16 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
Check out the best National Parks to visit in winter so you can get outside year-round and avoid the high-season crowds.
We all know that National Parks can get crazy busy during the summer months, so why not plan a trip during winter? In fact, some National Parks are the perfect winter getaway whether you’re looking to hit the beach or experience a snow-dusted winter wonderland.
In this post, we’ve rounded up our favorite National Parks to visit when the snow flies including both warm weather destinations as well as those that offer great winter adventures.
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Best Winter National Parks – Mapped!
Here is a map of all the best National Parks to visit in winter included in this roundup.
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Joshua Tree National Park, California
With the average temps exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, outdoor enthusiasts who love National Parks but hate the heat will love the cooler climate of Joshua Tree during the winter. Plan your visit here during the cooler months for comfortable hiking temps and incredible stargazing without the huge crowds. Just be aware that while daytime temps here are generally mild in the winter, nighttime temps in the desert can drop below freezing!
To help you plan your trip, here are a few Joshua Tree guides:
- Best Joshua Tree Hikes for First-Time Visitors
- Backpacking the California Hiking & Riding Trail Through Joshua Tree National Park
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Make winter plans to visit a warmer locale in Arizona’s Petrified National Park where park-goers can see the Painted Desert, drive past Blue Mesa, and see the Crystal Forest up close. It’s a great stop on a greater Arizona road trip itinerary. I drove through here a few years ago on a whim, and it was one of the most unique National Parks I’ve ever been to.
The weather may be cooler in winter, but snow is rare. But don’t forget those warm layers for when temps drop at night!
Everglades National Park, Florida
Florida’s Everglades National Park is one of the most popular National Parks to visit in the winter. Beginning in November, the typically hot and humid subtropical climate becomes a mild and pleasant dry season. The clear and sunny skies make for perfect “winter” camping, hiking, kayaking, and more.
Check in at the Visitors Center to make a reservation before heading out. Better yet, plan an action-packed weeklong road trip to visit all three of Florida’s National Parks.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
From November through May, Wyoming is a winter wonderland for alpine and cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and other winter outdoor enthusiasts thanks to the abundance of terrain that is open during the snowy season. It’s also a great time of year for wildlife photographers who want to capture the majestic bison trudging through the snow.
Teton Park Road from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge is generally open in winter for snowshoeing, touring, and cross-country skiing. Plus, visitors can explore tons of other trails including Colter Bay, Antelope Flats Road, Taggart Lake, and Flagg Ranch.
It doesn’t hurt that Grand Teton National Park is just a stone’s throw from Jackson Hole Ski Resort, either.
Arches National Park, Utah
Head out to see the red rocks at Arches National Park during the area’s most peaceful time of year – winter. We’ve included all of our favorite hikes in this Arches National Parks hiking blog post.
For winter camping and hiking, the Devils Garden Campground is open year-round with 51 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis between November 1st and February 28th including restrooms and drinking water at the campground.
Bring microspikes (just in case you are lucky enough to get some snow), trekking poles, and plenty of warm winter layers. Also, be sure to stop at the Arches Visitor Center to check the conditions and get a free orientation so you’re prepared for winter conditions. Nighttime temps will often drop below freezing!
For more tips on exploring this area, check out these blog posts:
- Where to Camp & Glamp in Moab
- 28 Adventurous Things to Do in Moab
- How to do Moab Like a Local: Tips for Your First Visit
- Interested in seeing all of Utah’s National Parks this winter? Check out our Utah National Park Roadtrip Itinerary
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Enjoy the stunning desert landscape of Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona where visitors can experience the beauty of the largest cactus in the United States – the giant Saguaro cacti.
Winter is the perfect time to visit Saguaro National Park because the temperatures are mild with an average high of 65 degrees and the winter light gives the desert a golden glow – this is one of the warmest National Parks to visit in winter!
There are a variety of hiking options within the park and we’ve put together The Ultimate Saguaro National Park Outdoor Adventure Guide to help you make the most of your winter trip.
Yosemite National Park, California
Winter is a cold but beautiful time to visit Yosemite National Park. Hiking options are limited but snow in the valley brings plenty of options for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Plus cozying up at the Yosemite Valley Lodge after a day out in the snow sounds like a dream.
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close each winter season due to snow and ice (generally from November – May), but Yosemite Valley and Wawona are accessible by car year-round.
