11 Best National Parks to See in Winter

Visiting America’s national parks in the summer has become something of a rite of passage now. However, what heat-seeking sightseers are missing is what might just be their best-kept secret: winter. As wintertime arrives, the freezing temperatures completely transform the parks’ landscapes, whether it’s the snow-covered forests of Kings Canyon and Sequoia in California or the ice-coated coastal cliffs of Maine’s Acadia National Park. The best national parks to see in winter allow us to explore them via hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and in many other ways that summer does not, and it’s a rather special way to see these stunning landscapes outside of their high season. Yet for many other parks, wintertime is indeed the high season, like Arizona’s Saguaro National Park or the sawgrass marshy landscapes of the Floridian Everglades.

One thing’s for sure: whether you want to escape the chilly temperatures or feel the satisfying crunch of snow under your feet, you’ll be able to do so without the summer crowds. After all, the parks turn into quiet and tranquil winter wonderlands when the chill arrives. So, whether you’re craving a warmer wintery escape or a snowy scenery a-la Narnia, here’s a detailed guide to visiting the very best national parks that America has to offer during wintertime. After all, they also happen to be some of the most amazing national parks on earth.

Zion National Park, Utah

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We begin the list with Zion National Park in Utah, which looks nothing short of an ice-cream sundae in wintertime. Just like Bryce and Arches National Parks, the red rock canyons at this Utah destination sparkle and shimmer when it snows, looking all the more dramatic when cloaked in white. We snapped stunning pictures of these snow-dusted, rust-hued cliffs from the Pa’rus Trail, which were mob- and crowds-free. What’s great is that winters in Zion are relatively warm, reaching 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius) during the day. However, the days are very wet, as the park gets nearly half of its annual precipitation between December and March. So, be prepared to encounter trail closures due to ice and snow.

There’s a lot to do in Zion in winter besides hiking. The season is a photographer’s dream, as they have an easier time snapping stunning landscape photographs without crowds. It’s also the perfect setting for stargazing, with night sky-friendly light fixtures casting downward light to preserve the darkness of the night sky.

While winter offers a ton of camping opportunities, we wanted to be comfortable when out of the cold, ultimately choosing Zion Lodge. The centrally located lodge is the sole in-park lodging and we loved the collection of comfortable rooms and amenities including a restaurant, bikes on rent, and an outdoor patio/viewing point.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

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Joshua Tree National Park has long been the star of hippie-generated folklore, whether it’s the dreamy desert towns nearby or the U2 album that shares its name with the national park. Having long been a hub for peeps looking to escape urban SoCal, this bush-and-boulder-dotted park straddling the Mojave and Colorado deserts make for a serene winter escape.

Wintertime in Joshua Tree is mecca for world-class rock climbers, as bouldering when the granite is cool is a delightfully pleasant experience. What’s more, there are also a ton of family-friendly hiking trails and scenic drives. We also perused the Cholla Cactus Garden and scrambled up the huge monzogranite boulders along the Arch Rock Nature Trail.

Since we wanted to stay inside the park, we snagged a reservation at AutoCamp Joshua Tree, one of the most unusual campsites retreats we’d ever seen. Think of it as tiny home-like hotel rooms in the form of cabins or airstreams set amidst the stunning outdoor areas for an “upscale” camping experience. Our digs were surrounded by serene desert land, but the comforts were superb: a terrace, a restaurant, a shared lounge, and even a pool, making it a luxury nomadic escape. Did we mention the cute firepit area, a free bike rental service, and s’mores at sundown? And since we were able to spend the night in the park, we got access to some of the best, epic stargazing on the West Coast!

Everglades National Park, Florida

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Who thinks national parks in the wintertime are supposed to be icy cold and snowy? We’re talking about Everglades National Park in Florida, whose sauna-esque humidity is balanced by cooler mid-70s (Fahrenheit) temperatures in the wintertime. In fact, the winter weather here has average high temps of 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit (25-28 degrees Celsius). So, what can you do and see in the Everglades during winter?

Spanning more than 1.5 million acres, the Everglades are a massive network of forests, mangroves, and wetlands fed by a slow-moving river branching from Lake Okeechobee. Since it’s the largest subtropical wilderness in the country, activities like canoeing, hiking, and airboat tours abound. What’s more, the vast swampland’s water levels drop post the hurricane season, giving travelers a better opportunity to spot its most notorious resident: the alligator. Another great activity is enjoying an airboat tour at Gator Park, which is a fabulous way to acquaint yourselves with Floridian reptiles and birds. Also, don’t miss taking a motorboat tour to the Anhinga Trail’s sawgrass marshes.

Some of Miami’s best beachfront hotels are less than an hour from the national park. Our absolute favorite is 1 Hotel South Beach, which is also one of South Beach, Miami’s most luxurious hotels.

