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When people typically think of the best time to visit the US national parks, they typically don’t first think of wintertime. However, with appropriate expectations, proper park selection and preparedness, winter is the perfect season to visit our national parks. Wondering where you should go first? Here we will cover the best national parks to visit this winter as submitted by several bloggers with first hand experience. If you are wondering about the best time to visit any national park, check out this overview of the national parks in the United States.

COVID-19 Note: Not all parks are currently operating at full capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check the park website prior to planning your visit. Follow CDC guidelines and plan to visit less popular parks, trails, and at off-peak times. Check out this post for tips on social distancing while hiking.

Best National Parks to Visit in Winter

Before planning your trip to visit the US national parks, consider grabbing the America The Beautiful Annual Pass. It is $80 and good for one full year. As each park can charge in the range of $10-$35, it’s definitely a good deal if you plan to visit 3 parks in a 12 month period.

A pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites (so it’s not just for national parks!). Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as day use fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

If you are looking for a place to stay near the national parks as well, check out this Exclusive Guide of 277 Timeshare Resorts near U.S. National Parks.

Arches National Park

Submitted by Jarrod Heil from Ramble Around the World

For the majority of the year, Arches National Park blazes under the scorching desert sun and can be jam-packed with tourists. But during the winter, the desert landscape transforms into a winter oasis, flush with lightly powdered snowy arches and hiking trails.

Located just outside Moab in a remote part of Eastern Utah, Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 sandstone arches that come in many shades of red, orange and brown. The winter mornings and nights are chilly, regularly dipping into the single-digits, while the days are packed with sun and warm weather hovering between 30 and 40 degrees.

At 5,600 feet above sea level with very little humidity, winter days give way to the most perfect hiking you can do inside the 76,000-acre park. And there’s a lot of hiking to be done in the park. With more than 100 miles of hiking trails and 43 miles of scenic paved roads that cater to both vehicles and bicycles, Arches is an outdoor paradise.

Arches is surrounded by public land, which means there are more than 15 free campsites within a short drive from the park. Since it’s about 10 minutes from downtown Moab, there are plenty of hotels, Airbnbs and even a hostel for all those non-campers looking to explore the unique grounds of Arches.

COVID-19 Considerations: No special considerations besides a mask.

You can follow Jarrod on Instagram here.

Death Valley National Park

Sure, the name Death Valley might not sound all that inviting but this incredible national park is a gold mine of natural wonders.

See, this place is jam-packed with colorful badlands, stunning salt flats, and vast stretches of secluded sand dunes that will leave your jaw on the floor.

So If you’re looking to have the time of your life at one of the best national parks to visit in winter, then Death Valley National Park is the place for you.

In fact, it’s the only time you’ll want to visit since daily highs during the summer can go above 108 F. In contrast, in January you’ll enjoy a pleasant 67 F while February temperatures sit around 73 F.

Plus, the sun will be shining all winter long, making it just right for your next great adventure.

Moreover, start your day off by catching the rosy glow of sunrise at Zabriskie Point. Then, hit the trails that take you through the mustard-hued walls of Golden Canyon. All the sights you’ll see will leave you speechless.

Lastly when it’s time to put your feet up and relax, head over to the newly renovated Inn at Death Valley. It’s got date palms and 1920s architecture that’ll make you feel like you’re in a real-life movie.

You’ll then finish your day at The Last Kind Words Saloon since the food here has got some real Western charm that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Submitted by Agnes from The Van Escape

The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is a perfect winter holiday destination. It’s less crowded; the temperature is colder but still pleasant; the views are breathtaking. The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Furthermore, most of visitor services are available year-round.

The best idea is driving along the South Rim and stop on several overlooks along the way. Check the Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints on South Rim to see where it is worth stopping for taking pictures and having the most iconic views.

It’s also great to do a short hike during the visit. The Rim Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Grand Canyon. It’s a good idea to start a walk from Mather Point.

Grand Canyon Village is the best place to stay, but it is worth booking lodging in advance, even in winter. A large selection of hotels at different prices and standards is in Tusayan, which is only a few miles from the Park entrance. Prices are more affordable, and there are also great restaurants, gift shops, and services.

In winter, pack warm things. Before traveling, it is worth checking if the roads are open. In the case of snowfall, the road may be closed for several hours. During winter, it is also possible to drive in your own car. During the summer, the free shuttle bus is obligatory on most routes. So you can choose which option suits you better. In winter, there is no problem with parking space.

