Tips for Visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon in Winter

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Zion and Bryce in Winter is Quiet and Magical

Our family has visited Zion National Park in the spring and the summer, and Bryce Canyon National Park in the summer. And we absolutely loved every minute of it.

But winter in Bryce and Zion — two southern Utah gems — when the hoodoos and towering red rocks are often draped in white and silence, is different kind of wonderful experience!

My friends ventured west to visit Bryce and Zion in the winter (mid-January) and relished every minute of their quiet, snowy hikes and solitude in both parks.

With many top-rated vacation homes and cabins between, you can have one heckuva cozy winter vacation stay.

Friends say Duck Creek Village really is the place to base yourself.

My friend graciously shared her pictures and adventures with us.

Coupling what they’ve done with what we’ve explored in these two Utah national parks, we hope this write-up inspires you to plan your own spectacular winter trip to Bryce and Zion.

Photographers and hikers love winter in Bryce Canyon

Winter in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is wonderful any time of year with her hoodoo haven, crisp fresh air, and unforgettable sunrise hikes and sunset vistas.

If you’re longing for uninterrupted time alone and you love snowy adventures, then visiting Bryce in the winter is a great destination pretty much any time November through February. This national park remains open all year long, but if you visit during the colder months, there’s a very strong chance you and your family can hike a trail all to yourself.

Keep in mind the average temps in Bryce Canyon in the winter: average highs can be around the mid 30s (F) while the average low hovers around 15°(F). Also, know that the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival typically falls over President's Day Weekend. Check Bryce Canyon’s official site for more information if festivals are your jam.

Invest in a Garmin inReach Mini 2 ($100 OFF thru Nov. 20, 2023!) for peace of mind. Weighing just 3.5 oz., this compact satellite communicator adds peace of mind to your adventures without adding weight to your pack.

Keep reading below for all the winter things to do in Bryce!

Bryce Canyon in the winter time is simply stunning

Driving through Bryce Canyon in winter

Bryce Canyon just might be most gorgeous in winter! Driving through the park, you can stay warm in your car and hop out at the different overlooks to snap dreamy photos of red rocks laced with white snow against a bright blue sky.

Even better, immerse yourself among the hoodoos by hiking through this winter wonderland up close and personal.

Before you head out on any winter adventure in Bryce, you are wise to stop at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center or visit their official website to learn current weather conditions, find out which hiking trails are open (more on those below), and brush up on safety tips.

According to Bryce Canyon’s official website, keep in mind some roads are left unplowed in the winter to allow for snowshoers and some roads may close for a bit after a winter storm just until they are cleared and safe for travel.

Roads that lead to favorite overlooks like Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset and Sunrise Points are usually plowed right away for easier access.

Pro Tip for Driving in Bryce Canyon in Winter: While on the road in places where cell phones aren’t dependable, we travel with our Midland Radio two way radios: built for communication, made for connection.

Use Midland Radio’s Finder Tool to discover which two way radios are best for you to stay in touch with the ones you love.

Winter in Bryce Canyon is an ideal time to explore the park by yourself - just let someone know your full plans each day.

Hiking in Bryce Canyon in Winter

If you plan to hike any main trails going down into the main amphitheater, wear waterproof hiking boots or snow boots, layers of clothing, gloves and hats, plus carry lots of water and snacks.

Additional traction devices, like Yaktrax, trekking poles, and snow gaiters will help you hike the most popular trails more confidently.

In Bryce, my friends hiked a figure-eight combination of several trails, suggested by a nice park ranger at the Visitor's Center.

To hike this figure-eight combo hike, take the Rim Trail to Sunrise Point, then the Queen's Garden Trail. From there, hop on a little joiner trail to the Peekaboo Loop Trail. When you return to the joiner trail, take the Navajo Loop Trail back to Sunset Point, and then add on a jaunt to Inspiration Point. It's around 6 miles total and absolutely stunning! They probably saw 10 other people all day long and they were super glad to be wearing their traction devices on these trails.

PRO TIP: At the end of the post, I suggest great hiking gear for winter hikes. Gear can make all the difference for really enjoying a winter hike!

Bryce Canyon Winter Hiking

Or consider these hiking trails in Bryce Canyon in winter:

• Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Trail Plan on at least two to three hours for this 2.9-mile hike. For the best views, start at Sunset Point and finish at Sunset Point on the Navajo Loop.

• Fairyland Loop For those looking for a long, strenuous 8 mile hike through eye-catching hoodoos and striking scenery along the rim and into the canyon, this is the hike for you. Additional traction accessories are recommended. Start at Fairyland Point, at the northern portion of the park, carry LOTS of water (2 Liters is ideal), and plan on this being your main activity for the day.

Camping in Bryce Canyon in Winter

North Campground is the only campground open in Bryce Canyon in winter and it is first come, first served in the off season. Most people shy away from camping here due to the chilly temperatures at 8,000 feet, but chances are you’ll have the campground nearly to yourself.

North Campground is found within walking distance of the park's Visitor Center. Famous Sunrise and Sunset Points are close by in the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater.

