Zion in dec or jan ?
 

anybody been to zion in the winter months ? am i out of my mind ? is it that cold or does it rain constantly ? we heard snow melts pretty soon as it hits the ground, but what about ice?

thanks!

We did the Zion/Bryce/Valley of Fire trip last year in mid-December. Didn't run into any bad weather, though it can get chilly at times. Pictures at http://community.webshots.com/user/bookhall . The potential for bad weather is certainly there--we rented a 4WD in Las Vegas--but you should be OK using common sense. One quick observation: I live in the settled eastern half lf the country. When you get out in them thar hills (and valleys,) gas stations can be few and far between. Fill 'er up whenever possible.

thanks alot i really appreciate it. so can i expect lots of rain? it says on the park site not too many days of it, but thats my main concern. we are hikers and would like to be able to hike during the day. the cold wouldnt stop us , but rain would.

Googling zion weather brings up http://www.travelwest.net/parks/zion/weather.html .

We've been in early December and it wasn't to bad. We had some drizzle but it didn't keep us from doing hikes. Infact it's a lot better than having it so hot you can't hike. I've been there in April and May and had it snow and it doesn't stick around long.

I would go;)

Utahtea

My son did a 3-week backpacking trip last January around Zion, Bryce, and GC. Never had to put chains on, but he carried them. Used crampons on the trail heading down into the GC since there was slick old snow there. He said it was quite cold at Bryce, but otherwise it worked out well. It's pretty dry country; though there is always potential for rain or snow.

You're in for a real treat if you can visit Zions right after a snow storm. The contrast in colors is spectacular. The park is low enough in elevation that trasportation shouldn't be a problem like it can be in Bryce. Cold and ice shouln't be a problem unless you plan on doing some high country camping or climbing, in which case, be prepared.