Visiting Utah National Parks in February

As you add places to visit in Utah to your bucket list, consider visiting the Utah National Parks in February!

At many US National Parks in February, it’s the off season so you can enjoy your vacation without the crowds you find in the summer.

Keep reading for information about February weather, things to do, what to pack and where to stay at the five National Parks in Utah!

Utah National Parks in February

If you want to visit all five parks, here’s our Utah National Park Road trip itinerary to help you!

Don’t forget to add the list of Utah State Parks to your list of places to visit. There are stunning State Parks near the National Parks that are must-stop locations!

Utah National Parks packing lists
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A Photo Tour of Utah National Parks

Take a visual tour through all five Utah National Parks to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Utah National Parks in February

We always recommend visiting US National Parks in February when it’s the off-season for many destinations.

The Utah National Parks in the winter are amazing if you don’t mind colder temperatures and the possibility of snow.

All of the Utah National Parks are open every single day. With that being said, not all the visitor centers and amenities are open throughout the whole park during the winter.

Some of the National Parks in Utah require you to be a little more self-reliant. You will want to check each individual park for closures and services before visiting. 

When determining the best time to visit Utah National Parks, time of year and weather play a big part in making that decision:

Balanced Rock at Arches National Park
Balanced Rock at Arches National Park

Arches in February

Winter is our favorite time to visit Arches National Park. The average highs are near 50 degrees with the lows in the mid 20s. Remember that Arches National Park is located at 5,653 feet above sea level so it does get cold in the winter, even if the sun is out.

Our favorite thing about Arches National Park in February is that the crowds are pretty much gone. We then get to really enjoy the park at our own pace. 

Many of the Arches National Park hiking trails remain open throughout February giving you lots of options to see explore the park. Take warm winter clothing and dress in layers so you’ll actually want to get out of the car when you get to the trailhead. Hiking boots should be warm and waterproof. No one wants soggy feet!

Check out all the things to do at Arches National Park:

Where to Stay Near Arches:

Mesa Arch at Canyonlands in the winter with snow
Mesa Arch at Canyonlands

Canyonlands in February

Visiting Canyonlands National Park in February requires a little more work due to its remote location. And several of the services are closed throughout the park during the week. 

In February you can enjoy Canyonlands hikes, off-road trails, and views to photograph at both regions:

The average highs in February are around 52 degrees with the lows around 28 degrees. Remember that Island in the Sky is located at 6,100 feet above sea level, and Canyonlands Needles is 5,920 so it does get cold in the winter, even if the sun is out.

After a snow storm, the park road might be closed for plowing for a few hours. Keep in mind that the roads, parking lots, and pullouts in the park can still be icy, especially in shaded areas.

Activities and things to do at Canyonlands National Park:

Where to Stay Near Canyonlands Island in the Sky

There are no lodging facilities in the park, only camping.

Bryce Canyon in the winter
Bryce Canyon in the winter

Bryce Canyon in February

Bryce Canyon will be the coldest park of all 5 in Utah due to its elevation. The temperatures at Bryce Canyon National Park in February average between 38 degrees Fahrenheit and 13 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s cold!

With the right winter clothing, you can enjoy all the winter activities at the park! 

In February you can enjoy many Bryce Canyon hikes (with snowshoes!) and see the amazing views along the Bryce Canyon scenic drive!

Here’s a list of Bryce Canyon activities to help you plan your vacation itinerary while visiting:

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon:

Capitol Reef National Park in the snow
Capitol Reef National Park in the snow

Capital Reef in February

The temperatures at Capitol Reef National Park in February are cold with highs around 45 and lows around 23 degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared for the cold and possible snow with the right winter clothing.

Capitol Reef hikes are a big attraction at this park. Our favorites are Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch. In the winter we recommend exploring the Capitol Reef scenic drive as well!

Here’s a list of fun things to do in Capitol Reef National Park:

Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef

visiting-zion-national-park-utah-photo-jeepers
Zion National Park with snow

Zion National Park in February

We’ve enjoyed every trip to Zion National Park in February, especially when it snows! In February at Zion the highs are around 50 degrees and the lows around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. 

All four Zion National Park scenic drives are open to cars until mid-February. Be sure to check the Zion National Park shuttle for exact dates when the shuttle resumes for the year. The Zion Canyon road is a 6.5-mile drive that you can take to see breathtaking views and rock formations at your own pace.

Definitely explore a few Zion National Park hikes. With so many options you will be sure to find a hike that fits your ability and your mood. 

There are so many activities and fun things to do at Zion National Park:

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

You definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.

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