Read up on all the best tips for camping in winter for a serene, wonderful experience.

Hiking in snow in winter in Bryce Canyon

Snowmobiling and more around Bryce

Feeling even more adventurous? Consider these winter activities in Bryce…

My friend and her daughter had a blast snowmobiling in nearby Brian Head, Utah. They hopped on a guided snowmobile tour with Thunder Mountain Motor Sports. Their guide was awesome and the ride was a rush!

Snowmobiling Highlights It costs about $150/person plus a generous tip for the guide. You could share a snowmobile, and while that’s cheaper, it’s even more fun for each adult to have their own when possible. Usually, you’re led on either a 1.5 hour tour or a 3 hour tour. Thunder Mountain Sports had great equipment, instruction, trails, and the guide was really awesome! They are located right by Cedar Breaks National Monument, so the views along the trails are just fantastic.

Cross country skiing via the Rim Trail, Paria Loop is also popular. You can also look into taking a Ranger guided snowshoe hike — snowshoes and poles included!

Ski or snowboard at Brianhead Resort. Also check out snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating and sleigh rides with Ruby’s Inn.

Snowmobiling near Bryce Canyon

Where to stay between Bryce and Zion

Before I hand over the scoop on winter in Zion National Park, I thought it would be good to mention that my friends decided it was best to stay in a little village up in the mountains called Duck Creek.

The perfect location between these two national parks, Duck Creek Village offers great vacation rentals and cabins near Bryce (the one below was only $60/ night while they were there) that will help you make the most of your winter vacation.

Side note: Drive or rent a 4W drive to help you best navigate the roads there.

Where to stay in Bryce in Winter

Where to eat around Bryce:

Thunderbird Restaurant  It's about 30 minutes outside of the east entrance of Zion. Great dinner and some unique history as a bit of a roadside attraction. Kind of a fun stop.

Hoodoo Hideout - We stopped at this roadside cafe twice. The owner was super nice and informative about the area. They are located on Hwy 89 between Zion and Bryce near Hatch. Great food and probably one of the most affordable meals we ate out. 

More Helpful Tips about Bryce Canyon

• Arika’s Perfect Winter Day in Bryce Canyon. Besides knowing all about Bryce and Zion, I love following Arika: a talented photographer and Zion expert.

• More sweet vacation home around Bryce Canyon to suit your needs

Winter in Zion NAtional Park

Winter in Zion

Dramatically different from nearby Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park in winter offers tantalizing eye candy, heart-pumping canyoneering, amazing slot canyons, and memorable animal sightings.

Visiting Zion in November, December, January, and February offers quieter hikes, beautiful wintry scenery, sometimes snow, and significantly lower lodging prices.

Keep in mind that winter in Zion can be wet. Temps may reach as high as 60 during the day, but below freezing at night. Roads are kept plowed but some trails may close due to the chances of falling ice.

Zion National Park in Winter just hits different!

Things to do in Zion in winter

Winter in Zion National Park is mild compared to Bryce, because Zion sits at a lower desert elevation. However, you can often expect winter driving conditions from November through quite possibly mid-March.

Find solitude in the canyons in Zion in winter. Before you head out on any winter adventure here, you’d be wise to talk with the Rangers at the Zion National Park Visitor Center or visit park’s official website to learn current weather conditions, which trails are open, and safety tips.

Driving through Zion Canyon

The best wintry scenic drives recommended by Fodor’s:

• Kolob Canyons Road Enjoy this quiet 5 mile drive where the Kolob finger canyons suddenly appear and you can snap photos at your own pace. This road may close if there is heavy snowfall. We enjoyed canyoneering near Kolob Terrace over one spring break.

• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive In high season, this drive can only be done via the park shuttle. In December and January, you can drive this on your own as it follows the canyon floor and passes these famous towering cliffs: The Court of the Patriarchs, the Sentinel, and the Great White Throne.

• Zion - Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnels A must and our favorite way to enter the park — through the back door. This gorgeous stretch of 12 miles along Highway 9 eventually takes you to 1.1 mile section of road blasted through solid rock where five arched “windows” offers quick, stunning peeks at passing cliffs and canyons. Note: Stop for the Canyon Overlook Trail which is accessed via a parking area between the tunnels.

  PRO TIP: My friend enjoyed riding e-bikes through Zion one spring break with her family.

Hike the Narrows in Zion in winter

Hiking in Zion in Winter

Extra traction accessories for your hiking boots are always a good idea; see all of my tried-and-true favorites at the end of this post. Consider these hiking trails in Zion in winter:

• Pa ‘rus Trail An easy, paved, short trail following the Virgin River.

• Riverside Walk Another easy paved trail following the Virgin River along the canyon floor.

• Grotto Trail A short easy trail that starts behind the Zion Lodge.

• Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint Trail This two-minute “hike” is worth the view as you’ll gain a nice view of this trio of peaks — called Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — from a vantage point a bit higher than the road.

