United States, North America

Zion in December

Quiet and cold. Shuttles often run briefly over the holidays, then stop until spring.

Quiet valueCold, highs near 53F (12C)

Zion Canyon, United States — ZionPhoto: Michael Gäbler, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Zion. Quiet and cold. Shuttles often run briefly over the holidays, then stop until spring.

Weather: Cold, highs near 53F (12C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Zion

December is quiet and cold, with highs near 53F (12C) and freezing nights. Shuttles often run briefly over the holidays, then stop until spring, so outside that week you can usually drive the Scenic Drive yourself. Trails can be icy in shaded spots, and the short days mean planning hikes around daylight. Prices are low.

It suits couples, photographers and budget travelers who want empty viewpoints and gentle hikes. It is not the month for The Narrows or long exposed climbs. For comfortable hiking weather, aim for April or October.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Zion this month.

A quiet canyon

Outside the holiday week, the trails and viewpoints are calm, even at midday.

Chance of snow

A winter storm can dust the red cliffs white, a lovely sight on a clear morning after.

Easy family walks

The Pa'rus Trail and Lower Emerald Pool are good cold-weather options, and the Junior Ranger program runs year-round.

What to pack for December

An insulated jacket, hat and gloves
Traction devices for icy trails
Layers for big day to night swings
A headlamp for short days

Our timing tip

Visit before the holiday week for the emptiest park, and check whether the shuttle is running on your dates before you go.

Book Zion for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Zion
Opens a hotel search for Zion in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Zion
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Zion
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Zion for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Zion

Full guide

The Narrows from the bottom

No permit is needed to hike upstream from the Temple of Sinawava. Rent canyoneering shoes and a pole in Springdale; check the flash flood forecast first.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Angels Landing

Permits are required, through seasonal lotteries and a day-before lottery on Recreation.gov. Without one, hike to Scout Lookout for a strong consolation view.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by shuttle

The free shuttle runs most of the year; get on at the visitor center early to beat the lines.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Canyon Overlook Trail

A short hike off the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway with a big view. Parking is tiny, so go early or late.

Tickets and tours →

Kolob Canyons

The park's quieter northwest section, with its own entrance off Interstate 15 and a scenic drive to red finger canyons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Emerald Pools

An easy family trail to pools and seasonal waterfalls, best in spring.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Ride the first shuttles of the morning. By mid morning in spring, summer, and fall, lines at the visitor center shuttle stop can run long.
Stay in Springdale and walk or take the town shuttle to the park entrance; the park lots often fill by 8am in busy seasons.
Hike The Narrows at first light and turn around before midday, when the crowds peak.
Head to Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace Road for the same red rock with a fraction of the visitors.

Know before you go

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during shuttle season, which typically runs from about March through late November and briefly over the winter holidays. Outside those periods, you can usually drive it.
The Narrows closes when the Virgin River flow is too high or flash floods threaten; spring snowmelt and summer monsoon storms both cause closures.
Angels Landing requires a permit year-round through seasonal and day-before lotteries. The rules and application windows can change, so check the park's current permit page.
Large vehicles need a paid tunnel escort through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, and some oversized vehicles are not allowed at all. Check size limits before towing or driving an RV.