🐉❄️ Our Epic Winter Utah Adventure: Slot Canyons, Snow Tubing + Outpost X Magic

December 22–23, 2025 | 4 Adventurers' Vegas Escape

We just wrapped up one of the best quick getaways ever! A perfect mix of red rock slot canyon glow, cozy mountain lunch, non-stop snow tubing laughs, and an otherworldly sci-fi desert immersion at Outpost X. We capped it with a breathtaking Kolob Canyons/Zion drive home. Even with a later start (thanks, time zone confusion 😂), everything flowed perfectly and winter crowds were basically nonexistent.

Watch Our Day 1 Vlog Here 🎥
All the real moments—from slot canyon light to tubing chaos!

Winter Utah Road Trip Day 1: Snow Tubing, Slot Canyons & Red Rock Magic from Las Vegas!

🐉 DAY 1 Recap – Later Dragon Start, Slot Canyon Vibes + Tubing Thrills

📍 Route: Las Vegas → Belly of the Dragon → Red Hollow Slot Canyon → Ground & Toasted → Brian Head Resort → Cedar City → Enoch

Later Departure from Las Vegas

We aimed for crazy early but holiday vibes + the Nevada-to-Utah time change meant we hit the road a little later. Still had tons of daylight!

~9:00 AM – Belly of the Dragon (20 minutes)

We arrived around 9 AM—so no dramatic sunrise beams, but the bright morning light still made the wavy sandstone walls look awesome. Quick sandy walk, fun echoes, and great group photos. Super cool and easy first stop.

Pro Tip: Bring a phone flashlight for the darker middle section.

Trail Map & Details: AllTrails - The Belly of the Dragon

~9:30–11:00 AM – Red Hollow Slot Canyon (Orderville)

This was an absolute highlight! Just a quick detour north, and we got classic narrow red/orange slot canyon beauty—glowing walls, easy scrambles, and zero other people. We explored about 1.5 miles round-trip with plenty of photo stops. The light around 10 AM was perfect. Some reviews mention a rope for a taller dryfall deeper in, but we didn't reach or see any rope—turned around after enjoying the prettiest sections and still felt like we got the full slot experience.

Pro Tip: The short dirt road to the trailhead was totally fine in our AWD. Gaiters were lifesavers for keeping sand out of shoes.

Trail Map & Details: AllTrails - Red Hollow Slot Canyon

~11:00 AM–12:30 PM – Scenic Hwy 14 Drive

One of the most beautiful drives—red rocks fading into snowy pines as we climbed. Roads were clear and the views never stopped.

~12:30 PM – Ground & Toasted (Duck Creek Village)

Perfect cozy lunch stop! We ordered fresh sourdough goodies (the spicy avocado toast was fire) and ate inside the warm cafe—great call since Aspen-Mirror Lake was blanketed in snow and not picnic-friendly that day. Everything made in-house, super friendly vibe.

📍 915 Movie Ranch Rd, Duck Creek Village, UT 84762

Afternoon – Brian Head Resort

We skipped the snowy Aspen-Mirror Lake to keep the day relaxed and went straight to tubing.

2:30–4:00 PM – Snow Tubing at Giant Steps Tubing Park

Hands-down the group favorite! We booked the 2:30–4:00 PM session online ($32/person for 1.5 hours)—ideal timing with gorgeous golden afternoon light and red rock views. Located right at the Giant Steps base area, it has multiple groomed lanes, a magic carpet surface lift (no hiking back up = endless runs!), and snowmaking kept conditions perfect. Fast, spinny, and so much fun—tons of races and laughs. Family-friendly vibe, no tube-sharing required, and way quieter than peak times.

Pro Tips: Dress in layers with waterproof boots/gloves, arrive 15–20 minutes early for check-in, and hand warmers were clutch.

Resort Info & Tubing Details: Brian Head Resort Snow Tubing
Trail Map: Brian Head Resort Trail Map (Giant Steps base area highlighted on the full resort map)

Evening – Cedar City Dinner & Enoch VRBO

Quick fish & chips at Hermie's Drive-In (classic and delicious), then relaxed at our cozy Enoch rental—perfect wind-down.

