Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks are true gems, and they draw millions of visitors every year. Locals know that the winter months can be some of the best to soak in the scenery of these stunning places. It doesn’t matter if you choose just one national park to visit in Utah or all five during the colder months of the year, there truly is no place better. Here are ten of the most magnificent things about Utah’s national parks in the winter:

1. Photographers can capture some unique shots of popular national park subjects during the winter.
Diana Robinson/flickr
Every photographer dreams of capturing the perfect sunrise shot at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, but getting a winter shot with a bit of snow in the background makes for a much more unique photo.
2. You won't have to jockey for position with four dozen other photographers for the shot you want.
Prayitno/flickr
Sure, some of these jaw-dropping scenes will draw a few other like-minded photographers. But capturing a scene with four other people vying for a spot is much easier than elbowing your way to the railing when there are four dozen others.
3. You're unlikely to die of heat exhaustion.
Fred Moore/Flickr
Summer in the best parks in Utah is darn hot — like triple-digit hot. In the winter, you'll want to wear layers so you can adjust to the fickle temperatures, but you're not likely to suffer heatstroke.
4. It can be easier to spot wildlife when there's snow on the ground.
jpellgen (@1179_jp)/flickr
Whether you're wanting to get a closer look at the wild turkeys in Zion National Park or would love to spot some mule deer at Capitol Reef National Park, it's definitely easier to see them against a snowy, white background. The winter months can offer some excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
5. Snow gives the landscape more dimension.
James Marvin Phelps/flickr
The amphitheater at Bryce Canyon National Park is always stunning, but when there's a skiff of snow on the hoodoos, they gain some dimension that you don't otherwise see, providing much more texture in the landscape. Consider exploring hiking trails in Utah to see some of the best snowy landscapes.

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6. You'll enjoy some peace and solitude in nature.
Angela Mueller/flickr
It's hard to commune with nature when you're surrounded by a thousand tourists making noise and jostling for the perfect selfies. During the winter, you can wander off onto a lesser-known trail and find a quiet spot to just sit and enjoy the views.
7. Speaking of the views ... the winter season makes for some absolutely scenic vistas.
Carl Berger Sr./flickr
How can you possibly make the landscape of Zion National Park more magical? A tiny bit of snow certainly can't hurt!
8. Fewer crowds mean more insider information.
Angela Mueller/flickr
Do you know who really, really loves Utah's national parks? The park rangers who live and work there! They love answering questions about the places that bring them joy, but when the tourists are lined up ten deep, it's hard to spend too much time with just one visitor. Stop by during the slow winter months and you'll learn all kinds of things you might not otherwise. Chat up your local park ranger this winter and you'll see what we mean.
9. You'll have the trail all to yourself.
Daniel Parks/flickr
The best hiking trails in Utah's national parks can become really crowded during tourist season, but during the winter, you just might find yourself hiking all alone. Remember to wear some boots with good traction, and consider bringing along traction cleats to give you even more stability on icy trails.
10. You'll enjoy the Mighty Five's iconic spots even more during the winter months.
Yugang Bai/flickr
Sure, millions of visitors have seen Delicate Arch ... but how many have seen it with snow? Locals get to see an aspect of the best parks in Utah that many tourists will never witness.

Aren’t the best parks in Utah mesmerizing when covered in snow? Which national park do you plan to visit during the winter in Utah? Let us know in the comments!

Did you know that Utah’s national parks are some of the most crowded in the country? Check out this article to learn even more!

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National park to visit in Utah

Courtnie Erickson | January 14, 2022

What are some things to do outside in Utah?

If you want to spend time outdoors, there is no better place than the Beehive State. From every corner of the state, and regardless of the season, you will find a long list of things to do. For example, one of the best things to do outside in Utah is to visit a national park. If you can’t decide which national park to visit in Utah, plan a long road trip and visit all five. We’ve created a national park road trip that will take you to all five national parks and two national monuments in the Beehive State. You can check it out here.

There are also some incredible hiking trails in Utah that are just waiting to be explored. In Big Cottonwood Canyon is the Brighton Lakes Trail. This trail will pass two of the three Brighton lakes and is absolutely beautiful during the spring and summer months. Another hiking trail in Utah that is a favorite among Utahns and tourists alike is Stewart Falls in Provo Canyon. You will have a 4-mile, out-and-back trail ahead of you. However, the 200-foot, two-tiered waterfall at the end is worth every minute on this hike.

Camping is another activity you’ll want to add to your list of things to do outside in Utah. There are campgrounds all over the state that vary in size and amenities. At Dead Horse Point State Park, near Canyonlands National Park, you will find a year-round campground and several yurts that you can reserve.

For a more unique camping experience, head near Zion National Park, one of the most popular and best parks in Utah, and book a stay at the Zion River Resort. This campground and RV Park features many amenities to ensure you have the perfect getaway including shade, grass, an on-site convenience store, and a swimming pool. Plus, the red rocks and scenic views are breathtaking.

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