BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK — Spring will soon be upon us, followed shortly thereafter by summer in all its glory: packed with long days, warm nights, family reunions and get-a-ways a plenty. But don’t let the dreams of summer distract you from the glories of a Utah winter.

With this year's near constant procession of snowstorms, many of the state’s outdoors lay under an inviting blanket of snow. But with snowstorms turning to rainstorms, the window for enjoying Utah’s winter may be closing.

How can you best make use of winter's waning days?

Consider taking a trip down to Bryce Canyon National Park. If there is a Utah landscape that knows how to wear a blanket of snow and wear it well, it’s Bryce Canyon. Just check out this video. Known as Utah’s "fairyland," Bryce Canyon is as inspiring a landscape as any — and in winter, it’s even better.

Bryce’s trademark fiery hoodoos contrast so beautifully with a brilliant cover of white snow that every Utahn should put a winter trip to Bryce Canyon on their to-do list. It’s a must see for anyone who appreciates Utah’s unique natural beauty.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your visit:

Get outside

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5 reasons to visit Bryce Canyon in the winter

Bryce Canyon National Park is a popular summer destination for tourists from around the world, but winter is also a great time to visit this unique park. Here are five reasons why you should consider a family trip to Bryce Canyon this winter.

Leave the hotels, visitor centers and parking areas behind — at least for a couple hours. Get out onto the trails or go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Go on a hike

Winter is one of the absolute best times to go hiking, and in a national park where crowds are becoming more and more common, winter offers the best chance to experience these world famous locations in near solitude — if you get out on the trails that is.

Go stargazing

Thanks to its generally clean air, lack of light pollution and its high elevation, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the absolute best places to observe the night sky, and in winter, the starry sky can be even more dazzling.

If you’re ready to see stars like never before, then check the forecast for a clear moonless night and head to Bryce Canyon. Just make sure to head to a parking area that doesn't have lights from lodges and roadways so your view of the heavens will be undiminished.

Stay safe

Just remember to put safety first. Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan on being back, and make sure you have the appropriate gear. The often icy trails in Bryce Canyon require the use of traction devices. Bring your own, borrow, or rent; just make sure everyone in your party is prepared.

Saturday to Monday (President's Day), is a great time to head down to Bryce Canyon to enjoy the Winter Festival. During the event, you can not only take guided skiing and snowshoeing tours, but also participate in all sorts of activities including digital photography workshops, pottery making, fat biking, an archery biathlon and much more.

Visit during the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival

Click here for more information regarding the scheduled activities available this weekend during the annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival.

So while some people choose to stay indoors and hibernate until spring, take the family to Utah’s fairyland and make some winter memories by visiting Bryce Canyon.

For additional information on winter activities, safety and trail conditions including closures in Bryce Canyon National Park, click here.

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