- Home
- Places To Go
- Parks & Outdoors
- National Parks In Winter
National Parks in Winter
In the winter months, Utah's five national parks and their surrounding country are full of solitude and with an adventurous spirit to shrug off mild doses of moody weather you can count on having red rock country all to yourself.
National Parks
-
Winter in Arches National Park
Skip the crowded peak season and embrace the quiet of a winter visit to Arches National Park. Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world.
-
Winter in Bryce Canyon National Park
See red rock hoodoos coated with a dusting of snow against a stunning scenic backdrop on an unforgettable winter visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. With elevations of up to 9,100 feet and an average winter snowfall of nearly 100 inches, there is plenty of winter to be found at this high-elevation scenic wonder.
-
Winter in Canyonlands National Park
As the largest national park in Utah, Canyonlands provides a variety of winter adventures, including winter hiking and stargazing.
-
Winter in Capitol Reef National Park
Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. Soak up incredible views along the park’s scenic drive or gear up and head out on a wintry hike.
-
Winter in Zion National Park
Winter visitors to Zion National Park will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky.
Showing 0 of 0
Be Prepared
While winter weather in Southern Utah can be mild you’ll still need to deal with cooler and widely fluctuating temperatures as well as intermittent rain and snow. Throughout the season, nights and shaded areas are quite chilly, while exploring in the sunshine can be delightful. Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. Finally, businesses in many of Utah’s smaller communities shutter for the season. But with some advanced planning and a good set of layers, these small impediments are easily handled.
The reward is pure solitude as you gaze out of some of the most stunning vistas in the world.
Read the Stories
-
6 Steps to a Family MTB Trip on Canyonlands' White Rim
Written by Kristen Bonkoski
For those seeking a slice of paradise to find a little time with their partner, the mineral-rich hot springs of Utah are a picture-perfect destination for a romantic getaway built for two. Dream-like turquoise waters, spectacular natural formations and the healing waters of nature’s finest mineral cocktail are just some of the charms an adventure to Utah’s thermal waters bring. Ranging from developed resort-style havens to remote natural pools that require a hike, these hot springs offer a relaxing and memorable outdoor adventure.
-
A Confluence of Pioneer and Native American Heritage in Southwestern Utah
Written by Sarah Braun
5 minute read
Home to the historical Iron Mission, Cedar City’s rich pioneer heritage is encapsulated at the Frontier Homestead State Park.
-
A Family Bike Tour of Salt Lake’s East Canyon
Written by Kristen Bonkoski
4 minute read
East Canyon has always been a path for travelers, from the Donner Party to Brigham Young to the Pony Express. In this modern-day tale of travel, a family of three takes on East Canyon by bicycle for a weekend camping trip. They discover historical markers, swimming spots, and lots of ice cream.
-
A Guided Ride on the Rolling Slickrock of Gooseberry Mesa
Written by Visit Utah
Utah resident and tour guide Katharina Merchant shares her "backyard" mountain biking
-
Across a Snow-Covered Desert
Written by Matcha
Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah.
-
Boomer Travel: 76 Hours in Moab
Written by Ray Grass
Moab, Utah is a prime destination for Baby Boomer travel. Check out our specially-designed itinerary and plan your visit!
-
Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers
Written by Heather May
5 minute read
One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.
-
Chasing Old West Outlaws on the Cassidy Trail
Written by Matcha
4 minute read
The Cassidy Trail wasn’t just the filming location for an iconic Western movie, it’s steeped in history. Once you find this hidden trailhead, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and Wild West legend.
-
Dark Skies in Capitol Reef National Park
Written by Matcha
Capitol Reef National Park in Utah is a designated International Dark Sky Park. Make plans to come see the most magnificent night sky ever!
-
Dark Skies of Bryce Canyon
Utah has several certified Dark Sky Parks, with Bryce Canyon being Utah's fourth national park, and 13th location altogether, to receive dark sky certification from the International Dark-Sky Association.
-
Dixie Ridin'
Written by Melissa McGibbon
4 minute read
Southeastern Utah might be the state’s hidden gem of mountain biking. Learn about the top mountain biking trails in this area and plan a getaway you’ll never forget.
-
Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Written by Jeremy Pugh
10 minute read
For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utah’s Zion National Park. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains.
-
Riding With TJ Eisenhart
Written by Visit Utah
3 minute read
In 2016, pro cyclist and Utah native TJ Eisenhart had a breakout performance at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, finishing 7th overall in the general classification as part of the BMC Racing Team and being recognized as a Fan Favorite.
-
Seven Must-Ride Mountain Biking Trails in Utah
Written by Visit Utah
5 minute read
To help you plan a Utah mountain biking trip, we've assembled a list of seven of Utah’s best mountain biking trails followed by a roundup of Utah’s best fat-tire destinations.
-
Ski into Summer: Mountain Resorts in Transition
Written by Jill Robinson
From spring skiing to golfing and fly fishing, here are tips and things to do to make the most of spring in Utah.
-
Stay Warm in Southern Utah: How to Pack for a Winter Trip
Written by Jeremy Pugh
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
-
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs While Traveling in Utah
Written by Whitney Childers
Women entrepreneurs in Utah have been particularly successful at honing their expertise. Find out about women-owned businesses you can support while adventuring in Utah.
-
Winter Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park
Written by Jeremy Pugh
3 minute read
Bryce Canyon winter hiking is not your typical hike. Review our suggested checklist of snow hiking gear and tips to stay dry, warm and comfortable. Plan a trip.
-
Winter Road Trip: Capitol Reef to Bryce
Written by Jeremy Pugh
Need winter vacation ideas? The Capitol Reef to Bryce road trip is great for friends, family and group vacations or getaways. Plan your Utah winter road trip!