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Want to visit Zion National Park without any lines, with the freedom to drive in your own car into the park? Visit Zion National Park in the winter – especially February. Read on to hear about visiting one of the most popular parks in the country without the crowds – in the winter, snow and all.
zion national park winter february four day itinerary
Zion 4 Day Itinerary: Quick View
When my original vacation plans were at risk due to a massive flood warning, I had to pivot last minute. Originally, Hi Friends It’s Julia and I were flying into Las Vegas and driving to Death Valley during the first week of February, hoping to find some sunshine. Instead, massive floods were hitting Southern California. The Inn at Death Valley strongly suggested we cancel our trip. With flights leaving the next day at 10am into Vegas, our options were limited. We decided to head the opposite direction, towards Utah, in hopes that we could outrun the rain.
We did not. Not even a little bit! Instead we had a brief, brief window of sunshine and then experienced rain and, more magically, snow in the park. We also got to experience this popular park almost entirely to ourselves.
❄️/☀️ Denote a Winter or Summer Tip
⭐ I recently shared this itinerary with a friend of mine who visited Zion National Park in April. Tips directly from him are starred!
Four Day Itinerary for Zion National Park in the Winter
Day 1: Drive from Las Vegas airport through St. George to Zion National Park, Pa’rus Trail
Day 2: Drive the length of the park, walk Temple of Sinawava and Riverwalk
Day 3: Angel’s Landing (with permit) or Scout’s Lookout or Kayenta Trail
Day 4: Drive the tunnel, optional off-road trip, return to Las Vegas
About Zion National Park and Springdale, Utah
Zion National Park is located in Springdale, Utah, a 2.75 hour drive from Las Vegas/Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). It took us about four hours to make the drive, as we made several stops along the way, including a long stop at a gas station to buy Rain-X so we could see out the windshield of our rental car.
Zion orientation
Zion National Park has a seven-mile long road through the canyon at the heart of the park – when you see Zion on IG, this is what you see. The Kolob Canyons are in the upper northwest corner, but often inaccessible during winter. The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is about 45 minutes away from the main entrance of Zion.
The park also has an eastern portion en route to Bryce Canyon National Park that is often overlooked because it is reached via a mile-long tunnel. We drove through the Mt. Carmel tunnel twice to check it out. The far eastern side of the park is about an hour from the main park entrance.
You will spend the bulk of your time in the main portion of the park, which opens at the entrance of the canyon at the main entrance station. As you head deeper into the park, you also head deeper into the canyon, ending in the Temple of Sinawava and the Riverside Trail to the Narrows. To give you an idea of the landscape, one morning we had rain at the entrance of the canyon when we got our coffee. By the time we reached Riverside Trail, it had turned to snow and there were a few inches on the ground!
All of the hotels, restaurants and gas stations are in Springdale, Utah, outside the park, with the exception of the Zion Lodge inside the park.
Day 1
Morning: Drive from LAS
The drive from Las Vegas airport along I-15 is fairly nondescript. However, before leaving Nevada you drive past the Valley of Fire State Park. We did not stop here due to pouring rain (a theme on our trip) but reviews sound like this is a must-see.
⭐ Recent Visitor Tip: My friend Anthony says do not try to rent a car at Las Vegas airport on a Friday and return it on a Sunday. The lines were loooong.
About an hour from reaching Zion NP, you’ll reach St. George, Utah. St. George is a fairly big city, with fast food, stores, restaurants, hotels, and a Costco (835 N 3050 E, St. George, UT 84790). We loaded up on snacks and gasoline at Costco before heading towards the park to save money. Springdale does have services like a market and gas station, so this isn’t a “do it or you starve” situation. St. George is a great place to get out and stretch your legs/let the kids play before the final drive to the park.
❄️ Winter Season Tip: We bought some bread and deli turkey, plus a bag of salad so we could make our own lunches on the go, since in the winter not every restaurant is open for lunch. If you drink alcohol, you should also stock up at Costco because options closer to the park are limited. This is really a “wino” tip than a winter tip I guess.
