I’ve Visited 30+ National Parks—and This Is My Favorite to Visit During the Winter for Few Crowds and Scenic Drives

With an off-season trip, this popular Utah getaway gets beautiful landscapes—and minimal crowds.

Published on November 9, 2025

Winter scene of a red rock formation with snowcovered trees in the foreground — Snowy landscape of Mt Kinesava in Zion National Park. Credit:

Robert_Ford/Getty Images

Zion National Park is stunning and peaceful in winter, with fewer crowds and rare access to scenic drives by personal vehicle.
Winter visitors can hike quieter trails, stargaze under dark skies, and enjoy top-notch dining and lodging in nearby Springdale.
It’s worth visiting Zion in winter to experience iconic hikes and scenery without the crowds that overwhelm the park in warmer months.

I cursed myself as I hauled my trembling body up the chains toward Angels Landing. The climb is infamous for its heart-pumping switchbacks and vertiginous jaunt along a narrow sliver of crag. Those who fear heights, like me, typically avoid it. Instead, I entered the Angels Landing lottery.

I did so because I had a plan: I’d enter the day-before permit lottery to prove my bravery, knowing full well that, given the climb’s popularity, I wouldn’t get a spot.

Rookie mistake. While Zion National Park is busy in spring, summer, and fall, winter is a whole different ballgame. The crowds thin—so much so that Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is typically closed to all but the park shuttles, reopens for personal vehicles. This minimal crowding also meant that, despite my seemingly shrewd strategy, my husband and I landed two permits to ascend one of the park system’s scariest climbs.

That five-mile slog was out of my comfort zone, but it, like the rest of my time in the canyon, helped Zion become my favorite national park to visit in the winter. Here’s how you can enjoy it from December to March, too.

A snowcovered canyon with rugged rock formations and distant peaks at sunset showcasing a winter landscape — Zion National Park covered in snow.

Philip Thurston/Getty Images

Winter Weather in Zion National Park

Seeing Zion without the crowds is incredible, but it does come with a downside: unpredictable weather. That’s why winter is considered the off-season. During my mid-December visit, for example, I enjoyed comfortable hiking weather in the mid-50s by day and around freezing at night. But the National Park Service notes that nearly half of all Zion precipitation falls in the winter.

Earlier in the season, especially December, is ideal, but even January and February can be pleasant if you’re well prepared. Just build in a few buffer days for poor conditions, and remember, precipitation isn’t all bad in Zion. Snow can transform the area into a powdery-white wonderland.

Two people sitting on a cliff ledge overlooking a scenic mountainous valley — A couple sit on top of Angel’s Landing observing Zion National Park covered in snow.

helivideo/Getty Images

What to Do in Zion National Park During the Winter

Try a famous hike.

Most of the Zion trails remain open throughout winter, and as long as you’re watching the weather and arrive prepared with adequate gear (more on that below), you’ll have a blast on the Zion hiking trails. Try applying for a day-before Angels Landing permit if you’re a thrill-seeker, but keep an eye on the trail conditions; it’s dangerous to hike in ice and snow. With the right rental gear (think: a dry suit), the Narrows is also doable in the chilly months, and it’s significantly less busy than usual. If you’d rather go with an expert, book a Narrows guided winter tour.

Or hit a scenic, low-crowd trail.

Alternatively, get a winter view on a less-intense route, like the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail or Emerald Pools. Both are packed with tourists during the busy season but see way fewer hikers in the chillier months.

For ultimate seclusion, try hiking in Kolob Canyon. My husband and I hiked the snowy Taylor Creek Trail on a December morning and saw no other hikers the entire time.

Stargaze.

Admire winter night-sky attractions like Orion and the Pleiades star cluster on a Zion stargazing trip. The dark-sky park, certified by light pollution authority DarkSky International, has incredibly inky nightscapes that help the stars, galaxies, and planets pop. I spent each night of my December trip photographing the stars in Zion, including from the Court of the Patriarchs and on the grounds outside of Zion National Park Lodge.

Another solid astrotourism spot is the Pa’rus Trail. With sweeping peak views and a largely paved trail, this area makes stargazing accessible. Keep your ears perked for wildlife while you’re sky-watching; during my night on Pa’rus, I heard coyote howls echo through the canyon.

Take a scenic drive.