🏡 Planning your own Utah winter escape? Find cozy vacation rentals on VRBO or compare stays on Booking.com.

🚀 DAY 2 Recap – Outpost X Immersion + Kolob Canyons/Zion Detour

8:30 AM – Arrived at Outpost X / Left at Noon

Total mind-blower and the perfect sci-fi finale! We booked day passes online ($40 each) and did an easy online check-in where we could share our approximate arrival time. Support was great—super responsive via text with detailed directions, cautions about the remote gravel roads (totally doable, just take it slow), and even a Spotify link for the immersive Outpost X audio story (nerdy in the best way—got us totally hyped for the lore!).

We arrived around 8:30 AM (early nerves paid off!). It was completely self-service at first (which adds to the immersive, off-grid feel)—no staff on site until about 11 AM, but everything worked seamlessly. For the sand cruisers, we scanned a QR code, filled out a quick digital waiver/form, and instantly got the lockbox code to grab the vehicle keys. Super smooth and futuristic!

One of the coolest surprises: free costumes available right on site—robes, cloaks, helmets, and sci-fi gear you can borrow to fully get into character. We threw on a few for photos and cruising around—it made everything feel even more like stepping onto a movie set!

We started with driving the sand cruisers (electric off-road vehicles)—we played the Spotify audio story on our iPhones while cruising around, and it perfectly narrated the fictional history of the outpost. Felt like we were in a movie! Then we soaked in the hot tubs with waterfalls, did the sauna and cold plunge, chilled in the Ka'an Lounge meditation room, and explored the photo zones, caves, domes, and cantina (self-serve mocktails and fun surprises). The massive dry lake bed desert setting made it feel like another planet—Star Wars meets Dune vibes. Packed our own picnic lunch, which was spot-on. We wrapped up and left around noon—plenty of time without feeling rushed.

X-Spa downside: Hot tubs with waterfalls, sauna, and cold plunge were relaxing with epic views and clean/hot water—great winter soak. However, no dedicated rinse water or shower in the spa area—no hose or outdoor rinse. After sweat/dust, we felt sticky leaving. Bathrooms are elsewhere and inconvenient mid-session. Bring wipes or plan accordingly.

Left at noon feeling recharged.

Official Site & Booking: Outpost X

~1:00 PM – Kolob Canyons (Zion's Quieter Side)

With extra afternoon time, we dove into Kolob Canyons—Zion's underrated northwestern section (separate entrance off I-15 Exit 40). It's way less crowded than the main canyon, with stunning red rock "finger canyons" and dramatic cliffs.

🎟️ Exploring more of Utah? Check out GetYourGuide or Viator for guided tours and unique experiences.

We drove the beautiful 5-mile Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive (starts at the Visitor Center, climbs over 1,000 ft with epic pullouts along the way), ending at the Timber Creek Overlook parking area.

From there, we hiked the easy Timber Creek Overlook Trail (~1 mile round-trip, mild elevation gain)—short but rewarding with panoramic views over the finger canyons, Kolob Terrace, Pine Valley Mountains, and even distant hints of the Grand Canyon North Rim on clear days. The light snow dusting made everything extra magical and serene.

After the hike, we grabbed our stuff and relaxed at the small picnic area near the parking lot—boiled water for instant noodles and enjoyed a simple, cozy "meal" with those insane views. Felt so good and peaceful—highly recommend for a chill winter stop!

~5:00 PM – Back in Las Vegas

Home earlier than expected—perfect timing for holiday evening plans. Tired, happy, and already missing Utah.

