Snowshoe Adventures in Zion

January 29, 2020
Featured image for “Snowshoe Adventures in Zion”

Up at 6,500 feet, Zion Ponderosa is often blanketed in beautiful snowfall at some point each winter, anywhere from a light dusting to a full snowfall. Although we can’t guarantee a white winter, Zion Ponderosa typically gets enough snow for winter sports like cross county skiing and snowshoe adventures.

east rim trail in zion national park

If you can hike, you can snowshoe.

Snowshoeing is an easy-to-learn winter sport that only requires a relatively flat trail, a little bit of snow, snowshoes and trekking poles. For those new to the sport, snowshoe rentals are readily available at most winter sport stores. It’s a cost effective way to get started, and expert outfitters can help you choose the right snowshoes for your experience level, height and weight, and trail conditions.

Once you try snowshoeing, you might fall in love with it.

We asked our go-to snowshoe enthusiast, Greg, Zion Ponderosa’s On-Property Marketing and Guest Relations Coordinator, to share some of his favorite places to snowshoe in and around Zion National Park. Here are our top three snowshoe adventures – and a few more reasons to visit Zion in winter.

man taking selfie at cable mountain

Cable Mountain

Why we love it: Miles of solitude, vast views of Zion, and a bit of history

Keep an eye out for: Wildlife tracks in freshly fallen snow

Stay in a Zion Ponderosa vacation home and snowshoe right outside your door to Cable Mountain along the East Rim Trail. Just past Stave Springs, the trail begins to slope upward toward the plateau. Keep an eye out for fresh tracks left by Zion wildlife such as mule deer, coyote, jackrabbits, wild turkeys and chipmunks. Incredible vistas appear as you reach the plateau, with expansive views of Zion National Park and Cedar Breaks stretching into the distance. Finally, Cable Mountain’s historic cable structure rests on the edge of the East Plateau. The total distance to Cable Mountain is 7.5 miles round trip and the views are worth the trek to one of Zion’s best-kept secrets. Shhhh…don’t tell the others, but come enjoy the adventure!

a man snowshoeing at coral pink sand dunes state park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Why we love it: Hundreds of acres of pink sand dunes for a new twist on snowshoeing

Keep an eye out for: Moqui marbles and scarab beetles

No snow? No problem! Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park lets you enjoy snowshoe adventures year round. Famous for off-roading adventures, the dunes are also fun for hiking, sand sledding, and of course, snow/sand shoeing. The conditions here are ideal for lightweight, flexible snowshoes that fit over running shoes. Located just 30 miles southeast of Zion National Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is an easy day trip from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort for year round fun.

checkerboard mesa in winter covered in snow

Checkerboard Mesa

Why we love it: Snowshoeing in the shadow of one of Zion’s most iconic formations

Keep an eye out for: A distinct cross-hatch pattern in the sandstone White Cliffs

Bring your own snowshoes and trek around Checkerboard Mesa and all over the east side of Zion. Checkerboard Mesa is without a doubt one of the most recognizable landmarks in Zion National Park, and popular with climbers. While climbing snow-covered sandstone is never a good idea, a snow hike around the base of Checkerboard Mesa is a breathtaking experience. Keep an eye out for possible bighorn sheep sightings, especially during the rut in early December.

7002A GregSnowshoe

Zion sunshine, snow, scenery and adventure

Immerse yourself in Zion National Park and the surrounding East Zion area with a winter snowshoe adventure. With the right gear and preparation, you can experience Zion in new and beautiful ways. Dress warm and come to Zion Ponderosa ready for winter fun!

Click here for seasonal vacation packages.

Photos: Greg Frei and Mark Wade


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