One major benefit of visiting Zion National Park in the winter? The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles. During the peak season, travelers must take shuttles from the visitor center to access the park’s main trails and stop-offs. From December through February, shuttle service largely ceases (outside of select days and weekends; check shuttle schedules for up-to-date details). That means a scenic road trip through the park is a must-do, and it provides a great way to warm up between frigid hikes.

Try canyoneering.

Canyoneering trips near the park are also available in December. Book a full- or half-day excursion with outfitters like Rock Odyssey or Zion Guru to ensure you’re safe and wearing the right gear when traversing the region’s signature sandstone.

Eat local.

One thing I didn’t expect during my trip to Zion: incredible food. The local restaurants and brewpubs in Springdale offer the perfect respite after a day of chilly ambling. Try the Bit and Spur Restaurant and Saloon for Tex-Mex cuisine, including sweet potato tamales. Head to Zion Canyon Brew Pub for a post-hike beer (they have around 10 on tap). Get your java fill at Canyon Coffee, and leave stomach space for Whiptail Grill, a Mexican fusion haunt in a converted gas station. Don’t miss the goat cheese relleno while you’re here.

View of mountain landscape through a large window in a modern room with a couch and television — A guest room with a view at Cliffrose Springdale.

Hilton

Where to Stay

Nabbing a coveted cabin at the Zion National Park Lodge was arguably my favorite perk of a winter visit. This is the park’s main accommodation, and it books up quickly during the peak season. For a December trip, though, I snagged my stay just a few months in advance. Staying right in the park comes with myriad benefits, including quick access to trails, convenient stargazing, and an on-site restaurant.

That said, dining in nearby Springdale is well worth a trip outside the park. Accommodations like the Cliffrose Springdale put you right in the action. The hotel is a half-mile from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and comes with heated pools and hot tubs, as well as a fitness center and airport shuttle.

Person hiking on a snowcovered trail in a mountainous area with scattered trees — A hiker trekking through snow in Zion National Park.

Tetra Images/Getty Images

What to Wear

The weather can be sporadic this time of year in Zion, so it’s smart to watch the forecast and plan your clothing accordingly. No matter what the weather apps say, though, there are some must-have items for any Zion winter trip.

First, pack a warm coat and waterproof hiking boots given the season’s precipitation. A pair of boot spikes, such as Yaktrax, will keep you safe on snowy or icy trails. Additionally, bring layers—including top and bottom wool base layers—plus a hat, gloves, and scarf or buff. And if you’re headed to other Utah Mighty Five getaways, don’t forget your annual America the Beautiful pass, which provides entry to all national parks and thousands of federal recreation sites across the U.S.

By Christopher Reynolds

Staff Writer

Sept. 26, 2025 3 AM PT

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There are times when you want a vacation that challenges you. But there are other times when you crave a familiar scene, a traveler’s version of comfort food.

What is it that brings people back to the same destination again and again?

Charlotte Russell, a Manchester-based clinical psychologist and founder/editor of the Travel Psychologist blog, didn’t see value in visiting the same place twice when she was in her 20s, but as she got older, her opinion changed.

Now one of her most frequent destinations is Seville, a short, direct flight from her home airport. However, her travel cadence is strategic. “I don’t want to spoil the connection I have to the place by visiting too frequently,” she says. “For me, once every few years seems to be about ‘right.’” Once there, she savors “the beautiful buildings, the orange trees, the smells and flavors of the food,” enjoying the chance to get to know the culture more deeply than a one-time visitor might.

Then again, Russell acknowledges, maybe we can never truly visit the same place twice.

So says psychology professor Andrew Stevenson in his 2023 book “The Psychology of Travel.” In his view, “places change all the time, and so do we. Yes, we can visit the same location again, but are likely to experience it in a completely different way when visiting again, as the place becomes more meaningful, more full of memories, more vital, each new time we arrive.”

We asked Southern California readers to tell us about their most prized repeat destinations. The answers took us all over — Hawaii, Utah, Arizona, England and Hermosa Beach, for instance — for all sorts of reasons they share with us below.

London keeps calling

Tommy Bui and a friend stand beneath Big Ben in London.

(Tommy Bui)

Tommy Bui of Pacoima studied in the United Kingdom as an undergrad — “a very impressionable and long influential time of my life,” he wrote.

