Zion National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. Zion National Park Guide | December 2020 PDF. Generic astronomy calculator to calculate times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset for many cities, with daylight saving time and time zones taken in account. Either way, you are going to be richly rewarded. South campground is the only reservable campground in Zion. Another one to try is the area between Springdale and Kolob Canyon which you can access right outside Springdale on Hwy 9 and then onto Hwy 15. This trail takes you to a majestic forested plateau courtesy of Zion Ponderosa and is without a doubt one of the most spectacular views in Zion during any time of year. The breathtaking scenery of Zion is even more remarkable as it’s walls are blanketed in a fresh layer of snow. Visiting Zion National Park during the winter months is one of the best-kept secrets in tourism. Some of the paths that get little sun might be icy, so check with the Zion Canyon Visitor Center before heading out. In winter, daytime temperatures hover around 50°F (10°C), dropping below freezing at night. The month of December in Zion experiences essentially constant cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy remaining about 56% throughout the month.. While roads are plowed during the winter months, some hiking trails may be closed due to snow or ice. On some days many visitors shed jackets and hike in shirtsleeves. Hikers should dress in layers so they can adjust for the conditions they find. Storms occasionally bring clouds and cold winds, but they usually blow by quickly. Nearly half of the annual precipitation in Zion Canyon falls between the months of December and March. When you visit the Lodge, you can choose one of several on-site restaurants for lunch. If you have proper equipment, camping can be a fun winter adventure. They figured out that waiting till summer is over means no stifling heat, no crowded trails, increased hotel vacancy, effortless parking, and many other benefits. The climate is quite more than very fresh around this … It should be noted an improvement from the previous month since in december it receives an average of 1.1in of precipitation over 5 days. Temperatures can range from highs of 50-60°F during the day to lows well below freezing at night. Traction devices are recommended for trails at higher elevations, as well as trails with shaded sections where snow and ice are less likely to melt. Almost half of the yearly precipitation in Zion Canyon occurs between December and March. Answer 1 of 14: Hello All, The missus and I are planning to do a Utah-Arizona trip in December and are hoping to be in Bryce/Zion during Christmas. A great option for hiking in December is an inn-based tour, where you will experience the best of Zion, and Bryce Canyon on day hikes with a local and knowledgeable guide, then go back to a exceptional lodge. Make sure to catch sunrise or sunset from Canyon Overlook Trail or Watchman Overlook Trail. I wonder: How cold (in terms of real feel -- sometimes past. Cooler weather and less-trafficked roadways make November a terrific time to explore Zion on two wheels, so consider renting a bike during your visit. High temperature: 53°F (12°C) Low temperature: 30°F (-1°C) Hours daylight/sun: 10 hours Rainy days to be expected:6. During the height of tourist season, shuttle buses take visitors into Zion’s main canyon, … December through March can offer a wonderfully rare opportunity between the East Rim Trail and Observation Point. Lastly, wildlife viewing is a great activity to do in Zion during the winter months. This is such a beautiful stretch of land and cruising it with no traffic and pure freedom is a true vacation highlight. Grafton is located near the Springdale entrance to Zion National Park and is recognizable as a setting of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Zion Lodge, built in the 1920s, is a rustic, medium-sized hotel, a member of Historic Hotels of America, as part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Hiking is a great activity in December because the crowds have thinned so immensely, and you could even have the trail to yourself. People, Zion National Park is not a summer-only experience. You can make reservations two weeks prior to arrival. That hardly ever happens, and when it does, the snow usually doesn’t stick for more than a day or two, if that. The drive is about 40 min. Fewer people, easy parking, available hotel rooms, much less crowded trails, . Benefits of Visiting Zion in November. Silver Reef features a museum in an old Wells Fargo building, and Old Irontown is a protected site where you can find beehive shaped kilns and ruins with interpretive signage. Be prepared for possible overnight temps close to freezing. The contrast of the animals against a snowy background is great for viewing and photography. Zion National Park may be at it’s best in the winter season. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! Embark on these hikes with no problem at all during the winter months, particularly The Watchman. There’s a good chance that you’ll run into wildlife along the trails in Zion, on any … From snowy Zion and Bryce Canyon to icy Arches and Capitol Reef, here's everything you should know about visiting Utah's national parks this winter. There are some trails that get so hot they’re crossed off many tourists itineraries, especially the lower canyon ones. You may have a chance to see large mammals such as bighorn sheep or deer concentrated in the valley of the canyon. There are many benefits to visiting Zion in December, as well as some drawbacks. The walls and formations at higher elevations are often dusted with snow; and although it could melt as the day progresses, there is nothing like sunrise photography in Zion during the winter months. Our vacation homes remain open from December to February each year, when the rest of the resort operations are closed. Snowshoeing is a great option for hiking on trails at higher elevation; there are many companies in Springdale that rent snowshoes. But during Zion National Park winter months, it’s open! Now that your interest is peaked, here are 5 of the best things to do in Zion National Park during the winter months. Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, then add in the beautiful autumn colors, and Zion … 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Weather in Zion during the month of December is typically cold and wet. A group of four family and friends including two senior adults is contemplating about camping at Zion National Park in mid-December. Snow in Zion is very rare. The weather in january in Zion National Park is rather dry (with 0.9in of precipitation over 4 days). There are some very convincing reasons why making the journey to Zion outside the peak months is an incredibly wise decision. Travelers who’ve experienced it often describe it as one of their most favorite trips to take and many do it yearly. Utah! . December is the coldest month of the year in Zion National Park. In december in Zion National Park, the climate is relatively dry (with 2.8in of rainfall over 7 days). Winter nights are chilly but usually not extremely cold. Calculations of sunrise and sunset in Zion National Park – Utah – USA for January 2021. Use common sense and turn back if trail conditions are unsafe. The biggest benefit of visiting Zion in December is the lack of crowds. Just this past December – the day after Christmas – I went on an ATV adventure tour with a local outfit across the sand dunes in nearby Hurricane, UT and had the time of my life. You can read our list of Zion’s best trails for recommendations. Zion National Park in Winter The shuttle system is the only way to get around. If you are able to make it to Zion in December, you will have an amazing experience, and leave with an appreciation for the beauty and solitude of winter in the park. Make sure you read the current conditions for up-to-date information. Photography, in general, is one of the prime advantages of viewing Zion during the winter. Make sure to check weather conditions before adding this to your itinerary, particularly regarding whether or not there is actually snow in the above-mentioned area. Though the smaller mammals are hibernating, Zion National Park winter visitors often see Golden and Bald Eagles, Bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and wild turkeys in abundance. With so many less people in the park, you are able to experience the magnitude of the walls without thousands of other people around. SUBSCRIBE NOW $3 for 3 months. ZionNationalPark.com. Doubt you wil need reservations in December. Stroll down the Riverside Trail. Walk across our 4,000 acre ranch or venture into Zion National Park. Wildlife on the Trail. SEASONS/AVOIDING THE CROWDS: Zion is one of the most-used national parks in the country. But during Zion National Park winter months, it’s open! Visiting Zion National Park in December gives you the opportunity to breathe in the fresh and crisp winter air, see incredible landscapes dusted with snow, and have space to fully enjoy it. Zion Guide December 2020 PDF. You might benefit from a light jacket, sweatshirt, or thermal in the early mornings, but you’ll be probably be ditching them when midday approaches. Investors in Zions Bancorporation, N.A. The glistening snow in the canyon and on top of the towering cliffs makes the park very photography-friendly. The weather is worst than the previous month since in november there is an average of 2.1in of rainfall over 5 days. It’s open year-round (though visitor centers are closed Christmas Day), 24 hours a day, although weather con-ditions may limit some activities at certain times. Even though it’s cold outside, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day; it is recommended to take at least three liters with you. Mildly cold days with the average high temperature of 53°F … One of the drawbacks of visiting Zion National Park in December is that while the roads are plowed after a winter storm, trails may be closed due to snow or ice. There are a lot of scenic drives to choose from in and around Zion that are flat-out incredible, but we’ll mention two of our favorites. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC © 2021, Current Operating Guidelines & New Booking Terms →. Of course, you can just hike it in the traditional sense, snow or otherwise. This is such a beautiful stretch of land and cruisi… Most trails are open throughout the winter, and give you the space to enjoy the scenery without the crowds that you’ll experience other times of the year. Learn all about what to expect visiting Zion National Park in December. The misty waterfalls, abundant wildlife, higher water levels, and (at high elevation locations) the possibility of viewing red rock/white snow contrasts makes this entire area a photographers dream. Winters in Zion National Park are cold and often wet. Crampons or yak-traks are used by many who like to hike in the winter. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing! Another benefit of visiting in December is that you can drive through the canyon with your own car. The shuttle system is the only way to get around. The pictures are certainly stunning, but in a very real way, there’s a level of false advertising going on there. At the end of the 15-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, you’ll find the … . (Symbol: ZION) saw new options become available this week, for the December 18th expiration. If you’ve been to Zion in the summertime, you know that it gets hot. Roads are plowed, but certain trails may be closed due to the hazard of falling ice. Lastly, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking in December. Guided Zion treks are all-inclusive which covers permits; local transportation (excluded on certain tours); meals; equipment; safety systems and professional hiking/wilderness guides; all of which allows visitors to maximize their time in Zion and focus entirely on enjoying the Park. Warm, sunny weather is the norm (rarely over 90 degrees) but it can get rainy on a dime. This means you can truly enjoy a serene winter get-away in one of our vacation homes. It’s open year-round for a reason! Get the monthly weather forecast for Zion National Park, UT, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. We would have 1 day in Zion and a maximum of 2 days in Bryce. