Everyone knows that Nationwide Parks can get loopy busy in the course of the summer season months, so why not plan a visit throughout winter? In reality, some Nationwide Parks are the right winter getaway whether or not you’re seeking to hit the seaside or expertise a snow-dusted winter wonderland.
On this submit, we’ve rounded up our favourite Nationwide Parks to go to when the snow flies together with each heat climate locations in addition to those who provide nice winter adventures.
Vital Reminder: Because it goes in all the locations we share, please apply good path etiquette and keep in mind to Depart No Hint. This implies packing out your whole rubbish (together with rest room paper), being respectful to others on busy trails, and following the established guidelines.
Greatest Winter Nationwide Parks – Mapped!
Here’s a map of all the most effective Nationwide Parks to go to in winter included on this roundup.
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California
With the typical temps exceeding 90 levels Fahrenheit in the course of the summer season, out of doors fanatics who love Nationwide Parks however hate the warmth will love the cooler local weather of Joshua Tree in the course of the winter. Plan your go to right here in the course of the cooler months for comfy climbing temps and unbelievable stargazing with out the massive crowds. Simply bear in mind that whereas daytime temps listed here are usually gentle within the winter, nighttime temps within the desert can drop beneath freezing!
That can assist you plan your journey, listed here are a number of Joshua Tree guides:
Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona
Make winter plans to go to a hotter locale in Arizona’s Petrified Nationwide Park the place park-goers can see the Painted Desert, drive previous Blue Mesa, and see the Crystal Forest up shut. I drove via right here a number of years in the past on a whim, and it was some of the distinctive Nationwide Parks I’ve ever been to.
The climate could also be cooler in winter, however snow is uncommon. However don’t neglect these heat layers for when temps drop at evening!
>> Learn Subsequent: Greatest Arizona Highway Journey Stops
Everglades Nationwide Park, Florida
Florida’s Everglades Nationwide Park is likely one of the hottest Nationwide Parks to go to within the winter. Starting in November, the sometimes scorching and humid subtropical local weather turns into a gentle and nice dry season. The clear and sunny skies make for good “winter” tenting, climbing, kayaking, and extra.
Verify in on the Guests Middle to make a reservation earlier than heading out. Higher but, plan an action-packed weeklong highway journey to go to all three of Florida’s Nationwide Parks.
Grand Teton Nationwide Park, Wyoming
From November via Might, Wyoming is a winter wonderland for alpine and cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and different winter out of doors fanatics because of the abundance of terrain that’s open in the course of the snowy season. It’s additionally a good time of 12 months for wildlife photographers who wish to seize the majestic bison trudging via the snow.
Teton Park Highway from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to Sign Mountain Lodge is mostly open in winter for snowshoeing, touring, and cross-country snowboarding. Plus, guests can discover tons of different trails together with Colter Bay, Antelope Flats Highway, Taggart Lake, and Flagg Ranch.
It doesn’t damage that Grand Teton Nationwide Park is only a stone’s throw from Jackson Gap Ski Resort, both, or you may decide to e book a snowmobiling journey to Togwotee Go. For lodging, take a look at the tiny homes on the Hearth Resort or e book a weekend on the Triangle X Dude Ranch.
Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
Head out to see the crimson rocks at Arches Nationwide Park in the course of the space’s most peaceable time of 12 months – winter. We’ve included all of our favourite hikes on this Arches Nationwide Parks climbing weblog submit.
For winter tenting and climbing, the Devils Backyard Campground is open year-round with 51 websites obtainable on a first-come, first-served foundation between November 1st and February twenty eighth together with restrooms and consuming water on the campground.
Convey microspikes (simply in case you might be fortunate sufficient to get some snow), trekking poles, and loads of heat winter layers. Additionally, you’ll want to cease on the Arches Customer Middle to verify the circumstances and get a free orientation so that you’re ready for winter circumstances. Nighttime temps will typically drop beneath freezing!
For extra tips about exploring this space, take a look at these weblog posts:
Saguaro Nationwide Park, Arizona
Benefit from the beautiful desert panorama of Saguaro Nationwide Park in Tucson, Arizona the place guests can expertise the fantastic thing about the biggest cactus in the USA – the large Saguaro cacti.
Winter is the right time to go to Saguaro Nationwide Park as a result of the temperatures are gentle with a median excessive of 65 levels and the winter gentle offers the desert a golden glow – this is likely one of the warmest Nationwide Parks to go to in winter!
There are a selection of climbing choices throughout the park and we’ve put collectively The Final Saguaro Nationwide Park Outside Journey Information that will help you take advantage of your winter journey.
Yosemite Nationwide Park, California
Winter is a chilly however lovely time to go to Yosemite Nationwide Park. Mountain climbing choices are restricted however snow within the valley brings loads of choices for cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing. Plus cozying up on the Yosemite Valley Lodge after a day trip within the snow feels like a dream.
Tioga Highway and Glacier Level Highway shut every winter season on account of snow and ice (usually from November – Might), however Yosemite Valley and Wawona are accessible by automotive year-round.
