10 Reasons and 10 Tips to Visit Zion in Winter!

Zion in winter is a breathtaking site to see, and definitely something to add to your bucket list. If you’re on the fence on whether or not you should visit Zion during the winter months of November – March, let me convince you to go. Will you be miserable in the cold? No. Will there be ice? Maybe. Will trails be closed? Maybe. Is it worth it compared to the egregious crowds the park has been having in the summer? Absolutely. So let’s get into it. If you’re looking for free itineraries or top hikes, check out Top Hikes in Zion National Park: 1 Day Complete Guide and Itinerary.

10 Reasons to Visit Zion in Winter

1. Smaller to No Crowds

If you’ve been on Instagram or tiktok lately, you can quickly search some dreadful-looking videos of what Angel’s Landing used to look like in peak summer tourist season. Angel’s Landing is known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the US, likely because for 80% of the hike up to the peak, you’re holding on to a rail for dear life. So, as you can imagine, smaller crowds is great for peace and quiet and nice photos, AND for safety.

2. You’re More Likely to Win the (Trail Permit) Lottery!

Luckily and unluckily, the National Park Service has recognized that Angel’s Landing (amongst others, such as the Subway) in particular has become dangerously packed, and now a permit is required to hike. When planning a trip to Zion, realize its easier to win the permit lottery when there are less people applying in winter. Also, it’s easier to win when you plan ahead and apply for multiple dates in advance. The day-before lottery is more difficult to win regardless of season.

Fortunately for me, I got to Angel’s Landing mid-afternoon and the trail was pretty empty thanks to the permit system and the weather. I got the feeling people decided not to go forward with it either due to the ice or last minute cold feet.

More info on permits later, or you can check it out on the Zion website here.

3. You Can Drive Your Car through Zion in Winter!

From January through mid-March the mandatory shuttle in Zion does not operate, which means, you can take your car! This is actually very nice because it gives you the freedom to do the hikes that you want when you want. The parking lots can fill, but even on a holiday weekend in January, I was always able to find a spot, or get one from someone who was leaving. The drive into the park is very scenic, so being able to do this at your own pace is huge. Check out more details on the shuttle here.

When the shuttle is operational, it’s actually pretty easy to navigate. The shuttle goes out-and-back, and it’s easy to find which trail heads are closest to which shuttle stop on the map. For example, the Narrows can be found at shuttle stop 9 and Angel’s Landing trail head is found at shuttle stop 6.

PS: We’ve included free itineraries for shuttle and no shuttle options in our other post Top Hikes in Zion National Park: 1 Day Complete Guide and Itinerary

4. It’s Logistically Easier to Hike Angel’s Landing AND The Narrows in 1 Day

Likely the most popular amongst the average Zion visitor, Angel’s Landing and The Narrows are two must-sees in Zion National Park, even in winter. At MGoTravel, we like to travel quickly, hopping from one destination to the other, so you sure bet I (Satish wasn’t with me on this one) tried to squeeze in the top 2 hikes into 1 day.

Looking into itineraries to hike Angel’s Landing and The Narrows was stressful. The Narrows, keep in mind, requires gear to hike through, especially in winter. You’re submerging yourself into ice-cold water, so you need a whole getup (bib and special shoes) to be able to wade through. If you don’t have a car, that means between hikes you either have to pick up or return your gear before you can start your next hike. Or, you’d have to find a way to carry it all. In summer, you essentially lose an hour or more taking the shuttle back into town to switch out gear between hikes.

Luckily for me, since I could take a car, I could leave all my gear in there. From 9am – Noon I hiked the Narrows, and from 1pm – 4pm I did Angel’s Landing. Afterwards, I returned my gear. The ONLY downside in winter is there is less sunlight, so there wasn’t time to do any more hikes, such as the Watchmen’s trail. Not that I would’ve had the energy to, anyways. Check out the full itinerary here.

5. Trail Closures are Just as Unpredictable

When I was researching hikes to do in Zion in winter, I was concerned about trail closures due to ice and mud. Turns out, I actually had better luck than my brother, who visited in spring a few years back. The Narrows hike can close for a variety of reasons, in his case, it was bacteria in the water. During rainy seasons, the trail shuts down for flash flood warnings. Summer would probably have the best chance of everything being open more often, but it was worth the small risk of closure for the clearer trails, And, even if a trail is closed due to weather or other circumstances, there are plenty of beautiful trails to do in the park that are well worth your time.

The Narrows can close from flash flooding, bacteria in the water, etc. If it’s closed or you’re uncomfortable hiking in a river, check if The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk is open. It’s 2 miles, flat, and takes less than an hour.

