Canyonlands Regional Airport has daily direct flights from Phoenix and Denver on Contour Airlines, which partners with American Airlines and United Airlines. Otherwise, you can fly into Grand Junction …
In the spring, summer and fall, travelers flock to Utah’s Canyon Country for the rich red canyons, arches and bulbous rock formations found in the area’s two national parks, national monuments, state parks and recreation areas. However, few make it to this area in the winter, missing out on a unique outdoor getaway.
“If you’re looking for solitude, winter can be a great time to visit,” says Allison Yamamoto-Sparks, visitors services manager for San Juan County Economic Development and Visitor Services.If that wasn’t enough, visitors also receive better prices on tours and stays in Moab, the main city in Canyon Country.
“Lodging and guided activities often have discounted rates during the winter, and if you’re lucky you might even get to see some of our beautiful parks and red rock landscapes covered in a dusting of snow,” Yamamoto-Sparks says.
GETTING THERE
Canyonlands Regional Airport has daily direct flights from Phoenix and Denver on Contour Airlines, which partners with American Airlines and United Airlines. Otherwise, you can fly into Grand Junction, Colorado, or Salt Lake City and drive 112 miles or 234 miles, respectively, to Moab.
HIKE, BIKE OR SKI
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the region, thanks to a network of hundreds of trails. “You can usually hike year-round in the lower elevations of the desert since it doesn’t get snow often,” Yamamoto-Sparks says.
Speaking of snow: Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities in the nearby La Sal Mountains. Even mountain bikers hit the Amasa Back trail network when there is snow, before returning to downtown Moab to take advantage of winter food and drink specials at restaurants and to shop at stores like Moab Made, which sells crafts made by local artists.
It’s important to take the utmost care when exploring canyon country in winter, which is why you might consider booking a tour with Navtec Expeditions. Navtec’s 4×4 tours through Canyonlands and Arches national parks are led by knowledgeable guides, are accessible to everyone and allow you to see a wide range of the region in a few hours. Adrenaline seekers can also book half-day or overnight canyoneering, biking and hiking tours with Navtec.
Ancient Wayves is another fantastic operator offering hiking and backpacking experiences in locations like Bears Ears National Monument and rafting trips on the San Juan River. As a Diné-owned outfitter, they employ Indigenous guides from multiple tribes who lead insightful tours through a cultural, historical and scientific lens.
Those interested in learning more about the region’s Native cultures can visit during the Bluff Dark Sky Festival held on November 14-15, as they’ll be incorporating Native American astronomy interpretation and storytelling into the astronomy activities.
If you can’t make the festival, stargazing can still be enjoyed throughout the winter season, as Moab is a designated International Dark Sky Place. Over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend (Jan. 17-19), you can witness another astounding sight in the skies at the Bluff International Balloon Festival.
“Each year the balloons fly two days over the town of Bluff, and on the last day they fly over Valley of the Gods, which is the popular day for photographers to attend,” Yamamoto-Sparks says.
WHERE TO STAY
Camping in Moab is possible year-round with the proper gear. If you don’t want to brave overnighting in winter temperatures, consider booking a hotel, resort or lodge, as they’re often discounted during the offseason.
You’ll find familiar hotel brands such as Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab or Hyatt Place Moab along Moab’s main road, providing direct access to restaurants and shopping. Don’t overlook boutique properties such as Wolfe’s Hotel or Moab Springs Ranch, which have discounted rooms and great amenities – hello hot tubs.
For a more luxurious stay, Sorrel River Ranch is set on 240 acres and has an on-site restaurant and a spa. Nightly rates for this upscale resort drop by as much as $200 beginning in November.
Source: Utah News