18 Best National Parks To Visit In Winter

18 Best National Parks To Visit In Winter

Grand Teton National Park 

Location: Wyoming

Located just five miles away from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the stunning Grand Teton National Park. This park is truly one of my favorites in the summer, and winter definitely does it justice! Grand Teton National Park is known for its beautiful scenery and of course, the 40-mile Teton Mountain Range.  It’s also very close to Yellowstone National Park, another great park to visit in the winter!

A lot of travelers snowshoe here during the colder months. If you want a more strenuous ski or snowshoe, take on the 7.9-mile Jenny Lake Trail. The trail will bring you through the snowy forest and around Jenny Lake, which is frozen and covered with snow in the winter. An easier trail is Teton Park Road which closes to vehicles in the wintertime but is groomed for some really scenic cross-country and snowshoeing—great for beginners! You can enjoy the views of the snow-capped Teton Mountain Range in the distance.

After exploring the park, make your way into Jackson Hole for a day of skiing or a night dining at one of their ski-chic restaurants. 

Grand Teton National Park – Google Maps

Death Valley National Park

Location: California

Death Valley National Park in California can get excruciatingly hot during the summer months, making winter a fabulous time to go. Many people even take a day trip from Las Vegas since it is only a two-hour drive. February is one of the best times of year to go since it is the driest, and December and January can bring rain. Any of these winter months are better than summer, thanks to the cool air.

This means you can spend less time sweating and more time exploring the volcanic  Ubehebe Crater and sandboarding the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Death Valley National Park – Google Maps

Bryce Canyon National Park

Location: Utah

Utah is a fantastic option for visiting National Parks in the winter because you can cross off a few parks on your trip including one of Utah’s Big 5!  Bryce Canyon National Park sits in Southern Utah and is known for its crimson-colored hoodoos. The temperatures around the park during winter can be cold and will usually dip below freezing at night. But, bearing the cold is worth it since there will be fewer crowds and plenty of parking.

I recommend hiking the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail during winter. There will be fewer crowds on the 3.1-mile trail that brings you along a steep switchback section. The Wall Street to Queens Garden is another great loop but the Wall Street portion is always closed during winter, be sure to check weather conditions before you attempt any hiking!

Bryce Canyon National Park – Google Maps

Joshua Tree National Park

Location: California

If you are seeking a desert oasis during winter, head over to Joshua Tree National Park! This park is one of my favorites because it’s just so unique! It’s located near Palm Springs, California, which has plenty of artsy shops and fine dining for you to explore after the park. It is no secret that the weather in California during winter is perfect for a warm escape. You can expect sunny skies and an average of 60°F during the day.

Take advantage of the lovely weather by hiking at the Barker Dam trail. This is one of the park’s most famous hikes and it is only 1.1 miles long. After, walk the 0.3-mile Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail,  which brings you along the mass amount of Cholla Cacti. Enjoy this trail at sunset as the colors cascade over the winter California sky. Want more tips for Joshua Tree? Check out my guide here. 

Joshua Tree National Park – Google Maps

Big Bend National Park

Location: Texas

Make your way down to Big Bend National Park which sits in southwest Texas. Texas can provide sweltering heat in the summer, making it quite uncomfortable to be outside. That’s why this National Park is perfect to visit in the wintertime, with average highs of 60 degrees! You can hike The Window Trail which is 5.2 miles long and overlooks the Chihuahuan Desert.

Big Bend is known to have the darkest sky in the lower 48 states, so stargazing has to be an activity on your list. Winter provides even darker skies than summer too, so you will get more opportunities to view the planets and constellations. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, stay at The Summit at Big Bend. This unique glamping experience allows you to stay overnight in a Luxurious Cave!

Big Bend National Park – Google Maps

Grand Canyon National Park

Location: Arizona

Seeing the Grand Canyon just once in your life is a bucket list for so many people, and it’s no wonder why the canyon itself is an absolute wonder, attracting 5.9 million people per year. Grand Canyon National Park is in Northern Arizona, and while Southern Arizona is warm in the winter, the northern part is not. You can expect cold and even snowy conditions when visiting in the winter, but that makes it more magical. This National Park is one of the busiest, especially in summer, so visiting in winter will provide fewer crowds and more comfort. 

