Moab / Canyonland in the Winter?
 

We are looking for a quick vacation during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Fodors guides says that winter is a great time to visit Canyonlands. No crowds, clear roads, snow on the mountain tops. Do you agree? Same with Arches? Any insights are welcome.

I haven't been during this time of the year, but I do know that I've seen pictures of snow in Canyonlands & Arches. The locals use to tell us that the Moab Area is in a kind of "banana belt" and they didn't get a lot of snow. That was years ago so don't know if that's still true. I would imagine it's going to be cold. Hopefully a local will chime in.

Utahtea

Usually a good time for Moab and Arches. There are three Canyonlands units, you are probably looking at Island in the Sky and Needles districts, which are a bit higher than Moab and most of Arches, and thus more likely to have snow, but are usually OK weather-wise in late Dec. I've seen snow on Delicate Arch, for example, but it's rare.

Lots of snow on the mountaintops, especially La Sal mountains and parts of Needles district, so nice backdrops for scenic photos.

All in all I like spring and early summer better but winter is fine for Moab area most years.

The only issue will be getting there. You will want to fly into Vegas, or even better, Grand Junction CO. It also depends on the winter--this past year there was tons of snow everywhere. YOu can also get rain vs. snow. I have friends who go to Moab in the winter and ski in the La Sals and mountain bike in Moab and love it.

Moab will not get as much snow as the mountains, but it can get some. We have friends who head down there every New Years and love it. It will be cold, but that may be better than hot.
Whether snow impacts your visit is very dependent on weather.

If you arrive via SLC you would have greater liklihood of snow delays on the drive down. Grand Junction would be a better entry point for that reason.

If you want to visit and this is your chance it might be good. But if what you really want is just somewhere to go that week...I think I would keep looking, too much chance that you wouldn't be able to enjoy it. (But you never know, I may be saying that just so I will have less people as well) ;-)

Thank you for the feedback. As the last responded stated, we are really looking to go somewhere that week that we hadn't been to before. Initial thoughts were the Moab area or Durango area. But for only five days (coming out of So California) it may be tough.

You gave us lots of food for thought. I appreciate it!

I always give www.deserthighlights.com a plug when someone mentions Moab(if you are adventurous). I haven't been at that time of year, but I think a little snow would only add to it. There is a lot to do there, you will easily fill 5 days worth. I bet a lot of the restaurants close after Christmas for a few weeks.

I don't know how that smiley appeared. meant to say Moab.

I think what we decided is to just go to Sedona AZ for the 4 days, since it is an easier drive for us. We will save Moab area for a time when we can really take the time to experience the parks and not be rushed. My kids would love canyoneering!

Thanks all for helping us make the decision.

<b>I think what we decided is to just go to Sedona AZ for the 4 days</b>

At that time of year there's a beautiful Christmas lights display, with 6,000 luminarias and numerous decorative lights, at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village (near where highway 179 joins 89A, just south of downtown). I would definitely recommend checking this out one night.

Well there's a lot to do in the area! Montezuma's Castle National Monument, Montezuma's Well, Tuzigoot National Monument and the historic copper town of Jerome.

Utahtea