Can you go to Zion in December?

The biggest benefit of visiting Zion in December is the lack of crowds. Fewer crowds mean less irritation and more peace during the day. Many of the wildlife will be more willing to be out and about this time of year when there aren't hundreds of people craning to see them.



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Winter (December to February) Winter is a quieter time to visit Zion National Park with fewer visitors and the opportunity to see the park covered in snow. However, some areas of the park may be closed or inaccessible due to snow and ice.

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The Worst Times to Visit Zion National Park Some might like the solitude and isolated feel of the park during the quietest months, but traveling to Zion in the winter can be a challenge. Think temperatures below freezing at night, roads occasionally covered in snow, and limited park access.

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Winter is certainly a great time to visit Arches National Park. With fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and a beautiful dusting of snow resting on the red rock formations, Arches in winter is a dreamy place.

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Carmel Tunnel, the Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive. During most years, shuttles run: Daily from March through November. For the holiday season near the end of December.

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Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round. In winter, the visitor center has reduced hours and is closed on holidays. Check the park's website or call to find out about current conditions and closures. Roads, trails, overlooks and other areas may close due to hazardous conditions, and some are closed all winter.

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As with most national parks, Zion's busiest season is when the kids are off school and most people take their vacations. That means weekends much of the year and the most crowded time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Despite the hot temperatures — and 100-degree days are common — summer draws the biggest crowds.

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While the rims remain cold and snowy for much of the season, inside the canyon is sheltered from the winter weather and remains perfect for hiking in long sleeves. The trails are also very quiet during this season as so few visitors are at the park and the trails are a little bit more treacherous than in other seasons.

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December: As winter begins creeping in, the Joshua Tree area sees average high temperatures of 60°F and lows of 40°F (and keep in mind that many nights will dip below freezing). Snow and ice can occur in Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas of the desert in December.

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In many national parks, staying inside the park is important. At Zion, staying outside the park might actually be a little better. Don't worry too much. This is one of those happy situations where both choices are very good.

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Both parks are incredibly popular destinations with unique features that draw in visitors from all over. While Zion tends to be busier due to its proximity to Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon offers incredible views of its iconic red-rock hoodoos and stunning natural landscapes.

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Ideally, you need two to three days to really explore Zion National Park. This will give you enough time to hike one of the longer trails such as Angels Landing or the Narrows and enjoy all the major viewpoints.

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Typically, when you're not much of a hiker or have young children in tow, Zion can be done in a 1- or 2-day trip. Give yourself enough time to catch a few shuttle rides and sightsee. You may even want to set aside a day to do a scenic drive in your personal vehicle around the park.

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