Zion National Park in December is a very different place from the crowded summer months. Visitor numbers drop, the canyon walls glow in low winter light, and the higher elevations may be dusted with snow. Winter camping here takes more planning, though, because fewer facilities are open and nights get cold. Here’s what to know before you go.
Which campgrounds are open in December?
- Watchman Campground near the south entrance is open year-round. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov and can be booked up to six months ahead.
- South Campground closes seasonally. The park has also announced construction closures there, so check the current status on the NPS website before planning around it.
- Lava Point Campground, on the Kolob Terrace at high elevation, is closed in winter.
If Watchman is full, look at private campgrounds and other public lands outside the park in the Springdale area and the surrounding region. For a broader overview of the park, see our guide to camping in Zion National Park.
What December weather is like
Expect cool days and cold nights. Temperatures can drop below freezing overnight, and storms can bring rain in the canyon and snow at higher elevations. Conditions change from year to year, so check the National Park Service forecast and current conditions before you leave and again each morning.
Getting around: the shuttle and the scenic drive
For much of the year, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible only by the park shuttle. In winter, when the shuttle isn’t running, private vehicles are allowed on the scenic drive. The park usually runs the shuttle over the winter holidays, roughly from late December into early January, and the drive closes to private cars on those days. Exact dates change, so check the NPS shuttle page.
Winter hiking in Zion
- Riverside Walk and Pa’rus Trail are good easy options.
- Angels Landing requires a permit obtained through a lottery. In winter, the upper sections can be icy, so check conditions and turn back if it’s unsafe.
- The Narrows means wading in very cold water. In winter, hikers typically rent drysuits in Springdale, and the route closes when flow is too high.
- Ice and snow: Shaded sections of trails can stay icy for days. Traction devices for your boots help, and trekking poles add stability.
- Daylight: Days are short in December. Start early and carry a headlamp.
The video below shows Angels Landing in winter conditions.
Staying warm at camp
- Use a sleeping bag rated for below-freezing temperatures and an insulated sleeping pad. Cold comes up from the ground.
- Wear a warm hat and dry socks to bed, and change out of damp clothes before sleeping.
- Eat a warm meal and drink something hot before bed.
- Keep phone and camera batteries in your sleeping bag overnight.
- Never use fuel-burning heaters inside a tent. Our guide to staying warm in a tent at night covers safe options.
What to pack
- Insulated jacket, base layers, warm hat and gloves
- Waterproof boots and traction devices
- Cold-rated sleeping bag and insulated pad
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Stove and fuel for hot meals and drinks
- Water bottles that won’t freeze solid, or an insulated bottle
Our winter camping gear checklist has the full list.
Planning tips
- Reserve Watchman early, especially around the holidays.
- Check the NPS website for closures, shuttle dates and trail conditions.
- Have a backup plan for storms, such as shorter canyon hikes or a scenic drive.
- Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Things to do beyond hiking
- Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway for views of the east side of the park, including its long tunnel.
- Stop at the visitor center for maps, current conditions and ranger advice.
- Visit the Zion Human History Museum when it is open.
- Look for wildlife such as mule deer and wild turkeys in the quieter canyon.
- Stay out after dark for stargazing on clear, moonless nights.
FAQ
Is Zion worth visiting in December?
Yes, for many visitors. Crowds are smaller and the scenery is striking, but expect cold nights and some closures.
Can you drive through Zion Canyon in December?
Usually yes, when the shuttle isn’t running. During the holiday shuttle period, the scenic drive is shuttle-only.
Do you need reservations to camp at Zion in winter?
Reservations are strongly recommended for Watchman, especially around the holidays.
Top image: “Winter in Zion” by Zion National Park (NPS photo / Amy Gaiennie), public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
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