“It was my first time away from home with veritably just a meagre bindle on my back. I was way out of my comfort zone and flung into the deep end on the other side of the pond. I floundered but eventually found my water legs and learned to love dear ol’ Blighty.” [That’s a slang phrase for Great Britain often used by British expats.]

So, Bui continued, “every year I manage to lumber my way back to London.” Aiming to “recapture that initial wonderment and whimsy,” he’s been going back for more than 10 years, always looking for “some kind of new and out-of-my-comfort-zone mischief.”

These adventures have included “running the 2024 London Marathon (whilst guiding a sight-impaired runner), riding a penny-farthing [Victorian-era bicycle] to Buckingham Palace, and cycling 100 miles from London to Essex to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society,” Bui wrote.

“What makes London special is that the magic of that first visit is undiminished with each subsequent visit somehow.”

Between California mountains and Mexican beaches

Brandon Luna and family pose on the beach in Mexico, twice.

(Brandon Luna)

Brandon Luna of Long Beach wrote to say his family has been making repeat visits to two very different spots over the last eight years. One is Yosemite.

“I grew up in Merced, the ‘Gateway to Yosemite,’ but had never visited the national park until I lived in Southern California,” Luna wrote. “It’s great to take my kids and pitstop in Merced to visit my family. We love staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Its convenient location makes it easy for us to explore without driving. We were fortunate enough to get snowed in one year!”

His family’s other top spot: “La Costalegre in Jalisco is an area south of Puerto Vallarta,” Luna wrote. “It’s more of a locals’ (Mexican) tourist destination, with some visitors and expats from Canada and the U.S. We rent a car and drive from the outskirts of Guadalajara to the towns of Melaque/San Patricio. We love to hang out at the beach all day, hit the pool, and explore the local towns. The picturesque sunrises and sunsets create a calm, relaxing vibe. My kids enjoy buying fruit and ordering from the local restaurants while hanging out on the beach. They always ask why we don’t have those same types of offerings here in the U.S.”

Anniversaries on the Big Island

(Joel Drew)

Joel Drew of San Clemente’s repeat destination is the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

“It’s a beautifully understated resort along arguably the very best beach in Hawaii,” Drew wrote. “The grounds are beautiful and the ocean views are incredible. My wife and I have been returning to this location for over six years. We love sharing our anniversary dinner at sunset from here.”

Snowballs and wild turkeys in Utah

The trails and vistas of Zion National Park keep Joshua Baum and his father coming back.

(Joshua G. Baum)

“Since I was 11, I’ve gone almost every year with my dad to Zion National Park in Utah,” wrote Joshua G. Baum of West Hollywood. “I’m 32 now, and the park has given us a lifetime of memories, from hiking the Narrows and Angel’s Landing to stargazing at Big Bend and spotting wild turkeys along the trails. We still go after my dad’s heart transplant, though he can’t hike like he once did, and I know we’ll keep returning. My favorite memory is a winter hike to Scout’s Lookout when I spent the entire climb up Walter’s Wiggles throwing snowballs at [my dad], and we still laugh about it today.”

Culture and cocktails on Maui

Greg Vanni’s family vacationing on Maui.

(Greg Vanni)

“Hands down, Napili Kai Beach Resort in Maui is our family & friends all time best vacation spot, year after year,” wrote Greg Vanni of Arcadia. “The resort honors the culture of the many Hawaiians who are a part of the staff by supporting the Napili Kai Foundation which, in part, provides higher education scholarships.”

The resort, Vanni wrote, “sits on one of the most beautiful spots in Maui: Napili Bay. It is all about family (ohana) at Napili Kai. Our family is not unique in having three generations of family staying there. It is a tranquil, old Hawaiian experience — each building is limited to two stories. The resort features an 18-hole putting green, which hosts a putting party for all guests every Monday” with 50-cent cocktails.”

Another attraction: the lush grounds, “lovingly overseen by Uncle Joe, who conducts a weekly walking tour. I can’t keep track of the dozens of milestone events we have celebrated at Napili Kai.”

Scribbling by a creek in Arizona

(David Williams)

“We live in San Diego and every summer we head to Arizona,” wrote David Williams of San Diego.

“Yes. Arizona. In Summer. Our not-so-secret secret spot is deep in Oak Creek Canyon. Our base camp for our adventures is a five-bedroom house overlooking Oak Creek along AZ 89-A in between Sedona and Flagstaff.”

