15 Of The Best National Parks To Visit In Winter

Many of the nation’s most popular parks find their crowded trails nearly empty come winter. This provides a great opportunity to see the sites in a more peaceful setting… not to mention, a great excuse to plan a little winter getaway!

Whether you’re seeking snowy solitude or the tropics for a reprieve from the cold, there’s something for you!

These are the best national parks to visit in winter!

The Best National Parks To Visit In Winter

Saguaro National Park

Location: Southern Arizona

Saguaro National Park is simply too hot in the summer months, averaging highs in the 100°F’s. Whereas winter is usually sunny with mild temperatures in the 60°F’s. This is an excellent time to enjoy the park’s longer hikes and expansive desert views. 

Admire the staggering Saguaro cacti from the Valley View Trail, Signal Hill Petroglyph Trail, or the Bajada Loop. Biking and horse backing riding are also very popular ways to see this unique park.

Wrap up your day by watching a breathtaking sunset, this national park provides some of the best. 

Are park campsites open? Yes, although freezing temperatures are possible at night.

Zion National Park

Location: Southern Utah

Despite the fact that Zion National Park offers better weather in winter months than in summer, crowds thin out significantly this time of year. Smaller crowds and good weather are what make this one of the best national parks in winter!

Take a scenic drive through Zion Canyon, the route is only open to private vehicles during winter, with shuttle buses being your only option for a majority of the year, making this a must if you’re visiting in winter.

Following your cruise, enjoy the park’s most popular trails. My favorite hikes are Emerald Pools, Zion Canyon Overlook Trail, and The Narrows.

Note: The park’s most famous hike, Angel’s Landing, characterized by dizzying 1,000 foot drops, can close periodically in winter.  

Be sure to also keep an eye out for deer and wild turkeys, which are are abundant in the canyon during colder months.

For lots more information, check out my Zion National Park 2-Day Guide.

Are park campsites open? Yes, but know temperatures can be freezing at night.

Everglades National Park

Location: Southern Florida

Winter is dry season in Everglades National Park making it an excellent time to visit. Mild temperatures and less bugs make this the most popular time of year to visit.

Additionally, it happens to be one of the best times to spot wildlife. Water levels drop in winter, drawing large numbers of animals to congregate around remnant water holes.

Hike through Shark Valley, birdwatch, or join a ranger-led tour through the wetlands. If you’re up for an adventure, consider zipping around the wetlands on a fast-paced airboat ride.

Are park campsites open? Yes, watch out for gators.

Looking for more warm weather parks? Check out The Warmest National Parks In Winter.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: Colorado

Winter is a spectacular time to visit the snow-covered wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park. A visit to the park during the off-season offers a unique opportunity to experience the quieter side of this normally bustling national park. 

Enjoy a quiet day in Rocky Mountain National Park snowshoeing, sledding, or cross-country skiing.

Keep an eye out for deer and elk, who spend their winter in the park’s lower elevations. You’re sure to get some incredible winter photos during your visit. 

For lots more information, check out Rocky Mountain National Park In Winter: Top Things To Do

Are park campsites open? Yes, but you will need to be prepared to camp in snow.

Joshua Tree National Park

Location: Southeastern California

Winter in Joshua Tree National Park is wonderful with plentiful sunshine and highs in the mid 60°Fs. Despite this, winter is relatively quiet in Joshua Tree, meaning there’s plenty of desert space for you to roam. 

Visit Joshua Tree’s top attractions such as Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks, and Cholla Cactus Garden. Hike Ryan Mountain, Hidden Valley Nature Trail, or simply wander through the dense Joshua Trees. No matter, end your day stargazing, this is one of the top dark sky locations in California.   

Are park campsites open? Yes, and Joshua Tree has many of them, but know temperatures can be freezing at night.

Arches National Park

Location: Utah

Winter in Arches is a tranquil experience. The cooler months extinguish the crowds and the blistering heat that can plague summertime visits. But know that winter here sees ice and snow, which will limit winter activities. Having said that, I still think this is one of the best national parks in winter. 

If weather is on your side, visit the park’s most iconic attractions including the Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Landscape Arch, and the Windows Section. If you’re planning to hike, be sure to bring crampons, the park’s sandstone can be very slick with just a little snow or ice. 

For more information, check out my Arches National Park One Day Guide.

Are park campsites open? Yes, but night-time freezing temperatures and snow are common. 

Yosemite National Park

Location: Northern California 

Yosemite National Park is cold and snowy from November through April. The dense snow brings to life a whole different experience than that found in the summer months, it’s absolutely magical come winter!

Spend a chilly afternoon snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice skating in Yosemite. Take a scenic drive through a winter wonderland and photograph the park’s iconic sites covered in snow. Yosemite might be the most picturesque when the sun comes out just after a snowstorm has hit. 

Are park campsites open? Yes, but you will need to be prepared to camp in snow.

White Sands National Park

Location: Southern New Mexico

White Sands National Park is incredibly unique in that it’s the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The bright white sand has an intensity that is hard to describe and can be absolutely brutal under the summer sun.

Skip this park in the warmer months and explore it in winter instead, when the highs average around the mid 50°Fs and 60°Fs. 

This park is great for sand sledding and hiking. Head out to Alkali Flat Trail, follow the trail for a bit, then find your own dune off trail for sledding or quiet reflection. Just be sure to always keep a trail marker in sight, it’s easy to become disoriented in the sea of white.

Following a fun day of sledding and hiking, stick around for sunset, this park has some of the best. 