☀️ High Season Tip: If you are traveling in the high season (basically anything besides November, January or February), you can stay in St. George and drive an hour to Zion. The St. George Shuttle has daily service to Springdale, though you need to call to book.
Afternoon: Visitor Center and Pa’rus Trail
Once you reach Springdale, you can check into your hotel and then head into the park. You will need an America the Beautiful or equivalent National Park Pass to enter. The best, best part about visiting in February is that you can drive your car all the way into the park!
During high season, you have to park at one of the park and ride lots in town or near the Visitor Center, and then take a shuttle throughout the park. The shuttles don’t run in the winter so you can drive to your heart’s content. This is the best park of visiting Zion National Park winter season.
Another great thing about the Zion National Park Visitor Center – it’s tax free! Load up on the postcards, books, and sticks sans tax when you get your park passport stamp.
From the Visitor Center, it’s an easy walk along the flat, accessible and dog-friendly Pa’rus Trail throughout the riverbeds of the Virgin River. We met a lot of very good doggos on our walk and enjoyed the views of the river. Pa’rus is a Paiute word that means “bubbling water,” and you’ll see plenty of that on this flat one mile trail. If you need more ideas for easy hikes, I recommend the books below:
❄️ Winter Season Tip: Drive to your heart’s content! Watch out for deer, people, and bicycles on the road. If it is open, you can stop by the Human History Museum. It is often closed in the winter. This museum covers the history of the Paiute peoples. I thought this book was insightful into the original peoples that lived in this area and the southwest.
☀️ High Season Tip: You need to leave your car at your hotel or at one of the many parking lots and take the shuttles along the main avenue into the park, unless you are staying at Zion Lodge. If you are staying inside the park, the front desk will give you a red tag for your windshield to denote you can drive as far as the hotel and park in the lot.
Evening: Dinner at the Zion Lodge
In February we did not have a lot of options for dinner on a Monday evening so we ate a perfectly fine meal at the Zion Lodge. Our only complaint is that the drinks are not strong. This is Utah, so we should have anticipated that but…we did not.
⭐ Recent Visitor Tip: Don’t order the special, according to my friend. Food from the menu was great but the special was not special.
Day 2
Morning: Breakfast in town and Exploring the Park
Head into Springdale for a cup of coffee and a pastry to warm up and start your wintry day. We liked Cafe Soleil for the great coffee, good pastries, plus wifi. Once you are caffeinated, head into the park to begin exploring. It’s winter, so you can drive your car the entire seven mile length of the park. Again, this is a terrific perk of visiting Zion National Park during winter, for four days.
Since this is your first full day you should see the park! Drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive road into the park, pulling over at the Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint for a photo opp. Drive deeper into the park towards the very back of the park for the Temple of Sinawava and Riverside Trail.
Riverside Trail is a flat trail that winds back along the Virgin River about a mile. You are essentially fully in the canyon at this point, although you are still on a trail. The end of Riverside is the start of The Narrows, where you walk in the river upriver several miles, often carrying your pack above your head. The Narrows is a bucket list hike – just not in the winter.
❄️ Winter Season Tip: You can still hike the Narrows in the winter, although it is not always advisable. The water temperature is 40℉ /4℃ and you must wear booties and a dry suit for the hike. Rentals and guided tours are available in Springdale. You do not need a permit to hike upriver.
Winter hiking is also not advisable because of the potential water flow. If it is raining, the cubic flow will be too high to hike it. Check at the Wilderness Activity Center before leaving on this hike to ensure safety. While we were there, the water level was too high to hike it safely.
☀️ High Season Tip: You do not need a permit to hike upriver, but be prepared for cold water and flash floods all the same. Check at the Zion Canyon Wilderness desk prior to your hike for safety. Gear rentals and tour guides are available in Springdale.
⭐ Recent Visitor Tip: Get your coffee at the lodge so you don’t need to wait in line to re-enter the park.