• Canyon Overlook Trail A moderate hike with drop-offs that are mostly fenced, the beginning starts near the east entrance of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Our kids’ favorite.

• Watchman Trail A moderate, longer hike with fantastic viewpoints.

• The Narrows via the Riverside Walk A breathtaking, more technical hike up the Virgin River via the world’s largest slot canyon.

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Hike in Zion in Winter

What you should know about hiking the Narrows

In winter, you’ll definitely want to rent dry suits, neoprene socks, canyon shoes and walking sticks from Zion Adventure Company in Springdale. Well worth the $55 for the entire package/person.

Pick up your equipment the evening before, so you can get an early start the next day. Equipment is typically due back by 6:00 pm.

Best part: You will not be cold for one second inside these dry suits. With the socks and canyon boots, your feet still get wet, but they’ll stay nice and warm. It was probably about 45 degrees on the winter day my friends hiked the Narrows - an unforgettable hike with only about a dozen other folks on the trail. (Our family hiked it in June with hundreds of others.)

*All photography above belongs to Karen Hinde and may not be used without permission.

Winter Activities in Zion include canyoneering

Other Winter Activities around Zion

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are best in the park’s higher elevations. Always inquire at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center for backcountry snow conditions.

Winter Canyoneering. Hike, climb, rappel, stem, and slip through slot canyons. Canyoneering with kids in Zion is one of our all time favorite outdoor adventures.

While staying in Springdale is a treat itself, there are lot of fabulous lodging options for families in and around Zion.

About Springdale in Winter Karen reports that about 1/3 of the businesses were either closed for the winter season or were operating with reduced winter schedules. But you can still enjoy lunch at the Bumbleberry Inn and dinner at Casa De Amigos, where you can eat outside on a cool heated, covered patio. Springdale’s small-town vibe is fun and funky no matter the season.

We love Rumpl’s National Parks Collection Puffy Blankets for winter trips like this - a great way to commemorate your next national park family vacation!

Winter in Zion National Park

Paddleboarding and Camping Near Zion in Winter

Did you know you can paddle in the middle of the red rock desert of Greater Zion?

Actually, you can camp and SUP paddleboard in three fantastic state parks for camping near Zion in Winter.

Bring your own inflatable SUP (and all the right layers!) and explore these three magical bodies of water and experience more adventure around Zion in winter:

1. Quail Creek State Park: a quiet lake not far from I-15 that offers impressive views and serene waters for paddleboarding. Camp along the sandy shore or head there for the day.

2. Gunlock State Park: nestled in the western side of Greater Zion, here’s an oasis in the beautiful red rock desert with interesting rock formations. Primitive camping spots, many great for RVs.

3. Sand Hollow State Park: a large man-made reservoir surrounded by orange sand and desert buttes - a super cool setting for paddle boarding near Zion. Camping options and a restaurant here too.

Don’t have your own travel paddleboard? Call Dig Paddle Sports and they can likely set you up to paddle board in January - February, November - December. (435) 256-8683

Stay Warm in your zion Rumpl

Grab Your Zion National Park Puffy Blanket for Your Trip

Rumpl National Park blankets

Recommended winter hiking gear

Winter hiking is a lot more fun when you stay warm and dry. The right gear can make all the difference.

Layers are important. Think a wick away shirt, plus a fleece pullover, and a light jacket — Patagonia’s Nanopuff Jacket is the perfect lightweight layer when you’re out there moving on cold days.

Always carry a beanie and some light gloves in your day pack.

Snow crampons are a game changer when it comes to hiking on snow and ice. Add in some trekking poles, and you will be moving and grooving sure-footedly on snowy and icy hiking trails.

Hydration is paramount, and the affordable, durable 3L Platypus reservoir is easy to fill and pop into the sleeve of your daypack.

Don’t have a daypack you love? Check out the Osprey Daylite Plus below.

Invest in a Garmin inReach Mini 2 ($100 OFF thru Nov. 20, 2023!) for peace of mind. Weighing just 3.5 oz., this compact satellite communicator adds peace of mind to your adventures without adding weight to your pack.

Crampons Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes Women Men Kids Anti Slip 19 Stainless Steel Spikes Safe Protect for Hiking Fishing Walking Climbing Mountaineering (Black, X-Large) Buy on Amazon

Platypus Hoser Hands-Free Hydration System Water Reservoir, 3-Liter, with Fast Flow Valve Buy on Amazon

Lonely Planet Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks (Travel Guide)

By Lonely Planet, Christopher Pitts, Greg Benchwick

Buy on Amazon

More Family fun in and around Zion

Like I said, we’ve enjoyed Zion in March and in June and look forward to visiting again in winter.

My friend emphasized over and over how nice it was that so few people were around in winter. They hardly saw anyone on their hikes, parking was abundant, and being able to drive at their own pace rocked!

Here is more to love about Zion and southern Utah.

• Great Things to do in Zion in Winter

• Visit nearby Kanab and don’t miss the heavenly Kanab Creek Bakery

• Squeeze Your Family Through a Slot Canyon to Kannarraville Falls

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