Note: You know all those beautiful photographs you’ve seen with the cliffs of Zion covered in snow? Zion is a vision in March, April and May but it’s still a place where anything can happen. Learn all about what to expect visiting Zion National Park in December. Be prepared for possible overnight temps close to freezing. People, Zion National Park is not a summer-only experience. 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. Stroll down the Riverside Trail. Benefits of Visiting Zion in November. Wildlife on the Trail. If you have proper equipment, camping can be a fun winter adventure. The weather in january in Zion National Park is rather dry (with 0.9in of precipitation over 4 days). Make sure you read the current conditions for up-to-date information. Many people enjoy camping in Zion Park even during the coldest parts of winter. Travelers who’ve experienced it often describe it as one of their most favorite trips to take and many do it yearly. The others are first come first serve. 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. Lastly, wildlife viewing is a great activity to do in Zion during the winter months. At the end of the 15-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, you’ll find the … Since then, I’ve been back three more times, all within the past two years, but my trip to St. George earlier this month was my first visit during winter. 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. You can make reservations two weeks prior to arrival. 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 (Symbol: ZION) saw new options become available this week, for the December 18th expiration. Our vacation homes remain open from December to February each year, when the rest of the resort operations are closed. Winters in Zion are mild, allowing hikers to experience many of the parks trails year-round. Winters in Zion National Park are cold and often wet. Wildland Trekking offers trips with the best of Zion: canyons, views, wildlife, solitude, adventure and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation. Personal cars are allowed through Zion Canyon November to March. Winter Destination for Millennial Adventure Seekers, 5 Delicious Restaurants in Springdale and Zion Canyon, Zion National Park Lodging Springdale Utah. 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. Embark on these hikes with no problem at all during the winter months, particularly The Watchman. 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. Nearly half of the annual precipitation in Zion Canyon falls between the months of December and March. SEASONS/AVOIDING THE CROWDS: Zion is one of the most-used national parks in the country. For the Zion shuttle, this is one of the major stops, with a lot of people getting on and off. There are many benefits to visiting Zion in December, as well as some drawbacks. On average, it rains or snows 6 days in December. At Stock Options Channel, our … 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. 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 … You MUST purchase a $1 shuttle ticket online if you want to access the trailheads inside the upper Zion Canyon. 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. 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.. Crampons or yak-traks are used by many who like to hike in the winter. The climate is quite more than very fresh around this … December is the coldest month of the year in Zion National Park. 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. 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). . 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. Lastly, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking in December. Generic astronomy calculator to calculate times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset for many cities, with daylight saving time and time zones taken in account. 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. December through March can offer a wonderfully rare opportunity between the East Rim Trail and Observation Point. 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. Winter is a season of peace and quiet in Zion. Temps also vary with elevation and time of day — the swing between noon and midnight can reach 30 degrees. You’ll experience roads that are easily passable, continuously plowed, and traffic-free in addition to the incredible scenery. Get your cameras ready! Pedal Through the Beauty of Zion. 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. But during Zion National Park winter months, it’s open! Either way, you are going to be richly rewarded. Stack Exchange Network. Being able to drive yourself gives you freedom to see what you want to see, on your own watch. Until December 2020, or until further notice, Zion National Park is using a temporary shuttle system to give visitors access to upper Zion Canyon. Use common sense and turn back if trail conditions are unsafe. 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. A group of four family and friends including two senior adults is contemplating about camping at Zion National Park in mid-December. The glistening snow in the canyon and on top of the towering cliffs makes the park very photography-friendly. The shuttle system is the only way to get around. But during Zion National Park winter months, it’s open! Winter in Zion is wonderful for sightseeing, especially since you are able to drive through the canyon in your own car. 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. Weather in December Weather in Zion during the month of December is typically December, January, February are also the rainiest months of … Make sure to catch sunrise or sunset from Canyon Overlook Trail or Watchman Overlook Trail. During the height of tourist season, shuttle buses take visitors into Zion’s main canyon, … 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. I wonder: How cold (in terms of real feel -- sometimes past. Temperatures can range from highs of 50-60°F during the day to lows well below freezing at night. Daytime temperatures are usually very pleasant, even during December and January. Check out the trail conditions when planning what to do for the day. ZionNationalPark.com. Zion National Park in Winter In winter, daytime temperatures hover around 50°F (10°C), dropping below freezing at night. Investors in Zions Bancorporation, N.A. 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. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing! In december in Zion National Park, the climate is relatively dry (with 2.8in of rainfall over 7 days). Zion National Park is home to some of the most epic and amazing hiking vacations in the world. You may have a chance to see large mammals such as bighorn sheep or deer concentrated in the valley of the canyon. 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. 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 Guide | December 2020 PDF. Visiting Zion National Park during the winter months is one of the best-kept secrets in tourism. 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. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Zion National Park may be at it’s best in the winter season. When you visit the Lodge, you can choose one of several on-site restaurants for lunch. You can read our list of Zion’s best trails for recommendations. 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. 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. I know that may not seem like a lot compared to the 4 million plus total annual visitors. Our first recommendation, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is closed to private vehicles from March to November (unless you’re staying at the Zion Lodge). 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