Can you do Zion Narrows in winter?

We think winter is the best time to experience The Narrows because you can enjoy the beautiful canyon in peace. January is the least crowded month, followed by February and then December. November and March are also fairly quiet. High river levels mean the hike is often closed in spring (especially in April).



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The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah, United States. Situated on the North Fork of the Virgin River and upstream of the main canyon, The Narrows is one of the premier hikes in the park and on the Colorado Plateau.



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In the winter months, Zion is often a place of solitude and beauty with less visitors resulting in quieter trails and less expensive accommodation. The trade-off is cooler temperatures and the prospect of weather-related trail closures.

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Winters in Zion National Park are cold and often wet. Temperatures can range from highs of 50-60°F during the day to lows well below freezing at night. Nearly half of the annual precipitation in Zion Canyon falls between the months of December and March.

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Zion National Park At-A-Glance Before diving in, here are a few highlights to help you plan your trip: Best Time to Visit: Spring or Fall are the best times to visit thanks to mild weather, perfect for hiking. Avoid crowds by visiting in March or November, on either end of peak season.

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Most people hike The Narrows in the summer and early fall when the water tends to be at its warmest and the water level drops. However, life-threatening flash floods are possible at any time and are common during the monsoon season.

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WINTER: NOVEMBER 1 - MARCH 15 Winter is a great time to visit the Zion Narrows, though specialized equipment is required to stay warm.

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Winter = 40-45 degrees. Spring = 45-55 degrees.

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Even with snow, there are trails that can be hiked in Zion. Just bring extra layers and bundle your little ones up! Rain isn't that common in the desert so even if some comes in, it will usually pass within a day or two. If there is more snow than you expected in Zion look for trails with very little elevation gain.

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In preparation for this hike, many people decide to rent specialized gear like canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, walking sticks, waterproof pants, and even full zip-up dry suits. While this gear can be absolutely essential during winter and early spring, it can be a little overkill during the warmer summer months.

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Spring: The Narrows is usually closed from mid-March to mid-May when flow rates are high from snowmelt and spring run-off. This does vary year to year depending on weather conditions. The National Park Service will not issue permits if the flow rate is over 150 cfs. Summer: This is a great time to hike the Narrows.

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Best Time to Hike the Narrows October is a gorgeous time to hike the Narrows. The later you get in the month, the better the fall colors will be and you will share the canyon with just a few other people. But you also have to take into account shorter days, colder temperatures, and the reduced Zion shuttle schedule.

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This trail is extremely dangerous during icy or snowy conditions. Check conditions before you hike and prepare accordingly. If parking at the Grotto and along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is full you may need to park at a nearby trailhead, or return later when parking is available.

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Best Time to Visit Zion National Park for Smaller Crowds If you have the flexibility, making the trip during the park's off-peak months of October through March means less crowded hiking trails and fewer view-blocking selfie sticks. If you're looking for a really quiet escape, January is the best time to visit.

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Bryce Canyon climate and weather: Bryce Canyon National Park is located at a relatively high elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, meaning that it is much cooler than at Utah's other national parks such as Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches.

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