Every summer for roughly the last 20 years, Williams wrote, “we load the family, the dog, and a week’s worth of provisions (with re-supplies available in Sedona and Flagstaff) and head across the blazing desert to the forest sanctuary of Oak Creek Canyon.”

Each year, Williams continued, there are family excursions to local landmarks like Slide Rock State Park. And each year, adults and children alike are expected to write something in a volume known as the Creek House Book.

“We have now filled THREE complete books,” Williams wrote.

Food, drink and jazz in Monterey

(Richard Haro)

“My wife and I go to the Monterey Jazz Festival every year,” wrote Richard Haro of Fort Collins, Co.

“With friends we usually rent a house in Carmel for the week before and do some things that have become a tradition. We go shopping in Carmel one day, we go have lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur one day. We start our lunch with Champagne and French fries. … We go for a sunset on Carmel Beach. … We spend time with longtime friends that we love and basically eat and drink too much. And it all ends with a weekend of world-class jazz at the festival. We have been doing this since 1983. We plan on going for as long as we can.”

The sands of Hermosa Beach

Trips to Hermosa Beach are a longstanding tradition for Albro Lundy and family.

(Albro Lundy)

“We have gone to Hermosa Beach, California, for my entire life. That is 66 years,” wrote Albro Lundy of Palos Verdes Estates. “Wherever we lived in the United States, we traveled to Hermosa Beach. My father was in the Air Force and we lived in many states, but when summer came, we got in the car and drove through [to] Hermosa Beach. The sand is the finest sand in the world and the beach goes on and on. … It is our home away from home.”

Winter at Mt. Baldy

Jennifer Nutting’s repeat destination is the Mt. Baldy Lodge, which features pool tables.

(Jennifer Nutting)

“We head to the Mt. Baldy Lodge almost every December 23rd,” wrote Jennifer Nutting of Los Angeles.

“After getting married in 2015 at the Beverly Hills courthouse, we went to the Mt. Baldy Lodge just to mark the occasion, and it became a tradition.”

Each room has a fireplace, Nutting wrote, “and they decorate the rooms for the holidays. The restaurant has 2 crackling fireplaces, a few pool tables, and some good diner food. Sometimes it snows, and you wake up on December 24th to the church bells across the street playing Christmas Carols.”

By Nicole Hansen

Published Nov 7, 2025

Nicole is a travel writer and editor who specializes in the U.S. National Parks. Her passion for the great outdoors began when she started making regular trips to some of America’s most beautiful public lands in her youth. Since then, Nicole has continued these trips into adulthood, making frequent visits to national parks around the U.S. and providing readers with insider insight, practical tips, and firsthand experiences.

In addition to contributing to TheTravel, Nicole is an avid hiker. When she is not writing or editing, Nicole can be found tackling America’s scenic trails, taking a drive through national forest land in her home state of Utah, or lounging on the shores of mountain lakes.

Now officially the longest shutdown in U.S. history, the ongoing government shutdown has affected many aspects of tourism and travel around the country. One group of tourist destinations has been at the center of the government shutdown drama: national parks. As government-funded entities staffed by federal employees, every aspect of national parks has been affected by the shutdown.

More than two-thirds of National Park Service employees were furloughed at the start of the shutdown, while most of the remaining staff are working without pay. The reduced staff has led to an increase in reckless behavior in places like Yosemite. Behind the drama, however, the national parks continue to be a source of positivity and cooperation.

Running on willpower and local support, national parks continue to function thanks largely to their partner non-profits. All 63 major national parks have a partner non-profit organization. These organizations are always working behind the scenes, promoting donation drives, staffing visitor centers, and running educational programs. During the government shutdown, these non-profits have been vital in keeping national parks afloat.

TheTravel spoke via email with the Zion Forever Project, the non-profit partner of Zion National Park in Utah, and Kyle Staten of Greater Zion, and found an inspiring cooperative effort between volunteers, locals, and businesses all working together to keep one of America’s busiest national parks running.

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The Zion Forever Project Has Been Zion’s White Knight Since The Shutdown Began

Before the shutdown even officially began, Utah pledged to keep its five major national parks open, noting that it had budgeted $5 million in state funding to use for national park sites in the event of a shutdown.

While the state worked to move those funds when the shutdown began, the Zion Forever Project (ZFP) was already on the ground, printing materials, manning stations, and filling in the gaps as best they could.