Many of the activities and information in our Yosemite National Park guide are suited for winter visits.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Don your cross-country skis or strap on your snowshoes for a snowy trek along the Great Basin National Park’s trail system. In the winter, Great Basin offers a tranquil wilderness experience and miles of snow-covered trails for the winter-loving outdoor enthusiast to explore.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Park’s mule deer on their seasonal migration to lower elevations. Also don’t miss Lehman Caves! I did the ranger-led tour during my visit, and it was such a cool experience.
Death Valley National Park, California
The secret might be out about how beautiful Death Valley National Park is in the winter – during this time the crowds are typically the lowest and the snow-capped peaks (if you’re lucky) paired with the winter lighting are a photographer’s dream. January and February are especially great in Death Valley with average temperatures in the upper 60s to mid-70s.
Check out our 3-day Death Valley National Park itinerary to plan your winter road trip.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Open year-round to outdoor enthusiasts, White Sands National Park in New Mexico is one of the best National Parks to visit in the winter for many reasons. For one, it’s a less-visited park in general, so you’re likely to see very few people, so you can sled down the dunes all by yourself! Plus, as soon as you hike a little ways into the dunes, you’re very unlikely to encounter other hikers. New Mexico does get chilly in winter, but it rarely sees a lot of snow this far south.
Biscayne National Park, Florida
Take a deep dive into Biscayne National Park (literally) by exploring underwater coral reefs and shipwrecks at this beautiful marine park. There is also plenty of beach camping, kayaking, and other seaside outdoor activities, so there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.
We highly recommend taking an entire week off and visiting all three of Florida’s stunning National Parks with our Florida National Park Roadtrip itinerary.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Winter in Grand Canyon National Park is peaceful and quiet compared to the hustle and bustle of the high season. While the North Rim closes for the winter, the South Rim stays open year-round where you can walk along the rim and into the canyon or take a scenic drive.
If conditions are good and you want to join the 1% of visitors that explore below the rim, hike the Bright Angel Trail down to Indian Gardens.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas National Park is the southernmost National Park in the US and it can only be reached by boat or seaplane. Located 70 miles west of Florida’s Key West, it’s comprised of 7 islands and protected coral reefs.
Spend your winter days snorkeling, diving, swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying the sandy beaches. If your idea of winter in a National Park includes plenty of sunshine and warmth, Dry Tortugas is a perfect destination!
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re a winter lover, you’ll love visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the snowy months. Winter visitors can enjoy solitude beneath the snowy peaks and embrace winter activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, wildlife watching, and cozying up by the fire at the Stanely Hotel. One of our favorite hikes is the 3-mile trail to Emerald Lake, a very popular destination in summer, but quiet and peaceful in the winter.
For more tips and recommendations, check out our complete guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is one of our favorite National Parks to visit in winter because seeing the red rock hoodoos dusted in snow is a magical experience, especially at sunrise or sunset.
The Park is situated at 8,000 feet, so some of the roads and trails are closed due to snow and ice, but there are still plenty of things to do, especially if you time your visit with the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival. Just be sure to pack warm clothes and be prepared for winter conditions.
>> Read Next: Bryce Canyon National Park Guide
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Located in the southwest corner of the state on the border of Mexico in the massive Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend National Park is best visited in winter or early spring before the heat kicks in. BFT Team Member Courtney visited in January and had mild temperatures in the low 60s with nighttime temps around 40F.
This National Park flies under the radar for many people, but it boasts incredible landscapes from rocky mountains to deep canyons and rivers. If you’re looking to really get off the beaten path this winter, plan a trip to Big Bend National Park.
Other Top Winter Destinations
We love getting outside in the winter and if you’re looking for more winter activities outside of National Parks, be sure to check out a few more of our favorite winter adventures and destinations:
- Give snowshoeing a try. Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside and enjoy the wintery weather!
- Spend a long weekend hiking the red rocks of Sedona. Winter is a great time to visit Sedona thanks to cooler temps.
- Book a flight to Hawaii and explore Haleakala National Park or adventure around Kauai
- Learn how to ski! I didn’t start skiing until I was 31 and I’m so glad I decided to give it a try.
- Browse through all of our winter activities blog posts
Which are your favorite National Parks to visit in the winter? Which ones are on your list? If you have any additional tips or advice about visiting National Parks in the winter, leave a comment below!
