Zion's Winter Wonderland

Zion National Park, always beautiful, is at its photogenic best during stormy winter weather. I love walking the trail along the river, watching as stray clouds trapped in the twisting canyons creep up the cliffs as they struggle for freedom in the open sky, and as isolated rays of sunshine break through the dark sky and illuminate the park's regal monuments.

It snows occasionally in Zion Canyon. For a few hours on a few days every winter, flakes flutter from the sky and accumulate at the base of the canyon walls. The result is a magnificent scene - white lace against red- and caramel-colored rock, green pine and juniper trees in the background.

This is a great time of year to hike in Zion. The Chinle Trail, in the park's southwest corner, cuts through the low-elevation Coalpits/Huber Wash area where winter weather is usually dry and mild. Daytime temperatures often climb into the high 50s. Nights get chilly, often falling below freezing. During late December and January you may find a little ice and some snow in shady spots.

Glistening icicles often hang from cliffs where there are seeps or waterfalls. During mid-winter you can find icicles around the Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock and along the Gateway to the Narrows trail. The ice is unstable - spears occasionally fall from the cliffs - so trails may be closed in dangerous spots.

Ice is a hazard on trails that climb the cliffs above Zion Canyon. Angels Landing and the rim trails are not recommended for winter hiking.

Zion National Park includes a vast area of backcountry located at higher elevations where snow piles deep. It provides great opportunity for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Winter is a wonderful time to observe wildlife in Zion Canyon and other lower-elevation areas. Mule deer can be seen from the roadways. Foxes, bobcats and coyotes are abundant in this area but only seen occasionally by lucky visitors. Hawks and eagles are often seen soaring overhead or perched in trees.

The park shuttle does not operate during winter and so visitors are free to drive private vehicles into Zion Canyon.

Zion is an ancient Hebrew word meaning a place of refuge or sanctuary. This national park is a wonderful place to escape the cold and smog and congestion found in so many cities.

After hiking, the hot tubs and spas found at nearby resorts provide enjoyable solace. And, to add variety to a winter getaway, nearby St. George and Hurricane offer golf courses with greens that are well-manicured and inviting year-round.

Meanwhile, snow is now starting to accumulate at nearby Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Both areas offer excellent opportunities for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. There are also excellent snowmobile trails on the mountains adjacent to NPS lands.

Most winter days are sunny and mild at Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef national parks and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Storms occasionally cross these areas and sometimes drop snow but accumulations are usually slight and melt fast. On sunny days conditions are very pleasant for hiking, biking and jeeping.

Grand Canyon National Park is uncrowded and inviting at this time of year. Snow may accumulate on the South Rim and there may be some ice on trails leading into the canyon, but hiking conditions are pleasant on many winter days. The North Rim is closed during the winter because it receives heavy snowfall. However, Toroweap and some other backcountry access points may be accessible. Many photographers prefer to visit the park during winter because skies are usually clean, with little haze, so photos turn out better.

- Dave Webb

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