Afternoon: Warm up at the Zion Lodge
Even if you don’t spend your day in freezing water in the Narrows, you might be pretty chilly. The Zion Lodge restaurant serves boozy coffee for $8! There is more sugar than alcohol in this, but you can enjoy the traditional vibes of this historic lodge plus views of the park.
Evening: Dinner in town
Look the food options in Springdale are not going to be terrific. We had perfectly serviceable heavy apps at Zion Canyon Brew Pub. Find a place that’s open in the winter and get food. While you are eating, check your email and post your IG stories.
zion national park winter february four day itinerary
Day 3
Morning: Angel’s Landing Permit or Scout’s Lookout, or Kayenta Trail
This trail you DO need to secure a permit for ahead of time. Enter the Angel’s Landing permit lottery ahead of your trip, or head to the Wilderness Desk for a walk-up permit the day before your trip.
Park at the Grotto, or walk the short Grotto path from the Lodge to reach the West Rim/Angel’s Landing trailhead. Angel’s Landing is a grueling hike up Walter’s Wiggles, a switchback laden climb up the side of the canyon to Scout’s Lookout. From there, you follow the narrow path along the guardrails to the peak. This hike is steep and you should not have a fear of heights to attempt it.
If you do not have an Angel’s Landing permit and still want to hike it, a good option for you is a professionally guided hike from Springdale that includes the permit. You’ll hike with no more than six people up to the top of the hike with a professional guide. A guided hike is a good option if you did not get a permit before your trip.
If you do not have an Angel’s Landing permit, you can still do the West Rim hike up until Scout’s Lookout. Most of the hike is graded and paved until you hit the switchbacks. We hiked about halfway up switchbacks before it started to sleet on us! The Rangers had told us not to attempt Angel’s Landing at all, since it was icy and the risk of lightning strikes during the storm were high. We bailed after about a mile-ish, and then headed for the warm of the lodge.
If you don’t have an Angel’s Landing permit and the switchbacks don’t sound appetizing to you, head out on the Kayenta Trail instead. The Kayenta Trail also leaves from the Grotto and winds its way around to the Emerald Pools. If it’s raining, the trail might be muddy or slippery. If these hikes sound intimidating, you can always hire a guide in town for a full-day guided hike throughout Zion.
❄️ Winter Season Tip: Be aware of the weather! Angel’s Landing can be dangerous in ice, snow or storms. You still need a permit in the winter.
☀️ High Season Tip: Be aware of the weather – the hike is steep and in full sun in the summer. The hike will be bumper to bumper with people and very crowded. Bring plenty of water and if it’s not to your taste to be on a crowded hike, bail at Scout’s Landing or do another trail.
Evening: Dinner in town
See above. We ate food at Camp Outpost our last night in town. It closed early and served weak drinks but had salads.
Day 4
Morning: Drive the Mt. Carmel tunnel or optional off-road trip
The trade off for having the park to yourself is that not a lot of extra activities are open in the winter. Start your morning with a walk to get coffee, and an option to do the Pa’rus Trail or Riverside one more time to stretch your legs.
If you continue on Highway 9, you will make your way to Highway 89 North, towards Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is a very do-able day trip from Zion. After a two hour drive, you reach the park. While Zion is in the bottom of a canyon, Bryce is on top so it’s a very different experience.
Instead, you could do an off-roading trip in an UTV through slot canyons. These guided trips are often on private property, not within the park. Trips vary but usually last two hours and include a hike through stunning sandstone slot canyons and an off-roading UTV ride. Rates usually start at $99 per person and are a 50 minute drive from Springdale to Orderville, Utah.
Best Day Trips From Zion National Park
Day trip 1 – Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
As mentioned, Bryce Canyon is a very easy day trip from Zion National Park, as you can head east on Hwy 9 to 89 North, about a two hour drive. On the way about an hour in, you will pass by the entrance to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
Once in the park, you can sightsee or hike to your heart’s content.