“In the early days of the lapse, we provided front-line support at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, ensuring that guests could still receive reliable information and trip guidance.”

The representative went on to explain that ZFP printed over $30,000 worth of park maps and guides to hand out to visitors, a task usually completed with federal funds. They also contributed over $6,000 to keep the “Concrete to Canyons” educational program going. The program had already planned to have a group of students from Clark County, Nevada, come visit, and ZFP’s quick and generous donation allowed things to continue as planned.

Major Zion Forever Project Funding Efforts

Printed Materials During Shutdown	$30,000
Youth Education Program “Concrete to Canyons”	$6,000
Visitor Center Operation	$20,000
Total Funds Provided in 2024 to Partner Projects	$3.3 million

It’s not just money that ZFP has been contributing, however. Volunteers have been on the ground each and every day of the shutdown. As the second-most-visited national park in the U.S., Zion sees thousands of visitors daily, even during the shutdown. With much of the staff furloughed, ZFP volunteers have been stationed at pop-up information booths to guide travelers, which is important both for individual safety and to ensure the fragile ecosystem is preserved.

Entrance to Zion National Park, Utah from the gateway town of Springdale

ZFP’s efforts are mirrored by national park non-profits across the country. Friends of the Smokies has been jointly funding operations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park since the shutdown began. During our own recent visit to Bryce Canyon National Park during the shutdown, representatives of Bryce Canyon Country recommended we donate our waived entry fee to their partner non-profit, Bryce Canyon Association.

Their boots-on-the-ground approach has thus far been mostly successful, preventing the level of permanent damage seen during the previous shutdown. While ZFP is the first to say that there is no substitute for a fully staffed park with paid employees, the immediate action of volunteers has kept the gates open and the shuttles running.

Zion Forever Takes Care Of The Staff, Not Just Zion National Park

Visitors viewing the ancient fremont culture petroglyphs with an NPS ranger at Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA

Perhaps one of the clearest themes in conversations with both ZFP and Greater Zion is the overwhelming local support for Zion National Park and its staff. ZFP immediately jumped into action to take care of the park, but they were even more concerned about park staff during the shutdown.

“The entire community here around Zion National Park has rallied together to support each other, with meals being donated, household goods, and support to those who are unemployed or working without pay. This fellowship has inspired many and helped maintain morale during a challenging time.”

While ZFP was working to print maps and man pop-up stations, they also immediately launched “We Stand With Our Rangers,” a local initiative designed to support furloughed and unpaid staff in Zion.

In addition to providing food and necessities, ZFP is working to address the emotional strain of the extended shutdown on park staff and their families. One of the more recent fundraising efforts of Zion’s non-profit has been Isabel’s Light Employee Wellness Fund.

The fund provides no-cost mental health counseling sessions, resilience training, and additional staff mental and physical well-being resources. ZFP notes that as the financial strain puts more pressure on families ahead of the holiday season, fundraising for mental health and wellness services is a top priority.

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Local Businesses Are Supporting The Community And Zion Forever Project

38 days in, park staff, who are also often residents of the park’s gateway communities, are missing entire paychecks, paychecks that ZFP points out, many don’t have the means to lose. Thankfully, businesses and locals have “stepped up without hesitation,” opening up their restaurants to feed staff and their families.

As businesses around Zion National Park continue to give back, one Utah company’s most recent collaboration is coming at the perfect time to fundraise for ZFP. When Coalatree first ideated its collaboration with Greater Zion a year ago, they likely never imagined their collection would go live in the middle of such a crucial moment for Zion National Park.

20% of every purchase from the Greater Zion Collection goes directly to the Zion Forever Project, replenishing funds that are currently spread thin due to the shutdown.

“We’re proud to see Greater Zion and Coalatree inspire others to give back — supporting Zion Forever’s mission to conserve and enhance these public lands for current and future generations,” — Natalie Britt, CEO of Zion Forever Project

Coalatree’s new collaboration also allows those looking for a way to support the national park to give to the connected non-profit and take home a reminder of the Zion they love. Coalatree’s latest collection is just one of many examples of businesses and individuals stepping up to preserve Zion, not just during the shutdown, but throughout the year.

How Can Visitors Support Their Local National Park Heroes?

Sign at the Shuttle Lot of Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

The latest government shutdown has brought into focus a fact that many people already know — it takes a lot to keep a national park running. While the shutdown furloughed staff, it mandated that parks stay open, leaving plenty of gaps in operations.

