Winter van camping in Zion National Park is a unique and unforgettable experience. We love the different palette winter brings to the park’s natural red rock desert beauty, with the snow-covered trails and frosted desert landscapes. Winter hiking and snowshoeing in the park allows us to explore the park’s scenic trails in a new and exciting way. Daytime temperatures generally are mild and perfect for hiking. However, temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly as the sun goes down, and weather conditions sometimes can change unexpectedly, which requires some extra preparation and gear.
In addition to our regular hiking gear, we keep in mind the following when preparing for our winter day hikes in Zion. Note that more strenuous, or above treeline hikes may require more extensive preparation than discussed here.
–Clothing: Non-cotton winter wear (cotton and other fabrics made of wood fibers, such as rayon, viscose, Tencell, etc.) take a long time to dry and make it hard to stay warm), including including wool or fleece gloves and hat, long underwear, turtle neck jersey, insulated jacket with a hood, wind and water resistant outer shell top and bottoms, two layers warm socks, insulated boots, gaiters, face mask/covering, goggles. We remove layers and store them in a backpack as we warm up, so we can avoid sweating. We find that sweating dampens our clothes and makes it hard to stay warm if we take a break or if temperatures dip. Also, in an emergency it’s good to have some spare dry clothes, such as an extra pair of socks or long sleeved jersey.
–Traction: We have found micro spikes or crampons useful if we encounter unexpected ice fields.
–Hydration: Even though we often associate hydrating with summer heat, it’s also important to keep hydrated during winter hiking.
–Backpack for extra clothing, layers, water, high-energy snacks.
We like the flexibility of camper van camping in Zion during the winter. Zion’s Watchman Campground is open during the winter, and we often can find a site without pre-registration. Park officials close some sections of the campground, but the remaining sites are plentiful, and often sparsely populated. We wake up to stunning views and take our time exploring the park without worrying about the colder temperatures. We are near our favorite hiking spots, and we have a warm and comfortable place with all the amenities we need to retreat to after hiking and exploring.
Our favorite part about winter camping in Zion National park is the peace and solitude that comes with fewer visitors. The park is far less crowded in the winter, which means we can enjoy the natural beauty of the park without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The quiet and peacefulness of the park during the winter is truly magical. Despite the extra preparation and gear, winter camping in Zion National Park is well worth the effort. The beauty, solitude, and unique experiences make it a truly unforgettable adventure.