Key Points
-
With a little planning and the right cold-weather gear, winter can be a wonderful time to experience Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks.
-
Southern Utah offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking, as well as winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
-
Whether you’re into camping, glamping, or staying in luxury villas, there’s a range of accommodation options to suit any budget.
When it comes to winter travel in the southwestern United States, a ski trip to Lake Tahoe or a glam Las Vegas getaway may come to mind. But a few hours’ drive northeast of Sin City is a region with twisting canyons, cathedral-like spires, and delicate sandstone arches that only look more stunning with a dusting of snow.
Southern Utah is home to five national parks, four national monuments, and countless hiking and biking trails. And, while you may not be aware of it, this part of the state is best visited in the winter, after the hot, dry summer has passed and the crowds have dispersed. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a visit to this not-so-obvious winter destination.
Cavan Images / Getty Images
How to Get There
Part of southern Utah’s charm is its relative isolation, which can make getting there a bit of a challenge. Redtail Air Connections offers small-plane, eight-seater flights twice a week from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY), just north of Moab. Another carrier, Contour Airlines, operates daily flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to CNY and Page Municipal Airport (PGA), just over the border in Arizona—and in the heart of the Grand Circle road trip.
From SLC, you can rent a car and reach the region within four hours. Alternatively, you could fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and drive there in roughly two to six hours, depending on your final destination. If you prefer train travel, Amtrak provides rail service to Salt Lake City via the California Zephyr. The full journey, from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville), is one of the most beautiful train routes in the U.S.
The drives between the “Mighty Five” national parks—Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches—are often along scenic byways, providing countless photo ops from lookout points throughout your road trip. Scenic Byway 12, from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon, and the drive on Utah Highway 9 that leads into Zion National Park are particularly stunning.
Related: 5 Expert Tips for Visiting Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ National Parks
Robert_Ford / Getty Images
Winter Weather in Southern Utah
So, how cold does it get in the winter in southern Utah? It depends on where you are. In southeastern areas around Moab (near Arches and Canyonlands national parks), averages range from 18 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit in January, while they’re slightly lower in central Utah (near Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks). In the state’s southwestern region (near Zion National Park), average temperatures can be anywhere from 25 to 53 degrees in January, and a little cooler in south-central areas around Lake Powell and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
As for snow, the higher the elevation, the more you’ll see. National parks such as Arches and Canyonlands tend to get little more than an inch in January, while Bryce Canyon National Park, which centers on a high plateau, sees between 14 and 18 inches per month in the average winter.
What to Pack
It’s all about layering in the winter, especially with moisture-wicking and waterproof (or at least water-resistant) fabrics. If you plan to be outside most of the day, pack polyester-blend or wool layers, a warm jacket, a hat, and gloves. Sunny days are the norm even in the middle of winter, so sunscreen and shades are a must.
Don’t skimp on a good pair of hiking boots and socks. If you plan to hike in the snow, consider getting a pair of cleats that fasten over your winter footwear to provide added traction. Trekking poles can also help you maneuver slippery trails, especially with snow or ice on the ground.
Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post / Getty Images
Where to Stay
Many of southern Utah’s best national and state parks offer winter camping, but if you don’t want to battle the dip in temperature, base your adventures out of a nearby hotel, inn, or glamping site instead.
If you plan to explore Capitol Reef National Park, stay at the Red Sands Hotel & Spa, set in the dark-sky community of Torrey, Utah. When you’re not out exploring Capitol Reef or Goblin Valley State Park, luxuriate in the spa’s salt float tub or enjoy the view from a private soaking room. For trips closer to Bryce Canyon National Park, head to Ruby’s Inn, located right off the main entrance road. Glamping sites include Under Canvas Bryce Canyon, about a 20-minute drive from the park, or Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon, which is a similar distance away and offers heated glass “Sky Domes,” perfect for stargazing.
Just outside the entrance to Zion National Park, travelers will find Watchman Villas, which come with full kitchens, washers and dryers, and balconies overlooking the surrounding landscape. Glampers may want to check out Open Sky, a luxury resort about a 30-minute drive from Zion. Those heading to Arches or Canyonlands national parks can book a room at the four-star Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa, set along the Colorado River about a 30- to 50-minute drive from each park, respectively.
lightphoto / Getty Images
What to Do
Plan to visit at least one of southern Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks during your trip. Zion National Park, the farthest south, is known for its narrow slot canyons and pink sandstone cliffs. Bryce Canyon National Park, about a two-hour drive northeast of Zion, is home to the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos, columns of rock that have been sculpted by centuries of erosion. Farther east are the red rock canyons, cliffs, and domes of Capitol Reef National Park, while the adventure town of Moab is the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks.
The region offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and backpacking. Winter sports include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, which are both beginner-friendly and affordable—chances are, once you rent your gear, you won’t have to pay a dime.
If your heart is set on downhill skiing, head to Brian Head Resort near Bryce Canyon or Eagle Point Resort in Beaver, where the prices will likely be lower compared to larger ski resorts in northern Utah. Wherever you go, in the evening when you’re resting your weary legs, make sure to look up, as the long winter nights lend themselves to excellent stargazing.
Related: Utah Has 15 Ski Resorts—and I Skied Them All in One Day
More Tips for Visiting Southern Utah in the Winter
Remember to review the weather report and check for road closures listed on the Utah Department of Transportation’s website before you head out, as winter weather in southern Utah can change quickly. Note that in some parts of the state, having a four-wheel drive vehicle—or snow tires or chains—may be required by law.
If you’re planning to go hiking or skiing in remote backcountry areas, it wouldn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with what you should do in an avalanche, just in case. It might even be worth hiring a guide if you’re not used to being alone in wintry conditions.
Keep in mind that while most cities will be largely open for business during the winter months, in smaller towns, some hotels, restaurants, and other attractions may close for the season. Check with local businesses or tourism websites before you go.
Related: I’ve Never Owned a Car, but I Rented an RV to Explore Utah’s National Parks—Here’s What I Learned
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure