All the tips to help you have an amazing trip to Zion National Park in winter.
This picturesque national park is filled with massive cream, pink, and red sandstone cliffs reaching up to the bright blue sky. The beautiful scenery only gets more gorgeous when you happen to visit when snow is covering the trees and has fallen on the peaks of the cliffs. While winters tend to be mild in Zion National Park you should be prepared for snow and ice. It snowed all three days we were visiting in late January.
There are a couple of extremely popular hiking trails at Zion National Park, which causes the park to have a shuttle system for the majority of the year, however, during a couple of winter months, there is no shuttle. *Be sure to double-check the dates that Zion will be requiring the use of the shuttle.
Where is Zion National Park Located
Zion National Park is located in Springdale in southwest Utah. There are two parts to the park; the main section is located in Springdale, however, Kolob Canyons is just off of I-15 at exit 40. Kolob Canyons has a visitor center and several beautiful trails. It tends to be less busy than the main area of the park.
We spent three days/four nights at Zion National Park, however if you only had two days you could see all the highlights with no problem.
Where to Stay
I highly recommend staying inside Zion National Park at Zion Lodge. It offers easy access to the majority of the hiking trails in the park in fact the Emerald Pool trails are right across the street. The oversized rooms were recently updated and while they are not fancy they are clean and comfortable. Each room has a private porch or balcony with amazing views of the park. The lodge also includes cabins if you are looking for more room. 
What to See at Zion National Park
Upper Emerald Pool
This approximately 2.4 miles moderate roundtrip trail climbs from the Lower Emerald Pool up to the Middle and then Upper Emerald Pools (200 feet elevation gain). The trail starts with the most amazing view of the Virgin River. There was not a lot of water flowing during our hike, therefore we felt like the Lower Emerald Pool was the prettiest of the three which is only a 1.2-mile roundtrip hike.
Canyon Overlook Trail
This 1-mile roundtrip out and back trail is fairly easy, however, there are narrow ledges with drop-offs that may not be safe for small children. The view of the canyon was beautiful!
Riverside Walk
This 2.2 miles easy trail departs the Temple of Sinawava and takes you to the entrance of the narrows if you are hiking bottom up. The trail follows along the Virgin River with amazing views. We were lucky enough to be the first people on the trail after it snowed overnight and it was breathtaking.
Angels Landing via West Rim Trail
This 5.4 miles out and back trail is a strenuous hike that gains 1,500 feet with long drop-offs and is not for young children or anyone fearful of heights. If you do not feel like hiking Angels Landing you can hike up to Scout Lookout.
Winter Tips for Zion National Park
- Be open to changing your plans due to the weather. We ended up arriving a day early due to predicated snow.
- Stay inside the park at the lodge, therefore you are close to the majority of the hiking trails.
- Bring micro-spikes in case they are needed during a hike especially Angels Landing.
Have you visited Zion National Park in winter?
