Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Southern Utah — Land of Red Rock Arches, National Parks, and Outdoor Adventures

The season reveals this part of the state at perhaps its most stunning.

When winter arrives, many Americans seek out the warm waters and sandy beaches of Mexico or the Caribbean. Others flock to the theme-park resorts of Orlando and Anaheim, or the iconic winter wonderland of New York City.

In the Southwest, Las Vegas reigns supreme - with the promise of mild temperatures and world-class entertainment luring snowbirds to the desert oasis. Drive northeast of the city for a few hours, though, and you’ll find a region with twisting canyons, cathedral-like spires, and delicate sandstone arches that only look more stunning with a dusting of snow. Southern Utah is home to five national parks, four national monuments, and countless hiking and biking trails, and it's best visited in the winter, when the hot, dry summer has passed and the crowds have dispersed.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan a visit to this not-so-obvious winter destination.

How to Get There

Part of Southern Utah’s charm is its relative isolation. This can make getting there a bit of a challenge. United Airlines offers a daily 70-minute flight from Denver International Airport into Canyonlands Regional Airport, just north of Moab. Contour Airlines offers a daily 70-minute flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Page, Arizona — right in the heart of the Grand Circle. From either Salt Lake City International Airport or Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, you can rent a car and get to the region within three to five hours (depending on your destination).

What to Pack

It’s all about layers in the winter. If you plan to be outside most of the day, you’ll want to wear synthetic or wool-base layers and pack a warm jacket and hat. Sunny days are the norm, even in the middle of winter, so sunscreen and shades are a must.

If you plan to hike in the snow, it may be worth getting a pair of cleats that fasten over your winter footwear and provide added traction.

Where to Stay

Many of southern Utah’s national and state parks offer winter camping, but if you don’t want to battle the dip in temperature, base your adventures out of a hotel, an inn, or a glamping site instead.

If you plan to explore Capitol Reef National Park, check out Red Sands Hotel & Spa, set in the dark-sky community of Torrey, Utah. When you’re not out exploring Capitol Reef (or nearby Goblin Valley State Park), you can sink into the salt-float tub or enjoy the view from one of their private soaking rooms.

If you want to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park, check out Ruby’s Inn, right off the main entrance road, or Escalante Yurts, which offers glamping sites about an hour from the park.

Just outside the entrance to Zion National Park, travelers will find Watchman Villas, which have full kitchens, washers and dryers, and views from the balcony. Glampers will want to check out Open Sky, a luxury resort roughly 30 minutes' drive from Zion. Those heading to Arches or Canyonlands should book a room at the 4-star Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa, set along the Colorado River and a short drive to each park.

Related: 13 Best Places to Go Glamping in Utah — From Yurts to Covered Wagons

What to Do

You'll want to visit at least one of southern Utah's incredible national parks during your trip. Zion National Park is the furthest south and is known for its narrow slot canyons and pink sandstone cliffs. Bryce Canyon National Park, about a two-hour drive northeast of Zion, is home to the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos (columns of rock sculpted by centuries of erosion). Further east are the red rock canyons, cliffs, and domes of Capitol Reef National Park, while the adventure town of Moab is the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

The region offers plenty of hiking, biking, camping, and backpacking, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing – two winter sports that are beginner-friendly and affordable (chances are that once you rent your gear, you won’t have to pay a dime). Those with their heart set on downhill skiing can find it at Brian Head Resort (near Bryce Canyon) or Eagle Point Resort, along with prices significantly lower than those you’d find at larger resorts in northern Utah. And in the evenings, when you’re resting your weary legs, make sure to look up. The long winter nights lend themselves to excellent stargazing.

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