Zion in winter?

Justin,
I've been there in mid-Feb, and think that it's a great time to go there. There are some things you need to prepare for. In Zion, the daytime/nighttime temperature can vary quite a bit, so take layers, and be prepared for sub-freezing temps.

On the East or West rim, there can be deep snow. I did (e.g., tried) the west rim in sneakers and tarp. The tarp was OK (enclosed shelter might have been nice), but I was post-holing in snow to mid-thigh and knee at times, so high top shoes and gaiters are a very good idea. I'm not sure that I'd take snowshoes. The switchbacks in canyons can see a range of temperatures, so there was daily melt/freeze cycle and ice….so crampons could be very helpful. I was lucky that most of the ice on Walter's Wiggles was melted, but otherwise it would have been tough. I had to turn back from Angels Landing 1/3 of the times I tried it that time of year.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=43303&skip_to_post=374070#374070

Here is a East Rim Trail trip report from April. I realize the trail conditions are different from Jan, but thought the photos would give you an idea.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=46243
I think going up the West Rim trail, along with Angels Landing, would be a great "in and out" hike. There are MUCH fewer tourist then, so you will have the trails to yourself. I think it's a magical time. There is no problem getting campsites at Watchman Campgrounds, which is a great basecamp.

Looking forward to yout trip report!

Tom

Thanks Tom. Is there a huge difference in snow depth and temperature between the rim and the bottom of the canyon?

I was there over New Years many years ago. It was great with almost no one there except for a few Germans.

Go for it, but you will have to play it by ear. You can get periods of snow followed by warm temps.

I went there looking for snow and was disappointed. Most had melted and everything was dry and sunny.

It was warm in the valleys with some snow and ice on the trails near the rims.

Justin,
I have seen quite a bit difference in the few times I've been there, but I'm not sure when the snow starts up there. I wished I had brought something other than trail shoes and some gaiters. Also as was mentioned, you can also run into some ice on some exposures due to melt/freeze. Some low-end ice traction might be an idea, without much of a weight penalty. There are not always stands of large trees, so you might be camping on snow. I was also surprised that mud can be a real pain if you catch it in the sholder seasons and things stay below freezing…not suire what to do about it though.
Tom

I suggest that you take a variety of gear that covers all bases.

Once you are there, do a short recon and get the weather forecast, then gear up accordingly.

I agree with Mitchell.

Tom: Nice trip reports and thank you for posting. They brought back good memories.

On my trip over New Year's, I brought snowshoes, instep crampons, and skis (for the approach to Kolob Canyon as listed in the book "The Best Ski Touring in America").

These was a big snow in Zion a few weeks before my trip, but nearly all had melted.

I recall temps in the 20's at night going to 40-50s during the day. For me, coming from Minneapolis, the temps were "hot."

After a few days of hiking, I moved on to Cedar Breaks, where I had a nice ski in from the highway, and then to Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon, being a bit higher in elevation and colder than Zion, was truly spectacular covered in snow.

BTW to the original poster, if you are into technical canyoneering, there is a crazy event called Freeze Fest in North Wash of central Utah over New Years.