COVID-19 Considerations: Desert View and the East Entrance are closed because of COVID-19. So, you must enter and exit the park through the South Entrance in Tusayan. Wear a mask when in public spaces. Due to the pandemic, some Free Shuttle Bus Routes are suspended (not in operation): Tusayan Shuttle (Purple Route), Village Route (Blue Route), Kaibab Rim (Orange Route) Westbound from Visitor Center to Yavapai Museum.

You can check out Agnes on Facebook here.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a great spot for any winter snowbirds who want to thaw out and bask in the sunshine.

Because when winter comes to the black sand beaches here, rainforests begin to teem with life, and fresh lava starts to flow.

Yup, it’s insanely beautiful and a real-life tropical paradise that’ll make you forget all about that cold, snowy mess back on the mainland.

Now, if you wanna experience a true slice of heaven, check out Volcano Rainforest Retreat. The floor-to-ceiling windows will give you an outstanding view of the lush greenery that surrounds you.

But, the real thrill comes when you join a Circle of Fire helicopter tour. Once up in the skies, you’ll see volcanic landscapes like never before. And as you take in all that majestic beauty from above you’ll realize this is the best national park to visit in winter.

Big Bend National Park

Submitted by Amy Lees

Big Bend National Park is my absolute favorite place to hike in the winter time. This national park covers over 1,250 square feet of west Texas on the international border to Mexico, where the Rio Grande River makes its “big bend”. Because the park is located in the Chihuahuan desert, the summers are too hot (for me) to enjoy exploring. The winter is mild (average winter temperatures range from a low of 39 degrees Farenheit to a high of 60 degrees) and with proper layering and shoes, provides for the best Big Bend National Park hiking.

While there are plenty of activities to do in the Big Bend area, like horseback riding, watercrafting, biking, bird watching, fishing, and stargazing; the diverse expanse of terrain is a hiker’s paradise with trails in the desert, mountains, and along the river. Whether you are an experienced backpacker or enjoy the easier day hiking, there are many paths to choose from. Some of my favorites are: Emory Peak, Hot Springs Historic Trail, South Rim, Grapevine Hills Trail, and Mule Ears Spring Trail.

Stay at the Chisos Mountain Lodge or any of the three campgrounds inside the park. There are many lodging, camping, glamping, and neat Airbnb opportunities, like renovated buses, large teepees, and cement domes just outside the park. If you explore the nearby ghost town of Terlingua, you must stop in at the Starlight Theatre Restaurant for a bowl of chili and live music!

COVID-19 Considerations: Big Bend National Park is partially open – reservations are not needed to enter, but are necessary for any camping, backpacking, and/or lodging within the park. Groups are limited to either 8 people or a single household. The visitor centers, restaurant, and recommended Hot Springs District and associated trails are closed for the time being. Masks are mandatory in the surround Brewster County where the park is located.

You can follow Amy on Instagram here.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a unique wilderness area that lies in the heart of Florida. It is a mesmerizing and ecologically diverse wonderland that beckons adventure seekers from all across the globe.

However, before you visit be sure to pack some sunscreen, bug spray, and water since that subtropical weather can get hot and humid.

Then, grab a map and get on the Tamiami Trail Highway 41 and follow it to the Ernest Coe Visitor Center, which serves as your gateway to this amazing wilderness area.

When you get there, hold on tight as you enjoy airboat tours and canoe rides through gator-infested waters.

Also keep an eye out for manatees and exotic birds before taking a walk along the Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo Trails, which are surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waters.

And if you’re a bird lover, you’re in for a real treat since a wonderful array of colorful birds call the Everglades home and can be seen flying overhead.

Just don’t miss the stunning sunsets or the ranger-led programs where you’ll learn about this precious ecosystem and how hard it is to keep pristine.

Joshua Tree National Park

Submitted by Ale from Sea Salt and Fog

If you are looking for national parks to visit in winter, Joshua Tree National Park is perfect. In the winter, the scorching summer heat turns into more comfortable weather, and the crowds thin out.

There’s plenty to do in Joshua Tree, including seeing and photographing the out-of-this-world Joshua Tree for which the park is named after. There’s one main park road that will take you from one end of the park to the other, with many sights along the way.

Starting at the north entrance of the park, you’ll start to see Joshua Trees dotting the desert landscape. As you move through the park, you’ll also see many boulders and rock formations, standing tall. Stop at Skull Rock to see a cool rock formation shaped like a giant face skeleton. From the Skull Rock parking lot, you make a short hike to get panoramic views of many other rock formations through the desert.

If you’re into rock climbing or bouldering, Joshua Tree will not disappoint. Hall of Horrors is a great place to stop and take in the scenery, as well as find some rock climbing routes.

