Best National Parks to Visit in November

(Incredible Views and Fewer Crowds)

November marks a massive shift in the national park system. While the northern and mountainous parks begin shutting down their roads and facilities for winter, the southern and desert parks are just entering their prime season.

The intense summer heat of the Southwest has completely vanished, making it the perfect time for long, exposed hikes without the risk of heat exhaustion. Meanwhile, parks in the Southeast finally see a drop in humidity and mosquito activity, opening the door for incredible wildlife viewing and comfortable exploration.

If you are trying to decide on the best national parks to visit in November, the secret is to head south or embrace the quiet, crisp air of the desert. These 10 incredible destinations offer the perfect mix of comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and stunning scenery to help you maximize your time and avoid the stress of peak-season travel.

The 10 Best National Parks in November

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

While October gets all the attention for fall foliage, Great Smoky Mountains remains one of the best national parks to visit in November if you time it right. In early November, you can still catch beautiful late-season fall colors in the lower elevations, such as Cades Cove and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

By mid-to-late November, the leaves have fallen, opening up expansive views through the bare trees that are hidden during the summer. The weather is crisp and cool, making it a great time for hiking without the oppressive humidity. Crowds thin out significantly after the peak October rush, making parking and navigating the scenic drives much more efficient.

➡️ Read my free Great Smoky Mountains Travel Guide for more information about the park.

9. Arches National Park

Arches is an amazing choice among national parks to visit in November because the logistical hurdles of summer are gone. The park’s timed entry reservation system typically ends on October 31st, when it’s in effect, meaning you can enter the park freely at any time of day without stressing over a ticket.

Temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s, which is ideal for hiking the exposed Devils Garden loop or the iconic trail to Delicate Arch. You may even see a dusting of early snow on the distant La Sal Mountains, providing a stunning white backdrop against the red sandstone arches. Mornings and evenings will be freezing, so pack warm layers for sunrise and sunset photography.

➡️ Read my free Arches Travel Guide for more information about the park.

➡️ Plan a trip to Arches with my detailed itineraries.

8. Congaree National Park

Congaree is often overlooked, but it is one of the most unique national parks to visit in November. Located in South Carolina, this park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States.

November is the absolute best time to visit because the notorious summer mosquitoes are finally gone, and the humidity has broken. Even better, Congaree experiences its peak fall foliage in early-to-mid November. The bald cypresses turn a beautiful rusty orange, and the tupelo trees turn yellow, making a canoe trip down Cedar Creek or a walk along the Boardwalk Loop Trail an incredible experience.

7. Saguaro National Park

If you want to escape the cold, Saguaro is one of the top national parks to visit in November. Located in the Sonoran Desert surrounding Tucson, Arizona, the park experiences brutal heat for most of the year. By November, daytime highs settle into the comfortable 70s.

This is the perfect weather to hike among the nation’s largest cacti. You can easily spend the day exploring the Bajada Scenic Loop in the West District or hiking the Freeman Homestead Trail in the East District without worrying about heat exhaustion.

➡️ Read my free Saguaro Travel Guide for more information about the park.

6. Big Bend National Park

Big Bend’s remote location in West Texas makes it a commitment to reach, but it’s one of the most rewarding national parks to visit in November. The scorching summer temperatures have passed, making it safe to hike the incredible Santa Elena Canyon Trail or the Window Trail.

November brings clear skies and mild days, though nights in the Chisos Basin can drop near freezing. Because the air is so clear and the park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, November offers some of the best stargazing in North America.

5. Zion National Park

Zion is a spectacular destination and easily one of the top national parks to visit in November. If you visit early in the month, you can still catch the bright yellow leaves of the cottonwood trees contrasting against the towering red Navajo sandstone cliffs along the Virgin River.

The cooler temperatures make the strenuous, exposed climb up Angels Landing much more comfortable. If you plan to hike The Narrows, the water will be very cold; renting a dry suit and neoprene socks from an outfitter in Springdale is mandatory this time of year.

Planning Tip: The Zion park shuttle usually runs on weekends only in November (and for the week of Thanksgiving). On weekdays, you can often drive your own vehicle down the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is a rare treat.

➡️ Read my free Zion Travel Guide for more information about the park.

➡️ Plan a trip to Zion with my detailed itineraries.

4. Everglades National Park

November marks the beginning of the dry season in Florida, making the Everglades one of the premier national parks to visit in November. As water levels drop across the “River of Grass,” wildlife is forced to congregate around the remaining deep water sloughs, making animal viewing incredibly easy.

You are almost guaranteed to see alligators, turtles, and a massive variety of wading birds along the Anhinga Trail. The drop in humidity and the disappearance of the worst summer bugs make hiking, kayaking, and taking an airboat tour a highly enjoyable experience.

3. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree comes alive in the late fall. It’s one of the most popular national parks to visit in November for rock climbers and hikers alike. With daytime highs in the mid-60s, you can comfortably spend all day exploring the massive boulder piles at Jumbo Rocks or hiking to Hidden Valley.

Because the weather is so perfect, November is the start of Joshua Tree’s peak season. Campgrounds fill up quickly, so you will need to book well in advance or plan to stay in the nearby towns of Twentynine Palms or Yucca Valley.

➡️ Read my free Joshua Tree Travel Guide for more information about the park.

2. Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is an iconic choice when looking for national parks to visit in November, especially if you stick to the South Rim. The North Rim is officially closed to vehicles for the winter, but the South Rim remains open year-round.

November brings crisp, clear air and daytime highs in the 50s to the South Rim. This is absolutely perfect weather for hiking down into the canyon on the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails without the severe risk of heat exhaustion that plagues summer hikers. Crowds are significantly reduced compared to October, making it much easier to find parking at the visitor center and popular viewpoints along Desert View Drive.

➡️ Read my free Grand Canyon Travel Guide for more information about the park.

➡️ Plan a trip to the Grand Canyon with my detailed itineraries.

1. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley takes the top spot because it transforms into arguably the best of all the national parks to visit in November. Known as the hottest place on earth during the summer, daytime highs in November drop into the highly comfortable 70s, making it the perfect time to explore.

You can comfortably walk out onto the salt flats of Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America), hike the Golden Canyon trail, or watch the sunrise at Zabriskie Point. The clear skies and mild weather also make exploring the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes an incredible experience.

Planning Tip: November is the start of Death Valley’s peak season. The annual Death Valley ’49ers Encampment usually takes place early in the month, bringing a surge of visitors and events, so book your accommodations at The Oasis or nearby campgrounds well in advance.

➡️ Read my free Death Valley Travel Guide for more information about the park.

Why November Still Shines

When looking for the best national parks to visit in November, the strategy is simple: follow the good weather. While the northern and mountainous parks are shutting down for winter, the desert and southern parks are just entering their prime.

What’s your favorite national park to visit in November?  Are there any other great August parks not listed here?  I’d love to hear about them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).

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About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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