Day trip 3 – Las Vegas
OK but Laura, you said you drove from Las Vegas. Yes! But what if you don’t have three days and want to visit Zion and Bryce from Vegas. Great news, you can. Several motor coaches offer a one-day shuttle service roundtrip from The Strip to Bryce and Zion, stopping in St. George midway for a break. From $160, which honestly is a steal.
Where to Stay in Zion
Springdale has a number of chain hotels, with additional hotels slightly further out in Hurricane, La Verkin or Virgin. If budget is truly an issue, St. George will have the lowest rates and variety. I’ll link out some various options near the park, and further away. Rates are for February stays, because according to this blog you are visiting Zion Natonal Park in the winter.
Where we stayed – Zion National Park Lodge, Inside the park
This is what I think of when I think of a national park lodge. We had a Western duplex-cabin with two full/queen beds, fireplace, a kitchenette and a bathroom. Ideally we would have been able to sit on the porch to read or drink coffee, but with the snow we did not. The lodge is far enough in the park that it does not have cell service or wifi, except at the main Lodge. The main Lodge has wifi, a gift shop, full restaurant, and seasonal cafe. If you book direct, it includes free breakfast. Rates from $184 in February.
⭐ Recent Visitor Tip: Anthony agreed that if this is your first visit to the park, stay in the Lodge!
Budget – Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites, Springdale
The Best Western is very centrally located in Springdale, and the hotel looked very nice from the street. You are right next door to the Bumbleberry shop and market, which had great snacks. Plus it has a pool and AC (not needed in the winter but still). Rooms have 2 queens or 1 King. Rates from $110 offseason.
Budget – The Driftwood Lodge, Springdale
This hotel looks much fancier from the road. Has a pool, AC and is near a restaurant. Rates from $126 offseason.
Mid Priced – 1 Cabin for Four, Springdale
These cabins have a double bed, futon, and set of bunk beds. The area has a pool plus fire pits. The cabin has river access as well, which sets it apart from other hotels. Rates from $249 offseason.
Mid Priced – The Bumbleberry Inn, Springdale
I looked at this hotel to stay here but they were sold out of two queen beds when we booked our trip. The pool looks stunning (not for winter, I know) and there are donkeys that live there? Also has free breakfast, a restaurant, and a great great gift shop. Rates from $223 offseason.
Bougie – Holiday Inn Express, Springdale
Live your best life at the HIE! This hotel has a great pool and a fitness center. Rates from $281 offseason.
Bougie – Hummingbird Villa with private pool
(Stefan from SNL voice) This villa has everything – a pool, a hot tub, a spa tub, four bedrooms, a grill, fountains and lights! If you are traveling to Zion in the dead of winter with nine of your closest friends, this is for you! Rates from $1000 offseason.
Virgin, La Verkin, Hurricane etc.
Budget – Best Western Plus Zion West Hotel, La Verkin
You can tell that just by leaving the entrance to the park you can find very cheap hotels! This hotel is a 20 minute drive to the entrance. This Best Western has a pool, is pet friendly, has parking, and free breakfast! All for $70 offseason.
Budget – Zion Village Retreat *POOL is OPEN *PORCH VIEWS, Hurricane
This is a WHOLE ENTIRE HOUSE! Well, a townhouse that sleeps 11. It has three bedrooms, a pool, a ping pong table, scooters, basically everything. Rates from $181 offseason, so that’s like $18 if you have ten friends. Wild.
Budget and cute – Tiny RV Home, Leeds
How cute is this little tiny home! It inexplicably sleeps five, so snuggle up with your friends. At these rates you could each get your own RV! This RV park is dog friendly, has laundry on site, and did I mention it’s only 17 minutes from Zion? Rates from $69.
Weird hotels – Barn Stay, Hurricane
The details on this VRBO are suspiciously light but you can sleep in a king bed in a barn, with barn animals nearby. Outside the apartment, one assumes. Rates from $125.
Mid-Range – Fairfield Inn and Suites, Virgin
Breakfast included at one of my favorite Marriott brands. Rates from $186 offseason.