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Death Valley National Park, California

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Its name might not conjure images of a sought-after getaway, but Death Valley National Park is one of the most popular destinations in California. This treasure trove of secluded sand dunes, salt flats, and vibrant badlands is one of the best national parks to visit in wintertime, mainly due to the cooler temperatures. In January and February, for instance, the park boasts average daytime highs of 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius). Moreover, it’s sun-kissed all winter, the mild temperatures made hiking much more comfortable, and we were able to see the sights and attractions without the crowds.

On our winter visit, we hiked through the mustard-hued walls of Golden Canyon and soaked in the rosy glow of the sunrise from Zabriskie Point. Even the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and the Badwater Basin trails, the latter being one of the world’s most stunning salt flats, felt like serene pathways. Capturing the play of shadow and light on the colorful mineral deposits at the Artist’s Palette was a lot more delightful. Winding up the days are the desert skies at night, which are like an expansive, blackened canvas of stars. Did you know that the nights here are so dark that the region is classified as Gold Tier, the highest level, by the International Dark-Sky Association? Yes! So, you can spot many celestial objects that aren’t visible anywhere else in the world! 

After all that moving around, lounge poolside at the Inn at Death Valley, a fantastic hotel inside the park. We loved the 1920s architecture and date-palms vibe of this historic hotel, which boasts excellent digs, a fabulous outdoor pool, and the pinnacle of elegant, western kitsch dining at its onsite restaurant.

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

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Taking a break from all the snow, we travel across the North Pacific to 2 on the island of Maui in Hawaii. Translating to “house of the sun,” the national park is centered around the high-altitude, dormant eponymous volcano. What’s more, it’s a very different winter paradise as compared to the other snow-ridden ones on this list. Winter in Hawaii is all about lush tropical rainforests, awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes, and swaying palm trees. Since Haleakala sits at an elevation higher than the rest of the islands, the temperatures are significantly lower here, with a and a definite nip in the air.

The climate contrast is sharpest at Science City and the summit, which were cold as opposed to the warmth found at lower elevations. However, the crown jewel of the park, though, is the Sliding Sands Trail, which traversed the main crater and gets you up close with the vibrant cinder cones, endangered Silversword plants, and rust-hued rocks. If you’d rather relax and soak in the views from afar, pack a breakfast and make reservations to watch sunrise at the Leleiwi Overlook. Visiting Hawaii in winter is equal parts tranquil and thrilling.

When we visited the national park, we stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, one of the best oceanfront hotels in Maui.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

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Imagine a world that’s akin to an idyllic snow globe; that’s the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado for you. The state of Colorado is famed for being a winter destination, and the Rocky Mountains are its crowning glory. In fact, it’s home to some of the most gorgeous mountain cities in the US, including the romantic holiday village that is Estes Park. However, the park itself offers a gamut of recreational winter activities, including hiking, sledding, and world-class snowshoeing.

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Kids will especially love sledding in the former ski area of Hidden Valley, the only current sled zone in the park. Meanwhile, adults can venture into the backcountry on a skiing trip across the continental divide or on a front country snowshoeing trip to breathtaking Emerald Lake. Even the wildlife come around at this time, and you might be able to spot moose and elk on the snowy hillsides. Wrap up your day with a drink at the ornate Whiskey Bar at the Stanley Hotel. Do you love a good chill, and not the cold weather kind? The Stanley Hotel is one of the most haunted hotels in the world!

You might also want to check out the best ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

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If you’re wondering which park has the most snow throughout the year, it’ll probably be Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. As the most glaciated peak in the continental U.S., Mount Rainier is akin to a winter wonderland even in a sweltering summer. However, a wintertime visit to this stratovolcano means you’ll see all the snow you could possibly ask for in a winter landscape.

The Paradise, which lies on the south side of the park, features subalpine meadows and receives nearly 54 ft of snow every year! That’s why Mount Rainier is a popular spot for a whole boatload of winter activities, like climbing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, sliding, sledding, and even camping. In fact, Paradise is open throughout the day during the season. You could also enjoy a scenic winding drive through the shimmering, snow-covered pine forests. Or you could join a ranger-guided snowshoe walk in the morning and sip on hot afternoon tea by a crackling fire the at the historic National Park Inn, the only year-round lodging in the park.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

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Most people when asked when is the best time to see Yellowstone National Park will answer summer, which is probably why the park is jam-packed at that time. However, few know that winter vacations should definitely include the place where America’s National Park System began in March 1872. The park’s iconic landscapes are dotted with a plethora of wildlife in winter, such as wolves, moose, elk, and bison. Even its world-famous geysers appear more dramatic as the scalding geothermal waters shoot up in the cool air. So, while it doesn’t have the summer crowds, it’s not surprising to see a good number of visitors here in winter, given the many snow season snowshoeing, skiing, and snow-coach tours. 

