Zion National Park is a great escape from the winter cold. In the off-season, this beautiful destination has fewer tourists, carefree driving, and you can avoid the oppressive heat. After reading this article, you’ll see why Zion is a fantastic place to visit in the fall and even winter months!

The Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens is the ideal hotel for the weekend; they offer beautiful and spacious rooms. All of the suites feature luxurious amenities and private outdoor balconies to enjoy the spectacular views. The staff will help with whatever you may need during your stay.

The entrance fee into the park is $30 USD per vehicle, which is valid for seven days. Get to the hotel Friday night, so you can get a head start on your activities.

We recommend bringing or renting a car. A big part of getting around is driving your own car on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, taking in the incredible scenery. It’s a heck of a lot better than the snow back at home!

Head to the Zion Human History Museum. It showcases American Indian culture, historic pioneer settlements, and Zion’s growth as a national park. It is the perfect introduction to your weekend getaway in the park.

Back at the Lodge, you can relax in the heated outdoor pool, waterfall hot tub, or riverside hot tubs. The Cliffrose knows how to take care of their guests in the winter, and you can indulge in their top-notch amenities during your entire stay.

“Off-season” in Zion is often the best time to visit.

Your day starts with Emerald Pools, an easy, but rewarding 1.5-hour hike. This gentle hike brings trekkers up to the stunning, spring-fed, three-tiered Emerald Pools, with fantastic views of the sandstone cliffs lining the valley. Most of the trail is shaded, so make sure to dress in layers so you can adjust to the varying weather conditions.

Head to Cafe Soleil for the best vegetarian and vegan food in Springdale. Their healthy menu offers a wide range of options using only organic and local ingredients. The cafe has a great atmosphere, superb customer experience, and is home to a wonderful selection of local art.

Spend your afternoon touring the backcountry on a 4×4 tour. You’ll have to choose between an Outback Safari, Mesa Vista, Private Jeep, or a Jeep/Helicopter tour. No matter what you choose, this is a great way to enjoy panoramic views of the hard to get to locations in the park. If you book with the Private Jeep Tours you can customize your trip and let your guide know the spots you’ve been dying to see. Make sure to get a picture of you both that you can share with all your friends and family back home.

Because you both ate so healthy at lunch we think you can fill up on some crazy good Mexican food at Oscar’s Cafe for dinner. You will be so glad you stopped here. The food is delicious, and even if you don’t like Mexican food, there are tons of other options. The portions are quite large, so you both could share and have leftovers for later! Try to get a table outside—you’ll feel like you’re in Mexico with the decor and view. Make sure to check with the front desk at The Cliffrose about the hours for any restaurant you’re planning to go to. The hours can change in the winter months.

Spend the night relaxing in the riverside hot tubs, and chatting about when you’ll make the trip back to Zion. If you had an unforgettable trip to Zion National Park, let us know! We love hearing about all your adventures!

Photo Credit: Enlighten Photography Tours