Zion National Park Winter Shuttle Offerings
Private Shuttle options will allow you to take full advantage of Zion National Park this winter. From fewer crowds to unique snowy desert landscapes, winter in Zion is one of the best times to visit. Read on to learn how to navigate the unique challenges of visiting in the off-season!
Don’t expect to find parking in Zion Scenic Canyon. Reserve our private shuttle or opt for a bike rental instead.
Winter is a far less crowded time to visit Zion National Park. Expect to see fewer people at trailheads and on hiking trails. Although limited parking is available in the Zion Scenic Canyon, which is usually closed to private vehicles and through traffic, planning your day around finding a parking spot could set you back hours and ruin your wilderness hiking plans! The Zion Scenic Canyon road is a two-lane undivided highway that closes intermittently throughout the day as visitation to this area is capped at 300 parking spots inside Zion Canyon. Most of the day the Scenic Canyon will be closed to any additional vehicles and there will be long lines at the Park’s South Entrance. Parking will be near impossible to find making a private shuttle a much more convenient option. We not only hope to make your trip better with this service! We also hope to prevent the erosion and damage to native species that is caused by illegal parking every year. Rangers patrol the road and write frequent tickets for illegally parking in any unauthorized pull-outs or road shoulders for this reason!
If you hope to access any of Zion Canyon’s most popular hikes, like Angels Landing and the Narrows, book a private Zion shuttle with us instead! Or explore with a Zion bike renal. Either way, you will have access to free parking in our private lot for the day! We are located half a mile from the park entrance. We make your day seamless by dropping you off and picking you up at the trailhead of your choice! No need to worry about limited parking in Zion.
Our Zion private shuttles depart at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, and 12 noon this winter. We offer custom pick-up times from 2 PM-5 PM.
Zion Guide Hub Private Shuttle Fleet.
Our shuttles cost of $35/person includes one drop off and pick up at the trailhead of your choice in Zion Canyon. Parking in our private lot is also included, although space is limited.
We drop off at the trailhead for Angles Landing, the Narrows, the Emerald Pools trails, and more!
We also offer shuttles outside of Zion Canyon to local Mountain Biking Trails, and Scenic Driving Tours! Pricing for our Mountain Bike Shuttles and Driving Tours can be found on our website.
Zion’s Public Shuttle System is not fully operational after Thanksgiving weekend and will not resume daily operations until March 1st.
If you have visited Zion’s Scenic Canyon before you might be confused or surprised that the park shuttle you took from the visitor’s center is non-operational during the winter season.
From November 28th until December 22nd there will be no public shuttles in operation in Zion Scenic Canyon. Trailheads for hikes like Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, and the Zion Narrows are 7-10 miles away from the Visitor Center. You will need to find an alternate method of transportation unless you want to double the hiking miles in your day! Plan ahead and reserve a private shuttle or bike for your trip during this time.
Shuttle Services will briefly resume for the week of Christmas from December 23rd to January 1st. This is expected to be a busier time in the park and rangers and shuttle drivers will be working overtime to make sure everyone can visit Zion. If you want to avoid the lines for the public shuttle system rent a bike instead.
Shuttle Services will once again be non-operational from January 2nd until February 2nd. Book our private shuttle, or rent a bike to access popular hikes and scenic views in Zion Canyon.
Shuttle Services will resume on WEEKENDS ONLY through February and March. If you are visiting on a weekday make sure you secure a private shuttle or bike rental to ensure you are able to access your desired trails!
The freeze-thaw cycle creates unique natural obstacles, including mud, icicles, rockfall, and icy snow conditions on peaks like Angels Landing during winter.
Call our shop at (435) 772-0400 to learn information about the most recent weather patterns and to secure reliable trail reports for trail conditions.
Winter gear is available for rent in store. Including trekking poles and micro-traction devices for your shoes for trekking through snowy and icy conditions. These are must-haves if you are planning a winter summit of Angels Landing!
