What to Do at Zion National Park in the Winter with Kids

When you only have one day to visit Zion National Park in the winter, you need to be strategic about your visit. Make the most of your time in this beautiful park with my tips!

Zion National Park in Southern Utah is consistently in the top 5 most visited national parks year after year. In 2023, Zion National Park welcomed 5 million visitors, with 65% of visitors coming between April and September. However, only 6% of the parks visitation happens in January and February. So if you want to experience Zion National Park, but are hoping to take advantage of less crowds, then you should consider going in the winter. (We’ve also visited Arches National Park in the winter!)

Out of all the national parks in Utah, Zion National Park is the one I have been to the most times. It’s a beautiful and unique place all year long, which is why it’s such a major destination. As a kid, I went with my family. In college, I hiked The Subway with a group of friends. My husband and I have gone with friends (pre-kids) and now we’ve taken our own kids. I even went on a women’s retreat there a few years ago.

So take a minute and look through the list of FAQs I’ve put together to help you plan and prepare for your trip! You can go directly to any section by clicking the link in the Table of Contents.

FAQs about Visiting Zion National Park in the Winter

Where should I stay when visiting Zion National Park?

If you are only visiting Zion National Park for one day in the winter, then you may want to stay outside the park. There are more options, although you will have to drive into the park. Zion NP has two entrances: south (from Springdale) and east (from Hwy 89).

We typically stay in St. George and incorporate a day-trip to Zion NP. It has one of our family’s favorite parks to walk around and explore called Pioneer Park. Definitely check it out if you want a taste of Zion on a smaller scale.

[Easy Travel Vacation Breakfast Ideas]

Below you can see approximate distances from the cities many people stay at when visiting Zion National Park:

• St. George – 41 miles (south entrance)
• Hurricane – 30 miles (south entrance)
• Kanab – 30 miles (east entrance)

How much does it cost to enter Zion National Park?

This depends on how you plan to enter the park. Payment is accepted at the fee station when you get there. You can see a quick summary below of the Standard Passes, which are valid for up to 7 days from the day of purchase.

• Private Vehicles – $35
• Motorcycle – $30
• Bicycle or On Foot – $20 per person, no charge if under 16.

I have a 4th grader. How do they get their free National Parks Pass?

If you have a 4th grader, congrats! This means they qualify for a free pass to all national parks. To redeem the pass, you will need to go to the Every Kid Outdoors website and fill out the questionnaire. Then print out the pass and turn it in at the fee station of any national park.

They will ask you if your 4th grader is in the car with you. If so, they will give you a plastic pass for them to sign. It usually comes on a lanyard that you can hang around your rear view mirror as proof of entrance. Now, you can enjoy any national park as a family for the year you have a 4th grader.

Are all roads and trails open in the winter?

No. Some roads and trails are closed during the cold months. It might be for maintenance, weather or safety concerns. Before you get your heart set on a specific hike or trail, check the official Zion National Park website for the most up to date information.

What is the least busy time of year in Zion National Park?

The least busy time of year is in January and February. The most popular time of year to visit this beautiful and unique national park is in the warmer months of spring and summer (April-September).

Are there shuttles?

There are no shuttles in January and February. (Check Park site for exact dates)

Where can I park in Zion National Park in the winter?

Parking is limited, which is why there are shuttles during the busier months of the year. Many people also walk from where they are staying in Springdale (the town right next to Zion NP). But in the winter months when the shuttle isn’t running, you can park at the following locations:

• Visitor’s Center – The majority of people visiting Zion National Park will park their vehicles at the Visitor’s Center.
• Zion Scenic Park Drive – You take this road to get to Zion Lodge, as well as 15 trails. This road will close when parking lots are full. When it is closed, you will have to park on the side of the road and walk in. The lots fill up quickly so I highly recommend getting into the park early in to increase your chances of getting a spot.
• Zion Lodge – Because you can drive your own car up Zion Scenic Park Drive, you can also park at Zion Lodge. There are a few trailheads that start from here so it can get full quickly.
• City of Springdale – Paid parking. You can find fee information HERE.

What gear should I bring with me when visiting Zion National Park in the winter?

Zion National Park does get snow in the winter, but it often melts within a short time. Due to the high canyon walls in some portions of the park, there is limited sun at different times of the day and it can get chilly. I recommend bringing the following cold weather gear:

• Jacket or Lightweight Coat
• Sunglasses
• Tennis shoes or Hiking boots
• Hat/Beanie
• Small hiking backpack
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Snacks

Which hikes do you recommend doing at Zion National Park in the winter?

Riverside Walk

• Trail length: 2.2 miles roundtrip
• Bathrooms: Yes
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: First 0.4 miles is wheelchair accessible but may be a little sandy.

The Riverside Walk trail is the very last trail on Zion Scenic Park Drive. It is shuttle stop #9 on the map and is called the Temple of Sinawava. It does have a parking lot but it fills up quickly. The trail is paved but it is not flat and can be a little slippery in places so watch your step.

This trail is called Riverside Walk for a reason: it parallels the river. The water level varies but tends to be lower in the winter. As a result, you can explore the dirt/unpaved trails that go closer to the river. We did this throughout our hike and it was nice to not feel rushed. Plus, it allowed us to be in the sun at times.

Most of the trail is shaded so the warm clothes and other gear will come in handy. You will also pass people with additional gear like hiking sticks, waders and more. They are on their way to hike The Narrows which is at the end of Riverside Walk.

*NOTE* Do not feed the squirrels. They will often approach the trail and they look cute, but they will bite.

Pa’rus Trail

• Trail length: 3.5 miles roundtrip
• Bathrooms: None along the trail, so use the bathrooms at the Visitor Center
• Wheelchair/Stroller accessible: Yes

The Pa’rus Trail is easily accessible from the Visitor’s Center. To access the trail, park at the Visitor’s Center and follow the signs. The trail is paved, wide and goes next to the South Campground. It’s a popular trail for walking, running and biking so be aware of what’s going on around you. There were many places where you could step off the trail and explore closer to the Virgin River.

Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel

The Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel is a 1.1 miles tunnel that provides access between Zion National Park to two other national parks: Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. There are a few galleries, or windows, that have been created so you can look out into the park while traveling through the tunnel. However, stopping inside the tunnel is not allowed, as the tunnel is narrow and there is no shoulder.

The only downside to traveling through the tunnel is that there is no easy place to turn around once you exit the other side. We usually enter on the south side of the tunnel, which is where the main part of the park is, and exit on the east side. Then we drive for another mile to two and watch for an area with a wider shoulder to pull onto, then turn around and go back through the tunnel again. (There is one hike on the east side of the tunnel but parking is limited.)

*NOTE* Large trailers, motorhomes, RVs and some large pick-up trucks are not allowed to go through the tunnel unless a ranger stops traffic. If this applies to you, only go through the tunnel if necessary rather than for a scenic drive.

Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Did you know Zion National Park was Utah’s first national park? It was approved by Congress and created in November 1919. You can learn more about the park, including native plants and animals, history and culture and conservation efforts inside the Visitor Center. It’s also a great place to step inside if you need to warm up!

Bathrooms and water filling stations are also located at the Visitor Center. Hours are from 8am-4:30pm in the winter.

Want to save this post for later? Hover over one of the images below and click the “Pin It” button. Then save it to your Pinterest board!