Tip: While you’re in the area, also consider a visit to nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park or Guadalupe Mountains National Park. 

I loved visiting White Sands National Park in December, which you can read about here: White Sands National Park One Day Guide.

Are park campsites open? Yes, temperatures can reach freezing at night.

Death Valley National Park 

Location: Southern California / Nevada 

Death Valley regularly sees highs above 100°F in the summer months. Avoid the nauseating heat and visit this park in winter instead. You’ll find cool days, chilly nights and hardly any perception. And with snow capping the high peaks in the distance, winter is especially beautiful for exploring the valley. 

Winter is perfect for hiking in this desert national park. Check out Badwater Basin Crossing, Zabriskie Point Trail, and Artists Palette. When night falls, be sure to curl up with a blanket enjoy the Death Valley starry sky. 

Are park campsites open? Yes, it is possible for temperatures to reach freezing at night

Biscayne National Park 

Location: Southern Florida

Winter months are best in this tropical national park, it’s when you’ll find mild temperatures, plenty of sun, and the fewest bugs.

Biscayne National Park is made up of four ecosystems: coastal mangrove hammocks, Biscayne Bay’s shallow lagoon waters, coral limestone keys, and the third-largest offshore reef in the world.

Since 95% of the park is underwater, it’s best explored by boat or snorkeling. However, there are a few hikes and shorelines worth exploring. If you’d prefer to enjoy your time on land, have a picnic and watch for wildlife on Elliott Key, the largest island in the park. 

Are park campsites open? Yes, spots are limited.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Location: Southern Utah

Winter is a fantastic time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. The park is located 8,000 feet above sea level, meaning its covered in snow for the majority of the winter. Witnessing the red, hoodoo-filled canyon blanketed in snow is a sight you’ll never forget.

During your visit, admire the park’s most popular viewpoints: Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, Paria, and Bryce Point. Then enjoy quiet serenity while snowshoeing into the canyon via Queens Garden Loop. Be sure to also take the short hike to Mossy Cave, which is covered in ice during the winter months.

For lots more information, check out my Bryce Canyon National Park Winter Guide.

Are park campsites open? Yes, but be prepared to camp in snow.

Big Bend National Park

Location: Southwestern Texas

Big Bend National Park is remotely located in the Chihuahuan Desert of far west Texas. The park is known for limestone canyons, desert wildlife, and epic stargazing. It sees mild and clear winters, making it perfect for a winter visit.  

The deep canyons surrounding the Rio Grande River provide stunning views for rafters and paddlers, while the Chisos Mountains offer challenging hikes and quiet summits. Come nightfall, be ready to stargaze and soak in the hot springs.

Are park campsites open? Yes, temperatures can reach freezing at night.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Location: North Carolina / Tennessee 

Great Smoky Mountain is the nation’s most visited national park, seeing over 11 million visitors each year(!). Fortunately, the park is quite peaceful in the winter months, with much less visitors than spring through fall. In fact, smaller crowds are the reason we chose to visit this national park in winter.

It’s typical for the park’s peaks to be covered in snow all winter, but the lower elevations receive much less powder, making a winter visit very do-able. 

View some of the park’s most popular waterfalls without the crowds, like Rainbow Falls, Laurel Falls, and Hen Wallow Falls, any of which maybe frozen during the winter.

Skiing is also popular at the parks higher elevations in the winter months. Above all, enjoy quiet scenic drives and peaceful strolls through this park that normally sees millions of visitors each month. 

Are park campsites open? Yes, but be prepared for snow and freezing temperatures. 

Grand Canyon National Park

Location: Northern Arizona 

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, so it’s no surprise the park sees a huge number of visitors each year. However, the hustle and bustle of summer gives way to peaceful solitude as the weather turns cold.

Experiencing the magnificence of the Grand Canyon all alone is why this park makes its way onto this list of best national parks to visit in winter.

While things move at a much slower pace come winter, there’s still plenty to do. Snowshoe into the canyon, enjoy scenic drives, and take in a sunset on a quiet vista. Be sure to also stay up late for some epic stargazing.  

For more ideas, check out my Grand Canyon National Park One Day Guide.

Note: Grand Canyon National Park – North Rim is closed in winter, but the South Rim remains open.

Are park campsites open? On the South Rim, yes, but be prepared for snow and freezing temperatures.

Yellowstone National Park In Winter

Location: Wyoming / Montana 

Many wonder, “Can you visit Yellowstone in the winter?” In fact, you can! If you’re up for a serious winter adventure, Yellowstone should be calling your name.

There is only one road that remains open during the winter in this park. Otherwise snowmobiles, snowcoaches, and skies are the main means of transportation around here, making this one of the most extreme national parks in winter.

Join a guided to tour to see famous attractions, such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. Take in this beautiful, remote, and snow covered park by snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice skating. Or simply wrap up in blankets, grab a hot chocolate and keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife that calls Yellowstone home. 

Are park campsites open? The only campground in winter is Mammoth Hot Springs. Be prepared for snow camping. 

Planning to visit a national park this winter? Where are you headed?

If you’d like to follow along with my travels in real time, check out @seen.by.amy on Instagram or @seenbyamy on TikTok!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional national park guides or head on over to NPS!

More Winter Destination Guides:

• Warm Winter Getaways In The United States
• Mexico Winter Vacation Destinations
• East Coast Winter Vacation Destinations
• Colorado: Best Places To Visit In Winter
• Warm Spring Break Destinations In The United States