Visiting Zion National Park in December
Planning a trip to Zion National Park in December is a fun time to visit if you’re ok with colder temperatures and possible snow.
This Zion National Park travel guide includes everything you need to know to plan your December vacation!
This guide will tell you the services available, weather, what to pack, where to stay, and things to do at Zion in December.
Check out these Zion National Park winter photos to inspire you to plan a trip during this time of year!
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What to Pack for Zion National Park
DOWNLOAD: Zion National Park packing list for summer and winter!
- Hiking shoes – waterproof hiking shoes for winter
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Water – carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack
- Healthy food that’s portable and filling!
- Columbia fleece jacket – insulated coat in the winter
- Wicking, quick-drying clothing – base layers in the winter
- Lip balm with UV protection – summer and winter
- Sunscreen (even in the winter) and a sunhat
- Hand lotion
- UV sunglasses – summer and winter
- Travel hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Camera gear – DOWNLOAD the free checklist!
A Photo Tour of Zion National Park
Take a visual tour through Zion National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Visiting Zion National Park in
Did you know that Zion is the most-visited national park in Utah and it gets crowded during the peak seasons of spring, summer and fall?
In the first part of December, you can drive your car through Zion Canyon and not worry about riding the shuttle, except during the holiday week between Christmas and New Years.
Being able to access Zion Canyon without the shuttle is a BIG DEAL!
All of the Zion National Park hikes remain open year-round. But… there are some trails that can be slippery from packed snow and ice and may require traction devices and trekking poles.
During the offseason, the popular trails like Angel’s Landing may close due to bad weather and dangerous trail conditions. Also, if you want to hike The Narrows, the water will be COLD and you’ll need full-body drysuits that you can rent from local outfitters.
If you’re ok with the possibility of missing out on these two famous hikes due to bad weather or trail conditions, then consider visiting in December
Does the Zion Shuttle Run in December?
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during the shuttle season. Typically, Zion National Park shuttles are only operational in December the week between Christmas and New Years.
Visit the Zion NPS website to get the most updated shuttle information for the time you’ll be visiting.
December Weather at Zion
December is the coldest time of year at Zion with highs around 54 degrees and lows around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Zion National Park weather can be unpredictable so be prepared for sunny, rainy, snowy days in December.
You’ll want an insulted jacket, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves so you can enjoy the outdoor activities at the park. With the right winter clothing, you will still be able to enjoy yourself even with the cold weather.
Does it Snow at Zion in December?
Zion is located in Southern Utah. Normally they do not see a lot of snow. They may see up to 5 inches a year in the park. It can snow during any of the winter months, including December!
But when it does snow at Zion, it’s such a treat to see! The contrast of the colorful rocks with the white snow is just beautiful.
Can You Drive Through Zion National Park in December?
With December being less crowded, one of the benefits is that you can drive your car through Zion Canyon EXCEPT for the holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s.
All four Zion National Park scenic drives are open in December, but when a storm rolls through, they may close if conditions are bad so always check the park service website for updated road conditions.
The upper part of the Kolob Terrace Road, including Lava Point, closes in the winter. Kolob Canyons regularly closes during inclement weather. Driving conditions can be very poor during a storm, but roads are usually plowed quickly after.
What Services Are Available in December?
Zion National Park is open all year long. It is open every day of the year. The Zion National Park Shuttle only runs during the last week of December, check the website for the hours of operation.
Check the website for the most current facilities hours:
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center
- Park Store
- Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk
- Zion Human History Museum
- Zion Nature Center
- Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
South Campground is closed in the winter, but Watchman Campground is open.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Zion?
A December trip to Zion is awesome if you want to avoid the crowds – it’s one of our favorite times to go! But the weather will be cold and it may snow which could limit some of the outdoor activities.
Check out our guide for finding the best time to visit Zion National Park. Each season and month of the year will have different activities and services available.
Things to Do at Zion National Park in December
Here’s a list of fun things to do at Zion National Park in December.
Even if you have visited Zion National park in the fall or summer, a trip in the winter is a completely different experience that you will never forget.
