails.
All rooms have kitchenettes, in order that they’re nice for self-catering, and a few have separate bedrooms. There’s additionally a pool, scorching tub, river seaside, and lovely Watchman mountain views. We cherished it.
However costs differ broadly for Cable Mountain Lodge. A King Studio is $183 an evening (together with tax) in winter and doubles at $367 from April to October. Examine the most recent costs at Cable Mountain Lodge right here.
Simpler to Get Angels Touchdown Allow
Angels Touchdown is Zion’s most infamous path. The unimaginable views excessive above Zion Canyon draw the crowds, however getting there includes scrambling on a slim rocky ridge with steep drop-offs.
We didn’t do it because it seemed terrifying, however if you wish to courageous it, you’ll have to plan upfront.
Zion launched an Angels Touchdown allow system in 2022 to cut back crowding. To get a allow, it’s a must to enter a lottery a couple of 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 may also enter a day-before lottery.
You’ll have a a lot better probability of successful the allow lottery throughout winter in Zion Nationwide Park when fewer persons are getting into.
See Bryce Canyon in Snow
Zion Canyon solely sees snow a couple of instances a 12 months, 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 Nationwide 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 traditional.
For extra locations to go to within the space, see our Southwest highway journey itinerary.
Zion Winter Climate: How Chilly Is It?
Southern Utah has pretty gentle winter climate.
December and January are the coldest months with afternoon highs of round 50ºF to 60ºF (10ºC to 15ºC), whereas night time temperatures can drop beneath freezing (on common 23ºF or -5ºC).
It could differ, although. As I write this in January, Zion goes by a chilly snap with temperatures starting from 16ºF ( -9ºC) to a most of simply 36ºF (2ºC).
February is often hotter, particularly by the top of the month. Once we visited in mid-February, the climate was surprisingly gentle.
Whereas it did get near freezing on some mornings, it normally warmed up rapidly with afternoon temperatures reaching 57ºF (14ºC) and even 72ºF (22ºC) on a couple of days. We had not anticipated to be sitting exterior within the solar in t-shirts.
Though 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, climbing within the park is okay with the correct garments.
Ideas for a Zion Winter Journey
Think about An America the Stunning Move
Entrance to Zion Nationwide Park prices $35 per car 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 12 months, it’s price getting the America the Stunning annual nationwide parks go for $80. You solely want one per household/car.
You should buy the go from Zion’s entrance gate or to avoid wasting time, purchase it upfront from REI.
Some Roads Might Shut
Driving by Zion Canyon shouldn’t be an issue in winter. Even when it does snow (not often), roads are ploughed rapidly afterwards.
The one highway that all the time closes in winter is Lava Level Highway, which is normally solely accessible from Might to September resulting from its increased elevation.
It’s positioned within the quieter Kolob Terrace space of the park, place to seek out solitude. Kolob Terrace Highway and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive are normally open in winter, however there could also be ice. Examine the situations earlier than you drive up there.
Trails Might be Icy
Some Zion climbing trails may be icy in winter, particularly at increased elevations or in shady areas.
Sometimes, some (comparable to Decrease Emerald Falls) shut because of the hazard of falling ice, so verify the Zion NP web site or with rangers earlier than you head out.
We discovered the AllTrails app actually helpful for latest hike stories 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, nevertheless it’s effectively price it if you’re an everyday hiker.
Because it was pretty gentle once we visited, we didn’t have any points with ice. There have been patches round, nevertheless it was straightforward to keep away from them. A couple of weeks earlier many trails have been icy, although.
If you’re a eager hiker, I like to recommend packing Kahtoola Microspikes in case of ice. You place these on over your climbing footwear for wonderful traction. We used them on our hike in Bryce Canyon.
Climbing poles are additionally a good suggestion in slippery situations. I used these cheap TrailBuddy collapsible poles.
Days Are Shorter
At Zion Nationwide 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 to your hikes, so it’s a good suggestion to get an early begin. Climbing trails are quieter should you begin round dawn too.
I additionally discovered that gentle was restricted. We appreciated to start out early to keep away from the crowds, however Zion Canyon is in shade for the primary few hours of daylight. The sunshine is a lot better for pictures 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 heaps.
Parking is proscribed in any respect the trailheads, particularly The Grotto (for Angels Touchdown) and Temple of Sinawava (for The Narrows).
If the parking fills up, they’ll cease letting vehicles drive into the park, so your solely possibility might be to cycle in (e-bikes are beneficial).
Once we have 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 possible because of the milder climate and proximity to a vacation. This shouldn’t be an issue in January or on weekdays.
It’s one more reason why getting an early begin at Zion is so essential. I like to recommend arriving at The Grotto earlier than 7.30am and Temple of Sinawava or Zion Lodge (for Emerald Swimming pools) by 9am.
Water Stations Shut
There are water bottle refill stations at many of the parking heaps, however these shut in winter. In the event you want a refill, there’s one in Zion Lodge (subsequent to the restrooms within the foyer).
Some Campgrounds Shut
South Campground and Lava Level 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 Put on to Go to Zion Nationwide Park in Winter
Because the climate is so variable with chilly mornings and infrequently gentle afternoons, layers are your finest guess.
My typical outfit for 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 climbing The Narrows in winter for what we wore on this chilly river hike.
Once we visited Bryce Canyon, which is far colder, we each wore 4 higher layers, and I wore two pairs of leggings.
Finest Zion Winter Hikes
We discovered Zion Nationwide Park in winter preferrred for climbing. Sure, the mornings have been chilly, however we quickly warmed up on the path.