6. The Winter Weather in Zion is Great for Hiking

Speaking of weather, even in January it was perfect for hiking. During my trip in mid-January, the weather varied from low 30s to high 40s and party cloudy. This was perfect weather for hiking and layering. At some points I was in just a long sleeve. In others, I had on a light hiking jacket.

7. Snow-Dusted Red Rock and Breathtaking Winter Zion Views

And if you don’t like the cold for hiking, maybe you’ll like the beautiful snow-dusted red rock. Zion in winter just looks completely different than in summer. Though the pictures in this post will give you a glimpse, it’s much better in person.

8. Cheaper Accommodations

If you try to book the Springhill Suites in Springdale for a weekend in June, it’s about $379 for a Friday night. Meanwhile, a Friday night in January was $110. Plus, there’s way more availability. In January you can book the hotel the night before. Can’t say the same for June.

9. Cheaper Travel

Similarly to accommodations, flights and car rentals will always fluctuate in price. But, they will surely be higher during peak seasons compared to off-seasons. Winter in Zion would be considered an off-season, so prices will reflect.

10. Bragging Rights for Hiking in Zion in Winter

One of the biggest downsides of visiting Zion in winter is the potential for dangerous hiking conditions. I’d recommend investing in a pair of hiking spikes (paid link) and putting them in your backpack just in case. But, if you end up hiking Angel’s Landing (do NOT proceed if you don’t feel like you’d have sure footing) in wintry conditions, than props to you, and you get the bragging rights.

Zion in Winter: Know Before You Go

There’s a few tips and ticks we’ve hinted at above, but here’s our list of tips you should know before taking a trip to Zion in winter.

1. Weather

On average, the coldest Zion gets in winter is in the 30s, while it can also reach the 50s in the same day. So, pack warm layers! Keep in mind it can also snow and rain, so pack hiking spikes (paid link) and a rain coat (maybe some rain pants, too).

The Narrows

If it does rain, know that The Narrows will likely be closed due to flash flood warnings. Take these seriously, as hikers have died in flash floods in the area. Check the weather forecast in the morning before heading into the park, because cell service is almost impossible to get!

2. Ice

Yes, the trails can get a bit icy. Especially if it’s snowed and people have stomped down the snow into a nice and icy trail for you. I recommend getting some hiking spikes (paid link) just in case.

3. Cell Service and WiFi

Once you’ve gotten deep into the park, cell service is near impossible to get. There were moments at the beginning of West Rim Trail where I got service (via AT&T) but I wouldn’t count on it. For emergencies, WiFi is available at visitors centers and the Zion Lodge.

4. Permits

Many of the best hiking trails in Zion require a permit. You can apply for a permit here on the NPS website.

Permits for Angel’s Landing are new as of 2022, in response to the dangerously high levels of people trying to hike a one-way trail. There are two lotteries you can apply for:

• Seasonal Lottery: apply ~2-5 months before and pick 7 ranked days and times for your visit. There are “cycles” for the lottery, meaning for June through August, there are only 3 days in April where you can apply.
• Day Before Lottery: apply the day before and hear back 4pm MT that same day.

You’re more likely to get a permit if you apply through the seasonal lottery or if your plans are flexible and you apply for multiple days through the day before lottery.

Keep in mind the Subway also requires a permit, another popular hike to plan ahead for if you have time (this one takes a full day).

5. Gear Rentals

If you’re planning on hiking The Narrows, you’ll need to rent gear. This isn’t just a recommendation, it’s a necessity if you don’t own the equipment already. At a minimum, you need special hiking shoes that grip the rocks in the river so you don’t slip and fall. There are a few rental shops in Zion Village, Zion Outfitters worked well enough for my trip. During January there was no problem getting a night before or day-of reservation. I got the full bib (basically waterproof overalls), a waterproof backpack, the hiking shoes, and the stick. Don’t forget the stick!

Zion Outfitters was also kind enough to warn me about the potential closure of The Narrows. The morning I picked up my gear, they recommended I get out of the river by 10am, as rain was forecasted for that afternoon. It never ended up raining, but, nevertheless, I was out of the river by 11am in case of flash flooding.

6. Where to Stay

Springdale is by far the most convenient place to stay whether you’re visiting Zion in winter or any other season. All of your typical hotels will be situated alone one main road with easy access to the park entrance. You’ll have access to restaurants, bars, and gear rental shops. If you’re planning on camping, Springdale also has camping grounds.