A little off the beaten path, you’ll find Keys View, a panorama point that will give you stunning views of the Coachella valley, all the way down to Mexico on clear days. At night, the Joshua Tree sky shines bright with hundreds of stars, making it an amazing stargazing destination.

You can see Joshua Tree in one day, but for the best experience plan to stay overnight. There’s no shortage of AirBnB’s in the area, so find a cute one and start planning your stay.

COVID-19 Considerations: No restrictions.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a true American gem that sits right on the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

Now, before visting, try to pack layers for all kinds of weather. Then, take the scenic Newfound Gap Road since the views will leave you speechless.

You can also cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Foothills Parkway before hiking your heart out on trails like Alum Cave or Charlies Bunion.

And for a leisurely ride, the Cades Cove Loop Road is where it’s at if you want to spot wildlife and visit historic homesteads.

Additionally, photographers will love capturing magical sunrises and sunsets that paint the mountains in vibrant hues of gold.

Just don’t forget to visit majestic waterfalls, like Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls. And if you are lucky, you might even come across black bears, deer, and elk, since there’s over 800 miles of streams teeming with trout and smallmouth bass.

Finally, enjoy a night in a cozy mountain cabin or rough it while camping as you soak up the history and cultural heritage of one of the best national parks to visit in the winter.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Submitted by Jessie from An Earthly Paradise

Located in western Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has impressive canyon views and beautiful nature to explore. It’s home to the third tallest cliff in North America, and at the canyon’s deepest point would fit the Empire State Building.

Winter is an excellent time to visit as there is often good snow cover due to the park’s high elevation of 8,200 feet. During the winter, the park offers free snowshoe rentals and ranger-guided tours. You can even rent cross-country skis in town and explore the park on some of its groomed trails. If the snowfall is light during your visit, you should be able to hike the trails with just a pair of good hiking boots. You might even see wildlife such as mule deer, elk, and long-tailed weasels.

The park has a cozy and informational visitor’s center with views of the canyon. You can take shelter from the cold inside and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and watch a short movie about the park. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is only a thirty-minute drive from the town of Montrose, Colorado. With a quaint downtown, it’s the perfect place to rent an Airbnb or stay in a cozy inn during the wintertime.

COVID-19 Considerations: The visitor’s center is currently not open. There is a small ranger-attended booth outside for more information about the park.

Mount Rainier National Park

Located in Washington State, Mount Rainier National Park stretches out across 369 square miles and is home to the iconic, Mount Rainier.

This snow-capped mountain stands at 14,410 feet tall and can be admired from nearby viewpoints at Mount Aadaa and Sunrise.

In fact, Sunrise is the highest point reachable by car and is a great place to take in epic views of the area’s dynamic natural landscape.

In winter, the park becomes an oasis for snow lovers since Paradise receives around 54 feet of snow annually. So, stop by and try your hand at sledding, skiing, snowboarding, etc.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Submitted by Kim Brillisour

If you are looking for the best national parks to visit in winter, consider a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain is beautiful year-round but something about seeing the frozen lakes and having the snow covered peaks around you makes it extra special.

Hotel accommodations in Estes Park including the historic Stanley Hotel. Boulder is also a great place about an hour from the park with many hotels and great eats!

COVID-19 Considerations: Rocky Mountain is a permit system. Visit their website to book a date/time slot.

You can follow Kim Brillisour on Instagram here.

Yellowstone National Park

Stretching across Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, Yellowstone National Park is a 3,500-square-mile wilderness area that is home to vast forests, incredible canyons, beautiful hot springs, and amazing geysers, like Old Faithful.

Many amazing animals also inhabit the park, including wolves, bears, elk, bison, and antelope. In winter, the park’s geysers become even more impressive when viewed against the surrounding cold air.

The park’s incredible natural landscapes also become dotted with a large amount of snow. So, snow lovers can try skiing, snowshoeing, and hopping aboard a snow-coach as they make their way through the park.

Before you visit, please remember that most park facilities are closed during the winter. Yes, Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are both open during winter. However, you will need to make reservations well in advance if you want to stay at either accommodation.

Zion National Park

Submitted by Andrea Cannon at BeaUTAHful World

If you are looking for the top national parks to visit in winter, Zion National Park in Utah should be high on your list. This normally crowded national park sees a lot less visitors in the wintertime making it a perfect spot to visit in the chillier season.

Zion National Park in the winter has so much to offer regardless of whether you want to explore intense hiking trails or just check out scenic overlooks depending on your preferred level of activity. Three of the best hikes in Utah are located in this national park – The Subway, Angel’s Landing, and The Narrows. However there are also easier hikes such as the Zion Canyon Overlook that you may want to consider, especially because the top three can get dangerous in the winter.

