Winter Activities in St. George
St. George serves as a year-round desert hub for snow escapees. The only thing that might be off-limits is water sports. Of course, comfort dictates staying out of the water, but not necessarily off of it, so boating does still occur.
The Greater Zion basecamp offers luxury resorts and affordable lodging with easy access to golf courses, four state parks and Zion National Park, in addition to shopping, dining, museums and art galleries. Whatever your itinerary, best practices for chilly activities include dressing in layers so you can adjust quickly with the day’s temperature shifts. (Read: Winter in Southern Utah Like a Local)-
Golf Year-Round
It’s true. Golf in St. George is a year-round activity. Mild temperatures, luxury resort greens and well-maintained public courses lure wintertime golfers looking to escape the snow-covered lawns of their hometowns. St. George visitors have their pick of 13 golf courses, seven of which are municipal. Fan favorites include Dixie Red Hills Golf Course, Entrada at Snow Canyon Golf Course, The Ledges Golf Club and Sunbrook Golf Club.
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Shopping and Dining
St. George dishes up a variety of nosh to nourish wintertime adventures. Choose from local coffee shops, ethnic bistros, family-owned cafes, festive breweries, specialty pastry shops and five-star eating establishments.
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Visit a Museum
Need a break from outdoor activities? No problem. Take the kids and kids-at-heart to the museum. The St. George Children’s Museum opened in 2014 to offer locals and travelers an interactive play world of storytime, music, bubble making and dress-up.
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Visit Zion in Winter
Get out those winter hiking boots and explore Zion National Park, one of Utah’s Mighty Five. Enjoy the same sensational canyons, towers and arches as the summer crowd, but with a few less people and more mild temperatures.
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Winter Hiking, Biking, Off-Roading
Wintertime transforms St. George’s surreal landscape into a cool-weather escape for those adventurers that refuse to let a little chill dampen their outdoor exploits. Bundled-up hikers and bikers enjoy the solitude of exploring lava fields, slot canyons, sand dunes and cliffs, alongside ample parking at trailheads. Winter is also a great time to hit the sand dunes with a guided ATV or jeep tour — perfect for families, large parties or individuals.
St. George Children's Museum
Zion National Park in winter.
St. George restaurants dish up a variety of cuisines.
What's Nearby
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Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
At the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and National Conservation Area, you’ll find hiking, camping and rock climbing with a backdrop of fascinating geology and wildlife.
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Snow Canyon State Park
Located at the edge of the Mojave Desert, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau, Snow Canyon State Park explodes with dramatic geology perfect for your outdoor adventure — and photo opportunities.
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Zion National Park
Whether you are trying to catch your breath while climbing the trail to Angel's Landing or watching the shadows constantly change the mood of the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park is always ready to quench your appetite for outdoor wonder.
Cozy + colorful.
Photo: Zion Backcountry Glamping
Winter Lodging in St. George
Lucky for visitors, St. George offers a plethora of winter lodging options, from luxury resorts and third-party rentals to affordable hotel chains and even camping sites. Zion National Park’s Watchman Campground and Snow Canyon State Park offer year-round camping amenities. Red Mountain Resort, Green Valley Spa Resort and Inn at Entrada represent St. George’s resort lineup if luxury is more your scene.
More Winter Inspiration
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A Winter’s Desert: Visiting Southern Utah in the Slow Months
Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own.
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Best Hikes in St. George During Winter
While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, we’ve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks.
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Escape Crowds on a Quiet Winter Visit to East Zion
See Zion dusted in snow on a winter escape to the east side — where you’ll likely have the whole place to yourself.
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Find a Winter Refresh in a Utah State Park
The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places.
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Gravity and Water: Mark Making in a Winter’s Desert with Anne Kaferle
Finding Helper at a time when she “needed it the most,” landscape artist Anne Kaferle has put down roots in Utah, thanks to plein-air painting and the healing power of time alone in the landscape.
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Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
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The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
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Winter in Zion National Park
Winter visitors to Zion National Park will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky.