You can still hike the infamous South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point, which is 1.8 miles long. The trails may be a bit icy at this time, so pack some traction for your hiking boots and poles.  I recommend enjoying the sunset at the South Rim, where you can then stargaze as the sky get’s dark early. It is important to note that the North Rim closes for winter between December 1 and May 15, but the South Rim remains open year-round. Check out my day at the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Grand Canyon National Park – Google Maps

Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: Colorado

This Colorado National Park is a real-life winter wonderland! Rocky Mountain National Park is a favorite for those looking to enjoy winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The winters here are cold with an average of 10 degrees in the winter. So dress accordingly and always bring enough food and water for longer hikes. 

Snowshoe to Emerald Lake, the most gorgeous hike in the park! This 3-mile hike brings you through the forest with views of the Rocky Mountains. You will then come to the frozen lake where you may spot visitors ice fishing. If cross-country skiing is your scene, you can rent some from Estes Mountain Shop and ski on Ring Road. The road closes in the winter due to heavy snowfall and is open for all visitors to enjoy on foot or ski. Then enjoy Hidden Valley, which is a  free tubing and sledding hill in Rocky Mountain National Park, providing fun for all ages.

Rocky Mountain National Park – Google Maps

Zion National Park

Location: Utah

There is something so magical about seeing Zion National Park’s red rocks in the heart of winter. This Southern Utah National Park gets to be an average of 50 degrees during winter, which is great for hiking through the desert. Zion can get very crowded in the summer, so visiting in winter can help you see more.

If you dare, you can apply for a permit to hike Angels Landing. The hike is rated as very hard and is known to be one of the scariest hikes in the country. If you want a more low-key trail, hike to the Emerald Pools. This three-mile trail is great for all skill levels, but be sure to pack boots with traction as it can get slippery by the pools. 

Zion National Park – Google Maps

Hot Springs National Park

Location: Arkansas

Arkansas can sometimes be overlooked when travelers talk about the National Parks they want to visit. But it shouldn’t be! Hot Springs, Arkansas is home to the quaint Hot Springs National Park. If you ask me, there is no better way to spend a winter day, than soaking in a hot spring.

Marvel at the historic architecture of the bathhouses which are filled with ancient thermal springs. The Bathhouse Row has eight bathhouse buildings that were constructed between the years 1892 and 1923. You can make reservations to soak in either the Buckstaff Bathhouse or the Quapaw Bathhouse. Pair your soak with a hike, The Goat Rock Trail is only 2.4 miles long and is a visitor favorite. Just be sure to follow hot spring etiquette!

Hot Springs National Park – Google Maps

Great Basin National Park

Location: Nevada

If you want to see constellations twinkling in the sky, then plan a winter trip to Great Basin National Park. This International Dark Sky Park is known to be one of the darkest places in the country, so get ready to photograph the Milky Way. The National Park is located in a very remote area on the border of Nevada and Utah, and you will drive along the Loneliest Road in America to get there.

It is a great place to shut off and relax while immersing yourself in nature. While the drive to the Wheeler Peak Summit may be closed due to snow, you can visit the Lehman Caves instead. Take the range-led tour of the Lodge Room; reservations are needed and can be made up to 30 days before visiting. At night, get cozy while watching the night sky twinkle above you. 

Great Basin National Park – Google Maps

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Location: Hawaii

A trip to Hawaii is always a great idea in winter! Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known to have fewer crowds, reduced humidity, and less rainfall in winter compared to summer. You can plan for daily high temperatures to be around 72°, even during the coldest months.

There are so many activities to do here, you can hike the Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail, which will allow you to hike down and across a solid lava lake. Then head into the dark Thurston Lava Tube, where you can take the short 0.4 hikes through it. During an eruption, the tube fills with lava, and then after it is hollowed out, perfect for exploring. At night time, take a drive to the Keanakakoi Overlook to watch the vibrant orange active lava flow!

