Winter Weather in Monument Valley
December and January bring the coldest weather to Monument Valley. Snow can fall anytime between November and March, however, it’s typically light enough to melt in a day or two without impeding road traffic on the scenic 17-mile Tribal Park Loop. Because of this, a dusting of snow sprinkling the red rock is considered a photographic fortune.
As with any region in Southern Utah, flash flooding can occur due to extreme weather. This is infrequent, but winter-visitation best practices advise visitors to check weather reports frequently.
Average Daily High and Low Temperature
Oct. |
Nov. |
Dec. |
Jan. |
Feb. |
|
69/46 F |
53/34 F 12/1 C |
42/25 F 5/-4 C |
42/25 F 5/-4 C |
48/29 F 9/-2 C |
Monument Valley offers a natural splendor during the winter.
Vibrant red rock against stormy skies.
Stop by the Twin Rocks Trading Post in nearby Bluff.
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.
Winter Inspiration
-
10 Top Stops Along the National Pioneer Mormon Heritage Area
Here are 10 of the best stops along Utah's Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area’s backroads and byways. Explore rich Mormon historic sites, awe-inspiring canyons and mountains and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
-
15 Non-Technical Slot Canyons
You don’t have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards
-
5 Expert Tips to Prepare for Your Utah National Parks Adventure
If you’re planning to visit Utah national parks for a hike, learn important tips to maximize your experience and keep you and your family safe.
-
7 Utah Artisan Cheeses to Try Now
Taste delicious hand-crafted cheese from Utah dairies at farmers markets, restaurants and specialty shops. Visit Utah and find your favorite artisanal cheese.
-
A Van Lifer’s Guide to Responsible Travel in Southern Utah
When Utah’s dirt roads are calling you, it’s time to plan your van life road trip. Here’s what you need to know to travel safely, support Utah’s rural communities, and help preserve the delicate desert landscapes.
-
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.
-
Alpine Fishing Above the Red Rock Landscapes of Southern Utah
Sitting just outside of Capitol Reef National Park, this 11,000-foot peak offers views of the surrounding red canyons and desert-like region. In contrast, Boulder Mountain is heavily forested and home to more than 80 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. With an average rainfall multiple inches more than the lower regions, the area makes for some surprisingly good fishing.
-
An Insider’s Guide to Torrey
Look no further than Capitol Reef National Park and nearby Torrey for lesser-traveled red-rock hikes, plenty of lodging options, satisfying dining and night sky as our ancestors knew it.
-
Artisan Cheese in Red Rock Country
Two decades ago, Randy Ramsley traded his Dockers-and-tie city job for a 50 acre plot of land that he called a “Garden of Weedin” and the dream of establishing a sustainable farmstead. Now travelers from all over the globe know the small market and counter-service restaurant at Mesa Farm as a refreshing “must-do” respite seemingly plunked in the middle of nowhere on Highway 24 east of Capitol Reef National Park.
-
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.
-
Hiking the Desert in Capitol Reef National Park
-
How to Slow Travel in Utah
Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip.
-
Meet the Women Leading Utah's Food and Beverage Renaissance
When it comes to food and beverage in Utah, there are key influencers who have been the proponents of change, growth, and the role of women in Utah’s food scene.
-
Mesa Farm Market
Best local shops and healthy eats near Moab and Capitol Reef. Try the goat cheese!
-
Moonscapes, Marscapes and More
If you want to know what Mars looks like — then the dramatic terrain of Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding lands are a good place to start.
-
Paradise and Slickrock
Utah's national parks seen through a lifelong relationship with Capitol Reef
-
Permit of Solitude in Robbers Roost
Local guide Christopher Hagedorn leads a group through Robbers Roost in Southern Utah, where wind, water and time has left a primitive maze of canyons.
-
Searching for Dinosaur Bones in Capitol Reef Country
The Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry dates back to the Jurassic Period and is approximately 150 feet wide by 600 feet long. Hundreds of dinosaur bones have been discovered here, including those of the Stegosaurus, Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus.
-
See the Fall Leaves Near Utah's National Parks
Sure, any of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round — covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs.
-
Serenity Found in Torrey and Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley District
Taking Southern Utah’s remote, less-traveled path in Capitol Reef's Cathedral Valley District to nurture your body, mind and spirit.
-
The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
-
The Return to Robbers Roost
Are you intrigued by the old American West legend involving Robbers Roost? Want to find an alleged hideout of the infamous Butch Cassidy and Gang? Explore Utah.
-
Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
-
Walking Off the Ledge Into Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef is breathtaking, but as you stare across the ledge you realize that some of the best scenery is only accessible by dropping in, 20, 50, sometimes 100 feet or more.
-
Winter Road Trip: Where to Stay, Hike and Eat When Traveling from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Need winter break ideas? Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season.
