Why Winter Is My Favorite Time to Visit Utah’s National Parks

I grew up in Southern Utah, just a short drive from Bryce Canyon National Park. I would visit this bucket-list-worthy destination numerous times throughout the year with family, friends, on field trips, etc. Zion National Park was also just minutes away and this was one of my favorite places to explore.

Now that I’m grown and a drive to Utah’s national parks requires a lot more time and effort, I realize how blessed I was years ago. However, when I visit these destinations, I don't enjoy them as much as I once did. Regardless of the park I visit, I always have multiple excuses about why my love for these destinations has dwindled. But as I’ve thought about it, I’ve realized it is simply because of one thing: I’m visiting the national parks in the summer months when winter is my favorite time to go.

Yes, Utah’s winters may be cold, snowy, and, frankly, kind of miserable. But visiting Utah’s national parks in the winter is truly the best. In no particular order, here are five reasons why winter is my favorite time to visit Utah’s national parks.

1. The crowds are small

Did you know that several of the country's most popular national parks are in Utah? For example, Zion National Park receives up to 5 million visitors a year. And despite being open year round, 65 percent of these visitors come to this national park in May, June, and July. That’s why I love the winter months. Yes, there will be other visitors but the crowds are significantly less. It's so much easier to find some solitude in these breathtaking areas.

2. You don’t have as many logistical worries

And to take my first point a step further … with smaller crowds, planning becomes a little easier. During the summer months in Zion National Park, you must use a shuttle to visit many popular areas of the park as no personal vehicles are allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. While the shuttle certainly reduces congestion and eliminates parking woes, I find it a pain when buses are crowded, shuttle lines are long, and more. However, in the winter months, this isn’t an issue. From December through April (except for the holiday season near the end of December), the shuttle does not run, giving you more freedom during your visit.

Also, between April 1 and October 31 each year in Arches National Park, a timed entry ticket is required to enter. However, during the winter months, this isn’t a worry. This allows you to be a little more spontaneous with your entry into this beautiful red rock wonderland.

3. Snowy landscapes are breathtaking

I enjoy hiking and exploring national parks but the main reason I love these destinations is for the views. There is nothing quite like Capitol Reef transformed into a winter wonderland and Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos covered in snow (my favorite!). Even parks like Zion can receive some snow — though it typically doesn’t last for long. The snowy landscapes can close off some trails and areas of the park if safety is a concern but if admiring the scenery is your priority, winter is going to take your breath away — I promise!

4. The stargazing is exceptional

Did you know that all of Utah’s national parks are also certified Dark Sky Parks? These are some of the best places in Utah to enjoy the night sky as they provide minimal light pollution. And, even better, winter is one of the best times to stargaze as the cold air contains less moisture, creating clearer night skies and better stargazing conditions.

5. The temperature is much more mild

You might be thinking that it sounds too cold to get out and explore Utah’s national parks in the winter. However, the weather this time of year is exceptional. During the summer months, Utah’s desert can become hot – very, very hot. However, places like Zion National Park see relatively mild weather in the winter. For example, this park's average temperature for the month of January is 49 degrees Fahrenheit. You may still want to bundle up for the cold but I find a sweater is often enough when hiking or exploring this park. Keep in mind that each destination is different and Bryce Canyon, for example, experiences much more snow and colder temperatures due to its location than other Utah parks.

I’ve visited Utah’s national parks my entire life. I could tell you story after story about my various experiences, places I love, things I want always do, etc. From all of my excursions, I have found that winter is the best time to visit and I will always stand by that.

What are some of your favorite national parks in Utah? What are some of your favorite things to do in the winter in Utah? Let me know! I’d love to hear from you and add your suggestions to my bucket list.