That hardly ever happens, and when it does, the snow usually doesn’t stick for more than a day or two, if that. Since then, I’ve been back three more times, all within the past two years, but my trip to St. George earlier this month was my first visit during winter. Our first recommendation, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is closed to private vehicles from March to November (unless you’re staying at the Zion Lodge). Walk across our 4,000 acre ranch or venture into Zion National Park. If the shuttle isn’t running, you can drive your car into the main Zion Canyon, Roads are plowed, but certain trails may be closed due to the hazard of falling ice. Winters in Zion are mild, allowing hikers to experience many of the parks trails year-round. All Rights Reserved, 1101 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767  |  435-429-1555. Crampons or yak-traks are used by many who like to hike in the winter. Some of the paths that get little sun might be icy, so check with the Zion Canyon Visitor Center before heading out. December is a great time to explore Zion without the crowds. The average temperature for Zion Canyon is a high of 53, and a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (12/-1 degrees Celsius). Our vacation homes remain open from December to February each year, when the rest of the resort operations are closed. Zion is a vision in March, April and May but it’s still a place where anything can happen. Grafton is located near the Springdale entrance to Zion National Park and is recognizable as a setting of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. They figured out that waiting till summer is over means no stifling heat, no crowded trails, increased hotel vacancy, effortless parking, and many other benefits. . If you’ve been to Zion in the summertime, you know that it gets hot. Storms occasionally bring clouds and cold winds, but they usually blow by quickly. Use common sense and turn back if trail conditions are unsafe. December through March can offer a wonderfully rare opportunity between the East Rim Trail and Observation Point. Learn all about what to expect visiting Zion National Park in December. Get the monthly weather forecast for Zion National Park, UT, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. People, Zion National Park is not a summer-only experience. During the height of tourist season, shuttle buses take visitors into Zion’s main canyon, … Hiking is a great activity in December because the crowds have thinned so immensely, and you could even have the trail to yourself. Most trails are open throughout the winter, and give you the space to enjoy the scenery without the crowds that you’ll experience other times of the year. A group of four family and friends including two senior adults is contemplating about camping at Zion National Park in mid-December. Lastly, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking in December. Guided Zion treks are all-inclusive which covers permits; local transportation (excluded on certain tours); meals; equipment; safety systems and professional hiking/wilderness guides; all of which allows visitors to maximize their time in Zion and focus entirely on enjoying the Park. There are a lot of scenic drives to choose from in and around Zion that are flat-out incredible, but we’ll mention two of our favorites. SUBSCRIBE NOW $3 for 3 months. Zion National Park in Winter Get your cameras ready! Another one to try is the area between Springdale and Kolob Canyon which you can access right outside Springdale on Hwy 9 and then onto Hwy 15. ‘This is a great time to come.” One hears that a lot from the locals when visiting Zion National Park in winter. Make sure to catch sunrise or sunset from Canyon Overlook Trail or Watchman Overlook Trail. There are some very convincing reasons why making the journey to Zion outside the peak months is an incredibly wise decision. Calculations of sunrise and sunset in Zion National Park – Utah – USA for January 2021. You MUST purchase a $1 shuttle ticket online if you want to access the trailheads inside the upper Zion Canyon. This is such a beautiful stretch of land and cruising it with no traffic and pure freedom is a true vacation highlight. Sign up for our blog posts, read up, and never again miss out on another fantastic adventure in Southern Travelers who’ve experienced it often describe it as one of their most favorite trips to take and many do it yearly. Weather in Zion during the month of December is typically cold and wet. Doubt you wil need reservations in December. You can make reservations two weeks prior to arrival. In winter, daytime temperatures hover around 50°F (10°C), dropping below freezing at night. Last year, over 200,000 people took Zion National Park winter trips in just January and February. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing! Many people enjoy camping in Zion Park even during the coldest parts of winter. Zion Guide is the most comprehensive Zion National Park Guide in existence. But during Zion National Park winter months, it’s open! The glistening snow in the canyon and on top of the towering cliffs makes the park very photography-friendly. But in our perspective, those 200,000 people are some of the smartest around. Another great activity in December is hiking. The climate is quite more than very fresh around this city this month. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build … Though the smaller mammals are hibernating, Zion National Park winter visitors often see Golden and Bald Eagles, Bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and wild turkeys in abundance. Now that your interest is peaked, here are 5 of the best things to do in Zion National Park during the winter months. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Zion: canyons, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Hikers should dress in layers so they can adjust for the conditions they find. Zion National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. On average, it rains or snows 6 days in December. The breathtaking scenery of Zion is even more remarkable as it’s walls are blanketed in a fresh layer of snow. Follow Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for about 4 miles from the entrance to arrive at Zion Lodge. Benefits of Visiting Zion in November. There are some trails that get so hot they’re crossed off many tourists itineraries, especially the lower canyon ones. Weather in December December is the coldest month of the year in Zion National Park with the average low temperature at a frigid 29°F (-1.7°C), while many days register temperatures of approximately 20°F (-6.7°C). This trip takes care of all the planning, accommodations and meals, so you can enjoy your trip without any of the stress that comes with planning a National Park vacation. Just this past December – the day after Christmas – I went on an ATV adventure tour with a local outfit across the sand dunes in nearby Hurricane, UT and had the time of my life. Remember that the sun sets early during the winter, so make sure you set out with enough time to finish you hike before the sun goes down. But during Zion National Park winter months, it’s open! There’s a good chance that you’ll run into wildlife along the trails in Zion, on any … I wonder: How cold (in terms of real feel -- sometimes past. Winters in Zion National Park are cold and often wet. The shuttle system is the only way to get around. Temperatures can range from highs of 50-60°F during the day to lows well below freezing at night. The drive is about 40 min. Either way, you are going to be richly rewarded. Why an Excursion with ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours Should Be On Everyone’s Itinerary, Angels Landing Closed: 7 More Scenic Trails to Enjoy While Social-Distancing, Zion National Park Suspends Shuttle Operations Out of Caution for Coronavirus Spread; Park Remains Open, Healthy Tips for Traveling to Zion National Park, © 2021 Pedal Through the Beauty of Zion. Zion National Park Guide | December 2020 PDF. At the end of the 15-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, you’ll find the … The walls and formations at higher elevations are often dusted with snow; and although it could melt as the day progresses, there is nothing like sunrise photography in Zion during the winter months. Some popular hikes to expect this are Angels Landing, Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, and Weeping Rock. There are many benefits to visiting Zion in December, as well as some drawbacks. High temperature: 53°F (12°C) Low temperature: 30°F (-1°C) Hours daylight/sun: 10 hours Rainy days to be expected:6. In Kolob Canyons, the average temperature is a high of 50, and a low of 26 degrees Fahrenheit (10/-3 degrees Celsius). SEASONS/AVOIDING THE CROWDS: Zion is one of the most-used national parks in the country. The biggest benefit of visiting Zion in December is the lack of crowds. Another benefit of visiting in December is that you can drive through the canyon with your own car. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC © 2021, Current Operating Guidelines & New Booking Terms →. Daytime temperatures are usually very pleasant, even during December and January. Early mornings will be chilly in Zion, make sure you start off with many layers, including hats and gloves. Zion Guide December 2020 PDF. At Stock Options Channel, our … Snowshoeing is a great option for hiking on trails at higher elevation; there are many companies in Springdale that rent snowshoes. Note: You know all those beautiful photographs you’ve seen with the cliffs of Zion covered in snow? With so many less people in the park, you are able to experience the magnitude of the walls without thousands of other people around. From snowy Zion and Bryce Canyon to icy Arches and Capitol Reef, here's everything you should know about visiting Utah's national parks this winter. Photography, in general, is one of the prime advantages of viewing Zion during the winter. Nearly half of the annual precipitation in Zion Canyon falls between the months of December and March. (Symbol: ZION) saw new options become available this week, for the December 18th expiration. Stroll down the Riverside Trail. On some days many visitors shed jackets and hike in shirtsleeves. It should be noted an improvement from the previous month since in december it receives an average of 1.1in of precipitation over 5 days. While roads are plowed during the winter months, some hiking trails may be closed due to snow or ice. A great option for hiking in December is an inn-based tour, where you will experience the best of Zion, and Bryce Canyon on day hikes with a local and knowledgeable guide, then go back to a exceptional lodge. Personal cars are allowed through Zion Canyon November to March. The biggest benefit of visiting Zion in November is the crowds have all but disappeared, and there is opportunity for peace and quiet in the park. Generic astronomy calculator to calculate times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset for many cities, with daylight saving time and time zones taken in account. Our first recommendation, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is closed to private vehicles from March to November (unless you’re staying at the Zion Lodge). But in general, the fact that almost all the roads inside the Park become open to private vehicles as the shuttle system shuts down opens up so many options as a tourist that you just won’t have during the summer. Answer 1 of 14: Hello All, The missus and I are planning to do a Utah-Arizona trip in December and are hoping to be in Bryce/Zion during Christmas. Fewer people, easy parking, available hotel rooms, much less crowded trails, . There are a lot of scenic drives to choose from in and around Zion that are flat-out incredible, but we’ll mention two of our favorites. Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, then add in the beautiful autumn colors, and Zion … It’s open year-round for a reason! You may have a chance to see large mammals such as bighorn sheep or deer concentrated in the valley of the canyon. The climate is quite more than very fresh around this … Visiting Zion National Park during the winter months is one of the best-kept secrets in tourism. Visiting Zion National Park in December gives you the opportunity to breathe in the fresh and crisp winter air, see incredible landscapes dusted with snow, and have space to fully enjoy it. The month of December in Zion experiences essentially constant cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy remaining about 56% throughout the month.. For the Zion shuttle, this is one of the major stops, with a lot of people getting on and off. Scenic Drive. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! Updated December 7, 2020: Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Outside Information Desk) 8 am - 4 pm (through winter) Park Store: 8 am - 5 pm (through winter) Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk (Outside North Guest Window) 8am - 10:00am & 3:00pm - 4:30pm (through winter) Zion Human History Museum: Closed: Zion Nature Center: Closed: Kolob Canyons Visitor Center: 8 am - 4:30 pm The others are first come first serve. Lastly, wildlife viewing is a great activity to do in Zion during the winter months. Be prepared for possible overnight temps close to freezing. When you visit the Lodge, you can choose one of several on-site restaurants for lunch. This is such a beautiful stretch of land and cruisi… Wildlife on the Trail. Investors in Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Check out the trail conditions when planning what to do for the day. Winter in Zion is wonderful for sightseeing, especially since you are able to drive through the canyon in your own car. The shuttle system is the only way to get around. Make sure you read the current conditions for up-to-date information. Warm, sunny weather is the norm (rarely over 90 degrees) but it can get rainy on a dime. December is the coldest month of the year in Zion National Park. Winter Destination for Millennial Adventure Seekers, 5 Delicious Restaurants in Springdale and Zion Canyon, Zion National Park Lodging Springdale Utah. You’ll experience roads that are easily passable, continuously plowed, and traffic-free in addition to the incredible scenery. Of course, you can just hike it in the traditional sense, snow or otherwise. The misty waterfalls, abundant wildlife, higher water levels, and (at high elevation locations) the possibility of viewing red rock/white snow contrasts makes this entire area a photographers dream. Make sure to check weather conditions before adding this to your itinerary, particularly regarding whether or not there is actually snow in the above-mentioned area. In december in Zion National Park, the climate is relatively dry (with 2.8in of rainfall over 7 days). The pictures are certainly stunning, but in a very real way, there’s a level of false advertising going on there. As a result, during the winter months (December, January, February) in Zion National Park you may indeed experience snow, but most of the times snow disappears rapidly at lower elevations, accumulating only on the peaks and higher paths. Embark on these hikes with no problem at all during the winter months, particularly The Watchman. Until December 2020, or until further notice, Zion National Park is using a temporary shuttle system to give visitors access to upper Zion Canyon. The contrast of the animals against a snowy background is great for viewing and photography. Winter nights are chilly but usually not extremely cold. We would have 1 day in Zion and a maximum of 2 days in Bryce. Traction devices are recommended for trails at higher elevations, as well as trails with shaded sections where snow and ice are less likely to melt. This trail takes you to a majestic forested plateau courtesy of Zion Ponderosa and is without a doubt one of the most spectacular views in Zion during any time of year. One of the drawbacks of visiting Zion National Park in December is that while the roads are plowed after a winter storm, trails may be closed due to snow or ice. Since my first visit to Utah some 16 years ago, Zion National Park has ranked up there as one of my favorite national parks, if not the favorite. The weather is worst than the previous month since in november there is an average of 2.1in of rainfall over 5 days. Even though it’s cold outside, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day; it is recommended to take at least three liters with you. Winter is a season of peace and quiet in Zion. Stack Exchange Network. If you are able to make it to Zion in December, you will have an amazing experience, and leave with an appreciation for the beauty and solitude of winter in the park. This means you can truly enjoy a serene winter get-away in one of our vacation homes. Cooler weather and less-trafficked roadways make November a terrific time to explore Zion on two wheels, so consider renting a bike during your visit. I know that may not seem like a lot compared to the 4 million plus total annual visitors. Temps also vary with elevation and time of day — the swing between noon and midnight can reach 30 degrees. 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