Video
Winter in Zion
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Transcript
Hi, I'm Ranger Holly here to share a little bit about Zion in Winter. Winter in Zion is magical. The canyon is quieter, and the gleaming white snow brings out the vivid colors of the cliffs and sky. Zion has many wonders to offer, but because it's winter, you do need to be prepared. Let's take a look at some of Zion's different areas in winter. In Zion Canyon, the shuttles are not running, so you can drive your own car up the six-mile scenic drive. If you're an early riser, you might catch the first rays of light as they hit the towers dusted in snow. You'll probably see waterfalls and maybe even icicles at the Emerald Pools or Weeping Rock. Though the canyon is spared the worst of Utah's winter weather, we do get snow and cold snaps. Even on warm days, our trails will be ice-covered. Traction devices are a must for walking or hiking. The higher you go, the more likely you'll encounter deep snow and difficult conditions. Your safety is your responsibility, so turn around when you need to. Through the tunnel on Zion's east side, more spectacular sights await. Swirling red and orange landforms are dotted with white, and the crisscross patterns of Checkerboard Mesa and Crazy Quilt Mesa are more noticeable when highlighted with snow. This road, Highway 9, can be icy, slushy or snow-covered for several days after storms have passed through the area. You can get up-to-date road conditions online or by calling 511 from your cell phone. If you're looking to escape winter, then head to the southwest desert. At the park's lowest elevation, this area reveals the beauty of the Mojave Desert ecosystem. The trails here are usually snow free, and this is also a great place to go backpacking in the winter For serious winter enthusiasts, the high country of Zion offers places to ski and snowshoe. The brilliant red rock of the Kolob Canyons glows in late afternoon and just before sunset. Bring your crampons to do a short walk or your snowshoes to do a longer one. The Kolob Terrace Road is open only halfway in the winter season. This is the place to come and cross-country ski, but be prepared for winter driving conditions. Whether it's a brisk 30 degrees or a balmy 60 degrees, Zion National Park is a wonderland that's especially enchanting in winter. There's something here for everyone, so pack up your layers, pack up the car, and come visit your national park at a special time of year.
Description
Learn about what to expect and how to be prepared during this special time of year with Park Ranger Holly Baker.
Duration
2 minutes, 46 seconds
Credit
NPS
Date Created
01/31/2012
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