Vegas/Zion NP Next Week
 

We arrive in Vegas Wednesday AM and stay through Thursday night. We plan on eating well, catching a show and doing some gambling.

We have reservations at Desert Pearl Inn for Fri and Sat nights. It has really just occurred to me that some parts of Zion may be inaccessible at this time of year.

Any thoughts on how to enjoy Zion in February? Particular hikes that should be fun, outfitters that might have tours, other sites to see in the area?

Also, restaurant suggestions?

Spotted Dog Café in Springdale

Thanks for the suggestion.
Does the lack of responses mean no ones goes to Zion in February :-0

I would check with the park's web site for the latest information. Up until the last week or so, we have had an unseasonable cold snap for several weeks and it is possible some of the higher trails are snow-clogged. People's experience from prior years won't be of much value assessing the situation this year so I'd try to get the information from the park.

Can't comment on Zion in February....definitely go on the park website but I imagine it will be cold.

Just wanted to let you know you picked a great hotel....The Desert Pearl is great! We stayed there last April.

Also, I second the Spotted Dog Cafe. We ate breakfast there. Great food and plenty of it!

The pizza and pasta restaurant smells really good. Can;t remember the name, just follow your nose.

I agree with the general nature of dwooden's post (check with the park) but not the specific advice to check the park website. Conditions can change daily, especially with snow, and the website is not going to be 100% up-to-date. Go to this page: http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/index.htm and click on the 2007 Winter Park Guide and Map link. It will give you a general idea of what trail conditions are. Then, when you get to the park, go to the visitor's center and talk to a ranger about current conditions and ask them for recommendations.

There are a number of outfitters, etc in Springdale, but I wouldn't see the point of having one of them drive you into the park and show you around because you can do that yourself. What kind of tour are you looking for? I think most outfitters are geared towards fairly active clients, such as rock climbing and canyoneering, because that's what the area is famous for.

I have tried the website but there is no recent weather info - just averages for tht time of year, which look quite reasonable.
Part of what I am second guessing is the length of our stay. We plan to leave LV Friday AM, be at Zion by 1pm at the latest. We'll have the rest of Fri, all day Saturday and much of Sunday there.
Normally we are fairly active but I think cold weather, slick conditions, etc will dampen our enthusiasm.
If we find we don't do much hiking at Zion what else would you recommend? Are there other sites in the area that we may want to check out?

I was in Zion a week ago. When you enter the park they will give you a brochure summarizing the trails and telling you which ones are good for winter. The first trail (Riverside walk) I went to was closed about half way due to snow. The second trail (Canyon Overlook) had us hiking along the cliffs ending with a panaromic view - I thought that was great.

I didn't have too much time to spend there. Don't worry about not having enough to do, I'm sure you will have plenty of trails to choose from. I much preferred going to Zion in the winter without the summer crowds.

Thanks so much for your reply! Just the reassurance I was looking for.

Shaya,

We've gone from having colder than normal temps, to WARMER than normal temps. If you check the site www.weather.com and put in Springdale, it will give you current weather information and weekly predictions.

I think you will be able to do enough hiking to keep you busy for a couple of days, even if the higher trails have a little ice. There shouldn't be any snow as it's been near 70 degrees in St. George lately!

Zion Pizza & Noodle is great and very reasonable. Personally, I had a very bad service experience last time I was down and tried the Spotted Dog. Finally walked out.

Thanks Dayle!
I have been seeing temps in the 60s each time I check! One more question, is it reasonable to drive up to St. George from Springdale for a spa treatment (if I can get us in at Red Mountain Spa)?