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21 Awesome National Parks to Visit in Winter

How would like to take a winter vacation to a US national park? With over 60 national parks there are a lot of choices.

In this post you’ll find the best parks to visit in winter including best national parks for warm winter weather as well as the best national parks for wintertime sports and snowy landscapes.

What’s a great national park for Christmas vacation? What are the best national parks to visit in January? In this article you’ll find the answers to start planning several winter vacations to national parks – from sand and sunshine to spectacular snowshoeing spots and other fun winter sports.

Here are 21 national parks you should visit in winter!

 

21 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter.

 

Yellowstone National Park in Winter

Yellowstone National Park is the biggest tourist attraction in Wyoming and most people visit in the warmer months, but Yellowstone is open in winter too!

Planning a trip to  Yellowstone in winter might include skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snowcoach tours plus scenic drives, wildlife watching, and the extraordinary thermal features.

And all without the huge crowds that visit Yellowstone in summer.

Imagine spending Christmas at one of the most amazing winter destinations in the USA!

 

Grand Canyon – the Most Awesome National Park in Arizona

Visiting the Grand Canyon in winter is a magical experience with views of the canyon and top attractions such as Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon Village, Mather Point, and South Kaibab all covered in snow.

Some of the Grand Canyon shuttle buses are in operation during winter months so it’s easy to get around from the Grand Canyon visitor center to Grand Canyon Village, hiking trails, and viewing points.

If you plan on hiking Grand Canyon in winter be sure to bring all the right gear for winter hikes.

 

Grand Canyon in winter with recent snowfall.

 

Haleakala in Hawaii for Winter Vacation Without Snow

Looking to start off the new year with a warm weather vacation? Head to Maui and Haleakala – it’s the perfect national park to visit in January. December is peak season for Hawaii, but January is much less crowded.

For those who prefer winter without the snow and cold, Haleakala National Park will provide warm sunny days, epic hiking trails, exciting ziplines, and waterfalls with a lush tropical landscape.

And there’s the stunning Road to Hana, one of the most scenic drives in the US!

LEARN MORE: 12 Epic Warm Places to Visit in January (USA)

Bryce Canyon Utah for Fairytale Landscapes in Winter

One of Utah’s main attractions, Bryce Canyon is amazing because of its red rock hoodoos – the spire shaped rock formations that give it a magical appearance.

During the cold winter days Bryce Canyon turns into a fairytale landscape covered in snow, especially around sunrise and sunset.

It’s no surprise that in winter Bryce National Park is less crowded than the super busy summer season but there’s still lots to do, including some winter outdoor fun like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

 

Bryce Canyon Utah in winter with snow covered rock spires.

 

Dry Tortugas Best for Diving and Snorkeling Winter Vacation

If you visit Key West Florida in wintertime, then you shouldn’t miss out on a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving in crystal clear waters. Dry Tortugas is the perfect place to explore the undersea world of corals, colorful fish, and sea turtles.

This unique park is mostly underwater! When you’re looking for a truly unique East Coast park to visit Dry Tortugas should be top of the list.

LEARN MORE: 11 Florida National Parks

Acadia National Park in Maine is a Coastal Winter Wonderland

Acadia National Park, one of the most popular national parks in America, changes to a quiet and serene east coast winter wonderland after the autumn foliage is long gone.

This park is one of Maine’s treasures, located on the Mount Desert Island near Bar Harbor, and it’s a totally different experience in winter.

The rocky coastline and dramatic landscapes make Acadia another park that should be on your bucket list of awesome US winter destinations.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Colorado

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado is the perfect national park for those who love snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Something fun to do at the Black Canyon park in winter is to join one of the Ranger Guided Snowshoe Walks. On Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 pm join a ranger for an intro to snowshoeing and learn about the park.

And on Saturday mornings at 10:30 the ranger led snowshoe walk is especially for kids and families. No prior snowshoeing experience is required, but reservations are required.

This Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the home to many animals such as bighorn sheep, black bears, bobcat, deer, elk, foxes, and mountain lions to name a few.

Saguaro National Park Arizona

Located in Tucson Arizona, the spectacular Saguaro National Park is actually two parks – East Saguaro and West Saguaro. Read my guide to visiting Saguaro to plan your trip.

Named after the large saguaro cactus, which is native to the park’s desert environment, this unique place offers hiking, bicycling, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing.

It’s perfect to visit from November through March because the winters are mild, so you can go hiking and biking in comfortable temperatures.

 

Saguaro cactus at Saguaro National Park in winter.

 

Yosemite is California’s Winter Wonderland National Park

Yosemite is another destination in California that’s visited by millions, but winter brings snow covered landscapes and fewer visitors. If snowy solitude is what you’re looking for then Yosemite could be your perfect winter national park destination.

For adventure and outdoor fun you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, sledding, and winter hiking in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.

If you want to visit Yosemite over Christmas holidays and New Year’s to early January you should book accommodations many months in advance. Reservations for lodgings in Yosemite are advisable year round, but it’s much easier to find a place during non-peak season.

Mount Rainier Washington for PNW Winter Sports

Located just a few hours away from both Tacoma and Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park is an option for an awesome winter getaway from the city.

If you’re into winter camping you can do that at Mount Rainier. Other winter fun includes a slew of sports such as snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sometimes sledding and sliding.

Be aware that you are required to bring tire chains when driving in Mount Rainier National Park in winter – from November 1st to May 1st. And make sure you have all your winter hiking gear too!

Big Bend Texas in December January February is Superb!

Big Bend is truly a hiker’s paradise with river, mountain, and desert hikes. Although it gets extremely hot in summer months you’ll find Big Bend in December, January, and February is ideal for outdoor fun.