Winter gloves are also available to purchase in shop. Gloves are a necessary item for activities including hiking, canyoneering, and biking, in cold weather! With cold temperatures, you do not want to be gripping the cold iron chains on Angels Landing with your bare hands!
If you are concerned about the safety of your group consider hiring a Zion tour guide. Our qualified staff will educate you on the principles of making good safety decisions in adverse conditions.
If you are interested in Mountain Biking consider hiring a guide or call Zion Cycles (435)-772-0400 to find out more about local trail conditions. Trails and the roads to access them can stay muddy and unusable for weeks after inclement rain or snow. Leave no trace and plan your trip in advance!
The limited moisture in our desert atmosphere means that the ‘real feel’ of daily temperatures will vary if you are in the shade or sun.
Call the shop (435) 772-0400 to find out the ‘real feel’ of weather conditions. A 40-degree day can be very pleasant and even warm if you are in the sun and exercising!
Temperatures may drop to freezing at night, expect cold mornings and big drops in temperature at nightfall. However, don’t let cold day temps dissuade you from your trip! In sunny and low wind conditions these are some of the best temperatures to enjoy the park!
Certain popular hikes in the park, like the Zion Narrows, are mostly shaded so you should prepare for ‘real feel’ temperatures 10 degrees below the Springdale, UT forecast. While other hikes are sunny, like the Watchman Trail, and you might find yourself shedding more layers than you think! No matter what you decide to do, packing warm layers and planning on varying temperatures is the way to go!
Fire bans have been lifted in the state so if you are planning on camping don’t forget to pack firewood and ingredients for s’mores!
Hire a guide to hike The Narrows. Water flow levels can be hard to predict depending on snowmelt and daily temperatures. There is a higher risk of rockfall in the winter. Winter gear is required to get the most out of your hike.
Hiking the narrows in the winter is an incomparable experience. Booking a Narrows guided tour can help your group make the best safety decisions and have a stellar trip! Winter gear is required to get the most out of your hike. Our experts will help fit you with waterproof wading gear.
The Narrows after being kissed with a little snow.
Bring lots of warm fleece or synthetic layers to wear under your waterproof hiking waders. Temperatures in Zion during the day in winter generally hover between the high to mid-forties. This winter is expected to be slightly colder with temperatures more often in the low forties during the day.
The cold weather is all the more reason to hire someone with a sunny personality (check out the smiles we have to offer on our staff page) to lift group morale and help manage group dynamics and expectations! Our guides are trained professionals and will elevate your Zion Narrows trip to an unforgettable experience.
Some restaurants, businesses, and hotels will be closed or have limited winter hours. See our restaurant guide on our FAQ page.
Cold mornings necessitate delicious warm beverages. Whether you are starting early or starting late Deep Creek Coffee Co. is THE spot in town for breakfast bagel sandwiches, breakfast burritos, brunch bowls, and if you’re feeling brave, smoothies! If Heidi is there, she might even treat you to turkey-shaped latte art this November. Deep Creek Coffee Co. will be open every day from 6 AM-2 PM this winter. If you reserve one of our 9 AM Zion Shuttles you will still have plenty of time to grab a hearty breakfast, and a warm drink, you can even order to-go sandwiches to pack for lunch! Ask your reservationist about our Delicious Field Lunch add-on! All sandwiches are made to order by Deep Creek Coffee Co. Order ahead here.
Staying in town for a late brunch and planning an afternoon bike ride? Oscar’s Cafe will keep you going all day with its full portions and hearty options.
Need Groceries or basic necessities? Sol Foods Market is the only Grocery Store in the area. Winter hours are limited to 10 AM-6 PM daily.
Need outdoor gear? Zion Cycles is the best place to stop this winter. Plan to bring or buy windbreakers, synthetic socks, and warm gloves for your winter adventures!
A trip to Zion is not complete without dinner at the Bit and Spur! However, their winter hours will be limited to Thursday - Sunday 4 PM-9 PM. They will also be closed for the two weeks after Thanksgiving weekend.
For a full list of town closures and winter business hours visit the Springdale Town’s Visitors Bureau Website!
