United States, North America

Zion in January

The quietest Zion. You can usually drive the Scenic Drive yourself; upper trails can be icy and The Narrows is frigid.

Quiet valueCold, highs near 52F (11C), nights below freezing

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

The straight answer

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Zion. The quietest Zion. You can usually drive the Scenic Drive yourself; upper trails can be icy and The Narrows is frigid.

Weather: Cold, highs near 52F (11C), nights below freezing
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in Zion

January is the quietest month in Zion. Days reach about 52F (11C), nights drop below freezing, and the low winter sun leaves parts of the canyon in shade. Outside shuttle season, you can usually drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive yourself. Upper trails can be icy, and The Narrows is frigid, so plan for shorter hikes.

This month suits couples, photographers and budget travelers who want the red cliffs without crowds. It is not the time for wading The Narrows or long exposed climbs. For comfortable hiking with open trails, aim for April or October instead.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Zion this month.

Drive the Scenic Drive yourself

With no shuttle running, you can stop at viewpoints like the Court of the Patriarchs on your own schedule.

Empty trails

The Pa'rus Trail and Riverside Walk are calm, and parking at the visitor center is easy.

Winter light on red rock

Low sun and clear air make the cliffs glow at sunrise and late afternoon.

What to pack for January

A warm jacket, hat and gloves
Microspikes or traction for icy trails
Layers for cold mornings and mild afternoons
A thermos for hot drinks

Our timing tip

Start hikes in late morning once the ice softens, and save the Watchman Trail for sunset, since no shuttle is needed.

Book Zion for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Zion
Opens a hotel search for Zion in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. 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.

Zion in January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Zion?

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Zion. The quietest Zion. You can usually drive the Scenic Drive yourself; upper trails can be icy and The Narrows is frigid.

What is the weather like in Zion in January?

Cold, highs near 52F (11C), nights below freezing.

Is Zion crowded in January?

January is one of the quieter months in Zion; most sights can be done without long waits.