This post is about the best national parks to visit in winter.
Winter can be a difficult time for us road-trippers and nature enthusiasts, especially if you don’t like the cold or driving on snowy roads. However, there are a lot of national parks that truly shine this time of year and are worth taking a special winter trip to see.
Not only are there less crowds in the winter season, but you are blessed with a special view of the awe-inspiring scenery that not everyone gets to see.
America’s National Parks are open year-round and exploring with fewer crowds, avoiding high season traffic, and experiencing unique weather conditions is the perfect way to see the true beauty of the United States.
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Why Visit National Parks in Winter?
- To see the parks in a unique weather pattern. Spring, summer and fall are the most popular seasons for most national parks. Adventuring them in the winter gives you the opportunity to see the parks in a different light, sometimes scattered with snow and with less people crowding your photos.
- Cheaper costs. Hotel rates especially run low during the off season are national parks. You can enjoy a luxury lodge for a quarter of the price! And if you like winter camping, most times the campsites are pretty empty, so you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. Gas stations in the area tend to have lower prices as well.
- Restaurant discounts. A lot of the time in the off season local restaurants tend to have specials or happy hours to draw more people in for business. Keep in mind though some establishments may have shorter hours than what is typical in the summer.
- Fewer crowds. One of the best parts about visiting in the winter is less people. To me, it is so much more relaxing going on hikes, taking scenic drives, and enjoying the scenery in general when there is fewer people and cars around.
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Know Before You Go
Utah’s “Mighty Five” are all great National Parks to visit in the winter!
- Be prepared for road conditions. Check the park service’s website of the park you’re visiting and be aware of any road closures.
- Gear up for snowy trails. Snow and ice is common in a lot of national parks during the winter and its important to be prepared. Get trekking poles, appropriate footwear, and be sure to check the park’s website to see trail conditions and closures.
- Wear appropriate clothing. This may be a no brainer, but its important to dress for the weather to avoid freezing. Dress in layers; you can always remove clothing but you can’t put on clothes you don’t have!
- Enjoy no timed entry tickets! If you’re visiting these parks from November to March, you don’t have to worry about reserving a timed entry ticket. During the summer months, visitation is at a high and as a result many parks require you reserve a time slot for when you plan to visit the park. This makes it difficult if you tend to stay flexible during your travels, as you have to arrive during that time slot, and you cannot reenter unless you have another ticket. Luckily, in the winter you won’t have to worry about this!
Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
Arches National Park
Part of Utah’s famous “Mighty Five” national parks, Arches is one of the best parks to visit in the winter. This park gets packed in the summer, so you’d deal with crowds, hiking in the blistering sun with little to no shade, and overall just… not the best time.
Winter, however, is another story.
The crowds diminish significantly in these colder months. Some days it may feel like you have the whole park to yourself!
Not to mention, Arches is an international dark sky park, making it a great option for those looking for some winter camping.
Due to the desert-like climate, winters here get cold so be sure to dress accordingly. If you’re lucky and it snows on your visit, you’re in for a treat! There is nothing quite like a blanket of snow glittering on top of the red rock structures.
Winter is the best time to do the most popular hikes like Delicate Arch, making for a great photo op of the famous structure without crowds obscuring your view.
Check out this post for a detailed guide of visiting Arches in the winter!
Lodging Recommendations
Red Cliffs Lodge Moab
A gorgeous lodge with useful amenities like kitchenettes as well as fireplaces and balconies. There are different room types like suites and others that offer incredible views of the red rock landscape.
Everglades National Park
November through April is considered the dry season in the Everglades – and the best time to visit!
With low humidity, less bugs, mild temperatures and less rain, the Everglades are absolutely stunning this time of year. Mosquitos may linger in some areas around dusk or dawn so still be sure to bring some bug spray just in case.
Because of the warm winters in Florida, some species flock to the area, making it a great opportunity for viewing wildlife. We highly recommend taking one of the guided tours of this park to fully immerse yourself in the experience and learn more about the park. There are boating tours, airboat tours, tram and hiking tours available in the park, all offering a unique experience.
Because of the pleasant conditions, this time of year can get pretty busy. Keep this in mind when booking tours or lodging options.
Lodging Recommendations
Travelodge by Wyndham Florida City/Homestead/Everglades
The Travelodge is the best bang for your buck outside of the Everglades. For a great price, you get everything you need like free breakfast and free parking, while also boasting flat-screen TVs and a large pool.
Big Bend National Park
Located in the hot Texas desert, Big Bend is the perfect park to visit in the winter.
Temperatures average in the 60s and 70s during the winter months, as well as low amounts of rain. Camping is a great option in Big Bend during the winter.