Note: The Narrows and The Subway both involve walking through water and it is almost impossible to avoid getting wet. Therefore consider renting dry suits, special shoes, and neoprene socks from an outfitter if considering these trails.

Angel’s Landing starting at the chains section can get icy in the winter. This trail should only be considered for experienced adventurers in the wintertime after checking trail conditions with the ranger station.

Grabbing a hotel or Airbnb in Springdale will provide the most access to the park, however it may be cheaper to stay farther away in Virgin, UT. Check with the park in advance of your trip as often the shuttles stop running for a few months in the winter.

COVID-19 Considerations: Currently the main canyon in Zion is only available via the shuttle which requires a reservation. You can visit the park website to learn more about the shuttle system here. The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail can be accessed without a reservation but it has incredibly limited parking.

You can follow Andrea on Instagram here.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Submitted by Andrea Cannon at BeaUTAHful World

If you already decided to visit Zion National Park, you might as well take the extra step to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. These can be easily combined in a weekend Southern Utah road trip. They are only about an hour apart from each other and Bryce Canyon National Park is beautiful in the winter. A special note about Bryce Canyon National Park – it is higher elevation than Zion National Park so it is colder year-round. Keep this in mind for your packing list.

As you can’t always count on the weather, just know that with most places, if it is actively snowing, you may not be able to see much in Bryce Canyon National Park. However, after fresh-fallen snow, Bryce Canyon is one of the best national parks to visit in winter as it looks magical.

As far as hotel options and the surrounding “town”, the area surrounding Bryce is much less developed than the area around Zion. Bryce City has a few hotels, none of which are very fancy, and limited food options.

COVID-19 Considerations: There are currently no restrictions in place. Check the park website for updates here.

You can follow Andrea on Instagram here.

Yosemite National Park

Tucked away in California’s iconic Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is famous the world over for its giant sequoia trees, panoramas of Bridalveil Falls, Tunnel View, and sheer granite cliffs along Half Dome and El Capitan.

In winter, the park becomes even more spectacular since it is filled with beautiful snow-capped mountains and incredible frozen waterfalls.

Yes, some roads will close in the winter due to snow. However, you can still access the park year-round via Wawona and Yosemite Valley.

Additionally, Glacier Point and Badger Pass Road are both cleared so that snowboarders and skiers can use the Badger Pass ski area.

Local trails are also kept open for snowshoeing, and you can always head to Merced River to do a bit of fishing.

If you get a little cold, stop by Yosemite Village and visit the many shops, restaurants, and hotels that line the streets. You can even visit the Yosemite Museum and explore the Ansel Adams Gallery.

Just be aware of the fact that opening hours can vary seasonally and that the village won’t be as lively in the winter.

Cuyahoga National Park

Submitted by Kim Brillisour

As the only recommendation submitted in the eastern portion of the United States, Cuyahoga National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in the winter. Cuyahoga National Park is a gem in Ohio and we especially loved it because a lot of the park was dog friendly. This is pretty unique for US National Parks! Hiking to Brandywine falls is beautiful in the winter.

The Stanford House and The Inn at Brandywine Falls offer lodging inside the park as well as other accommodations nearby. Cleveland is not too far away.

COVID-19 Considerations: Check their website for updates on any trails with partial closures due to COVID.

You can follow Kim Brillisour on Instagram here.

Denali National Park

Because of Denali National Park’s location in Alaska, it’s no surprise that this 6 million-acre park in the middle of Alaska begins to get snow as early as August.

The park is also home to the world-famous, Denali Mountain (formerly Mount McKinley), which is the tallest mountain in North America.

Winter visitors can explore the park’s vast tundra filled with spruce trees, grizzly bears, glaciers, moose, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep. However, do be aware that many of these animals won’t be out and about in the winter.

Additionally, daily exploration can be difficult in the winter since the park receives less than five hours of light.

However, if you love peace and quiet, winter is a great time to visit since you can catch a glimpse of the northern lights on a clear night.

Afterward, check out some amazing snow sculptures and ice carvings during February’s week-long Winterfest. Highlights include ranger-led snowshoe walks, skiings and dog sledding.

Just make sure you bundle up since local temperatures can get as low as -40°F (-40°C).

If you are on the east coast and looking for more local recommendations, check out this post on visiting the Great Smoky Mountains or this post on dog friendly activities in Franklin, TN for more options.

Acadia National Park

Located in the great state of Maine, winter is the perfect time to visit Acadia since you can escape the crowds and enjoy 5+ feet of anow that falls on the area’s exquisite evergreen forests.

Snow also transforms the beautiful loop drive and curvy carriage roads into amazing showshoeing and cross-country ski trails.