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – Google Maps

Yellowstone National Park

Location: Wyoming + Idaho + Montana

Yellowstone National Park is magical in the winter, and the landscape transforms into a serene winter wonderland! If you want to visit Old Faithful you’ll need to book a guided tour, but it’s worth seeing it against the backdrop of snowy vistas! You’ll also get to see wildlife, including bison and elk, roam freely through the park. Winter offers a unique opportunity to see the park with less crowds and a winter white background. 

If you plan to drive into the park you’ll need to come into the North Entrance in Montana as it’s the only one open to vehicles in the winter.

You can also enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Yellowstone National Park – Google Maps

Gateway Arch National Park

Location: Missouri

Spend your weekend in St Louis, Missouri when visiting Gateway Arch National Park. This famous arch reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion during the 19th century. The park honors Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.

You can take the Tram Ride to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch. The paramedic views from the top are just one of the reasons this National park is so cool! Then take the 1.8-mile easy walk along the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Trail, which provides fantastic views of the arch. After spending your day at the park, enjoy your night out in the lively St Louis.

Google Maps

Wind Cave National Park

Location: South Dakota

Hidden underground in Custer County, South Dakota is Wind Cave National Park. This National Park is often overshadowed by bigger attractions such as Mount Rushmore, but it shouldn’t be. Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks in America. The cave itself is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. You can book tours to the Cave directly on their website. The best part about visiting in winter is fewer tour times sell out and you don’t have to worry about heavy snowfall underground!

The National Park is also known for its prairie grasslands that are home to Bison, Elk, and Prairie Dogs. You can hike around the grasslands even in winter to view the wildlife. Enjoy the 1 mile Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail. Download the NPS App where you can listen to the guide for this trail, that way you can learn about what you are seeing!

Wind Cave National Park – Google Maps

White Sands National Park

Location: New Mexico

Sandboard the day away at White Sands National Park in New Mexico. Winter is a great time to visit this National Park thanks to its average temperature of 60 degrees. In the summer, the sand dunes get very hot which means shoes are needed. But in winter, you can run around barefoot, which resembles more of a beach day. White Sands lives up to its name and is known for its picturesque white sand that blends perfectly into the bright blue New Mexico sky. 

The 4.7-mile Alkali Flat Trail is amazing as it brings you up and down the white sand dunes by following the flag markers. I recommend bringing your own sled so you can hike up a dune, sled down, and repeat the process until the Alkali Flat Trail is finished. 

White Sands National Park – Google Maps

Virgin Islands National Park

Location: St. John, USVI

The list is not complete without Virgin Islands National Park, one of the best places to visit in winter. Because let’s be real, combining a National Park with an island vacation sounds like a winter dream. Escape the cold of the States and book your plane ticket to the islands. The historic park showcases stories of native Taino people and enslaved and free Africans. 

There are many ways to explore this National Park too. In addition to laying out on the beaches and swimming in the water, hiking is also a prominent activity. Take on the 4.4-mile Reef Bay Trail, which will bring you through two forests to the remains of a deserted sugar mill. You will get endless views of the bright blue water during your hike too. 

Virgin Islands National Park – Google Maps

Mount Rainier National Park

Location: Washington

Visiting Mount Rainier National Park in the winter is a truly magical experience. The park transforms into a winter wonderland, and the iconic Mount Rainier is a majestic sight. In fact, Mount Rainier has a perpetual winter wonderland vibe, a striking contrast even in the scorching summer months! 

Winter also brings a sense of solitude and tranquility as the crowds thin out, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in activities like snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, on the park’s well-maintained trails. 

Mount Rainier National Park – Google Maps

Denali National Park

Location: Alaska

Denali National Park is a unique experience in the winter! In this quieter season, the wildlife is more visible and the park shows off its beauty with a blanket of snow. They also have great trails available for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even dog sled teams! You’ll also want to look out for the Northern Lights while you’re here. 

Check out my Alaska itinerary for more details on how I would schedule my time here.

Denali National Park – Google Maps