Winter Information For Zion – Zion Ponderosa

Winter is approaching and that means Zion National Park will be slowing down and less visitors will be coming through. If you are planning a visit to Zion in the winter months there are a few things that you will want to know to prepare for it. Although Zion has mostly mild winters, it can still get very cold, at times  even snowy and icy. There are several dangers that can come from visiting Zion in the winter, but it can also be the experience of a lifetime!

There are fewer crowds meaning that the is easier access to a lot of the hikes and less traffic on the roads. The shuttles do not run during the winter months so this means that you can drive your own personal vehicle on the roads. Just be sure to check with the visitors center beforehand that make sure they are open and safe to travel.

So that all aside, there are still many activities that you can do in Zion during the winter months. Most people can still enjoy hiking, biking, camping and more. It all just comes down to how you prepare for the trip and what you’re planning on doing while here.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch and Resort keeps their vacation homes open yer round, which means you can experience and truly beautiful winter getaway for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Valentines Day with that special someone. For more information click here.

Photo Credit: Michael Just on flickr

Again, though the winters can be more mild that the more northern parts of the state, it is still winter, and is still cold. Be sure to pack warm gear/shoes/clothing. During months of December and even January, it may get chilly, but as your blood gets pumping then you may actually find yourself shedding off the winter coats as the middays can be fairly pleasant.

The wildlife in the winter in Zion is really fun to find and watch. Mule and deer are more prominent around this time of year and you can usually find them grazing along the side of the road or tucked in the trees along your hike. There are also plenty of small mammals and song birds that stick around in the winter months as well that you can enjoy seeing.

Road Conditions in Zion during winter can vary. US Hwy 9 is the main access road to Zion National Park, as the road goes on up to the eastern side of the park, snowfall is more common and the roads can become a little more dangerous. Kolob Canyons Road is open almost all year round, but there may be day where it does close down due to snowstorms. Kolob Terrace Road is closed all winter for the most part due to heavy snowfall. There are a few people with cabins there that can access the road with snowmobiles.

Just be sure that before you take a trip to Zion in the winter that you plan and pack accordingly and always talk with the visitors center to see what is/isn’t open or safe to the public during these times.