Winter can bring a new perspective to National Parks and can be a magical time to explore. Since you loved our Best National Parks to visit in the summer, we put together a winter edition too.
Last Updated: July 28, 2019. First Published: December 15, 2016
15 BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT IN WINTER
Best National Parks to Escape the Cold
Not everyone is a fan of the cold (or the heat. I’m lookin at you, SoCal), and we don’t blame you. These are parks that are great to explore during the winter, because they have mild winters and they would typically be brutally hot during the summer.
1. Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley is scorching hot in the summer, so winter is a great time to visit. Temperatures will still drop at night and at higher elevations, but for the most part, it’s mild and you can see a wide variety of landscapes, like the tallest sand dunes in California or the lowest point in North America.
2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has scenic drives, camping, and over 150 miles of hiking trails. Within the park you can be at sea level and enjoy Hawaii’s tropical weather or be at over 13,600 feet at the summit of Mauna Loa, where it will still snow.
3. Everglades National Park
December through April is the dry season at Everglades National Park, which means you’ll find sunny skies and 70-degree days! You’ll also find more wildlife and less mosquitoes.
4. Biscayne National Park
If you’re looking for water activities, this is the National Park for you! It’s right near Miami and has some beautiful coral reefs to explore.
5. Big Bend National Park
This national park has a wide range of landscapes, and although you’ll find it chilly (or even snowy) at the mid to higher elevations, winter is the perfect time to explore the lower elevation desert areas. You can take advantage of the cooler weather to enjoy the many hiking options.
MORE: 11 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
To See A Different Side to the Park
Some of the most iconic parks have an extra sparkle during the winter months.
6. Yosemite National Park
Everyone has seen the amazing views of Yosemite, but during winter when it gets covered with snow, it becomes a winter wonderland. Snowy peaks, thick fog, and icy waterfalls make it look like a whole new park. Badger Pass also becomes a destination for skiers and snowboarders. On rare occasions, the lakes even ice over and you can skate on them.
7. Arches National Park
This park is normally filled with brilliant red rocks and amazing arches, but during the winter, you will find packed snow and ice to contrast the red. Keep in mind that you’ll need crampons or spikes to hike the park.
8. Bryce Canyon National Park
The spires, or hoodoos, at Bryce Canyon National Park brings visitors from all over the world. During winter, the snow covered hoodoos look amazing. You also have colder air and ideal stargazing skies. Don’t forget to check out their full moon snowshoe program too!
9. Grand Canyon National Park
I often forget that it gets cold enough to snow at Grand Canyon, but it’s beautiful when the ridges are covered in snow. The north rim is closed, but the south rim is open year-round, and you’ll find much fewer crowds this time of year.
This is another park that looks amazing when covered in white. Although it rains more in the winter and some of the trails are closed due to snow and ice, it’s worth the dramatic views.
For a Winter Wonderland
For any of you looking for that perfect winter wonderland and don’t mind working for it, this part is for you! These wonderlands come with the picturesque views and are perfect for winter sports.
11. Mount Rainier National Park
You’ll find snow at the peaks of this mountain year round, but come winter, you can also sled, ski, snowboard, and snowshoe your way through the park.
12. Denali National Park
Although you would expect it to be snowy all the time, the season doesn’t begin until August at the earliest. Days get really short and it’s truly a harsh winter, but you’ll find amazing solitude and get glimpses of the aurora borealis. They also have amazing ranger-led programs like snowshoe walks, skiing, and dog sledding.
13. Yellowstone National Park
The geysers become more dramatic in the cold air, wildlife can be found covered in a dusting of white, and winter activities are available at Yellowstone if you can brave the cold. They have tours by snow-coach, skis, and snowshoes.
14. Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado is already known to be a winter destination, and this includes Rocky Mountain National Park. Backcountry skiers will find multiple peaks to explore and you can also find world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and hiking.
15. Glacier National Park
Although the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed through winter, Glacier National Park is a true winter getaway. Just to get anywhere in the park, you’ll have to ski or snowshoe in. Don’t forget to check the weather, since it can be unpredictable!
How many of these National Parks have you visited in the winter?
Did you know that besides the 61 National Parks, there are 400+ National Park Units? Find one that’s close to you here.
ESTHER + JACOB
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 50 travel blogs in the world. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They move to a new city every year and currently live in Portland, Oregon.
