The Best national parks to visit in winter
A Whole New Landscape in Winter
Whether a National Park is in a warm-weather location or cold, winter can be an even better time to visit – less crowded, more pristine, still beautiful.
Here are 10 National Parks to check out during January, February and March.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Well, you’re not going to get much colder than the state of Maine in the dead of winter. But that’s exactly how a lot of people like it. Acadia can get copious amounts of snow in the winter – like, measured in feet, not inches – and it’s a haven for cross country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Seeing the Blue Ridge Mountains is great; seeing them in the winter dusted with snow is incredible. The great thing about Shenandoah National Park is you can take your car, follow the relatively slow speed limit of 35 miles per hour on Skyline Drive and take it all in – including several scenic lookouts where you can get out and breathe in the fresh air.
Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
Of course, Yellowstone. Arguably America’s most well-known National Park, Yellowstone is a joy in the winter. Seeing Old Faithful, taking in the landscape and watching the bison and other wildlife is unparalleled.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The ability to still drive through Mount Rainier’s Paradise area in the heart of winter makes for one of the most beautiful vistas you will ever see. Be sure to take it all in by staying at the National Park Inn right within the park itself.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Hey, we didn’t say the best National Parks to visit in winter had to all be cold. In fact, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, drenching summer rainstorms, oppressive heat and bugs the size of birds, checking out the wildlife in the Everglades can be a far more pleasant experience.
Death Valley National Park, California
See the Everglades. Quite honestly, we wouldn’t wish the Everglades on anybody at the height of summer. And, with the potential to hit 125-140 degrees during the day in Death Valley in the summer, we wouldn’t wish that on anybody, either. But we would wish it for you in winter, when temperatures are far more comfortable. Hiking the desert while still being able to look up at snow-capped peaks is extraordinary.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
The red pinnacles of Bryce Canyon are gorgeous and dramatic enough during the spring, summer and fall, when it is most visited. Now imagine that vista dusted by white snow and it’s simply magnificent. You can still hike Bryce Canyon in the winter, and two of the trails are turned into ski slopes so you can get your ski on as well.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
OK, if you want your quintessential winter national park, here it is. Keep your respectful distance because you’re more apt to see bighorn sheep, elk and other wildlife during the winter. If it’s not too brutal outside, take the four-mile roundtrip hike around Nymph, Dream and Emerald lakes for a true winter wonderland.
Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
Located on the island of Maui, the hike up the Haleakala volcano is majestic. Pack a breakfast, walk the Sliding Sands Trail as the sun is coming up and create an unforgettable experience.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Now, if you really want to challenge the elements of winter – and, uh, snow can fall in Denali National Park as early as late August/early September – here you go. Denali in the winter is as rough as you think it is, but also rewarding. You can snowshoe, ski and even dog sled, and if your luck and timing are right you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.