The 12 Best National Parks To Visit In Winter In The USA

If you want to visit national parks in winter, you have lots of choices. While the glaciers and mountains of Alaska might be challenging, there are plenty of parks that are open and beautiful in winter.

The parks of the southwest are mostly at a high altitude, so can get snow, but this can make a pleasant contrast from the grueling that of summer, and the red rocks are especially summer when contrasted with dustings of white powder.

Others, like those in Florida and the south are actually at their peak in the cooler winter months.

Here are our picks for the best national parks to visit in winter in the USA.

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12 Epic US National Parks in Winter You Will Love

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If you like hiking, check out the best winter hikes in US national parks.

1. Death Valley National Park

California/ Nevada

Death Valley is the hottest place in earth. Summer temperatures are regularly well above 100°F and being outside in the middle of the day is well nigh impossible.

Winter, however, is a different story, and this is the perfect time to visit. January temperatures are typically around 70°F/ 20°C in the day, so you can comfortably get out and explore the dunes, flats, slot canyons and other trails.

There is even snow on the peaks surrounding the valley, which makes a lovely backdrop for the desert beauty. The winter skies are usually clear, making this a great place for star gazing too.

INSIDER TIP: Because this is one of the best national parks in winter, it is also the busiest time to visit Death Valley National Park, so book accommodations ahead.

2. Grand Teton National Park

Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding Jackson Hole valley see a lot of snow in winter, turning the entire area into a beautiful winter wonderland. The jagged peaks of the Teton mountain range are especially stunning when covered in snow.

Most facilities close down in winter and a large section of the inner park road is closed to regular traffic. However, nearby Jackson Hole has plenty of accommodations, the outer road is open and the inner road is groomed several times a week for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

INSIDER TIP: Put on some snowshoes or slip Microspikes over your hiking boots and hike out to Taggart Lake for some of the best mountain views.

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is another winter wonderland. The lakes and waterfalls are frozen and the entire park is blanketed in snow. This makes for great winter hiking and breathtaking scenery.

Estes Park has plenty of accommodation options and makes a great base from which to explore the eastern section of the park.

Winter is a great time to see wildlife too, as many animals head to lower areas to escape the worst of the snow. Elk and bighorn sheep are commonly seen.

Bear Lake Rocky Mountain National Park winter

INSIDER TIP: The park is divided into two separate sections when the high pass on Trail Ridge Road is closed for winter, so you will need to decide whether to stay in Estes Park to the east or Grand Lake to the west.

4. Arches National Park

Utah

Arches National Park is an easy choice as one of the best national parks to visit in the winter. The park is stunning, but there is only one road through it, which can be clogged with traffic in summer. The park also sees summer temperatures soar well into the 90’s and beyond.

In winter, you will often have the park to yourself, and the red arches and fins covered in snow make for especially beautiful photos, especially framed against a bright blue sky.

Although trails may be closed if it snows, the weather is often mild and many of the trails are quite easy, so this is also one of the best national parks to hike in the winter.

INSIDER TIP: Be mindful that the road can be closed temporarily for clearing after snow, so check the weather and call ahead to check.

READ MORE: Guide to Arches National Park

5. Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

Although many of the roads are closed in winter and snow can come as early as September, Yellowstone makes the shortlist as the best national park for winter activities and wildlife viewing.

Brightly colored pools surrounded by white and spouting geysers rising from snowy fields are especially dramatic. Winter is a great time to see wildlife such as wolves, bighorn sheep, elk, bison and moose.

Yellowstone is also a prime place to head for winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

INSIDER TIP: The only road open throughout the winter months is the road from the northeast entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs, but many of the other sights such as Old Faithful and the lodges there can be accessed by snow coach or snow mobile.

6. Bryce Canyon National Park

Utah

Bryce Canyon is famous for the orange hoodoos (spires) crowded into Bryce Amphitheater. Seeing them surrounded by and contrasted with the white of fresh snowfall is stunning. If you are willing to brave the cold, you will be rewarded with jaw dropping views and frequent clear skies.

It’s one of the best national parks for winter hiking, though you will need appropriate boots and traction. Many of the trails are groomed for cross country skiing. If you don’t fancy that, you can easily enjoy the views from the rim.

INSIDER TIP: Check weather updates to make sure the park is not temporarily closed for winter weather when you plan to visit.

7. Everglades National Park

Florida

This is one of the best warm national parks in winter. Summer sees crazy heat, humidity and mosquitoes.

In winter, temperatures are in the high 70’s, humidity is low and the bugs are gone. Lower water levels also make seeing wildlife such as alligators, manatees and water birds easier. Consequently, winter is actually the busy season in the Everglades.

INSIDER TIP: You can visit the park on a kayak tour or by taking an airboat around the waterways.

8. Zion National Park

Utah

Zion National Park is another of the best Utah national parks in winter. The park is fairly small and incredibly popular, so it can get very crowded in summer.

In winter, there are fewer people and the scenery is just as stunning. In fact, the canyon walls and red rocks are even more dramatic dusted in snow.

In addition, the main road through the canyon is closed to car traffic for most of the year, but is open for January, February and part of December. Although it can be cold, you can still hike the Narrows (the famous river hike) by renting a dry suit from one of the operators in nearby Springdale.

INSIDER TIP: Winter is the wettest season, so check for road and/ or trail closures before heading out.

READ MORE: Guide to Zion National Park

9. Dry Tortugas National Park

Florida

One of the warmest national parks in winter, Dry Tortugas National Park is a perfect escape from the northern chills.

The park consists of seven small islands in 100 square miles of open water, about 70 miles (113 km) off the coast from Key West.

The incredible Fort Jefferson is a highlight, but the main reason to visit is the snorkeling and diving. The waters are crystal clear and bright blue, the colorful coral reefs are amazing, the marine life stunning, and the winter weather just about as perfect as you can get.

INSIDER TIP: Boat trips out to Dry Tortugas National Park leave from Key West.

10. Joshua Tree National Park

California

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best California national parks in winter. The highlights of the park are the awesome evergreen Joshua trees that give the park its name. But they are desert trees and do not provide shade.

Summer can be scorching and with little relief from the heat, it can be a bit much. The park is much cooler in winter but, although it can snow at the higher altitudes, this is rare lower down.

INSIDER TIP: Clear skies make this one of the best places in the country for great star gazing at night, so make sure you schedule a night visit when the skies are clear.

READ MORE: Guide to Joshua Tree National Park

11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tennessee, North Carolina

America’s most visited park is wonderful at any time of year and definitely one of the best national parks in the winter.

After snowfall, when the trees are covered in snow, it becomes a veritable winter wonderland. You can also discover remnants of previous occupancy such as stone walls and foundations that are hidden in leafier months.

great smoky mountains national park winter

INSIDER TIP: As with all of the snow winter parks, check for weather warnings and temporary road closures after snowfall.

12. Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona

Grand Canyon is not only one of seven natural wonders of the world, it is also one of the best national parks during winter.

With only 10% of annual visitors there during winter, you won’t have to deal with crowds and the wildlife tends to be more active with fewer people around to disturb them. Plus, a dusting of snow on the upper reaches of the canyon makes the colors pop.

The north rim, which is a higher altitude, is closed in winter, but the south rim is open year-round. You can hike the Bright Angel Trail and once you get below the rim, the temperatures warm up and hiking is much more pleasant than during the heat of summer.

INSIDER TIP: While afternoons are sunny, it can be foggy in the morning, so plan you day around the weather.

Do you have another national park you love in winter?  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

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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 most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides 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, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.