Winter is often referred to by locals as Zion’s Secret Season. With fewer crowds making their way into the park, this is a great time of year to enjoy a hike on trails that may otherwise be packed with tourists the rest of the year. Cooler temperatures help make more challenging hikes a little easier, while the occasional snowfall turns the park into a beautiful, sparkling winter wonderland!
If you’re thinking about planning a stay in hotels near Virgin, Utah this winter, there are a few trails in particular you won’t want to miss. Keep reading to learn the best trails to enjoy during your winter stay at Flanigan’s Resort.
Riverside Walk
One of the best trails to enjoy with the whole family no matter the time of year is Riverside Walk. This relatively flat, easy trail is 2.2 miles round trip, and is located at the very end of the Lower Canyon. After leaving the parking lot, this trail meanders through a wooded area that becomes increasingly narrow as the steep walls of the canyon on either side and the Virgin River on your left draw close.
At the trail’s turnaround point, you’ll find a few short steps that lead down to the riverbank, and to the start of a Bottom-Up hike of The Narrows or the end of the Top-Down hike.
During the winter months, the bare trees make for a better view of the canyon around you. If you’re lucky enough to visit the park after a fresh snow, this flat trail is safer to hike than some of the steeper trails in the park, and is truly a winter wonderland when the trees become coated in glistening snow.
Emerald Pools
Another great winter hike to enjoy during your stay in hotels near Virgin, Utah is Emerald Pools. This trail is actually separated into three parts; the Lower Pool, Middle Pool, and Upper Pool. This allows each hiker or family to customize their hiking experience.
Don’t let the name fool you; the pools are more brown than green. But when temperatures drop during the winter month, ice often forms at the base of the waterfalls leading into the Middle and Lower Pools, making for a unique view. From the Middle Emerald Pool Trail, a moderate, 2.2-mile unpaved trail, you’ll also enjoy great views of Zion Canyon.
Another great reason to enjoy this hike in the winter is that you’ll likely encounter fewer crowds. Given this trail’s popularity and the close proximity to the Zion Lodge, it’s not unusual for it to be very busy during the summer and early fall.
The Narrows (Bottom-Up)
If you’re looking for a challenging and truly unique trail to enjoy this winter, look no further than The Narrows. One of the most unique trails in the U.S., hikers have to walk and sometimes even wade through the Virgin River as they take on their part of this 16 mile trail.
You don’t have to trek all 16 miles or stay overnight on the trail to enjoy a taste of The Narrows. On a Bottom-Up hike, hikers start on the Riverside Walk before entering The Narrows. From there, you can hike as far upstream as you’d like, before turning around to hike back out.
What makes a winter hike of The Narrows unique is not just that there will be far fewer crowds, but also that you’ll need the right gear for your hike. You can rent dry suits in nearby Springdale to safely take on this challenging trail.
Angels Landing
Avid hikers and outdoor lovers planning a stay in hotels in Zion often have their sights set on one particular hike; Angels Landing. This incredibly challenging trail is one of the most famous in the world. It’s only a little over five miles roundtrip. But the dangerous final section of the trail, which has hikers crossing narrow ridgelines with nothing more than a chain handrail on one side to help keep their balance when facing down 1,000-foot drops, is what earns the trail its reputation.
Despite the challenges, Angels Landing remains one of the most popular trails in all of Zion. With so many guests of hotels near Virgin, Utah, and Springdale wanting to take on this trek, the National Park Service decided to implement a new permit system. Starting in 2022, anyone looking to hike past Scouts Lookout would now need a permit. The system has helped alleviate crowding on the trail and damage to the delicate ecosystems. But it has also made it harder to hike the trail during your stay.
But with fewer people visiting the park and hotels in Zion during the winter, it’s easy to get a permit for your stay! Make sure to apply early so that you’ll have a chance at getting a permit in the Seasonal Lottery. You can also apply for the Day-Before Lottery if you miss the Seasonal window or plan a last-minute trip.
Keep in mind that wet and icy conditions can make this trail even more dangerous. Stop by the Zion Canyon Visitor Center on the day of your hike to chat with a ranger about trail conditions and what to expect. Don’t forget to schedule a day at our Utah spa resort following your hike, and treat your sore muscles to relief at Deep Canyon Spa!
Planning a Winter Stay in Hotels Near Virgin, Utah
If you’re thinking about planning a winter stay in hotels near Virgin, Utah, these are just a few of the trails you can enjoy during your visit! While the shuttles might not be in operation this time of year, you’ll still want to stay close to the entrance to the park. Staying at Flanigan’s Resort means that you can make the most of shorter days, and get back to your resort quickly after a long day of hiking to relax and unwind!
Ready to start planning your winter visit to hotels in Zion? Check out this article next to learn the park hours you’ll need to know this time of year.