Most of the actions and data in our Yosemite Nationwide Park information are suited to winter visits.
Nice Basin Nationwide Park, Nevada
Don your cross-country skis or strap in your snowshoes for a snowy trek alongside the Nice Basin Nationwide Park’s path system. Within the winter, Nice Basin provides a tranquil wilderness expertise and miles of snow-covered trails for the winter-loving out of doors fanatic to discover.
Preserve your eyes peeled for the Park’s mule deer on their seasonal migration to decrease elevations. Additionally don’t miss Lehman Caves! I did the ranger-led tour throughout my go to, and it was such a cool expertise.
Dying Valley Nationwide Park, California
The key is perhaps out about how lovely Dying Valley Nationwide Park is within the winter – throughout this time the crowds are sometimes the bottom and the snow-capped peaks (if you happen to’re fortunate) paired with the winter lighting are a photographer’s dream. January and February are particularly nice in Dying Valley with common temperatures within the higher 60s to mid-70s.
Take a look at our 3-day Dying Valley Nationwide Park itinerary to plan your winter highway journey.
White Sands Nationwide Park, New Mexico
Open year-round to out of doors fanatics, White Sands Nationwide Park in New Mexico is likely one of the greatest Nationwide Parks to go to within the winter for a lot of causes. For one, it’s a less-visited park normally, so that you’re prone to see only a few individuals, so you may sled down the dunes all by your self! Plus, as quickly as you hike somewhat methods into the dunes, you’re not possible to come across different hikers. New Mexico does get chilly in winter, nevertheless it not often sees a number of snow this far south.
Learn Subsequent: Greatest Sand Dunes within the US for Outside Journey
Biscayne Nationwide Park, Florida
Take a deep dive into Biscayne Nationwide Park (actually) by exploring underwater coral reefs and shipwrecks at this lovely marine park. There’s additionally loads of seaside tenting, kayaking, and different seaside out of doors actions, so there’s one thing for each out of doors fanatic.
We extremely suggest taking a whole week off and visiting all three of Florida’s beautiful Nationwide Parks with our Florida Nationwide Park Roadtrip itinerary.
Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona
Winter in Grand Canyon Nationwide Park is peaceable and quiet in comparison with the hustle and bustle of the excessive season. Whereas the North Rim closes for the winter, the South Rim stays open year-round the place you may stroll alongside the rim and into the canyon or take a scenic drive.
If circumstances are good and also you wish to be part of the 1% of holiday makers that discover beneath the rim, hike the Brilliant Angel Path right down to Indian Gardens.
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Florida
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is the southernmost Nationwide Park within the US and it might probably solely be reached by boat or seaplane. Positioned 70 miles west of Florida’s Key West, it’s comprised of seven islands and guarded coral reefs.
Spend your winter days snorkeling, diving, swimming, kayaking, or just having fun with the sandy seashores. In case your concept of winter in a Nationwide Park contains loads of sunshine and heat, Dry Tortugas is an ideal vacation spot!
Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
When you’re a winter lover, you’ll love visiting Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park in the course of the snowy months. Winter guests can get pleasure from solitude beneath the snowy peaks and embrace winter actions reminiscent of climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country snowboarding, sledding, wildlife watching, and cozying up by the hearth on the Stanely Lodge. One in all our favourite hikes is the 3-mile path to Emerald Lake, a highly regarded vacation spot in summer season, however quiet and peaceable within the winter.
For extra ideas and proposals, take a look at our full information to visiting Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park within the winter.
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is certainly one of our favourite Nationwide Parks to go to in winter as a result of seeing the crimson rock hoodoos dusted in snow is a magical expertise, particularly at dawn or sundown.
The Park is located at 8,000 toes, so a few of the roads and trails are closed on account of snow and ice, however there are nonetheless loads of issues to do, particularly if you happen to time your go to with the Bryce Canyon Winter Competition. Simply you’ll want to pack heat garments and be ready for winter circumstances.
>> Learn Subsequent: Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park Information
Massive Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
Positioned within the southwest nook of the state on the border of Mexico within the huge Chihuahuan Desert, Massive Bend Nationwide Park is greatest visited in winter or early spring earlier than the warmth kicks in. BFT Workforce Member Courtney visited in January and had gentle temperatures within the low 60s with nighttime temps round 40F.
This Nationwide Park flies underneath the radar for many individuals, nevertheless it boasts unbelievable landscapes from rocky mountains to deep canyons and rivers. When you’re seeking to actually get off the crushed path this winter, plan a visit to Massive Bend Nationwide Park.
Different High Winter Locations
We love getting exterior within the winter and if you happen to’re on the lookout for extra winter actions exterior of Nationwide Parks, you’ll want to take a look at a number of extra of our favourite winter adventures and locations:
That are your favourite Nationwide Parks to go to within the winter? Which of them are in your record? When you’ve got any further ideas or recommendation about visiting Nationwide Parks within the winter, depart a remark beneath!