🎯 Trip Stats & Honest Takeaways

Total Miles: ~650 with the Kolob/Zion detour
Weather: Mild desert + light snow higher up—beautiful contrast
Budget: Around $650/person (including tubing, Outpost X day passes, gas, food)

What We Loved: Red Hollow slot glow, cozy eat-in lunch at Ground & Toasted, 2:30 tubing slot at Giant Steps (perfect light!), the Spotify audio story + seamless QR self-service at Outpost X, peaceful Kolob Canyons scenic drive/hike/picnic

Small Tweaks: Later start on Day 1 didn't hurt—everything still felt relaxed. Skipping snowy Aspen-Mirror was the right call. Next time: Aim earlier for Belly of the Dragon sunrise beams!

Packing Wins: Layers + hand warmers, extra phone batteries (cold drains them fast), gaiters, packed snacks/lunch (instant noodles saved the day!)

📸 Gear We Used:

• GoPro Camera for capturing all the action

• Power Banks (cold weather drains batteries fast!)

• Winter Tire Chains (didn't need them, but great to have!)

This 2-day winter Utah escape was pure magic—diverse landscapes, zero crowds, and memories for days. If you're thinking about something similar, just go. You won't regret it!

Day 2 vlog coming soon—subscribe so you don't miss it! Questions about any stop or planning your own trip? Drop a comment—we're happy to help. ❄️🏜️🚀

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links from our original planning phase. Thanks for the support!

Pre-Trip Planning Essentials

✅ Booked & Ready

• 🛷 Snow Tubing: 1:00 PM session at Brian Head Resort (Giant Steps/Navajo parks) – $32/person, tubes & surface lifts included

• 🚀 Outpost X: Day Pass

• 🏡 Lodging: Enoch VRBO (2235 E Village Green Rd) – Browse more vacation rentals on VRBO

• 🌿 Zion Add-On: No reservation needed in winter – pay $35/vehicle at entrance (America the Beautiful Pass works too)

🎒 Packing Essentials

• ❄️ Hand warmers & microspikes (great for icy spots at the lake or Zion trails)

• 🔋 Portable charger – Shop Power Banks on Amazon

• 🥪 Packed picnic lunch and snacks

• 📸 GoPro for the action – Shop GoPro Cameras

• 🧥 Layered winter clothing

• 🧤 Warm gloves and winter hat

• 🚗 Winter tire chains if needed – Find Tire Chains

🛡️ Don't Forget Travel Protection 

Before you hit the road, consider these essentials:

• 💼 Travel Insurance: Protect your adventure – Get Covered with Ekta

• 🚗 Need a 4WD Rental? Compare on EconomyBookings or LocalRent

• 🏨 Alternative Lodging: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com

• 💰 Earn Cashback: Join Rakuten Free and get cash back on travel bookings

What to Bring:

• Packed lunch for desert picnic

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• Camera gear for incredible photo zones

• Swimsuit for spa/hot tub

2:00–3:00 PM – Wrap Up & Decide on Zion

If energized and ahead of schedule (sunset ~5:15 PM), detour via Zion's East Entrance for magical winter scenery!

🌄 The Zion Winter Experience

Must-See on Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy:

• Checkerboard Mesa – Iconic cross-hatched rock formation, stunning with snow dusting. Easy pull-off for photos right from the road.
  
  

• Historic Tunnel – Drive through the 1.1-mile tunnel carved through solid rock. Watch for dramatic light at the windows.
  
  

• Canyon Overlook Trail (Quick Bonus) – Short 1-mile RT hike post-tunnel; microspikes helpful for ice – epic views over Pine Creek Canyon! One of Zion's best easy overlooks.
  
  

Winter Perks:

• No shuttle required – drive your own car!

• Quiet crowds compared to summer chaos

• Snow-dusted red rocks create magical contrast

Time: ~1–2 hours (more with stops)

Planning More Zion Time? Find Tours on Viator | GetYourGuide | Tiqets

Alternative: Direct Route Home

If time is tight, skip Zion and take the direct route (~4 hours from Outpost X). Either way, unforgettable mountains-to-desert magic!