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One of the best things about Yellowstone is the choice of inside-the-park lodgings, and we chose to stay at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. It opens for the winter season between mid-December and end of February and lies very close to the Old Faithful geyser. Besides wonderful lodge-like rooms and suites, we also got the chance to explore the geyser basin and watch wildlife up close in wintertime. That’s why it’s one of the best hotels to stay near Yellowstone National Park.

It’s no wonder that Yellowstone is one of the best US winter vacation spots.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

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How about we get out of the cold once more? Well, bitter cold, at least. Welcome to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a personal favorite, which made getting out in nature during wintertime a delightful, non-shivering experience. Half the winter days have highs of 50s (degrees Fahrenheit, 10-15 degrees Celsius, even as the barren trees become fortresses of snow and ice, turning it into a true winter wonderland. Pro tip: While the main roads usually remain clear, secondary ones could be shut. Also, since bears are in/beginning hibernation, you might catch glimpses of them once the foliage vanishes.

Hence, you can also easily hike the 800 mi (1,287 km) of trails, starting the day at Newfound Gap before hiking to Cades Cove or the craggy Alum Cave. Nights are best spent stargazing by the fire at a wonderful campground, or as we’ll detail below, “glampground.”

Interestingly, our favorite glamping brand, Under Canvas, has an outpost here! In fact, Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains remains open the longest before shutting for the winter season (they all do). Tucked right outside the town of Pigeon Forge, this stunning setting of a sea of safari-style luxurious tents had everything: a culinary restaurant, adventure packages, and a roster of activities including hikes, trivia nights, yoga, and whatnot. The tents themselves were the epitome of luxury, with king beds, full modern bathrooms, wood stoves, plush linens, seating areas, and a skylight above our bed.

You might also want to check out some of the other best hotels in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

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It’s hard to explain just how unearthly and wonderful Bryce Canyon’s gravity-defying limestone spires earthly spires — called hoodoos — look in winter. If these red hoodoos look mesmerizing in summers, just imagine them with a dusting of glittering, pristine white snow. Between November and March, hikers and photographers flock to the park’s majestic sunrise and sunset points to capture the faded light traveling across these rocky pinnacles.

If the snowpack permits, we highly recommend joining this ranger-led full moon snowshoeing hike by the National Park Service. Or you could don your snowshoes/microspikes (Ruby’s Inn lends them for rent) and travel between the two points on the Rim Trail, before warming up while driving to Rainbow Point.

If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, why now indulge in some world-class stargazing underneath what are some of the darkest skies in the West? In fact, the park offers Saturday astronomy programs as well during the winter season. If you’re here during President’s Day weekend sometime in the third week of February, don’t miss the annual Winter Festival.

Since the only lodging inside the park, the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, shuts in the winter, we stayed at the Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon City. It was a less than five-minute drive from the entrance to the park.

Acadia National Park, Maine

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If you’re the brave soul willing to venture into the heart of frigid Maine during wintertime, then your reward is the spectacular views at Acadia National Park. With an average 5 ft of snow (1.5 m), Acadia’s rocky headlands and evergreen forests are covered in a swath of blinding white, transforming the landscapes.

We followed the park’s scenic Ocean Drive, soaking in the striking views of the ragged Atlantic coastline of Mount Desert Island, with the waves crashing wildly against the shore. Meanwhile, cross-country skiers and snowshoers will also love the 45 mi (72 km) of groomed crushed-stone carriage trails, which boast some of the best winter hiking in the country. There are also multiple opportunities for dog sledding, ice fishing, and more. Are you an ambitious early riser? Climb Cadillac Mountain to catch a stunning winter sunrise. In fact, it’s the first place to see the sunrise in the U.S. between October to March!

Since there’s no wintertime camping, overnight parking, backcountry or “out-of-bounds” camping allowed inside the national park, we stayed at The Inn On Mount Desert in Bar Harbor. This swanky inn, which welcomes winter reservations, boasts oodles of New England charm, five wonderful rooms and suites with luxury hotel-like mod-cons, private terraces, and snacks and beverages round-the-clock. That’s why it’s not only one of the best hotels to stay near Acadia National Park, but it’s also one of Acadia’s best luxury hotels. Plus, we were just 20 minutes from Acadia’s entrance.

Which national parks are best for winter camping?

Some of the best national parks for winter camping include Haleakalā National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park, among others.

How to see Old Faithful in the winter?

Even if you stay inside Yellowstone National Park, the Old Faithful geyser is only accessible via commercially-operated snowmobiles or snowcoaches.

Which is the coldest national park in winter on this list?

That would be Acadia National Park in Maine, which sees well-below-freezing temperatures for most of the season in almost every corner of the park.