How to Visit Zion During the Secret Season

Zion National Park is keeping a big secret, and it’s one that a large percentage of its annual visitors don’t know.

Visitor numbers to the park show that summer is the most popular time of year to plan a visit. Hot weather, plenty of sunshine, and long days add up to a popular season for tourists. But while it might see the highest number of visitors, summer isn’t necessarily the best time of year to visit.

Zion’s big secret is an often-overlooked season in Southern Utah; winter. Just a fraction of the park’s annual visitors book a stay in a hotel Zion inn this time of year. But ask a local, and you might just learn a common nickname for winter; Zion’s Secret Season.

If you’re ready to see for yourself what makes winter a great time of year to plan a visit to Flanigan’s Resort, keep reading. We’re breaking down what you need to know to plan a visit.

Pack Versatile Layers

Zion National Park sees just about every type of weather throughout the year. During the summer months, triple-digit temperatures aren’t uncommon. A rainy season brings the occasional flash flood to backcountry trails in the region. And while much of winter brings mild weather, the park does see an average of nine inches of snow each year.

No matter what time of year you visit Zion, it’s important to make sure that you’re dressing for the weather. During the summer, this means dressing in clothes that are cool and comfortable. But during the winter, weather can vary from day to day or even hour to hour in the park. To make sure that you’re warm, comfortable, and dry no matter the weather, it’s a good idea to pack versatile layers that you can mix and match based on the current weather during your stay in hotels near Virgin, Utah.

Start with a base layer that’s designed to not only keep you warm but also to wick away sweat and moisture. Wool and synthetic base layers are a good choice. These will move your sweat or any moisture away from your skin, keeping you warm and comfortable. From there, add layers to keep yourself warm. Great options include fleece, wool sweaters, and down jackets. If there’s snow in the forecast or it’s windy, add an outer shell to protect yourself and stay dry while hiking and enjoying the park.

If you’ll be enjoying some of Zion’s best trails to hike during the winter, you’ll also need warm hiking boots that offer good grip in case conditions are wet or icy.

Keep Your Plans Flexible

Another great thing to do when planning a stay in our hotel Zion inn during Zion’s Secret Season is to keep your plans flexible. 

Hiking Angels Landing is a little easier during the winter. With fewer people visiting the park, there are fewer people entering the Angels Landing lottery. This means a better chance of getting a permit. But if you’re hoping to hike Angels Landing or any of the other challenging trails in the park, it’s a good idea to keep your plans flexible.

If the occasional winter storm strikes, trails in the park may become slick, and some even treacherous. Being flexible makes it easier to change your plans daily based on the weather.

Enjoy Some of the Season’s Unique Activities

If your hiking plans are forced to change after your arrival at hotels near Virgin, Utah, don’t fret. There are some unique activities you can only enjoy during the winter months.

Just a two-hour drive from the best resorts near Zion National Park is a ski resort called Brian Head Resort. Here, you can ski, snowboard, and even enjoy snowmobile tours. Take a day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, where you can snowshoe or cross-country ski on the park’s snow-covered trails.

Another unique activity this time of year is just enjoying a ride through the park. Starting at the end of November, the Zion Canyon Shuttles cease operations for the season. With the exception of a short period around the December holidays, the shuttles won’t return to daily operation again until March. This means that this is the only time of year when visitors can drive their personal vehicles into Zion’s Lower Canyon. 

Take a cruise from our hotel Zion inn through the Lower Canyon, and enjoy the chance to see the park’s signature peaks and views covered in sparkling white snow. Of course, if you want to take a break from the cool temperatures or avoid the snow entirely, you can always spend a day relaxing at Deep Canyon Spa!

Planning a Stay at Our Hotel Zion Inn During the Secret Season

If you’re ready to see for yourself what makes winter Zion’s Secret Season, now is a great time to start planning your stay at our hotel Zion inn. Open all year long, there’s something to see every season at Flanigan’s Resort. Watch from your private balcony or patio as our beautiful grounds turn into a sparkling winter wonderland. Warm up with a relaxing day at Deep Canyon Spa. Fill up on hot comfort foods ahead of a day of hiking at Spotted Dog.

Book your stay today to start planning your own winter adventure at one of the best resorts near Zion National Park!

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