If you want, you can even take a walk around Jordan Pond before catching the sunrise from atop Cadilac Mountain.

This is the first place to see the sunrise in the United States (from October to March) and can be accessed with by car or by a gorgeous hiking trail.

You can also try driving the Ocean Drive. It’s open from Schooner Head to Otter Cliff and will introduce you to amazing sites like the Schooner Head Overlook, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole.

Saguaro National Park

The great thing about Saguaro National Park in Arizona is that temperatures remain at a pleasant 65°F from November through March.

So, no need to worry about bundling up since this amazing park sits right near the Mexican border. However, temperatures do drop in the evening, making snow possible at this time of day.

Other than the warm temperatures, enjoy the amazing Saguaro Cactus the park is famous for. They can stand fifty feet tall and live for upwards of 200 years.

Other highlights include the Bajada Loop Drive. It’s a wonderfully scenic 6-mile drive that takes you past some of the park’s best Saguaro Cactus.

You can also learn about the desert while walking the Desert Discovery Nature Trail, hike the King Canyon Trail, see the Signal Hill Petroglyphs, or look for Javelina (local pigs) at the Javelina Rocks.

Haleakalā National Park

Hawaii’s Haleakalā National Park is a great place to visit in the winter. Daily highs only reach the 60s, making this the perfect time to do some hiking.

That being said, winter is also the rainy season in Maui. So, come prepared to deal with a lot of rain and hordes of tourists since everyone wants to escape the cold temperatures of the northern hemisphere.

However, it’s worth it if you want to hike into the Haleakala Crater. Just use the Sliding Sands Trail to climb from the rim down into the crater to the floor.

If you want, you can make the hike even more challenging by using the Halemau’u Trail to hike across the crater and then climb out on the other side.

Afterward, drive around two hours to the summit of Haleakala. You will love watching a beautiful sunrise above the clouds from Pu’u‘ula‘ula (Red Hill). Just remember that you will need to make a reservation in advance if you want to do this.

Tips for visiting national parks in the winter

• Just because it’s wintertime doesn’t mean you don’t need to stay hydrated. When hiking, I like to use a hiking pack with a water bladder like this one. Consider getting or switching to one with an insulated tube to make sure the water does not freeze. You can also bring your own water filter, such as this one.
• In addition to water, when you sweat you lose electrolytes, remember to replace these as well.
• Visiting a few national parks? Your best “bang for your buck” might be to buy a national parks pass. It’s good for one year and costs $80. You want to decide this with the very first park you visit to make sure you get the most use out of it.
• No matter what, make sure someone (who isn’t on the hike with you) knows where you are if you are going on a hike. You likely will not have cell service, so don’t plan on it.
• LEAVE THE TRAIL BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT – similar to leave no trace, except you can always help make things better. Pick up trash, follow trails (and avoid the “social trails”), and be a good human being.
• Remember that uphill hikers have the right of way
• Dress in layers as the temperature fluctuation is no joke
• Regular sneakers may cut it for many hikes, however consider getting some hiking shoes/boots for better traction, and waterproof boots for hiking in the snow.
• Always check in with rangers for latest information on trails, road conditions, etc.
• The “All Trails” app available for both iOS and Android is super helpful for finding hikes. You can also use the routes with your phone on GPS and download trail maps before you leave.

Best National Parks to Visit in Winter FAQs

What is the Best Month to Visit the National Parks?

The best month to visit most national parks is in late September and October. The weather is cool and pleasant but without being scorching hot.

Also, take advantage of lower hotel prices as well as fewer crowds since most kids are back in school.

What is the Most Visited Sight in a National Park?

The top five most visited national parks and sights are:

• Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Gateway National Recreation Area
• Lincoln Memorial

Can you go to Glacier National Park in December?

Yes, you can visit Glacier National Park in December. But, you have to be prepared for winter conditions, limited accessibility, and potential road closures.

It’s a quieter time at the park and provides you with plenty of opportunities to enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing.

What is Death Valley like in the Winter?

In winter the Death Valley is known for its relatively mild weather. So, from December to March daily lows hover between 39°F and 54°F, with highs between 68°F and 77°F.

In February, daily peak temperatures can even climb to between 91°F and 93°F.

Best National Parks to visit in Winter

Hopefully you will be able to visit one of these 9 national parks this winter and take advantage of less crowds and cooler temperatures. Have you visited a national park in the winter? Which one was your favorite?

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• How to Hike in the Winter
• Best Hikes in Utah
• Two Day Yosemite Itinerary
• Sequoia National Park Itinerary
• Visit the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks
• Best National Parks to Visit in the Summer

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