The answer to the question “Is Zion National Park open in the winter?” is yes with provisions. Zion National Park is indeed open year-round but not all of the park is open. Zion has an average elevation of 4000 feet. However, at it’s highest point, it’s almost 8700 feet above sea level. This elevation breeds some mild weather overall in the wintertime. However, the higher elevations can breed more winter weather.
What’s Closed in Zion During Winter
Parts of Zion National Park close for the season regardless of whether or not the snow starts flying (it doesn’t often fly there). Examples of closed areas include:
- Lava Point
- Zion Human History Museum
- Zion Nature Center
Thanks to wet conditions, the road to Lava Point can offer some terrible road conditions and poor accessibility. This means that you have a much greater risk of having a problem and a much lower chance of being rescued. This is why this part of the park is closed to visitors.
The Human History Museum and the Nature Center are closed because of seasonal downsizing. When the tourism drops, there’s no reason to keep some extraneous attractions open.
What’s Open in Zion During Winter
Since we’ve covered what’s closed during the winter, it only seems fair to let you know what is open. Since the park is open year-round, there must be something to see. Examples of open areas include:
- Visitors Center
- Wilderness Desk
- Park Store
- Kolob Canyon Visitors Center (weather dependent)
- Scenic drive of main Zion Canyon
- Angel’s Landing (seriously research and consider conditions before ascending)
- The Narrows (also seriously research and consider conditions and acquire proper gear before starting)
- Hiking trails
- Backcountry
All of these open locations are generalizations and subject to change year to year depending upon individual conditions. So, don’t take this list as more than a suggestion of what’s USUALLY available to see at Zion during the winter. If you have any questions about whether or not a particular attraction or hiking trail is open currently in the winter, please check with the park. They will be able to tell you the most current information regarding park attractions closures. If conditions are icy, please take some form of crampons so you can walk on the slick ice. Some of the steep trails will need this kind of equipment in winter.
My Confirmation
I can confirm 100% that Zion National Park is open to the public during the wintertime. If it wasn’t, then I would not have been able to capture the following landscape photos in my portfolio.
In conclusion, if a wintertime visit to Zion National Park sounds like your thing, then you can safely book your plans knowing that you might be able to see several amazing portions of the park in conditions which people usually don’t see the park in. Please keep in mind that there is little in the way of winter sports in the area so don’t plan on skiing, ice skating, or several other winter activities during your trip.