We by no means bought too scorching, as we might have in summer time, and we have been in a position to comfortably hike within the afternoon (when it turned t-shirt climate).
Listed below are the Zion hikes that we cherished.
The Narrows Backside Up
Distance: 6 – 10 miles return (flip round everytime you need)
Time: 4 – 7 hours
The Narrows was our favorite Zion hike and considered one of our prime journey experiences ever.
You stroll within the Virgin River by the narrowest part of Zion Canyon beneath towering purple rock partitions.
You might be assured to get moist (not less than to waist top in elements) and sure, the water could be very chilly, however the Narrows is among the finest issues to do in Zion in winter.
The best gear is important within the colder months (we rented dry fits), however you’ll keep away from the overwhelming summer time crowds and luxuriate in this attractive place in peace. We additionally cherished seeing the frozen waterfalls.
Learn my information to climbing The Narrows in winter for every little thing you’ll want to know.
West Rim Path (Angels Touchdown Various)
Distance: 3.6 miles+ (5.8km) return
Time: 2 hours+
The Narrows and Angels Touchdown are the preferred hikes in Zion. A lot so that you simply now have to enter a lottery to hike Angels Touchdown.
Even should you handle to get a spot, Angels Touchdown just isn’t for everybody. The ultimate part includes scrambling on a slim ridge 1400 toes above the canyon flooring with steep drop-offs. There is no such thing as a room for error right here!
It’s positively not appropriate for younger kids or anybody fearful of heights or unsteady on their toes.
Climbing Angels Touchdown in winter is even scarier as there’s typically ice on the path.
It seemed too terrifying for us, so we skipped it.
The excellent news is that you could nonetheless expertise a lot of the path and not using a allow. The hike begins from The Grotto and follows the West Rim Path to Scout Lookout.
It’s a steep climb up on a principally paved path with lovely views again right 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 gadgets like Microspikes to rise up right here safely. Examine the AllTrails web page for the most recent situations.
On our go to, we noticed massive chunks of ice, nevertheless it had melted sufficient to stroll round.
Even with out ice, correct climbing footwear somewhat than sneakers are essential because it’s steep and slippery in elements.
At Scout Lookout, you’ll be able to proceed up the slim backbone to Angels Touchdown (with a allow) or watch folks make their method up.
When you may flip again right here and it’d be a worthwhile hike, I extremely suggest persevering with up the West Rim Path. 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 view of tiny folks on the impossibly slim ridge of Angels Touchdown.
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 distant from every little thing.
Be mindful it’ll be snowier up right here so traction gadgets could also be useful.
Parking at The Grotto fills up rapidly (we noticed it full at 8am), so I like to recommend beginning at round 7am.
Canyon Overlook Path
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 Path is in East Zion. It’s not removed from the South Entrance however isn’t on the shuttle route so that you’ll have to drive your self year-round. Sadly, parking is proscribed 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). Put on footwear with good traction and think about spikes/poles.
The view on the finish is unimaginable!
Emerald Swimming pools Path Loop
Distance: 2.3 mile (3.8km) loop
Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Some guests are disillusioned in Emerald Swimming pools (they’re extra brown than inexperienced), however we actually loved the pretty straightforward loop hike we did to the Center, Higher after which Decrease Swimming pools.
You may also 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 Center Emerald Pool, which is steep at first then ranges out with attractive views down into the canyon and river.
The Center Pool isn’t that thrilling, however we loved the journey there. About 10 minutes on, up some steep sandy steps that get the guts going, we reached the Higher Pool.
These are extra dramatic with a skinny waterfall streaming down an enormous rock wall.
Heading again down the path we reached the Decrease Emerald Pool. That is the busiest pool because it’s simply accessible and really dramatic.
The slim falls run down the cliff face, and you’ll stroll below the overhang behind the water.
As the trail behind the Decrease Pool will get moist, it may be icy and the path might shut. On this case, you’ll be able to nonetheless see it from the lookout above.
Watchman Path
Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3km) return
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
The Watchman Path is right to 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 lodge, Cable Mountain Lodge.
We discovered it tougher than we anticipated as we went at 4pm on a sunny day, and it was a scorching climb up with none shade.
The afternoon gentle is nice, although, because the Watchman mountain (a Zion icon) is absolutely lit up in its vibrant glory.
For us, this hike wasn’t a lot concerning the vista on the prime and extra concerning the gorgeous views the entire method.
Observe that this hike may be very muddy. It was dry for us, however verify the situations earlier than you go and maybe take climbing poles.
The Watchman just isn’t normally busy, so you’ll be able to hike it later within the day when parking contained in the park is tough.
Pa’rus Path
Distance: 3.5 mile (5.6km) return (or much less)
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
The Pa’rus Path is the best hike in Zion. It’s a flat paved path alongside the river that 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 have been staying so shut, we walked elements of this a couple of instances and I ran the entire thing one morning with hardly anybody round.
Whereas it’s not a must-do, the Pa’rus Path is an efficient choice to stretch your legs and benefit from the mountain views, particularly if you’re staying in Springdale. It’s particularly lovely within the late afternoon.
Map of Zion Nationwide Park
Is It Price Visiting Zion in Winter?
Sure, Zion Nationwide Park is 100% price visiting in winter! It’s by far one of the best time to keep away from the overwhelming crowds you’ll discover the remainder of the 12 months.
Temperatures are pretty gentle so climbing is gratifying (even in The Narrows!) and lodging is extra inexpensive.
Whereas Zion is spectacular at any time of 12 months, there’s one thing further particular about having fun with this epic magnificence in peace.
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