Thinking of a visit to Zion National Park for the holidays? Zion is one of the busiest parks in the National Park System, and while the crowds often thin during the cooler months, holidays bring visitors flocking back to the park.
“Holiday weekends are busy in Zion,” said a recent park release. “To keep a thankful attitude during this time of year, visitors should anticipate lengthy waits to board park shuttles in Springdale and Zion National Park; long lines at entrance stations, visitor centers, restrooms and at trailheads; and heavy traffic in Springdale and throughout the park.”
To limit congestion in the park, rangers advise visitors to either arrive early in the morning or after 3 p.m.
After the Thanksgiving holiday, the park will shut down its shuttle service from Sunday, Dec. 1. through Thursday. Dec. 19. Holiday shuttle service for the Christmas season will begin on Friday, Dec. 20, and last through Sunday, Dec. 29. After a break in January and February, spring shuttle service will continue in March 2025.
Winter in Zion National Park
When shuttles are running, private vehicles are not allowed to drive on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This means the relatively small windows when the shuttle service is unavailable offer a unique opportunity for visitors to drive through the canyon for themselves.
While these months are typically less crowded, park staff are still expecting there to be days with limited parking. A winter visit also means winter conditions, which require extra preparation to make sure your trip is enjoyable and safe.
Zion is situated in the Southern Utah desert, but winter temperatures can range from highs of 50-60°F during the day to lows well below freezing at night. Winter is the wettest season in the park, so keep an eye on the forecast to prepare for rain, snow and mixed precipitation.
Winter conditions on roads and trails vary depending on elevation and region. While snow often only lasts for a few hours after a storm at low elevations, it can accumulate and cause road and trail closures in the higher elevations of the park. Roads are plowed, but certain trails may remain closed due to winter hazards.
Zion park officials encourage winter visitors to come equipped with winter gear, including warm clothes and over-the-toe traction devices for hiking boots.
Winter conditions on popular trails
Many of Zion’s trails are accessible year-round, but trail conditions and safety will vary depending on the weather. It’s best to bring traction devices and check the weather forecast before you embark on your chosen hike.
Hiking the Narrows is a bucketlist experience, but the cold river water makes it necessary to take extra precautions. The Virgin River, which flows through the Narrows slot canyon, is often below fifty degrees and thus requires a drysuit to hike safely.
The permit system is still in place for Angel’s Landing during the winter months. Ice and/or snow may be present on substantial portions of the trail throughout the winter, making the infamously precarious trail even more dangerous to hike. Seek advice from a park ranger if you have any concerns before starting on the trail.
In icy and snowy conditions, stick to low elevation trails such as the Riverside Walk and Pa’rus trail. Try to avoid trails that have water features such as Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock.
Many Zion trails begin at lower elevations and quickly gain elevation as hikers ascend to magnificent viewpoints. Be aware that while conditions at the trailhead may look clear, there may be snow or ice further up the trail that you need to be prepared for.
Stop by the visitors center on your way into the park to get the most up-to-date trail information from the park rangers.