Weird hotels – AutoCamp Zion, La Verkin
You can sleep in an Airstream or old shipping container. We drove by this and it looked very cute. Pet friendly with a queen bed and pullout. Rates from $209.
Weird hotels – Wyatt Earp – Sleep in a chuckwagon, La Verkin
I mean, why not? It’s pet friendly with two queens inside. Plus fire pits! This is a very cool AirBnB, VRBO style hotel near Zion National Park. Rates from $272 offseason.
St. George
Budget – Aiden by Best Western, St. George
I’m not familiar with this brand of BW but it’s giving retro vibes. It has a great pool, a soda bar, and bikes to rent. Plus breakfast is included. Rates from $93 offseason.
Budget – Best Western Coral Hills, St. George
Slightly off the interstate but has an amazing amazing pool! Pet friendly, hot tub, breakfast included. Rates from $92 offseason.
Budget – Hampton Inn, St. George
I love a Hampton Inn! Breakfast, pool, nicely done rooms. On the northern edge of St. George closest to Zion. Rates from $130.
Zion National Park Winter Four Day Itinerary FAQ
If you still have questions about your three or four day itinerary to Zion National Park in the winter, read on:
Is 4 days in Zion National Park in the winter?
Yes, four days in Zion during the winter is enough. You could compress the trip into three days at Zion National Park in February. If I had more time to spend, I would add on Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase Escalante, or keep driving to Arches or Canyonlands instead of spending more time in Zion National Park in the winter.
What time of year is cheapest to visit Zion?
February is the cheapest time of the year to visit Zion National Park. In the winter, you will have dirt cheap rates – around $100 in Springdale and $200 at the lodge. You will also have the park to yourself and be able to drive through it with your own personal car.
Is Zion still worth visiting in the winter?
Yes! Zion is absolutely worth visiting in the winter. Expect cold weather and potentially snow with no crowds, as long as kids are not on winter break. I cannot imagine how crowded it is during the summer months. I would absolutely visit in shoulder season again.
What is the best month to go to Zion?
The best month to visit Zion is probably September, because the weather is not as hot and kids are in school. However, in talking to the Rangers, high season is basically year round these days, with the exceptions of early November, January and February. That is the only shoulder season. And since I visited in February, I’ll say February is the best month to visit Zion!
Is Zion National Park dog friendly?
It depends. Like with most parks, dogs are allowed in some areas. The Pa’rus trail is a paved, dog-friendly trail along the river near the Visitor Center. Dogs are also allowed on paved roads, and in the winter there is not a lot of vehicle traffic so we saw some dogs walking on the roads. In the summer, Zion temperatures soar and I would not bring my dog to the park.
Is Zion National or Springdale a walkable city for tourists in the winter?
Yes and no. Springdale is incredibly walkable, as it’s only a few city blocks long. And Zion is incredibly walkable since it’s mostly one seven-mile long road, with trails parallel to the road. It is also walkable since there are shuttles most of the year.
However if you visit in February, you do need a car. See below.
Do you need a car in Zion National Park as a winter tourist?
No and yes – it depends. If you are visiting in the winter when Zion Park shuttles are not running, you do need a car to drive into the park. This is why February is the best time to visit Zion National Park! You can drive your car all seven miles into the park on your own schedule.
If you are visiting any other time of the winter, especially in summer, then you will be required to park at a park and ride or leave your car at your hotel to take the shuttle into the park. There are coach shuttle buses from Las Vegas airport to St. George, and then on to Springdale via St. George Shuttle. Call to book! 435-628-8320.
Conclusion: Your Zion 4 Day Itinerary
When you visit Zion in the winter, you will find a natural wonder without the crowds that plague it during the high season. You might not eat the best food, but you will not have to stand in line at all!
Land Acknowledgement
I would to acknowledge that Zion National Park and Springdale, Utah are on land originally known as Mukuntuweap, was originally inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans and Southern Paiute peoples.
If you visit Zion National Park or find this information helpful, please let me know. Follow me on IG: @HiFriendsItsLaura