🧭 Final Tips for Success

Weather & Road Conditions

• Check UDOT road conditions before departure

• Highway 14 can close in severe winter weather

• Zion's east entrance occasionally closes due to ice

• Sunrise: ~7:25 AM | Sunset: ~5:15 PM in late December

Photography Pro Tips

• Golden hour at Belly of the Dragon is unbeatable

• Aspen-Mirror Lake offers perfect reflection shots

• Bring extra camera batteries – cold drains them fast

• Zion's red rocks with snow create stunning contrast

• Upgrade Your Camera Gear | Shop DJI Drones

Health & Safety

• Start hydrating 24 hours before your trip

• Take frequent breaks during the drive

• Watch for wildlife on Highway 14

• Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle

• Download offline maps before departure

Travel Smart

• 📱 Stay Connected: Saily eSIM for instant data access

• 🧳 Maximize Space: Vacuum Storage Bags

• 🔒 Track Your Gear: AirTag

• 🏕️ Camping Essentials: Browse Gear
  
  

Essential Items:

1. Snow pants (waterproof/resistant) Critical! You’ll sit on snow/ice, get splashed on runs, and possibly wipe out. Regular jeans get soaked fast. https://amzn.to/49dLey

2. Waterproof snow boots or sturdy winter boots Not regular shoes—tubing areas are snowy/icy. Boots keep feet warm and dry; traction helps on walks to/from lanes.https://amzn.to/4jc1Bjm

3. Snow goggles or sunglasses Yes—bright sun on snow causes glare (snow blindness risk). Goggles also protect from wind and snow spray on fast runs. https://amzn.to/44KXipm

4. Warm, waterproof gloves or mittens Must-have! Hands grip tubes, touch snow, and get cold fast. Waterproof ones prevent wet/icy fingers.https://amzn.to/49bGlWx

5. Hand warmers (disposable packets) Game-changer in cold weather—tuck in gloves and boots. We used them constantly during waits.https://amzn.to/3LkXLbe

6. Warm layers (base layer, fleece/mid-layer, insulated jacket) Dress like skiing: moisture-wicking base, warm mid-layer, windproof outer jacket. Avoid cotton—it stays wet.https://amzn.to/3LlxBVN

7. Beanie/hat that covers ears + neck gaiter or scarf Head and neck lose heat fast; wind at the top of lanes is brutal.https://amzn.to/4qw4LRz

8. Thick/warm socks (wool or synthetic) One pair, tall enough to avoid gaps. No cotton.https://amzn.to/4jhUkPg

🌟 Why This Trip Is Unforgettable

This 2-day adventure perfectly blends Utah's diverse landscapes – from mysterious slot canyons and serene alpine lakes to thrilling snow sports and sci-fi desert landscapes. Add the optional Zion detour and you've experienced five completely different ecosystems and adventures in one incredible weekend.

Winter timing means fewer crowds, potential snow-dusted landscapes, and the magical quiet that only the off-season provides. Plus, those authentic local restaurants? They're the kind of places you'll be talking about for years.

Safe travels and have a blast! ❄️🏜️🚀

📚 Planning Your Next Adventure?

More Travel Resources

✈️ Flights & Packages:

• Aviasales – Compare Airlines

• Expedia – All-in-One Planner

• CheapFlights

• Kiwi – Hidden Flight Deals

🏨 Hotels & Stays:

• Intui.travel – Smart Comparison

• Trip.com – Asia Specialist

• TripAdvisor

🚗 Car Rentals & Transport:

• Qeeq – Global Marketplace

• GetRentacar – P2P Options

• Bike Rentals – BikesBooking

🎟️ Tours & Activities:

• Klook – Asia & Beyond

• TicketNetwork – Events

• WeGoTrip – Audio Tours

🌆 Vegas Resources:

• Spotlight Vegas – Shows & Nightlife

• Vegas Tours on Expedia

Have questions or want to share your adventure? Drop a comment below! And don't forget to bookmark this page and share it with your travel crew. 🗺️

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us continue creating helpful travel content. Thank you for your support!

Google map Day1    Day2