Planning a November trip to Zion National Park? You’re making a smart choice. The crowds thin out, the temperatures drop to comfortable levels, and the fall colors create incredible views.
This guide covers everything you need for a successful November visit. You’ll learn about daily weather patterns, what to pack, which trails stay open, and how to handle the park’s unique conditions this time of year. I’ve spent years visiting Zion in different seasons and talked with rangers about what works best.
Here’s what makes November special: fewer visitors mean easier parking and shorter wait times. The weather remains mild enough for hiking, yet cool enough to stay comfortable. You’ll get practical tips based on real experience, not just generic advice.
What Makes November a Great Time to Visit?
November changes everything at Zion. The peak-season rush ends, and you get the park back. No more waiting in long shuttle lines or fighting for parking spots. Overlooks sit empty. Hotels drop their rates, $300 summer rooms often cost under $150.The park feels personal again
Cottonwoods turn bright yellow in November. Maples shift to deep red. These warm tones against red sandstone create an incredible contrast.
You don’t need perfect lighting, colors pop all day. One visitor told me, “You don’t need golden hour, colors pop all day.” She was right.
Summer heat makes Zion brutal. November fixes that. Temperatures settle into the 50s, accompanied by dry air and clear skies. You can tackle Angels Landing without overheating. Longer trails feel manageable. Cooler weather also brings bighorn sheep and mule deer down to the valleys. Stay on the shuttle and watch the cliffs, you’ll spot more wildlife than in summer.
Tips to Know Before Visiting in November
November brings specific challenges you need to prepare for. I learned some of these the hard way during my first fall visit. You’ll have a better time if you know what to expect and plan accordingly.
- Shorter days: Daylight shrinks to about nine hours in November, with sunrise around 7:30 AM and sunset between 5:15-6:30 PM. Canyon floors lose sunlight even earlier when the sun drops behind cliffs, so start longer hikes by 8:00 AM and plan to finish by 4:00 PM to avoid rushing down trails in fading light.
- Cold mornings and evenings: Morning temperatures start around 30-40°F and feel especially cold before the sun clears the canyon walls. Slot canyons stay frigid all day since sunlight barely reaches them, and once the sun sets, temperatures drop quickly, what felt comfortable at 2:00 PM turns winter-like by 5:30 PM.
- The Narrows gets risky: Water temperatures drop to around 40°F or lower in November, making this hike seriously challenging. You need a drysuit rental from local outfitters, not just neoprene booties, because hypothermia risk becomes real within minutes of getting wet in these conditions.
- Angels Landing turns slippery: Icy patches develop on the trail and chains section, especially in shaded areas that stay frozen all day. Wet rocks freeze overnight, and metal chains become slippery when cold, making the hike significantly more dangerous than summer conditions, so check with rangers before attempting it.
- Conditions change daily: Trail safety depends on overnight temperatures and recent weather patterns. I always stop at the visitor center first thing in the morning because rangers know current conditions and recent incidents. This five-minute stop could prevent a dangerous situation and help you plan your day safely.
Best Things to Do in Zion in November
November opens up activities that feel miserable in the summer heat. You can hike all day, bike the canyon floor, and take your time at viewpoints. The cooler weather and smaller crowds make every activity more enjoyable than in peak season.
Scenic Hikes for All Levels
Zion offers trails for every fitness level. I recommend starting with easier routes to test how you handle the altitude and terrain. Morning starts work best since you’ll catch sunlight hitting the canyon walls before shadows take over.
- Easy options: Riverwalk (flat and paved), Lower Emerald Pools (short waterfall hike), Pa’rus Trail (wheelchair accessible)
- Moderate challenge: Watchman Overlook has incredible fall colors, and Upper Emerald Pools offers steeper climbs with better views
- Strenuous routes: Angels Landing requires permits and ice checks, The Narrows needs drysuit rental for cold water safety
One regular visitor told me, “Hike early for sunlit canyon views.” She’s right. After 3:00 PM, shadows dominate and temperatures drop fast. If you’re doing The Narrows, rent proper gear from Springdale outfitters, hypothermia happens quickly in 40°F water.
Biking Through Zion Canyon
Cool November weather makes biking actually pleasant. Summer heat turns the canyon into an oven on a bike. November? Perfect conditions. You’ll pedal comfortably without overheating or draining all your water.
- Multiple shops in Springdale rent bikes for the day
- Shuttle buses have bike racks for convenient one-way trips
- Pa’rus Trail stays open to bikes year-round with smooth pavement
I’ve biked the canyon several times, and November ranks as my favorite month for it. You can stop anywhere without fighting crowds for space. Take photos, rest at viewpoints, then continue at your own pace.
Find out about Kolob Canyons
Most visitors skip Kolob Canyons entirely. That’s their mistake and your gain. This section sits in the northwest corner of the park and stays quiet even during busy seasons. November makes it even emptier.
- Lava flows create unique black rock formations mixed with red sandstone
- Five-mile scenic drive includes multiple pullouts and the Timber Creek Overlook Trail
- Requires your own vehicle since shuttles don’t run here (45 minutes from Springdale)
I visit Kolob when the main canyon feels too busy, though honestly, November rarely gets crowded anywhere. The scenery rivals the main canyon, but you’ll likely have trails to yourself.
Weather in Zion National Park in November
November weather stays mostly predictable at Zion. You’ll deal with cold mornings and cool afternoons, but conditions remain stable compared to spring. I’ve never had a trip ruined by November weather, just dress right and you’ll be fine.
Temperature Snapshot
Temperatures vary between different areas of the park. Zion Canyon sits lower and stays warmer than Kolob Canyons. Mornings feel winter-like across the entire park, usually dropping into the 30s before sunrise.
