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.
People Also Ask
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. Roads are plowed, but certain trails may be closed due to the hazard of falling ice.
Zion National Park At-A-GlanceBefore 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.
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.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park for Smaller CrowdsIf 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.
Ideally, you need at least two to three days to visit Zion National Park. This gives you enough time to hike the longer, more popular trails, such as Angels Landing and the Narrows, and you can also add in a few of the shorter, easier trails, such as the Riverside Walk and Canyon Overlook.
We think 2 days in Zion National Park is a perfect baseline. With 2 days, you'll be able to plan a Zion National Park itinerary that fits in one of the longer hikes in Zion (like Angels Landing), the scenic drive between the East Entrance and Zion – Mt. Carmel tunnel, and some of the shorter hikes in the canyon.
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.
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.
Angels Landing is known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. The summit is over a thousand feet off the valley floor and has no guard rails. People have hurt themselves, and even fallen to their deaths, so this is a trail to take seriously.
With moderate elevation gain and a relatively limited mileage, the Angels Landing hike is in some ways beginner friendly. However, the Chains Section will be too intimidating for most beginners or anyone who struggles with vertigo or a fear of heights.
It's important not to attempt this climb if you aren't in good physical shape. It is not appropriate for young children and is too dangerous to try with a kid in a backpack. Only hike Angels Landing if you are in good physical shape. If you have a fear of heights, do not attempt a trail literally called Angels Landing.
ST.GEORGE REGIONAL AIRPORT: The closest airport to Zion with limited commercial flights. One-hour drive to the park. SALT LAKE CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Major airport with direct flights from many foreign and domestic destinations.