Late December Las VEgas to Denver via Zion and Bryce

[LuckyGambler]

This was a very informative thread, thanks for all who contributed..

Planning a trip from Vegas to Zion roughly at the same time, I'm eager to know your opininion if making the trip with summer tyres is a) possible b) sensible. In other words, is it generally speaking so that I-15 and the smaller roads to Zion would be clear of snow at good weather in December?

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

Originally Posted by LuckyGambler

I'm eager to know your opininion if making the trip with summer tyres is a) possible b) sensible.

Is it generally speaking so that I-15 and the smaller roads to Zion would be clear of snow at good weather in December?

Yes, I-15 and even the smaller roads leading to and in Zion will be clear of snow at good weather, but No, I'm not sure that trying to do such a drive on summer tires is sensible. The keys are the unasked questions: What is the probability that you will experience 'good weather in December'? and What is your experience level with winter driving? Unless your experience outweighs the chances of hitting bad weather (in which case I'd suspect that you would insist on having snow tires or at least all-weather tires) then you really shouldn't press your luck, and if the weather report predicts snow or, worse yet, sleet, then make sure you have the best tires and chains available.

AZBuck

[LuckyGambler]

Thanks for a swift response! Coming from Finland, I do realize driving with wrong tires on snow is hazardous. Just sent a message to the car rental agency (Budget). In theory there's a chance they'll provide me with all-weather tires, maybe not. In all, with absolutely perfect conditions I may consider doing a day trip anyway, bearing in mind the possibility of turning back. AZBuck, thanks a lot.

[glc]

Almost all rental cars here will come with standard highway "all season" radials that do carry a "M+S" rating.

I went to Zion last winter at the end of February, and had no real problems. The eastern road up by the tunnel had some very icy spots, but my rear wheel drive pickup truck with highway tires was fine. If you are from Finland, you won't have any problems with a standard front wheel drive sedan. If the road is that bad, it will probably be closed.

[LuckyGambler]

OK, this sounds good, should be possible then. Plans will go according to weather conditions at the time. Thank You!

[LuckyGambler]

Originally Posted by glc

Almost all rental cars here will come with standard highway "all season" radials that do carry a "M+S" rating.

Just to conclude this, according to Budget: "Any of our
locations that do not require snow tires, will have the vehicles
equipped with all season radials."