Best Winter Day Hikes in Zion

Our Local Expert Says:

Classic views of monolithic rocks as seen from the canyon floor; not as crowded as other trails

Description:

A short loop trail that wanders beneath the shadow of the Patriarchs Jacob and Isaac, this one is great for families and those wishing to escape the clamoring millions who visit Zion every year. Note that this is the trail Canyon Rides takes horseback riders along, which might be a fun alternative way to see it. But if you'd rather avoid horses and their ensuing dust and droppings, hit this trail prior to 7am or post 5pm March-October. To miss the horses altogether, hike it November-February. With 500 feet of elevation gain throughout, it's not exactly completely flat, but you won't really notice. Because it's lower and flatter, this trail tends to mud rather than ice in the winter, making it a good one to travel then. Not that many people use this trail aside from the horseback riders, making it a nice choice for a less crowded stroll almost any time of year.

Our Local Expert Says:

The most user-accessible trail in Zion, it follows the Virgin River in a leisurely fashion.

Description:

This is your bet if you meet one or all the following criteria: you want to ride a bicycle without getting hit by a car or the shuttle bus. You are pushing a stroller and it does not come equipped with 4-wheel drive. You have a cute lil' pooch (on a leash, of course) who needs to stretch its cute lil' legs. You are in a wheelchair and plan on seeing the best Zion offers. Welcome to the Pa'rus Trail! While some might decry a paved trail in a national park, Zion's rangers long ago saw the need for accessibility by the many different visitors. Bravo to them. Note: be kind to all the different travelers on this trail, and bicyclists please give way to others.

Our Local Expert Says:

A short Zion classic that pumps air into your lungs and rewards with gorgeous views.

Description:

Leading to a mesa above the Visitor Center, this overview trail does not disappoint. It does not take you to the top of the Watchman, but you have a great view of that Zion landmark. Try it in the winter for a memorable experience. Not as many people sample this trail as some other Zion classics, which is a shame because it's gorgeous. On the plus side, though, this trail can be somewhat less crowded.

Our Local Expert Says:

Amazing views for such a short hike -- only one mile roundtrip. Great for kids.

Description:

It's short but a bit strenuous, and the views you're rewarded with are fantastic. Great kid hike or for those with less stamina or little time who still want to see Zion's best. Make sure to pick up a trail guide at the hike's start so you can find out all about plants, animals, and geologic features along the way. Have fun checking out the hoodoos close to the top and imagining them to be funky creatures from outer space. At the lookout end of the Canyon Overlook Trail, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep-bring binocs.

Description:

Not the first on most people's Zion hiking lists, this trail starts off in a private subdivision and heads toward the Park's gate. The views, however, astound every which way you look. With minimal elevation gain (390) feet, this trail can be meandered. Don't try it in the summertime except for very early (as in, 5am early) or evening. Wintertime is the season of choice for the Chinle Trail. It can be part of a winter backpacking route and is also recommended for runners.

Description:

It's long, it's exposed, it's not hiked much. But it's a great winter hike if that's your fancy. Views are still stunning, sometimes even more so when red rocks are blanketed by white snow. If you attempt this as a winter dayhike, start at first light if you want to make it back before dark. camping is permissible, and water is available. (There's even a Coalpits Spring.) The trailhead is outside the park, about seven miles past the southern Springdale entrance. Although it attracts a few more people in the winter, this is still a wonderful choice for a hike filled with solitude in one of the nation's more-visited national parks.

Description:

Go where not many have gone before, and reap the rewards. This shorter trail is accessible to most and offers up mountain meadows, more greenery than the main canyon (it's higher and therefore wetter here), the shade of ponderosa pines, and a serenity achieved through fewer crowds. A cooler summer choice than main Zion Canyon hikes, this is a better bet for cool breezes. In the winter, midday is best to soak in all the sun's warmth you can.