Those gaps have been filled primarily by the non-profits that partner with each national park, making them one of the best outlets for those looking to support the national park system and its staff.

Tourists who have made plans but are uncertain about going into national parks during the shutdown can still support those whose livelihoods depend on the park by visiting gateway towns and neighboring public lands and state parks. This keeps the necessary economic output up while still giving rangers breathing room within the park.

National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger in Bryce Canyon National Park Utah — National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, UT, USA

Those who do visit national parks during the shutdown can donate their entrance fees to the park’s non-profit organization, or find programs similar to Isabel’s Light Employee Wellness Fund to support rangers working without pay. Special collaborations like Coalatree’s new Greater Zion line provide one more way to give back to non-profits while also having something to take home.

“Our commitment is simple: we will keep doing what’s needed, as long as it’s needed, to support the people who make Zion possible.” — Zion Forever Project to TheTravel

Regardless of how they do it, locals and visitors are showing up for national parks in a big way. Spearheaded by the tireless efforts of non-profits, national parks and their staff will continue to receive support through every minute of the government shutdown.

Greater Zion has partnered with outdoor brand Coalatree to launch a limited-edition, destination-inspired collection of sustainable outdoor gear designed for adventure in all its forms.

Outdoor lovers, listen up: Greater Zion just dropped a new collab with Utah-based gear brand Coalatree, and it’s all about sustainable adventures. The limited-edition collection turns Coalatree’s eco-friendly staples into destination-inspired gear that screams Zion vibes — from the red-rock cliffs to the azure rivers.

This isn’t just about looking good on the trail. 20% of proceeds go straight to the Zion Forever Project, the official nonprofit of Zion National Park, helping keep these landscapes protected for future explorers.

It’s adventure with purpose

The collection hits all the must-have bases for the modern adventurer:

Puffy Kachula Adventure Blanket ($129) – This isn’t just a blanket. It transforms into a poncho or pillow and features the signature red rocks and rivers of Greater Zion. Ideal for stargazing, concerts, or camping.
Mirage Sun Shirt ($79) – Lightweight, breathable, UV-protective, and decked out with a topographic design mirroring Zion’s hills and valleys. Perfect for the 300+ days of sun in the area.
Java Socks ($20) – Made from recycled coffee grounds and plastic bottles, these moisture-wicking socks show off Watchman Tower, keeping your feet comfy whether you’re hiking, golfing, or exploring downtown.
Quest Duffel Bag ($139) – A duffel that converts into a backpack, made from upcycled materials, with colors and topography inspired by the region’s dramatic landscapes. Tough enough for slot canyons, sleek enough for the airport.

“This collab is about connecting people with places that spark adventure,” stated in a recent press release John Michael Fabrizi, President of Coalatree. “Greater Zion has always matched the outdoor spirit we champion, and these products are built for trips and everyday adventures alike.”

Natalie Britt, CEO of Zion Forever Project, stated in a recent press release, “We’re thrilled to see this partnership support our mission to conserve and enhance public lands for everyone — now and in the future.”

The Greater Zion Coalatree Collection is available now exclusively at Coalatree.com. Whether you’re hitting the trails, the canyons, or just want a daily reminder of those red-rock adventures, this gear has you covered — and gives back while you do it.

Puffy Kachula - Greater Zion Edition — **Puffy Kachula – Greater Zion Edition**

About Greater Zion

Covering 2,400 square miles in southwest Utah, Greater Zion includes Zion National Park, four state parks, 14 golf courses, and endless outdoor adventures. Learn more at GreaterZion.com.

About Coalatree

Utah-based Coalatree makes sustainable gear and apparel for adventurers everywhere. Using recycled materials and giveback initiatives, they design functional, stylish products for the outdoors and everyday life. Learn more at Coalatree.com.

About Zion Forever Project

The official nonprofit partner of Zion National Park, the Zion Forever Project funds conservation, education, and sustainability projects to protect the park’s landscapes and inspire stewardship. Visit ZionPark.org.

For more, visit https://coalatree.com/

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Black Desert Championship 2024 - Round Two

Harris English was in unfamiliar territory. The 35-year-old PGA Tour pro from Georgia needed to navigate his way around jet-black lava beds flanked by towering cliffs that sculpted the Tom Weiskopf-designed Black Desert Golf Course if he stood any chance of contending at the 2024 Black Desert Championship in Ivins, Utah.

