I’ve Visited 30+ National Parks—and This Is My Favorite to Visit During the Winter for Few Crowds and Scenic Drives

• Zion National Park is stunning and peaceful in winter, with fewer crowds and rare access to scenic drives by personal vehicle.
• Winter visitors can hike quieter trails, stargaze under dark skies, and enjoy top-notch dining and lodging in nearby Springdale.
• It’s worth visiting Zion in winter to experience iconic hikes and scenery without the crowds that overwhelm the park in warmer months.

I cursed myself as I hauled my trembling body up the chains toward Angels Landing. The climb is infamous for its heart-pumping switchbacks and vertiginous jaunt along a narrow sliver of crag. Those who fear heights, like me, typically avoid it. Instead, I entered the Angels Landing lottery.

I did so because I had a plan: I’d enter the day-before permit lottery to prove my bravery, knowing full well that, given the climb’s popularity, I wouldn’t get a spot.

Rookie mistake. While Zion National Park is busy in spring, summer, and fall, winter is a whole different ballgame. The crowds thin—so much so that Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is typically closed to all but the park shuttles, reopens for personal vehicles. This minimal crowding also meant that, despite my seemingly shrewd strategy, my husband and I landed two permits to ascend one of the park system’s scariest climbs.

That five-mile slog was out of my comfort zone, but it, like the rest of my time in the canyon, helped Zion become my favorite national park to visit in the winter. Here’s how you can enjoy it from December to March, too.  

Zion National Park covered in snow.

Philip Thurston/Getty Images

Winter Weather in Zion National Park 

Seeing Zion without the crowds is incredible, but it does come with a downside: unpredictable weather. That’s why winter is considered the off-season. During my mid-December visit, for example, I enjoyed comfortable hiking weather in the mid-50s by day and around freezing at night. But the National Park Service notes that nearly half of all Zion precipitation falls in the winter.

Earlier in the season, especially December, is ideal, but even January and February can be pleasant if you’re well prepared. Just build in a few buffer days for poor conditions, and remember, precipitation isn’t all bad in Zion. Snow can transform the area into a powdery-white wonderland.

A couple sit on top of Angel’s Landing observing Zion National Park covered in snow.

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What to Do in Zion National Park During the Winter

Try a famous hike.

Most of the Zion trails remain open throughout winter, and as long as you’re watching the weather and arrive prepared with adequate gear (more on that below), you’ll have a blast on the Zion hiking trails. Try applying for a day-before Angels Landing permit if you’re a thrill-seeker, but keep an eye on the trail conditions; it’s dangerous to hike in ice and snow. With the right rental gear (think: a dry suit), the Narrows is also doable in the chilly months, and it’s significantly less busy than usual. If you’d rather go with an expert, book a Narrows guided winter tour. 

Or hit a scenic, low-crowd trail.

Alternatively, get a winter view on a less-intense route, like the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail or Emerald Pools. Both are packed with tourists during the busy season but see way fewer hikers in the chillier months.

For ultimate seclusion, try hiking in Kolob Canyon. My husband and I hiked the snowy Taylor Creek Trail on a December morning and saw no other hikers the entire time.

Stargaze.

Admire winter night-sky attractions like Orion and the Pleiades star cluster on a Zion stargazing trip. The dark-sky park, certified by light pollution authority DarkSky International, has incredibly inky nightscapes that help the stars, galaxies, and planets pop. I spent each night of my December trip photographing the stars in Zion, including from the Court of the Patriarchs and on the grounds outside of Zion National Park Lodge.

Another solid astrotourism spot is the Pa’rus Trail. With sweeping peak views and a largely paved trail, this area makes stargazing accessible. Keep your ears perked for wildlife while you’re sky-watching; during my night on Pa’rus, I heard coyote howls echo through the canyon.

Take a scenic drive.

One major benefit of visiting Zion National Park in the winter? The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles. During the peak season, travelers must take shuttles from the visitor center to access the park’s main trails and stop-offs. From December through February, shuttle service largely ceases (outside of select days and weekends; check shuttle schedules for up-to-date details). That means a scenic road trip through the park is a must-do, and it provides a great way to warm up between frigid hikes.

Try canyoneering.

Canyoneering trips near the park are also available in December. Book a full- or half-day excursion with outfitters like Rock Odyssey or Zion Guru to ensure you’re safe and wearing the right gear when traversing the region’s signature sandstone.

Eat local.

One thing I didn’t expect during my trip to Zion: incredible food. The local restaurants and brewpubs in Springdale offer the perfect respite after a day of chilly ambling. Try the Bit and Spur Restaurant and Saloon for Tex-Mex cuisine, including sweet potato tamales. Head to Zion Canyon Brew Pub for a post-hike beer (they have around 10 on tap). Get your java fill at Canyon Coffee, and leave stomach space for Whiptail Grill, a Mexican fusion haunt in a converted gas station. Don’t miss the goat cheese relleno while you’re here.

A guest room with a view at Cliffrose Springdale.

Hilton

Where to Stay

Nabbing a coveted cabin at the Zion National Park Lodge was arguably my favorite perk of a winter visit. This is the park’s main accommodation, and it books up quickly during the peak season. For a December trip, though, I snagged my stay just a few months in advance. Staying right in the park comes with myriad benefits, including quick access to trails, convenient stargazing, and an on-site restaurant.

That said, dining in nearby Springdale is well worth a trip outside the park. Accommodations like the Cliffrose Springdale put you right in the action. The hotel is a half-mile from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and comes with heated pools and hot tubs, as well as a fitness center and airport shuttle.  

A hiker trekking through snow in Zion National Park.

Tetra Images/Getty Images

What to Wear

The weather can be sporadic this time of year in Zion, so it’s smart to watch the forecast and plan your clothing accordingly. No matter what the weather apps say, though, there are some must-have items for any Zion winter trip. 

First, pack a warm coat and waterproof hiking boots given the season’s precipitation. A pair of boot spikes, such as Yaktrax, will keep you safe on snowy or icy trails. Additionally, bring layers—including top and bottom wool base layers—plus a hat, gloves, and scarf or buff. And if you’re headed to other Utah Mighty Five getaways, don’t forget your annual America the Beautiful pass, which provides entry to all national parks and thousands of federal recreation sites across the U.S.