Utah's "Mighty Five" national parks are true gems, and they draw millions of visitors every year. Locals know that the winter months can be some of the best to soak in the scenery of these stunning places. It doesn't matter if you choose just one national park to visit in Utah or all five during the colder months of the year, there truly is no place better. Here are ten of the most magnificent things about Utah's national parks in the winter:
1. Photographers can capture some unique shots of popular national park subjects during the winter.
Every photographer dreams of capturing the perfect sunrise shot at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, but getting a winter shot with a bit of snow in the background makes for a much more unique photo.
2. You won't have to jockey for position with four dozen other photographers for the shot you want.
Sure, some of these jaw-dropping scenes will draw a few other like-minded photographers. But capturing a scene with four other people vying for a spot is much easier than elbowing your way to the railing when there are four dozen others.
3. You're unlikely to die of heat exhaustion.
Summer in the best parks in Utah is darn hot — like triple-digit hot. In the winter, you'll want to wear layers so you can adjust to the fickle temperatures, but you're not likely to suffer heatstroke.
4. It can be easier to spot wildlife when there's snow on the ground.
Whether you're wanting to get a closer look at the wild turkeys in Zion National Park or would love to spot some mule deer at Capitol Reef National Park, it's definitely easier to see them against a snowy, white background. The winter months can offer some excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
5. Snow gives the landscape more dimension.
The amphitheater at Bryce Canyon National Park is always stunning, but when there's a skiff of snow on the hoodoos, they gain some dimension that you don't otherwise see, providing much more texture in the landscape. Consider exploring hiking trails in Utah to see some of the best snowy landscapes.
6. You'll enjoy some peace and solitude in nature.
It's hard to commune with nature when you're surrounded by a thousand tourists making noise and jostling for the perfect selfies. During the winter, you can wander off onto a lesser-known trail and find a quiet spot to just sit and enjoy the views.
7. Speaking of the views ... the winter season makes for some absolutely scenic vistas.
How can you possibly make the landscape of Zion National Park more magical? A tiny bit of snow certainly can't hurt!
8. Fewer crowds mean more insider information.
Do you know who really, really loves Utah's national parks? The park rangers who live and work there! They love answering questions about the places that bring them joy, but when the tourists are lined up ten deep, it's hard to spend too much time with just one visitor. Stop by during the slow winter months and you'll learn all kinds of things you might not otherwise. Chat up your local park ranger this winter and you'll see what we mean.
9. You'll have the trail all to yourself.
The best hiking trails in Utah's national parks can become really crowded during tourist season, but during the winter, you just might find yourself hiking all alone. Remember to wear some boots with good traction, and consider bringing along traction cleats to give you even more stability on icy trails.
10. You'll enjoy the Mighty Five's iconic spots even more during the winter months.
Sure, millions of visitors have seen Delicate Arch ... but how many have seen it with snow? Locals get to see an aspect of the best parks in Utah that many tourists will never witness.
Aren't the best parks in Utah mesmerizing when covered in snow? Which national park do you plan to visit during the winter in Utah? Let us know in the comments!
Did you know that Utah's national parks are some of the most crowded in the country? Check out this article to learn even more!
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