Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Southern Utah-Land of Red Rock Arches, National Parks, and Year-round Activities

"When it comes to winter travel in the southwestern United States, a ski trip to Lake Tahoe or a glam Las Vegas getaway may come to mind. But a few hours' drive northeast of Sin City is a region with twisting canyons, cathedral-like spires, and delicate sandstone arches that only look more stunning with a dusting of snow. Southern Utah is home to five national parks, four national monuments, and countless hiking and biking trails."

"Part of southern Utah's charm is its relative isolation, which can make getting there a bit of a challenge. Redtail Air Connections offers small-plane, eight-seater flights twice a week from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY), just north of Moab. Another carrier, Contour Airlines, operates daily flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to CNY and Page Municipal Airport (PGA), just over the border in Arizona-and in the heart of the Grand Circle road trip."

Southern Utah contains five national parks, four national monuments, and extensive hiking and biking trails. Winter offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and snow-dusted sandstone formations that enhance scenery. Outdoor options include hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, with routes suitable for varying abilities. Travel options include small-plane flights to Canyonlands Regional Airport via Redtail Air Connections and Contour Airlines service from Phoenix to CNY and Page, driving from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, and Amtrak rail to Salt Lake City. Accommodation ranges from camping and glamping to luxury villas, accommodating a wide range of budgets and preferences.

Read at Travel + Leisure