Best National Parks to Visit in the Winter
If you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of our National Parks year round, read on to learn about the best National Parks to visit in the winter! Often when we think of exploring the Parks, we think of warm weather and summer. However, starting in January it’s natural to start feeling a bit stir-crazy and begin craving outdoor adventures. The good news is, the National Parks can certainly be enjoyed in all seasons; but some more than others! If you’re hoping to plan a National Park trip during the colder months (January-April), here are the top Parks we recommend:
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Why we recommend this park:
While Rocky Mountain National Park has world-renowned views year-round, visiting in the winter is the best way to experience a true winter wonderland. This Park is ideal for exploring during the winter due to its abundance of snowshoeing trails. Many of the main roads in the park remain open and well maintained because of the high demand of snowshoers in the winter. Frozen lakes, waterfalls, and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains make this park a top winter destination out west.
Top snowshoeing trails:
- Emerald Lake Trail
- Dream Lake
- The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail
- Alberta Falls Trail
- Bear Lake Nature Trail
- Lake Haiyaha
- Mills Lake via Glacier Gorge Trail
Trip considerations:
-Average winter temperatures range from 13 to 36 degrees fahrenheit.
-If visiting during winter months, come very prepared with warm gear and lots of layers. Multiple pairs of socks, good snow boots, snow pants, good gloves/hats and layers on top are recommended.
-You can rent snowshoes from local rental shops such as Estes Park Mountain Shop and Never Summer Mountain Products depending on what park entrance you are using.
-Plan to stay in either the town of Estes Park or the town of Grand Lake to access the park easily. Both have plenty of hotel/house rental options to accommodate your stay.
-Be sure to check trail conditions, road reports and weather reports leading up to your trip.
2. Death Valley National Park
Why we recommend this park:
Known as the hottest National Park in the US, Death Valley is not the most sought after park during warmer months (for obvious reasons). However, winter is a lovely time of year to explore this park without the harsh sun. You can fully enjoy the trails and geological wonders of Death Valley with ideal conditions during winter months. For added beauty, visit from February to April to experience wildflower season in the park!
Top hiking trails:
- Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail
- Dante’s View Trail
- Artists Drive
- Artist’s Palette Overlook
- Mount Perry
- Death Valley Natural Bridge Road
- Styx Canyon
- Coffin Canyon
Trip Considerations:
-Average winter temperatures range from 40 to 80 degrees fahrenheit.
-If visiting during winter months, prepare for heat during the day and large drops in temperatures as the sun goes down. You will want to come with a wide variety of clothing to accommodate for these temperature shifts throughout each day.
-The closest towns for lodging during your trip are Death Valley Junction (California), Pahrump (California), or Beatty (Nevada). There are a few hotel accommodations within the park, but they are quite pricey!
-Death Valley is known for its clear and vast night sky. Be sure to set aside a night for stargazing!
3. Mount Rainier National Park
Why we recommend this park:
Mount Rainier has no shortage of snowfall each winter, making it an idyllic park for lovers of snow sports! This National Park has a ski resort within the park (Crystal Mountain), and also allows for alpine, backcountry skiing for the more advanced skiers. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding, and winter camping can also be enjoyed during winter months.
Top snowshoeing trails:
- Myrtle Falls Viewpoint
- Skyline Trail
- Panorama Point from Paradise Inn
- Nisqually Vista Trail
- Narada Falls Trail
- Paradise Glacier Trail
Trip Considerations:
-Average winter temperatures range from 11 to 30 degrees fahrenheit.
-If visiting during winter months, come very prepared with warm gear and lots of layers. Multiple pairs of socks, good snow boots, snow pants, good gloves/hats and layers on top are recommended.
-Snowshoes, snowmobiles or ski gear rentals can be found at International Mountain Guides.
-There are several small towns in close proximity to Mount Rainier such as Enumclaw, Eatonville, and Ashford (all located in Washington). There are plenty of lodging options within the park, but prepare to spend more if you choose one of the in-park options!
-Be sure to check trail conditions, road reports and weather reports leading up to your trip.
4. Grand Canyon National Park
Why we recommend this park:
Winter in the Grand Canyon is often considered the “secret season”, because crowds are the lowest, skies are clear, and the temperatures are much more manageable for enjoying the trails all day. In fact, only about 10% of the park’s annual visitors While the Grand Canyon does get some snow, the gorgeous red canyons dusted in a soft layer of white certainly offer a different kind of beauty.
Top hiking trails:
- Bright Angel Trail
- South Kalibab Trail to OoH Aah Point
- Grand Canyon Rim: Mules to Mather Point
- 1.5 Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail
- Three-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail
- Yavapai Point via Rim Trail
- Shoshone Point Trail
- Hopi Point Trail
Trip Considerations:
-Average winter temperatures range from 38 to 80 degrees fahrenheit.
-If visiting during winter months, prepare for heat during the day and large drops in temperatures as the sun goes down. You will want to come with a wide variety of clothing to accommodate for these temperature shifts throughout each day.
-Be sure to wear hiking boots with good grip when hiking since trail conditions could be snowy/icy at certain points. Spikes for your boots could also be helpful depending upon trail conditions and weather.
-Take note that it is roughly a 5 hour drive between the Grand Canyon’s north and south rims. For that reason, most visitors plan their trip around visiting one rim or the other. Plan ahead on which rim you plan to book lodging nearest to, and the hikes/activities you will do.
-The closest towns for lodging near the Grand Canyon are Tusayan, Grand Canyon Junction, Williams, Cameron and Flagstaff (all located in Arizona). Because the Grand Canyon is one of the top-visited National Parks annually, there are also plenty of options, both luxury and budget-friendly, for lodging within the park.
Have you visited any of these National Parks in winter months? Which are locations you’d enjoy visiting this winter?