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Zion: canyons, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Note: You know all those beautiful photographs you’ve seen with the cliffs of Zion covered in snow? The average temperature for Zion Canyon is a high of 53, and a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (12/-1 degrees Celsius). Stack Exchange Network. In Kolob Canyons, the average temperature is a high of 50, and a low of 26 degrees Fahrenheit (10/-3 degrees Celsius). Why an Excursion with ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours Should Be On Everyone’s Itinerary, Angels Landing Closed: 7 More Scenic Trails to Enjoy While Social-Distancing, Zion National Park Suspends Shuttle Operations Out of Caution for Coronavirus Spread; Park Remains Open, Healthy Tips for Traveling to Zion National Park, © 2021 Sign up for our blog posts, read up, and never again miss out on another fantastic adventure in Southern But in general, the fact that almost all the roads inside the Park become open to private vehicles as the shuttle system shuts down opens up so many options as a tourist that you just won’t have during the summer. Winter in Zion is wonderful for sightseeing, especially since you are able to drive through the canyon in your own car. This trip takes care of all the planning, accommodations and meals, so you can enjoy your trip without any of the stress that comes with planning a National Park vacation. And even though the National Park Service site will tell you that “nearly half of the annual precipitation in Zion Canyon falls between the months of December and March,” don't let that scare you away; Zion is located in a desert-like area of Utah, and average annual precipitation is just over 16 inches for the entire year. Check out the trail conditions when planning what to do for the day. Zion is a vision in March, April and May but it’s still a place where anything can happen. For the Zion shuttle, this is one of the major stops, with a lot of people getting on and off. Some popular hikes to expect this are Angels Landing, Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, and Weeping Rock. December, January, February are also the rainiest months of … The climate is quite more than very fresh around this city this month. Winter is a season of peace and quiet in Zion. At Stock Options Channel, our … Another great activity in December is hiking. Pedal Through the Beauty of Zion. On average, it rains or snows 6 days in December. Personal cars are allowed through Zion Canyon November to March. December is a great time to explore Zion without the crowds. ‘This is a great time to come.” One hears that a lot from the locals when visiting Zion National Park in winter. Until December 2020, or until further notice, Zion National Park is using a temporary shuttle system to give visitors access to upper Zion Canyon. Daytime temperatures are usually very pleasant, even during December and January. Weather in December December is the coldest month of the year in Zion National Park with the average low temperature at a frigid 29°F (-1.7°C), while many days register temperatures of approximately 20°F (-6.7°C). Follow Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for about 4 miles from the entrance to arrive at Zion Lodge. The others are first come first serve. Winters in Zion are mild, allowing hikers to experience many of the parks trails year-round. December through April constitutes the park's low season, but although there will be fewer crowds, some attractions, such as the Narrows and Angels Landing, might be too cold to fully enjoy. Our first recommendation, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is closed to private vehicles from March to November (unless you’re staying at the Zion Lodge). You’ll experience roads that are easily passable, continuously plowed, and traffic-free in addition to the incredible scenery. Updated December 7, 2020: Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Outside Information Desk) 8 am - 4 pm (through winter) Park Store: 8 am - 5 pm (through winter) Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk (Outside North Guest Window) 8am - 10:00am & 3:00pm - 4:30pm (through winter) Zion Human History Museum: Closed: Zion Nature Center: Closed: Kolob Canyons Visitor Center: 8 am - 4:30 pm Almost all of Zion’s attractions are open year-round, but some of them may have some icy patches in areas that don’t see much sun so just be aware. Winter Destination for Millennial Adventure Seekers, 5 Delicious Restaurants in Springdale and Zion Canyon, Zion National Park Lodging Springdale Utah. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build … As a result, during the winter months (December, January, February) in Zion National Park you may indeed experience snow, but most of the times snow disappears rapidly at lower elevations, accumulating only on the peaks and higher paths. Early mornings will be chilly in Zion, make sure you start off with many layers, including hats and gloves. Being able to drive yourself gives you freedom to see what you want to see, on your own watch. I know that may not seem like a lot compared to the 4 million plus total annual visitors. But in our perspective, those 200,000 people are some of the smartest around. Weather in December Weather in Zion during the month of December is typically Temps also vary with elevation and time of day — the swing between noon and midnight can reach 30 degrees. Zion Guide is the most comprehensive Zion National Park Guide in existence. If the shuttle isn’t running, you can drive your car into the main Zion Canyon, You MUST purchase a $1 shuttle ticket online if you want to access the trailheads inside the upper Zion Canyon. Last year, over 200,000 people took Zion National Park winter trips in just January and February. The biggest benefit of visiting Zion in November is the crowds have all but disappeared, and there is opportunity for peace and quiet in the park. All Rights Reserved, 1101 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767 | 435-429-1555. Scenic Drive. Get your cameras ready! Remember that the sun sets early during the winter, so make sure you set out with enough time to finish you hike before the sun goes down. 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