Utah is Not Just for Skiing — Check out National Parks in Winter too

2015 Winter Tourism of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are open every day of the year.

Ski Resort visitation does not decline with winter driving conditions. So, confident travelers, consider blazing to a new destination this winter. Experience two amazing National Parks; and a state park that is equally breathtaking. Use modern technology to help source a travel plan.

Road conditions for planning winter driving can be researched using the states’ Department of Transportation website. Utah’s DOT or UDOT has live camera feeds along the roads which will aid in determining conditions. Check out your favorite weather website for average temperatures. In particular, seek forecasts for the higher ground on the way to Arches and Canyonlands. From Salt Lake City, research Soldier Summit Utah; from St. George, research Salina Utah; from Cortez Colorado or Monument Valley research Monticello Utah; from Denver Colorado research Vail Pass and Grand Junction Colorado, the elevation of those locations are higher, more prone to winter conditions than in Moab’s valley. Alternatively, fly into Moab’s Canyonlands Airport with Skywest. Book a flight to Moab online using www.Delta.com. With an advance reservation, rental cars are available at the Canyonlands Airport. Delta will have larger plans in spring 2015. Flights will be discontinued while construction of a larger landing strip is underway to support bigger planes.

Park Visitor Center hours vary. The stalwart Moab Information Center in downtown Moab is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years with staff capable of assisting with National Park questions. Phone lines (435–259–8825) are available Monday — Friday 8 AM — 5 PM, except Holidays, to help visitors.

Touring Moab’s parks is unique in winter. Some hiking trails require holding hands to steady one another in spots. As frozen conditions warm up, depending on the time of year, 4x4 and bike trails may become soft and muddy. Please be advised motoring or biking on soft, muddy trails causes significant trail damage. With the advance of colder conditions, trails will be solid and use resumes. Please adapt travel and utilize pavement when soft, muddy trails prevail. Carry sufficient supplies in the event of delays during winter travel in canyon country.

Hidden Gem: Access Movie Locations with a two wheel drive vehicle. Hollywood found Moab in 1949 and film makers keep returning to the desert canyon country. Disney filmed John Carter and Lone Ranger. The most recent release is Transformers: Age of Extinction.

The bigger draw, even in winter, is Moab’s nearby parks. The Island in the Sky is higher than Arches National Park by approximately 900 ft elevation. Keeping feet warm and dry is an important reminder and tip. Having along several pairs of socks to change out of wet socks will increase comfort, if a visit coincides with a winter snow day in and around Moab, Utah. Bringing the children? Adventure Tykes rents items that are too bulky to bring along, like a high chair, play pen, and backpack kid carrier. Or take advantage of the school holidays to enjoy Moab in winter. Boost your confidence driving the pavement in Moab in winter conditions, Canyonlands Jeep is open year round except the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years and will pick up clients at hotels for a winter vehicle rental. Please stay on pavement when the four-wheel-srive trails are wet. Those deep muddy ruts will become stone hard when the roads dry and ruin the trail.

With snow covering the ground, the landscapes are extraordinary. Moab Photo Tours provides services year round to help visitors capture those amazing scenic shots. Moab Horses and Backcountry Trail Rides have a great alternative to keep feet dry and comfortable, sit atop a horse! View the splendid sights in canyon passages along a pony trail. Xtreme 4x4 Tours has 39 permitted trails and will adjust according to weather conditions for guest safety and trail respect for those visitors seeking a guided trip. Rent cross country ski equipment and snowshoes from Rim Cyclery. The store, Gearheads, also rents snowshoes. The bike company DreamRides is prepared to lead cross-country skiing in the La Sal Mountains. Moab Cliffs and Canyons have ski equipment to rent too for the Nordic trails in the La Sal Mountains. Anticipate ski workshops with Moab Cliffs and Canyons. Winter is also a terrific time to climb around Moab with Moab Cliffs and Canyons; who will be offering combination ski and climb packages. Happen to be in Moab when that unpredictable, narrow window for ice climbing occurs? Rent ice axe and crampons from Pagan Mountaineering.

Commercial Campgrounds that are open all winter are: OK RV Campground, Slickrock Campground, Portal RV Resort and Pack Creek Campground.

Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds remain open all winter.

Dead Horse Point has added three yurts which can be reserved all year round online. Heated in winter. Air-conditioned in summer.

Remember to layer your clothing and bring boots! www.DiscoverMoab.com