Best National Parks for Winter Trips
It’s about the time to finalize travel plans for the coming cold months. I’m terrible at being trapped indoors in winter (or any other time of year), and ski resorts are so expensive, so a national park trip fits the bill for me. If only I can find a way to stay warm, too (they say there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear).
So which are the best national park trips for the winter months? Some of it is going to depend on what you’re looking for. Do you want a cold weather park with some beautiful snow covered scenery and winter hiking? Or are you looking to escape the cold with a warm[er] park? Many parks shut down a lot of their operations and close most of the roads in winter—you’ll want to avoid those as well.
Note that it is important to have the right winter gear (including a windproof layer, a warm layers, gloves and sun protection in your pack, and heavy boots and warm socks). Check for temporary road closures on the NPS website before heading out. Tire chains are needed on some park roads. They’re cheapest if you buy them at home and pack them--be sure to watch a video on how to use them. Some winter hiking will require microspikes strapped to your hiking boots. I like finding cheap gear, but you’ll want to spend a little more money on these, as a better pair can keep you alive. I have no affiliation with these, but my friend swears by her ‘Black Diamond Access’ spikes. Days are shorter in winter, and you’ll want to note sunset times as you plan your day out, and keep a light source (not just your phone) in your pack with you in case you get caught out after dark. Lastly, some of our favorite energy bars freeze in cold weather—keep them in your inside jacket pocket and not in your pack.
I’d break this list of winter-friendly parks down to two groups (cold and warm) with four favorites and an honorable mention in each group.
COLD PARKS
It’s no surprise that Yosemite tops this list. Yosemite’s photo worthy scenery is next-level during winter. The long light on the snow draped mountains makes for a dream like landscape (and photography). Many of the Yosemite Valley’s best hiking trails are accessible, especially the ones on the north wall (facing south) where the sun hits them all day. While some of the summer activities and drives are closed (including Tioga Road and Glacier Point), there are many winter sports available to fill your time. This includes a small ski resort, Badger Pass, with rentals, lessons and several beginner and intermediate slopes. There is also a skating rink and plenty of opportunity for snow shoeing and cross country skiing. Most of the services in the valley, including the hotels, restaurants and stores, are open during the winter, and there are less crowds.
You will need to carry tire chains in Yosemite in winter (the rangers will check). You can buy them at home, on the drive to the park, or in the park (we saw someone selling them on the road to Badger Pass). Also, each mid to late February, the Fire Fall takes place. If conditions are right, Horsetail Falls off of El Capitan catches the light of the setting sun and appears to glow orange like fire. It’s a really neat experience, but the park is packed for those two weeks—uncomfortably so.
Avg Winter Temps: Yosemite Valley Highs upper-40s, Lows upper-20s, cooler at Badger Pass
These southwest parks are beautiful in the summer, but imagine those desert colors highlighted with a coating of snow. Zion ends the park shuttle and opens the road to cars again. Hiking trails are open but might have snow or ice. Don’t try Angel’s Landing without microspikes. Bryce Canyon is also open in winter, including most hiking trails. Note that Bryce is at 9000ft, so it gets very cold there, esp at night.
Avg Winter Temps: Zion Highs mid-50s, Lows 30. Bryce Highs mid-30s, mid-teens
The views from the rim are so iconic, but it gets even better with the snow and long light of winter. The South Rim remains open, as does Desert View Drive to the east. Note that many of the below the rim trails, while facing south, have substantial stretches that face north and therefore have ice and snow buildup. You will want microspikes for these conditions. The North Rim is under deep snow, including the North Kaibab Trail. It is closed to vehicles during winter.
Avg Winter Temps: South Rim Highs mid-40s, Lows upper-teens
Like the other southern Utah parks, Arches and Canyonlands are cold but beautiful, and those desert sunsets are killer in winter. Also, the hiking is spectacular. Snow tends to be rare and when it occurs, it’s usually pretty light. You should be prepared for any conditions, including with proper gear.
Avg Winter Temps: Arches Highs mid-40s, Lows lower-20s
Yellowstone (honorable mention):
Yellowstone’s roads are closed in winter. But for a memorable day trip, you can rent a snowmobile or take a snow coach tour of the park out of West Yellowstone to see the geysers and bison. You can also take a bus from Big Sky (ski resort) for a full day excursion.
WARM[ER] PARKS
Everglades, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas:
The Florida parks are best in winter. Warm weather, less rain, lower humidity and minimal mosquitos makes the holiday season the perfect time to visit. The park facilities are open, the boat tours and excursions are running and the wildlife is everywhere, especially the birds, marine wildlife, and of course, the gators! These parks make a good winter escape as a stand-alone trip, or you can start your vacation here before heading to Orlando just 4hrs north.
Avg Winter Temps: Highs upper-70s, Lows mid-50s
This Texas gem has incredible scenery and the hiking is superb. Bonus points for some great sunsets from the Chisos Mountain Basin on the Window View Trail. The Rio Grande has low water, but it’s still quite scenic and while rafts might have some issues, a canoe excursion as a day trip or a multi-day camping trip is a must in this park. Brisk mornings quickly give way to warmer days, and winter is the dry season. Snow pack is unusual but not impossible here—check conditions.
Note that spring break week in TX and NM occurs in mid-March and packs the park. If you can’t avoid that week, be sure to book your accommodations and canoe trip at least a year out.
Avg Winter Temps: Highs lower-60s, Lows upper-30s
Death Valley and Joshua Tree:
While scorching in the summer months, these parks combine great scenery, desert blooms and good hiking and rock climbing, making southern California really appealing in winter. Desert sunsets are the best, hand downs, and seeing them over the mountains, canyons, sand dunes and rock formations is nothing short of perfect. A week in Joshua Tree and Death Valley (4hrs apart) makes a great trip in the cooler months.
Avg Winter Temps: Joshua Tree Highs lower-60s, Lows lower-30s. Death Valley Highs upper-60s, Lows upper-30s
Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes:
Let’s face it—Hawaii is a tropical paradise year round. The weather doesn’t vary much throughout the seasons. A trip to Haleakala on Maui should include 2 days hiking on the summit (one day for acclimation at the overlooks, and one day in the “crater”) and a day hiking in Kipahulu. Add a day driving the road to Hana and a day for some snorkeling with the sea turtles. Hawaii Volcanoes on the Big Island requires a full day to explore the Kilauea summit and possibly a second day for the Mauna Loa Road. Note that the Big Island tends to be rainier than Maui.
Avg Winter Temps: Summit Highs lower-60s, Lows mid 40s (10 degrees warmer at sea level)
Virgin Islands (St John) and American Samoa (Honorable Mentions):
These national parks are located on US Territories in the Caribbean and South Pacific, respectively. They’d make great winter getaways.
What do you think? Have you visited any of these yet? Would you add a Winter Park to this list?