Planning a Vacation to Zion National Park in February
Visiting Zion National Park in February is a good time to go to see some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and geological formations. But there are weather-related aspects to consider when planning a vacation this time of year.
Use this Zion National Park travel guide to help you decide if a February vacation is the right time for you to enjoy outdoor winter adventures at this park.
Zion National Park is an amazing place to explore and photograph the colorful cliffs and canyons you’ll see here. But there will be limited services available, cold temperatures, stormy weather, and affected road conditions to when visiting Zion in February.
Check out these Zion National Park winter photos to inspire you to plan a trip during this time of year!
Here are some Zion Itineraries we recommend as you plan your winter trip:
Grab the FREE Zion Travel Bundle Printable below!
This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.
Winter Packing List for National Parks
- Winter Clothing Guide
- Winter Packing List for National Parks
- US National Parks Pass – BUY THE PASS AT REI and they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation.
- Waterproof hiking boots or shoes
- Insulated boots
- Traction devices
- Darn Tough Socks heavy wool socks
- Walking stick or trekking poles
- Wicking and quick-drying base layers
- Fleece jacket
- Wool, down or heavy-weight insulated jacket
- Insulating hat
- Insulating winter gloves
- Fleece neck gaiter or buff
- WATER – water bottles or hydration backpack
- FOOD – healthy snacks
- Flashlight or headlamp
- National Park maps and guides
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection with sunscreen
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hand lotion
- Hand sanitizer
- Winter photography gear
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 February
Zion National Park is the most-visited Utah National Park. It’s crowded during the peak seasons of spring, summer and fall.
In the FIRST PART of February you have full access to drive into Zion Canyon and not worry about riding the shuttle! Be sure to check the Zion National Park shuttle schedule for exact dates when the shuttle resumes for the year.
Taking advantage of this short window of ‘down time’ for Zion National Park will be well worth it!
There aren’t many drawbacks to visiting Zion in February, but weather could play a factor.
All of the Zion National Park hikes remain open year-round.
But if a storm rolls through, whether rain or snow, some trails may close due to bad conditions like the popular Angel’s Landing. 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, then you should definitely visit Zion in February!
Does the Shuttle Run in February?
The Zion National Park shuttle buses resume in mid-February – check the NPS website for the most current shuttle dates and information. The Zion Canyon scenic drive is closed to private vehicles during the shuttle season.
Weather at Zion in February
The days and nights are definitely cooler this time of year at Zion. In February the Zion National Park weather means highs are usually around 60 degrees and the lows hover around 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be prepared with some winter clothing in case a storm rolls through so you can still enjoy the outdoor activities at the park.
Does it Snow at Zion?
Yes, you may see snow at Zion. The park is located in Southern Utah, and this area usually doesn’t see a lot of snow, about 5 inches a year in the park.
When a storm does hit in February, it could bring rain and/or snow so be prepared for any type of weather.
Does Zion National Park Close in February?
Zion National Park is open all year long. It is open every day of the year.
Can you drive through Zion National Park in February?
The first part of February you’ll be able to drive your car through Zion Canyon. The shuttles resume for the season in mid-February. All four Zion National Park scenic drives are open in the winter, but when a storm rolls through, they may close if conditions are bad so always check the park service website for updated road conditions.
What Services Are Available in February?
Zion National Park is open all year long, every day of the year. Check the website for the most current Zion facilities hours:
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center
- Park Store
- Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk
- Zion Human History Museum
- Zion Nature Center
- Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
The Watchman Campground is the only campground open in the winter.
Is February a Good Time to Visit Zion?
A February 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 February
Here’s a list of fun things to do at Zion National Park in February.
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.
Scenic Drives in February at Zion National Park
While visiting Zion in the winter you are able to drive the four Zion National Park scenic drives.
The Zion Canyon road is only open to cars until mid-February. On the 6.5 mile drive, you will see the most incredible rock formations.
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel is a must-drive! The tunnel is 1.1 miles long and the elevation gain is 800 feet. Driving along Highway 9 from Zion Canyon to the east entrance is breathtaking, especially if there’s snow! Take advantage of the pullouts to stop and take photos, or even take a hike.
We enjoy driving the Kolob Terrace road that’s accessed west of Springdale in the town of Virgin. You’ll see a different side of Zion there. Check road conditions in February because the road does access higher elevations.
And if you don’t mind driving 40 miles north of Zion Canyon, you can drive the Kolob Canyons section of the park. Again, check road conditions because this road closes frequently in the winter.
Hiking in February at Zion
If you’re dressed for the weather (check out our winter clothing guide) then you can enjoy the Zion National Park hikes all day long!
Remember it’s still important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen in the winter!
You may encounter ice, snow and mud, especially in shady areas of the trails. Some trails may close due to bad conditions so always check with the visitor’s center for the most current trail conditions. You may need traction devices for trails that have snow and ice.
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 February 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 February 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 National Park Photography in February
We often wish for rain or snow when we take our February trip to Zion. The landscape of colorful rocks with white snow is so pretty!
The best times for photography at Zion National Park are close to sunrise and sunset. The colors are vibrant and the light creates a spectacular glow on the red rocks that cannot be missed.
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!
In February you’ll want to use photographer gloves and keep rechargeable hand warmers in your coat pockets!
Check out our Zion National Park Photography Guide with a list of best photo spots for sunrise and sunset… as well as tips for taking pictures at this stunning park!
Bicycling in February at Zion
Riding a bike at Zion is a fun way to get around the park in February 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
- Things to Do Near Zion National Park
- Grafton Ghost Town
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Kanab Photography
- Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon
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 ParkThings 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.
