Vertical and sheer, and exuding a warm golden-red glow, the canyon walls of Zion National Park rise majestically on either side as you drive through the south entrance gate. Growing ever closer as you drive along the windy park road, the rock walls converge as you reach the end of the park road and then trek down Riverside Walk, a trail that follows the North Fork of the Virgin River to a point appropriately known as The Narrows. 
Zion Canyon was, and still is, carved by the Virgin River as it flows off the western edge of the Colorado Plateau. The river has been busily cutting into the Navajo sandstone for the past thirteen million years. Interestingly, ninety per cent of the erosion is caused by flash flooding that transports tons of debris 200 miles downstream to Lake Mead.
Winter is a perfect time to visit Zion National Park. Crowds are limited, temperatures and prices for accommodation are lower, and you can tour the park in the comfort of your own vehicle. The park institutes shuttle service only from April through October. A pass only costs $25 per vehicle and is good for seven days.
Unfortunately, a winter visit won’t include a tour of the Zion Human History Museum which is closed December through March. Also, some trails may be inaccessible or closed due to snow and ice. And, although we wanted to, hiking The Narrows is not recommended in winter either, especially without a dry suit which we didn’t happen to be carrying with us.
Over the next few posts, I will introduce you to a few of the winter charms of Zion National Park.
Related articles
- Merry Christmas Eve! Virgin River – Zion National Park (photobotos.com)
- Awesome Zion National Park (trifter.com)
- Zion National Park still open during winter, reduced hours (ksl.com)
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