The winter months are one of my favorite times to visit the American Southwest. And the good news is that, yes, you can also visit Zion National Park in the winter!
The cooler temperatures keep the larger crowds away making winter visitation perfect, and the chance of a dusting of snow makes a trip to red rock country extra magical.
During the months of December & January, you can expect an average high of 53°F and an average low of 30°F. You should be prepared for icy conditions.
When I visited Zion National Park I loved stopping into the visitor center and learning the history of the park, getting safety tips, and seeing the exhibits.
In summer the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private cars due to congestion. A perk of visiting in winter is that you can drive the Scenic Route inside Zion Canyon.
I would recommend the Pa'rus Trail or the Riverside Walk, which are generally flat. Be careful of snow and ice on the hiking trails and be sure to use winter gear.
“Can I hike The Narrows in winter?” the answer is yes, you can hike this popular slot canyon in winter. But you will 100% want to rent a drysuit and use traction devices.
A popular trail in Zion, the Emerald Pools trail is usually open to the Lower Emerald Pools in the winter. But the trail can get icy and you should avoid the Upper Pools.
There's one National Park lodge within Zion National Park and the Zion Lodge is most affordable during the winter but you do need to book well in advance.