- Zion Canyon: 63°F high, 37°F low on average
- Kolob Canyons: 58°F high, 33°F low (colder at higher elevation)
- Coldest time: 6:00-8:00 AM before the sun clears the canyon walls
You’ll start hikes wearing a jacket and shed layers by mid-morning. Bring everything with you because temperatures swing 20-30 degrees throughout the day. I pack my down jacket even when the forecast shows 60°F highs.
Rain, Snow, and Trail Conditions
November stays relatively dry. You’ll see about five days of rain during the entire month. Snow rarely falls at lower elevations but becomes more common up high.
- Rain: About five days total, usually light
- Snow: 0.3 days average (mostly at Kolob Canyons)
- Overnight freeze: Common, creates icy morning trails
Canyon floors stay cold longer since sunlight takes time to reach them. Check conditions daily at the visitor center, what’s safe one morning might be icy the next. I’ve seen Angels Landing closed for ice when the parking lot sat completely dry.
What to Wear & Pack?
Layering solves most November weather challenges. You need warm gear for mornings and lighter options for afternoons. I’ve learned to pack more than I think I’ll need.
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking shirt and leggings
- Mid layer: Fleece or insulated jacket
- Outer layer: Down jacket or puffy coat
- Accessories: Gloves, warm hat, extra socks
Your feet matter most. Waterproof hiking boots handle wet sections and provide ankle support on rocky terrain. Bring hand warmers for early morning starts, they’re cheap insurance against numb fingers.
Top Places to See in November
November highlights Zion’s best features without the summer crowds blocking your view. You can actually take your time at popular spots and snap photos without waiting. I’ve visited the same locations in both July and November, the difference in experience is night and day.
The Narrows (Viewpoint or Full Hike)
You don’t need to wade through freezing water to see The Narrows. The Riverwalk takes you right to the mouth of the slot canyon. This paved trail works for everyone, regardless of fitness level.
- Slot canyon walls tower above you at the entrance
- Fall colors line the riverbanks
- Fewer hikers means better photo opportunities
I always walk to the Narrows entrance even when I’m not planning the full hike. The view alone justifies the easy walk. If you do want to hike into the water, rent a drysuit from Springdale.
Zion Human History Museum
Cold or rainy days happen in November. The museum gives you somewhere warm to spend a few hours. I’ve ducked in here multiple times when the weather turned bad.
- Native American history and artifacts
- Pioneer settlement stories
- Exhibits explaining how water shaped the canyon
The museum sits near the south entrance and costs nothing beyond your park admission. I spent about an hour there and learned things that made my hikes more interesting.
Watchman Overlook
This short hike starts right from the Visitor Center. The trail climbs gradually to a viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon. November changes this spot with fall colors glowing against red rock.
- Distance: 3.3 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 368 feet (manageable for most people)
- Best timing: Late afternoon for golden light
I recommend this hike for your first day. It’s not too demanding but gives you incredible views of the valley below. The cottonwoods turn bright yellow in November and create a perfect contrast.
Wildlife to Watch for in November
November brings cooler weather. And cooler weather brings animals out into the open. You’ll see more wildlife now than during the hot summer months.
I always spot more animals in November than at any other time of year.
- Bighorn Sheep: Look up at the canyon walls for bighorn sheep gripping steep rocks. Mule deer graze in the valleys at dawn and dusk. You’ll recognize them by their large ears.
- Nighttime Animals: Ringtails come out after dark near rocky areas. Shine your flashlight to spot them. Coyotes and foxes hunt along roadsides during cooler parts of the day. Bobcats and mountain lions are rare, but you might get lucky.
- California Condors: These massive birds soar from high viewpoints with 9-foot wingspans. Bring binoculars to see their wing tags, each condor has a number. Rangers love it when you report which numbered bird you saw.
Conclusion
Zion National Park in November offers the best of both worlds. You get cooler hiking weather, smaller crowds, and lower costs. Pack layers, check trail conditions before you go, and plan for shorter daylight hours.
You now have the information you need to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. The weather stays predictable, most popular trails remain open, and you’ll actually find parking without stress. Just remember your warm jacket for mornings and evenings.
Ready to book your trip? Drop a comment below if you have questions about specific trails or camping options. Share this guide with anyone planning their own November visit. The park is waiting, and you’re prepared to make the most of it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like at Zion National Park in November?
November brings cooler temperatures to Zion. Daytime highs range from 50-60°F, while nights drop to 30-40°F. Mornings start chilly but warm up nicely. Rain is possible but uncommon. Snow occasionally falls at higher elevations. Pack layers since temperatures change throughout the day.
Are all trails open at Zion National Park in November?
Most popular trails stay open in November, including Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Pools. However, check current conditions before hiking The Narrows since water temperatures drop significantly. Higher elevation trails may close temporarily after snowfall. Always verify trail status with rangers.
How crowded is Zion National Park in November?
November is one of the quieter months at Zion. You’ll find fewer visitors than in summer, making parking easier and trails less congested. Weekdays are especially calm. The shuttle system still runs, but with reduced frequency. You’ll actually enjoy peaceful hikes.
What should I pack for Zion National Park in November?
Bring layered clothing, including a warm jacket, long pants, and moisture-wicking base layers. Pack sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, and a hat. Mornings require warmer gear that you can remove as temperatures rise. Don’t forget a headlamp since daylight ends around 5:30 PM.
Can you hike The Narrows in November at Zion?
Yes, but prepare for cold water. The Virgin River temperature drops to around 40°F in November. Rent a dry suit from local outfitters for safety and comfort. Check flow rates with rangers beforehand. Many hikers prefer other trails during this month due to the cold conditions.