Zion Scenic Drives in December
The first part of December you can access all four Zion National Park Scenic Drives. Zion Canyon will require shuttle access from Christmas through New Years.
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel take you from Zion Canyon to the east entrance. The tunnel is 1.1 miles long and the elevation gain is 800 feet. The landscape is breathtaking so stop at the pullouts to enjoy the view!
Another fun drive is along the Kolob Terrace road that’s accessed west of Springdale in the town of Virgin. It’s a great way to get away from the crowds. The road near the end may be closed due to snow in the upper elevation.
And about 40 miles north of Zion Canyon, you can visit the Kolob Canyons section of the park and see a different side of Zion here.
December Hiking at Zion
Zion National Park hikes in December are quite different from summer when you’re sweating and worrying about heat exhaustion. Remember it’s still important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen in the winter!
Keep in mind you may encounter ice, snow and mud in shady areas of the trails because December is a cold month of the year at the park and the wet areas don’t always dry out. You may need traction devices on some trails. And some trails may close due to bad conditions. Check with the visitor’s center for the most current trail conditions.
Also, It gets darker earlier at Zion in December, which may limit the time you spend hiking. Be sure to check whether Zion hiking permits are required for any of the trails you want to explore.
Angels Landing permit: hikers going to Angels Landing will need a permit. The National Park Service (NPS) will issue permits using online lotteries at Recreation.gov.
Canyoneering in December at Zion
The Subway and The Narrows are two famous trails for canyoneering at Zion. These trails involves route finding, rappelling, hiking, and swimming! The water will be COLD in December so you’ll need to rent special water suits and boots in Springdale.
Some of these technical hikes require a permit, and all overnight trips in these areas also require a permit. If you want to give it a try, check out these Zion canyoneering tours!
Zion Photography in December
If you are lucky enough to visit after it snows, the contrast of the white snow on the red rocks is stunning for Zion National Park photography!
Keep in mind that sunrise and sunset at Zion you’re looking for the reflected light on the rock structures, and not the sun rising or setting. Our favorite Zion National Park photo spots for sunrise and sunset:
- History Museum back patio: sunrise
- Canyon Overlook: sunrise
- Three Patriarchs (shuttle stop): early morning
- Riverside Walk (shuttle stop): early morning
- Highway 9 landscape and bighorn sheep: early morning and evening
- Checkerboard Mesa: early morning and evening
- Pa’rus Trail: sunset
- Kolob Terrace: sunset
Highway 9 has many places to photograph the Zion landscape. Stop at pullouts as you drive along. The views along the Kolob Terrace Road are also amazing, especially at sunset!
We like to use photographer gloves and keep rechargeable hand warmers in our coat pockets!
If you’re looking for a list of good photo spots and tips, check out our Zion National Park Photography Guide!
Bicycling in December at Zion
Bicycling at Zion is a fun way to get around the park in December if there’s no snow or ice on the roads. You can rent bicycles in Springdale. Be aware of the rules for riding your bike at Zion:
- Bicycling is permitted on the park roadways and the Pa’rus Trail. The areas closed to bikes: all other park trails, off-trail routes, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
- Bikes must be ridden single file on the right side of the park roads and Pa’rus Trail. Due to the narrow park roads, there is a limit of 6 bicycles or less for every cycling group.
- Wear your helmet.
Things To Do Near Zion National Park
There are even more activities and things to do near Zion National Park:
- Bryce Canyon Travel Guide
- Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon and Zion
- Visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Guide to Kanab Photography
BUY ZION GUIDES & MAPS AT AMAZON
Plan Your Vacation To Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Itinerary
- Zion National Park Packing List
- Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
- Things to do at Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Tours
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
You definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
- Camping in Zion National Park
- RV Parks near Zion National Park
- Holiday Inn Express – our favorite place to stay with an outdoor pool and amenities you’d find in a high end hotel
- Zion Lodge – we haven’t had a chance to stay here yet, but you can’t go wrong staying right IN the park!
- Under Canvas Zion – if you want to experience a less crowded part of Zion, this is the place! It’s in the Kolob section of the park.
- Vacation Rentals in Springdale – you’ll want to stay in Springdale so you’re close to the park entrance and can walk to shopping and restaurants.
