How to Prep for a Winter Hike

There are a lot of unique activities that you can enjoy during a winter visit to Angels Landing hotels. On a day trip to Brian Head Resort, you can go skiing or snowboarding. You can even take a snowmobile tour. After it snows, nothing beats a scenic drive through Zion to see the red rock peaks turn into a sparkling winter wonderland. Want a break from the cooler temperatures? Nearby St. George offers plenty of indoor activities, including the incredible St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site.

But if you think that staying at Zion Wildflower Resort during the winter months means that you can’t enjoy Zion’s most popular activity, think again. Temperatures may be cooler and snow occasionally falls in the park. However, it’s still possible to enjoy Zion’s many incredible hiking trails during the winter. 

If you want to hit the trails while glamping in national parks this time of year, keep reading. We’re bringing you the tips and tricks you need to stay safe and comfortable on the trails.

Dress in Layers

If you’re like most people, you’ve only ever visited Zion National Park during the summer months, when it isn’t unusual for temperatures to hit triple digits. But if you think that visiting Angels Landing hotels in the winter means that you’ll only experience freezing temps, think again.

Zion, like much of Southern Utah, experiences mild winters. The average daily high in December and January is 54 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low is 30 degrees. Most days, temperatures are above freezing during the day, though they may dip at nightfall. This makes for the perfect weather for taking on challenging trails like Angels Landing.

One of the best tips that you can follow when planning a winter hike during your glamping tent adventure is to dress in layers. While you’ll need to wear warm clothing for the chilly sub-freezing mornings or evenings, dressing in layers makes it easy to adapt as temperatures change throughout the day. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer. Then, add a warm middle layer, like a down jacket, wool sweater, or fleece. Finally, add a coat or waterproof shell, depending on the weather conditions.

Skip the Cotton

When you’re choosing which layers to pack in your bag before your glamorous camping adventure, leave your cotton t-shirts and leggings at home. Or, pack them for lounging around in your cabin or glamping tent! Why? While cotton might feel cozy, it can actually leave you dangerously chilled on the trails.

When you hike in cold weather, and even in freezing temperatures, you still sweat. Unlike other synthetic options, when cotton gets wet, it holds onto the moisture and dries very slowly. This means that when you begin to sweat, any cotton fabric that’s close to your skin will absorb that sweat. 

Because the air temperature is colder than your body’s temperature, the cold air mixed with your wet skin will lower your body temperature. You’ll lose any insulating qualities that your clothing has. In cold conditions, this can put you at risk of hypothermia. It’s a common misconception that temperatures have to be below freezing for hypothermia to occur. In fact, temperatures can be above freezing, but if your skin is wet and your body temperature drops, especially in rainy or windy conditions, you may still be at risk.

While some people will sweat more than others, even a small amount of perspiration can become dangerous when it’s left to cling close to your skin and lower your body temperature. To stay warm and safe, skip the cotton clothing. Instead, opt for moisture-wicking materials, especially for those layers that sit close to your skin.

Pack a Flashlight 

Glamping in national parks isn’t exactly a rustic camping experience. At Zion Wildflower Resort, lights illuminate the pathways to your luxury glamping tent. Heating units and heated blankets replace thermal sleeping bags, and real mattresses and beds get you up off the cold ground.

But it’s still a good idea to pack a flashlight for your stay in our luxury camp in Zion, especially if you plan to hike. Shorter days mean that the sun may begin to set in the early evening. Even if you don’t plan to be on the trail after dark, if you get distracted by the incredible views or a hike takes longer than planned, you could find yourself still hiking as darkness falls. Having a flashlight along will help you get off the trail safely.

One great thing about visiting the park this time of year is that the Zion Canyon Shuttles cease operations for the winter. This means that you can drive your personal vehicle into the park, and park directly at trailheads. When you’re done hiking, you can hop in your car and be back to your glamping tent in no time!

Planning a Winter Stay in Angels Landing Hotels

Hiking is just one of the many ways you can enjoy the park during a winter stay in Angels Landing hotels! Often called Zion’s Secret Season, winter is a great time to enjoy the park with fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and the chance to experience the park covered in a sparkling layer of snow.

Ready to start planning your own winter glamping tent adventure at Zion Wildflower Resort? Check out this article next to learn how to safely navigate the winter roads in the park.