Field Trip: Zion in Winter

Field Trip

Adventures beyond the PNW

Zion in Winter

Story and photo by John D’Onofrio

Let’s face it: In summer, Zion National Park is a zoo. Truth be told, it’s jampacked in late spring and autumn too. But in winter and early spring, one can still find quiet in this majestic jewel of the National Park System. Located in southwestern Utah, Zion is one among numerous marquee destinations (such as Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon) found on the Colorado Plateau. Visiting this area is a road tripper’s delight, and the hiking is awe-inspiring.

Snow falls here in the winter months, and while it lingers at the higher elevations above the canyon floor, it is generally fleeting down beside the Virgin River. A fresh frosting of sparkling snow on the red rocks is a treat for the eyes—and the soul. The possibility of solitude amplifies the bliss.

On a sunny winter day, temperatures can be relatively warm (50-60 degrees) in the daytime but dip well below freezing at night so bring your woolies. A section of Watchman Campground is open all year, and on a cold, clear night, the stars are hallucinatory. ANW