Some years, Southern Utah enjoys relatively mild winters. Zion National Park sees its fair share of snow storms.
While March may be nearly here, Zion is once again facing down a winter storm. This week, Zion National Park could see up to 14 inches of snow. This might make it difficult to enjoy some of the park’s trails. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy an incredible stay at lodging near Zion National Park this time of year. In fact, winter is one of the best times of year to visit Southern Utah.
Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures make this season a great time to experience the park like a local. There’s also a variety of winter activities you can enjoy near your Zion National Park hotel. Keep reading to learn a few winter activities you can try when you book a stay at Zion Wildflower Resort this time of year.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Most visitors to Zion National Park make their way here during the summer months. If you’ve only ever visited this time of year, you might be surprised to learn that you can go skiing and snowboarding less than two hours away from the park. Utah might be known for the ski resorts in Park City and Salt Lake City. But Southern Utah also has its own destination for winter sports.
During your winter stay at lodging near Zion National Park, consider taking a day trip to Brian Head Resort. Located around an hour and a half from our Zion National Park hotel, Brian Head Resort is a winter sports lover’s paradise. It has eight chair lifts and 71 trails that you can enjoy on skis or snowboards.
The ski resort offers gear rentals, lessons, and routes in a variety of difficulties. It isn’t quite as large as the ski resorts that you’ll find in Park City. But if you’re looking to mix up your visit to Southern Utah with a day on the slopes, these are the perfect fit.
Snowmobile Tours
If you’re looking to enjoy the snow without the work (and the next day’s soreness) of skiing and snowboarding, don’t discount a day trip to Brian Head Resort just yet. You can also enjoy a unique activity that you won’t find just anywhere; a snowmobile tour. If you’ve never ridden one of these motorized, snowbound machines, this is a wonderful way to give one a try with the help and guidance of an experienced guide.
Located on the edge of Cedar Breaks National Monument, your tour will give you a chance to experience the region and its beautiful landscapes covered in bright, white snow. Just like at the ski resort, you can rent any gear you might need, like snow pants and coats or waterproof boots.
Winter Hiking
Don’t let the chilly temperatures or a little snow keep you from enjoying what draws so many annual visitors to Zion; the trails. While some roads and trails may close when there is heavy snowfall, many remain open all season long.
With the right gear and some planning, you can still enjoy the trails that are open, even when snow is present. Waterproof hiking boots, with added treads when there is ice will help your feet stay dry and allow you to keep steady. Thermals, with insulating mid-layers of fleece, wool, or down, and topped with a waterproof coat or shell will keep you safe and warm, even in sub-zero temperatures. When conditions are icy, consider sticking to Zion’s flatter trails, like Riverside Walk.
Off-Road Adventures
You don’t have to travel all the way to Brian Head to get an adrenaline rush going. There are plenty of ways to do that in Springdale, as well as in nearby Hurricane and St. George, Utah.
Off-road tours and rentals are fun no matter what time of year you visit. If you don’t want to bundle up or face the chill of an open UTV or ATV, opt instead for a Jeep tour, or rent a Jeep Wrangler from one of the many outfitters. That way you can crank up the heat and still enjoy a thrilling adventure on any number of the off-road trails in the area.
One great destination is Sand Hollow State Park. The park is home to an off-road area that covers more than 62,000 acres. You can rent ATVs or UTVs, or join a tour. The high elevation of the park means that it sees much less snow and ice accumulation, and is a great destination all year long.
Planning a Winter Adventure at Lodging Near Zion National Park
Zion Wildflower Resort is a great basecamp for your summer adventure in Southern Utah. But our lodging near Zion National Park is also a great destination other times of the year.
Winter is an often-overlooked season at Zion. But the cooler temperatures, lack of crowds, and the ability to enjoy winter sports and activities make it a special time of year to visit. It might just be the best season to plan a stay at our Zion National Park hotel.
Ready to see for yourself what makes winter in Zion so special? There’s still one month left to take advantage of our winter special. When you book a stay of three or more nights at Zion Wildflower before March 31, you’ll enjoy a 20 percent discount on your stay. Use code STAYWILD3 to take advantage of this deal on your winter visit!
