Utah's Color Country

Utah's Color Country Winter in Color Country

When winter comes to Color Country a wide world of recreation opens to all outdoor enthusiasts. Soft, fluffy, powdery snow blankets the mountains and high plateaus offering a winter wonderland for snow sports. But in the low lying valleys where the weather is warmer, golf, tennis, hiking, or bicycling may be the sport of the day. Of course you can do both! You can actually snow ski in the morning and play golf in the St. George area or in Kanab that same afternoon! Two large resorts, Brian Head and Elk Meadows, offer excellent downhill skiing. Or you may want to snowmobile, cross country ski, snowshoe or ice fish. It's all here in Color Country.

Cross Country Skiing
Gliding on nordic skis through the quiet solitude of a snow-covered forest is one of the nicest ways to spend a winter day. Color Country's mountains and high plateaus get lots of soft powdery snow in the winter making them perfect for cross country skiing. You can explore forested areas around Elk Meadows, Brian Head, Duck Creek, and Panguitch Lake. Ski along the rim at Bryce Canyon and glide along the groomed tracks at the adjoining Ruby's Inn Nordic Center. Or ski to the overlooks at Cedar Breaks. Rentals are available in most areas that cater to winter sports.

Ice Fishing
When the lakes freeze over, ice fishing becomes a relaxing winter pastime. Panguitch Lake, and Otter Creek, Minersville and Wide Hollow reservoirs are popular winter fisheries. Always remember to check the ice thickness and weather conditions before ice fishing!

Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling(1.11mb QT)
A fun way to explore the mountains and high plateaus is on the back of a snowmobile. Trails are groomed on Cedar Mountain and interconnect Brian Head/Cedar Breaks, Duck Creek Village, and Panguitch Lake. The groomed East Fork Trail starts near the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. Other popular areas with ungroomed trails are in the Elk Meadows area, and the Dixie National Forest north of Escalante. Equipment rentals and services are available at many of these locations.

Golf and Tennis
If you prefer to spend a weekend playing golf or tennis, Color Country is the perfect winter vacation choice. Winter is the perfect time for playing golf in Utah's Dixie - the St. George area. Golf courses are also open all year in Kanab, Mt. Carmel Junction, and Cedar City, weather permitting.