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Canyonlands National Park   |  Adam Clark

Plan a Winter Adventure to Southern Utah

As the fall chill deepens, Southern Utah enters its most rewarding, least-traveled season. True adventurers know this is the time to go. By facing the winter elements, you unlock the region’s best rewards: uncrowded, pristine trails, a sense of deep, earned solitude and unfiltered access to the vast landscape. Expect a powerful mix of snow-capped sandstone and crystal-clear skies that deliver nights of brilliant, unsurpassed stargazing. There’s no better place to reawaken your love for life, the outdoors and others than Southern Utah.

National Parks in Winter How to Prepare

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Winter Basecamps

Explore The Regions

Southwestern Utah

Popular base camps of this region include Torrey, St. George, Cedar City and Kanab. Three of Utah's five national parks also find their home in this portion of the state: Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. More experienced off-season travelers might check out Cedar Breaks or Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. From snowmobiling and snowshoeing to winter star parties and cozy yurt camping, the rewards of winter's depths are beckoning the well-prepared traveler to Southwestern Utah.

Southeastern Utah

From base camp, jot down your plan, gear up and set out on your winter expedition in Southeastern Utah. This region includes Arches and Canyonlands national parks, both incredible landmarks, but not the only noteworthy and wonder-filled locations in the area. Bears Ears, Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments await your trek across their landscapes. Even Monument Valley has waited all summer for winter to let loose its magic across its famous views and iconic spots, lately dusted with snow.

Things to Do

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Winter Weather Prep for Southern Utah Travel

Visiting Southern Utah during winter requires extra preparation, as weather conditions vary based on elevation. For example, St. George’s elevation is 2,700 feet where mild winter temperatures extend hiking, biking, camping, fishing and golfing seasons. On the other hand, Bryce Canyon National Park’s elevation of 9,100 feet makes camping without heat very uncomfortable. Check out some of the unique winter glamping experiences Southern Utah has to offer. 

Nighttime temperatures dip below freezing in many areas, and high mountain passes may be closed or snowy. Check local road conditions and weather often utilizing webcams and alerts. Plan ahead with these Tips to Pack for a Southern Utah Winter Trip. 

Remember to Leave No Trace

Remember to Leave No Trace

When you visit Utah, expect your time spent outdoors to result in soul-awakening experiences. To help you maximize your experience, we've partnered with Leave No Trace to create Utah-specific seven principles for responsible recreation. 
1. Know Before You Go

1. Know Before You Go

A little extra planning can expand your knowledge, reduce your impact and improve your adventure. Prepare to travel in Utah by researching your destinations, packing for a range of conditions and making backup plans just in case.
2. Stick to Trails and “Overnight Right”

2. Stick to Trails and “Overnight Right”

From solitary hikes to group rides, there are trails for every traveler. Following signage, sticking to the path and using a little know-how will keep Utah’s trails and campsites safe and open.
3. Trash Your Trash

3. Trash Your Trash

One person's trash can greatly impact a natural treasure. No matter where you go, have a garbage and bathroom plan ready (for you and your group) and know how to correctly dispose of all waste, which may mean packing everything out.
4. Protect Indigenous Cultural Heritage

4. Protect Indigenous Cultural Heritage

Indigenous and other historical and cultural sites are everywhere in Utah and they are important to modern descendant communities and researchers. Protect these sites by observing and admiring structures, objects, rock imagery and historical inscriptions at a respectful distance.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

There’s nothing quite like cozying up to a campfire, but not all places and conditions are safe to have one. In areas where fires can be built, keep them small and in existing fire rings and be prepared to extinguish them completely.
6. Keep Wildlife Wild

6. Keep Wildlife Wild

Being in Utah’s outdoors means sharing them with wildlife, which may include bears. Respect their home by only observing from a distance. Save human food for humans, ensure pets are within your control and know local fishing, hunting and boating guidelines.
7. Share Our Parks, Trails and Roads

7. Share Our Parks, Trails and Roads

When traveling in Utah, you may find yourself part of a crowd. While there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors, we can help each other out by being patient, minimizing noise and reducing speed, whether in town or on the trail.
Zion's park East entrance in Southwestern Utah offering a snowy welcome.
Brian Head Resort
Be sure to check road conditions and weather for high mountain passes that may be closed and/or snowy.
Capturing unique snapshots of winter splendor.
These dunes are a series of rock formations found at Arches National Park.
Turret Arch in Moab glows beneath a waxing crescent moon.

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead
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