If cabins or glamping is more your vibe, check Airbnb or other vacation rental websites, there’s some really cute, private and secluded cabins and glamping options over to the east of the park.

7. Daylight

One other small downside of visiting Zion in winter is the shorter daylight hours. Depending on when you visit, you should check to see when sunset is. For January, I had to wrap up my hiking by 4pm to avoid being out after sunset. Luckily, having entered the park at 8:30 am and hiked all day, it was more than enough time. Especially considering I was able to drive myself through the entire park, you will likely have enough time to hike, to the point where your body will be ready to turn in before sunset.

8. Shuttles and Parking

Like I mentioned above, you should check the shuttle schedule depending on when you’re visiting Zion. During certain winter moths, the shuttles do not run. On months where they do not run, I recommend getting to your hiking destination early. The parking lot by The Narrows, only fits 25 or so cars, so I would plan on doing that one first if its on your list. The parking lot only opens around 8:30 am, so it’s not ridiculously early. The parking lot by Angel’s Landing (Scouts Lookout via West Rim Trail) or marked by bus stop 6, is much larger and easier to find spots.

9. Entrance Times and Tickets

Zion National Park is open all year, thanks to Utah and the NPS. The visitor’s centers are open around 8am – 5pm every day. The cost to enter is $35 for a private vehicle, which is valid for 7 days. Or, you can purchase an annual America The Beautiful pass for $80 to enter into any National Park for the year.

10. The Best Hikes for Winter in Zion

From experience, I can attest that The Narrows and Angel’s Landing are the best overall hikes in Zion for a few reasons: accessibility, thrill, and length. You can do both of these hikes in 1 day as long as you’re reasonably fit to walk that distance. And, with the new permit system, Angel’s Landing isn’t overly crowded. And The Narrows, especially in winter, will be basically empty.

The Narrows

• Distance: 8.9 mi out & back (but I recommend only doing about half of it if you’re not planning on spending all day here)
• Time: 3-6 hours (depending on when you turn around)
• Elevation: 695 ft
• Difficulty: Hard (but only because you’re walking through water, otherwise it’s pretty flat and easy
• Alltrails
• Notes: need bib, special hiking boots, and optional waterproof bag

The Narrows is basically a hike where you zigzag through a river that is running through a super deep canyon. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss. In winter, the water will be cold, but I promise you if you layer enough clothes on yourself, it won’t be a problem. I ended up taking off my jacket after I got warmed up. Unfortunately your feet will get wet and cold, but the rest of your body will stay warm.

I don’t recommend doing the whole thing unless you’re planning on spending the entire day in the river. I turned around about half way and didn’t regret it. After a while the trail can get repetitive (though still gorgeous). But, you can read more about what people suggest on the Alltrail reviews. PS, I recommend downloading the trail as you won’t have any cell service on this one!

Angel’s Landing

• Distance: 4.4 mi out & back
• Time: 3-5 hours
• Elevation: 1604 ft
• Difficulty: Hard (according to AllTrails, but I’d say this one is extra hard)
• Alltrails
• Notes: need permit to hike all the way up to Angel’s Landing, otherwise you can just do Scout Lookout

Angel’s Landing was aptly named because a man determined the only person who’s be able to stand on it would have to be an angel. It is one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. Much of the trail only has room for one person, so you spend a decent amount of time waiting for cross-traffic to pass. In winter, I would HIGHLY recommend getting spikes (paid link) as there can be a lot of snow and ice. Read the AllTrails reviews the night before you go to get an idea of the current ice and snow condition.

If you can’t make it to the top of Angel’s Landing, know that you can hike Scout Lookout up to Angel’s Landing. This trail is actually the first 3/4 of the Angel’s Landing trail, and avoids the very steep and dangerous uphill to the tip of Angel’s Landing. You can still “lookout” onto Angel’s Landing, take pictures by the sign, and enjoy some beautiful views.

Packing List

Here’s what I recommend packing for a trip to Zion in winter. As an Amazon Associate, note that I get paid commission on links (they help support the blog to make sure it’s free for you!).

1. Navigation Device: we prefer to download AllTrails maps to our cell phone
2. Water! We bring a camelback.
3. Backpack: a camelback to store water, layers, hats, gloves, and snacks. I personally love this smaller Osprey bag for shorter hikes.
4. Layers: thermal long sleeve, light jacket, heavier jacket.
5. Raincoat: love this one from Columbia (men’s option).
6. First Aid kit just in case!
7. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks!
8. Toilet paper: you just never know.
9. Plastic bag for trash.
10. Hiking spikes for winter is a must!

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