Winter in Utah can be unpredictable; fog, freezing drizzle, rain and wind are not uncommon but snow brings plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing in Utah's higher elevations. At lower altitudes, you may run into muddy trails or even find streams flooded by rain and snow melt. Come prepared with cold-weather gear and a backup plan in case roads are temporarily closed.
Arches National Park
Winter in Arches brings photo opportunities at every bend of the road or trail. Daytime highs average between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit with nights in the single digits and teens. Heavy snow can be seen on distant mountains but lighter snowfalls and freezing drizzle can cause icing on the park's roads, prompting temporary closures. Twenty-four campsites are available on a first-come basis; bring equipment rated for below-zero temperatures. Lodging and restaurants can be found in Moab, just south of the park entrance. Snowmobiles are allowed on nearby Manti-La Sal National Forest lands.
Bryce Canyon National Park
In winter, the hoodoos in Bryce stick up colorfully through layers of pristine snow. Hiking trails are buried, so snowshoes are the only way to get anywhere; rangers offer guided snowshoe hikes. As snow melts, add a traction device to your boots; the park's bookstore sells them at a discounted price. Backcountry overnight camping is restricted to experienced backpackers because getting lost below the rim is a real possibility when you can't see trail markings. Rent skis in Bryce Canyon City and go cross-country along the rim.
Canyonlands National Park
Located just a few miles southwest of Moab, Canyonlands has winter weather similar to Arches. Squaw Flat Campground in the Needle's District has 26 campsites, while Willow Flat Campground in the Island in the Sky District has 12 sites; on a first-come basis, neither tends to fill in the winter. Overnight backpacking trips require a permit; carry at least a gallon of water per day per person even in winter. The high elevation here can cause temperature variations of up to 40 degrees in one day.
Capitol Reef National Park
Winter highs at Capitol Reef average in the upper 50s, while nighttime lows can dip into the teens. Snow is infrequent but, when it falls, it stays longer on natural surfaces than it does on paved sidewalks and roads. The 71-site campground is open all winter and the orchard adjacent is popular for wildlife viewing. Take care to stay on marked trails when hiking in snow and allow extra time for climbing down steep slopes.
Zion National Park
Mild winters are the norm in Zion but occasionally heavy storms can bring rain to the valley and snow to the higher elevations. Temperatures can reach 60 degrees in the sun and then plummet to the low 20s at night. The Kolob Terrace road is closed from November to March but other drives remain open as long as they are not snow-covered or icy. The park's three campgrounds remain open with a limit of 30 days in the park. Melting snow can cause Zion Canyon to flood; avoid river-crossing on warm days following a heavy snowfall.
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