By beating the extreme heat that occurs in the other seasons in this park, you are able to take hikes and see other parts of the park you might avoid because of heat advisories for safety reasons. Keep in mind elevation changes throughout the park and to dress in layers ensuring a comfortable trip.
Because of these pleasantries, the park can get busy during the winter months. Be sure to book lodging or campsites ahead of time just in case. Drink plenty of water while exploring, as the dryness can be dehydrating.
We recommend doing all three scenic drives if you have the time, as well as hiking. This time of year is perfect for doing hikes like the Lost Mine Trail, the Balanced Rock Trail, and the Window Trail. You can also choose to take a kayak out on the Rio Grande, a beautiful and relaxing way to experience the park.
Lodging Recommendations
Stardust Big Bend Luxury A-Frames
For a unique experience, book an A-Frame cabin for your stay at Big Bend National Park. These cabins are great for longer stays because they boast more space than your typical hotel room and also come with a full kitchen and huge floor to ceiling windows offering incredible views.
Death Valley National Park
The hottest, dryest, and lowest national park in the country is a joy to visit during the winter.
With comfortable temperatures, hiking is a breeze in Death Valley compared to the extreme heat that occurs during the summer.
Since there is dangerous heat during the summer, winter is a more popular time to visit this park compared to the others. Despite winter being DV’s high season, you likely still won’t encounter immense crowds, because this park is so large.
Like the other parks, camping during this time of year is nice, but it does get very cold at night. Be prepared for temperatures below freezing. Once the sun goes down, it gets cold! Keep in mind the areas of the park you are in as well, as at higher elevations it will be much colder.
During winter, the mountain peaks get a dusting of snow and due to the angle of the sun, beautiful winter light fills the valley. Although rare, winter is can bring rainstorms, which in turn give the valley a beautiful blanket of wildflowers in the spring.
The Father Crowley Vista is a great place to see the sunrise. Zabriskie Point Trail is a little trail with an awesome view, and we highly recommend checking out Artist’s Palette for sunset (or anytime, really).
If you want to do some hiking, be sure to check trail conditions, especially if you’re visiting after a strong rainfall.
Lodging Recommendations
Longstreet Inn & Casino
Longstreet is one of the best affordable options near Death Valley. There is a restaurant onsite as well as a pool, bar and casino, making it a great spot to find some fun after exploring the park all day.
Saguaro National Park
Winter is a great time for hiking in Saguaro National Park. Hiking the trails is much more pleasant in the cool winter weather rather than the extreme Arizona heat the summer can bring.
That being said, the desert can get quite cold, especially when the sun goes down, so be sure to bundle up in layers to make sure you stay comfortable.
In addition to hiking, there are also opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Some animals, like deer, coyotes, and reptiles, are more active during the winter; and you may also spot some rare migratory birds.
The winter light also sheds a beautiful glow on the desert landscape. Get your day started bright and early in the morning since the sun sets so early in the day to get as much exploring in as possible. But don’t leave before dark, as the sunsets in Saguaro are an incredible sight, and the stargazing is also a spectacular experience.
Lodging Recommendations
Hilton Tucson East
The Hilton is a great hotel in a good location outside of the park, boasting amenities like mountain views, a bar, restaurant, pool and free wifi. While being just a short drive from the park, it is also close to downtown Tuscon as well.
Zion National Park
Zion is one of my favorite parks to visit during winter time. If you’re lucky enough to see some snow on your visit here, then you will be astounded by the beauty of snow on Utah’s famous red rocks. It is such a unique experience!
While hiking is a must do in Zion, be wary of trail conditions and be prepared. Trails can have icy spots, and its always a good idea to bring a few extra pieces of clothing with you, even if you leave them in the car. There’s nothing worse than hiking with wet gloves or a wet pantleg, and safety is also a concern.
Some great hikes to do during this time of year are the Riverside Walk, Pa’rus Trail or Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The shuttle also doesn’t typically run during this time, so you can enjoy driving in the park at your own leisure!
Shorter days in Zion is a photographer’s dream, (or anyone’s, for that matter). Winter days make it easier to catch a sunrise or sunset in the park; where you can experience the beautiful red rocks glowing in the sunlight. Avoiding crowds in your photos is always a plus, too!
Keep in mind that holidays are very busy in the park. Camping is still an option in the park during winter but keep in mind it gets very cold at night.
Lodging Recommendations
Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
Cliffrose Springdale is a fun hotel that is typically very pricy in the popular season, but prices drop immensely in the winter making it much more affordable. I love the look and vibe of this hotel, along with its gorgeous balcony views of the surrounding Utah landscape. There is also a spa, bar and restaurant here making it a great option to wind down after doing some exploring in Zion all day.
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