Arches National Park   |  Adam Clark

Winter in Southern Utah

As the fall chill motivates the trees’ final leaves to meet the ground, bold travelers eagerly await winter’s arrival in Southern Utah. They know that by traveling in winter, they'll be rewarded with quiet, solitude and vibrant night skies. For Southern Utah, winter weather is enchanted, a season less traveled with snow-capped peaks and endless canyons. What are you waiting for? Be bold and discover the wonders of winter in Southern Utah. 

National Parks in Winter How to Prepare

Winter Basecamps

Explore The Regions

Southwestern Utah

Popular base camps of this region include Torrey, St. George, Cedar City and Kanab. Three (of five) of Utah's national parks also find their home in this portion of the state: Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. More experienced off-season travelers might check out Cedar Breaks or Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. From snowmobiling and snowshoeing to winter star parties and cozy yurt camping, the rewards of winter's depths are beckoning the well-prepared traveler to Southwestern Utah.

Southeastern Utah

From base camp, jot down your plan, gear up and set out on your winter expedition in Southeastern Utah. This region includes Arches and Canyonlands national parks, both incredible landmarks, but not the only noteworthy and wonder-filled locations in the area. Bears Ears, Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments await your trek across their landscapes. Even Monument Valley has waited all summer for winter to let loose its magic across its famous views and iconic spots, lately dusted with snow.

Winter Weather Prep for Southern Utah Travel

Visiting Southern Utah during winter requires extra preparation, as weather conditions vary based on elevation. For example, St. George’s elevation is 2,700 feet where mild winter temperatures extend hiking, biking, camping, fishing and golfing seasons. On the other hand, Bryce Canyon National Park’s elevation of 9,100 feet makes camping without heat very uncomfortable.  

Nighttime temperatures dip below freezing in many areas, and high mountain passes may be closed or snowy. Check local road conditions and weather often utilizing webcams and alerts. Plan ahead with these Tips to Pack for a Southern Utah Winter Trip. With the privilege of solitude comes some responsibility: Visitors to the area must follow Forever Mighty principles to keep the locations beautiful year-round.

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