My favorite time to visit Big Bend is in winter because I can do longer hikes without getting exhausted from the heat. You have several options for campgrounds in Big Bend or stay at the Chisos Mountain Lodge with rustic accommodations in a spectacular location.

Big Bend National Park is in far West Texas so it makes for a great Texas road trip adventure.

LEARN MORE: Places That Are Hot in February in USA

 

Chisos Basin Campground at Big Bend.

 

Glacier National Park for Winter Wonderland in Montana

Since Glacier National Park doesn’t get as many visitors in winter months, it’s one of the best parks to visit for a secluded winter wonderland. It takes some extra planning and the right winter gear, but the rewards are a superb scenic snowy solitude!

While the Going to the Sun Road is not fully open to motor vehicles in winter season there are portions of this scenic roadway open all year round. However the big plus is that you can often ski or snowshoe the GTTSR when it’s closed to motorized traffic.

The road to Lake McDonald Lodge is plowed throughout the winter and it’s a beautiful scenic drive along the lake. Read our guide on where to stay near Glacier National Park.

Death Valley California is a Perfect December Destination

Note: Death Valley National Park closed in August after Tropical Storm Hillary caused widespread damage, Death Valley partially reopened on Sunday October 15, 2023 but many roads are still closed check the NPS website for updates.

California’s Death Valley is truly one-of-a-kind.

Death Valley is one of the best national parks to visit in December because the temperatures are comfortable for hiking all day – don’t try this in summer!

The landscape of Death Valley is a variety of badlands, canyons, mountains, sand dunes, salt flats, and valleys.

Grand Teton National Park Wyoming Winter Wonderland

Take in the grandeur of the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains in winter. Grand Teton National Park is named for the tallest peak, Grand Teton, of the Teton Range.

Winter activities at Grand Teton include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ranger led tours. Go snowshoeing with a ranger on Saturdays, call 307-739-3399 on Monday to Friday to make a reservation.

From Jackson Hole it only takes a few minutes to drive to Grand Teton park so it’s an awesome location for your winter vacation.

Joshua Tree in California is One of the Most Unique National Parks

Another spectacular place in California, Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent place to visit in winter months.

The Joshua trees (giant yucca) grow only at higher desert elevations around 2,000 – 6,000 ft (610 – 1,829 m) and are a slow growing evergreen tree.

Besides the magnificent Joshua Trees, you’ll want to visit Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, Barker Dam Trail, and Skull Rock.

If you are staying in Palm Springs it’s an easy day trip to Joshua Tree, less than one-hour drive to the west entrance. Joshua Tree is a great park to visit during Christmas holidays!

 

A lone Joshua tree and boulders at Joshua Tree National Park in December.

 

Everglades in Florida for Warm Winter and Wildlife

Winter is the ideal time to visit the Everglades in Florida because it’s dry season so the weather is pleasant along with lower humidity and fewer bugs.

Favorable weather from November through April also makes winter season the busiest time to visit Everglades National Park.

Plan on doing some wildlife watching, take a guided tour with a park ranger, and bring your binoculars for some phenomenal birdwatching at the Everglades.

Everglades National Park is also on our list of 12 Best Weekend Getaways in Florida

Zion National Park in Utah

Out of the five national parks in Utah, Zion National Park is the most visited but during winter it’s not as crowded (except during the holidays!) so it’s an ideal time to visit Zion.

Average high temperatures at Zion in December, January, February are around 50 F (10 Celsius) so it’s mild winter weather.

If there is more snow, then stick with the easy trails at Zion and bring a few extra layers for winter hiking. Microspikes come in handy for hiking on icy trails.

With fewer visitors to Zion in winter the shuttle bus is often not in service, but this means you can drive your vehicle through the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon in California for Outdoor Winter Fun

Situated in the Tulare County of California, the iconic Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to the world’s largest trees and gorgeous landscapes.

When it’s cold, this California winter wonderland is still the perfect place for outdoor fun such as camping, hiking, playing in the snow, skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing.

Denali in Alaska for Winter Sports and Northern Lights

How about winter sports, sublime winter landscapes, towering mountain peaks, and the northern lights?! Denali National Park is a unique winter vacation experience.

Denali National Park is home to the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali (formerly Mt McKinley) has a summit elevation of 20,310 ft (6,190 m).

Winter activities at Denali include skiing, snowboarding, biking, snowshoeing, and visiting the national park sled dog kennels.

Denali has utilized sled dogs for 100 years and you can meet the sled dogs of Denali :)

Great Smoky Mountains (North Carolina & Tennessee)

The Appalachian Mountains, stunning scenic drives, hiking trails, and awesome panoramic views make the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a special place. Learn more about all the cool things to do at Smoky Mountains National Park.

Located between the North Carolina and Tennessee border, this gorgeous nature wonderland is known for lush forests, waterfalls, rivers, streams, and many wildflowers – even in winter!

The Smoky Mountains is an excellent Christmas vacation destination.

 

Great Smoky Mountains sunset.

 

Petrified Forest is a Magical National Park in Arizona

East of Flagstaff the Petrified Forest National Park features a scenic drive with stops for hiking, panoramic views of the Painted Desert, petroglyphs, and an old Studebaker on the historic Route 66 highway.

You will get to explore the largest concentration of petrified wood in the world at Petrified Forest National Park. The place is kind of surreal and magical.

Petrified Forest is an excellent outing from Flagstaff, read about the best day trips from Flagstaff and explore more of Arizona.

And that’s the list of 21 epic US national parks to visit in winter. Be sure to look at the National Park Service website for the specific park you want to visit so you can find out about any road closures and other important information before your trip.

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21 Epic national parks you should visit in winter!