As the PGA Tour’s first event in the Beehive State since the 1963 Utah Open in Salt Lake City, the Black Desert Championship was a culmination of the game’s growth in Greater Zion, a region of more than 2,400 square miles in Southwest Utah.

Not only did the event create a boom for the local economy, but it showcased the unique topography and geography for golf in the lower part of the state.

“Yeah, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen, especially with the black lava rock,” English said after the second round. “I haven’t played a ton of desert golf … so I wouldn’t say I’m used to this terrain a whole lot.

“… So it’s a little different out here when you’re seeing a lot of the black rock everywhere. It’s a lot of fun. I’ve had a lot of friends and family text me (about) how cool this course looks on TV. It’s a lot of fun to play.”

Black Desert Championship winner Matt McCarty putts on the 17th hole during the final round.

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While the majority of golf plaudits and players pay attention to courses in the north around the state capital—even Tiger Woods is planning a new 8,000-yard course in Park City—golf in Southwest Utah has grown exponentially since Dixie Red Hills opened as the region’s first course in 1963.

Located on the west spring, a clean and reliable water source not only for the course but the region’s first settlers in the late 1800s, Dixie Red Hills is one of four public courses owned and operated by the City of St. George, including Southgate Golf Club, St. George Golf Club and Sunbrook Golf Club.

Bloomington Country Club opened just southwest of the city in 1969 as the region’s first private golf club.

More developers and designers soon turned their attention to the region known for Zion National Park, Sand Hollow State Park and Snow Canyon State Park as Greater Zion grew into a golf destination, particularly as adjacent housing developments and other facilities and amenities began to sprout up from the arid desert around these new courses.

Today, Greater Zion features 14 golf courses in a 20-mile radius.

Boasting a population that’s quadrupled since 1990 to an estimated 200,000 residents today, Washington County commissioner Gil Almquist credits golf not only for making the county an increasingly popular destination, but enticing another 50,000-60,000 daily visitors to the region.

“It’s certainly part of that and in fact, may be the granddaddy of all of them,” Almquist said, “as that was our first real venture into sport to bring people here.”

An outdoor adventurer’s paradise, the “land of endurance” has also welcomed IronMan events and the Huntsman World Senior Games, the largest annual multi-sport senior competition in the world, to the region.

Visitors support the region through a transient room tax and sales tax at local accommodations, restaurants and businesses that gets pumped back into the economy to refurbish and build trails, parks and facilities, and, of course, golf courses.

A $2 billion project, Black Desert Resort is the latest to join the fray. Opened in 2023, the resort will feature a 148-room hotel, a village of condos for golfers and another for families, and a 3,000-foot boardwalk promenade of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Black Desert, which will also host an unnamed LPGA event in 2025, isn’t the only course in Greater Zion playing host to professional events as more organizers begin to take notice of the region.

Located in the backyard of Sand Hollow State Park, Copper Rock has hosted the Epson Tour Copper Rock Championship since 2021 as well as the 2024 LPGA Senior Championship.

Whether hosting professionals or amateurs, Greater Zion golf offers an array of topographies and geographic features including red rocks, black lava flows, red hills, canyons, plateaus and waterways.

Known for its unique views including several holes played alongside the edge of cliffs, the championship course at nearby Sand Hollow Resort is ranked No. 6 in Utah and is the region’s lone representative in the top-10, according to Golf Digest.

“It’s such a great place to come to,” said Mike Jurca, director of golf operations for the City of St. George. “It’s not just about golf, but golf was kind of the economic driver that made this thing blow up. I think it’s going to be great for years to come and it’s going to grow on people.”

Local legend Jay Don Blake played in his 500th and final PGA Tour event at the 2024 Black Desert Championship.

Getty Images

While the inaugural Black Desert Championship signified golf’s growth in Greater Zion, it also served as a fitting ending for a local legend.

Jay Don Blake, a 65 year-old from St. George on a sponsor’s exemption, played in his last PGA Tour event and the 500th of his career, in his own backyard to much fanfare, including a group of patrons following his every shot wearing “Blake’s Birdie” shirts.

“The situation of the scenario of being born and raised in St. George and having the opportunity to get that milestone of 500 PGA Tour starts is a dream kind of story,” Blake said. “You can’t make it up, can’t script it.”

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