The weather forecast headed into New Year's Eve called for an impressive snowstorm for some parks in the Desert Southwest, and Mother Nature delivered the goods. Those fortunate enough to be safely ensconced in the vicinity of Zion National Park or the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park were treated to quite a view when the clouds began to part on the first day of 2015.

At Zion National Park, anyone taking an early morning hike on the Pa'rus Trail on January 1 had a bonus in the scenery department. (NPS Photo/Sierra Coon.)

The Towers of the Virgin at Zion on New Year's Day. (NPS Photo/Sierra Coon)

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon also didn't disappoint anyone hoping for wintery scenery. A post on the park's Facebook page noted, "Yes, this was quite the storm. One to be remembered. It often snows on the North and South Rims during the winter. What is not so common is for it to be cold enough for the snow to reach the bottom of Grand Canyon."

(NPS photo by Michael Quinn.)

On Sunday morning, the park website noted that "All South Rim Roads are open but are snow-packed and icy. Expect dry weather & a gradual warming trend through the weekend and into next week." You can call 928-638-7496 for recorded information on current park road conditions.  

You'll find information about road conditions at Zion at this link on the park website. 

Winter weather can sometimes be an inconvenience, especially if the driveway to be shoveled happens to be in front of your house, but there's no question that a nice layer of snow adds a special touch to the scenery in our parks.