How to Have a Winter Adventure Session in Zion National Park
This adventure session was made all the more adventurous by the sheer volume of snow that dropped this winter at Zion National Park in Utah. M + S were game, though, and so was I, to hike to this stunning canyon overlook.
The best thing about winter portraits in Zion:
Far fewer crowds. We had this popular overlook all to ourselves!
Convenience of driving your car to the trail head; shuttles are only required in peak visitor months.
Magical snow! Not only is snow beautiful to look at, especially when dusted over these epic rocks, it provides perfect, soft, and even lighting for photos. A photographer’s dream!
Tips on how to make your winter adventure more enjoyable while staying safe:
While Zion National Park doesn’t usually get this much snow, it’s important to be prepared for all types of weather when adventuring in the outdoors. Wearing proper footwear is essential; in this instance we were all wearing sturdy hiking boots with warm socks and I had my spikes on hand just in case there were patches of ice!
When it’s really cold out, it’s important to wear warm clothing and have thermal layers underneath. When it comes to having your photos taken, most folks don’t want to wear a big bulky coat, but it’s important to have those super warm jackets on hand. In between these beautiful moments captured in the photos below, we were making sure to take breaks in those much needed cozy jackets to stay warm. It’s also a good idea to bring hand warmers for your pockets especially when playing in the snow!
When you’re headed to an overlook like this one that has a sheer drop at the end, be smart and don’t get too close to the edge. When we were here, it was quite windy so we stayed a very safe distance from the drop off. Even in perfect conditions, you should always be cautious and make sure your footing is stable before approaching the edge.
Be sure to watch the weather forecast closely (even more critical for winter adventures!) and read the latest reviews of hiking trails to assess the trail conditions before heading out. It’s always a good idea to check with the local rangers, or at the very least the park’s website, to confirm the trail you want to hike is open and in good condition. When I drove into Zion on this trip the first stop I made was to the Visitor’s Center to check in with the rangers there about trail conditions. I was all set to hike Angels Landing, but the trail was super icy and the ranger didn’t recommend it so I opted for a different epic hike that was much safer.
Lastly, know your limits and your comfort levels. If a location or activity is more adventurous than you thought it would be, it’s okay to voice that and go somewhere else. Do you research, hire a photographer who is familiar with where you’re interested in going, and always have a backup location in mind just in case things don’t go according to plan!
