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Lately, I’ve been thinking more about this Winter, where I’ll be, what I’ll be doing, all that good stuff. I’ve especially been dreaming about the Tetons in the winter. I love it. I don’t love winter, but nothing beats the Tetons under eight feet of snow with moose lounging around and an expensive purple juice. But this post isn’t all about the Tetons, it’s all about the best national parks to visit in the winter.
All parks deserve to be visited in the winter, and in the summer for that matter, but some have more to offer in the winter. Whether it’s better weather, fewer people, or unique activities, these are some of the best national parks to visit in the winter.
Yellowstone
Why
I love Yellowstone in the summer even though it’s ridiculously busy. However, there are two reasons you should go in the winter instead.
- There will be approximately 2 million fewer people there every day.
- It’s even more otherworldly than usual.
By visiting Yellowstone in the winter, you get to enjoy the beauty of the park without the crowds and under a five-foot thick blanket of snow. Plus, you can see all kinds of wildlife, too. I mean, a snow-covered bison pretty much is Yellowstone in the winter.
Photo by Photo Jeepers
What to do
There is less you can do in Yellowstone in the winter, but more at the same time. You can take a snowmobile tour around the park to spot wildlife, view the thermal features, and watch Old Faithful. If snowmobiling isn’t your thing, there is also a Snowcoach tour that takes you through the park to some of the main sights. You can even stay in Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins with the glorious Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin right outside your front door. This is a different lodge than the Old Faithful Inn which closes in the winter.
If you prefer getting around on foot, you can also snowshoe and cross-country ski your way around the park. If you’re really brave, you can camp at the Mammoth Springs campground in the winter as well.
Important information
The roads are closed to cars in the winter, so the only way to see the park is by snowmobile, Snowcoach, snowshoe, or cross-country skis. Most facilities in the park are also closed in the winter. Closures start in early September and go through November. The only things that remain open are the Old Faithful Lodge and Cabins and the hotel and campground at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Grand Teton
Why
Like Yellowstone an hour north, Grand Teton in the winter is wonderful. Like, I don’t love winter, but the Tetons in the winter is literally my favorite. It’s so pretty. There are no people. And I finally got to see a moose or 100. It’s a serene and relaxing experience unless you’re driving down the highway during a whiteout.
What to do
Like Yellowstone, you can go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Unlike Yellowstone, there aren’t snowmobile tours in the park. There are in the Bridger Teton National Forest, though. For the first two, I would recommend either just going wherever in the Gros Ventre area (pronounced grow vahnt) or down the sections of the scenic road that are still open.
While I would definitely do one of these (they can be rented in town) I would also highly recommend either going on a wildlife safari or if you’re on a budget, you can do a DIY wildlife safari.
Important information
The main scenic drive is mostly closed over the winter. The first three miles on either end are open, but that’s it. Part of Moose-Wilson Road is also open. Antelope Flats and Mormon Row are both closed as well. The Visitor Center is closed in the winter.
Arches
Why
There are two main reasons I put this on the list, but there’s a third that doesn’t hurt. I would like to put all the Utah parks on here, but I used a little self-control and only included 3 of 5.
- It’s not 1000 degrees out.
- There aren’t 4000 people on each trail.
- You might get to see it with snow!
Visiting Arches in the winter lets you explore the park without the pressure of crowds and making sure you get there early enough to have a trail to yourself. Delicate Arch was still busy when we went, but that won’t always be the case. The temperature is perfect for hiking, but it can get chilly, so prepare for that.
What to do
Everything that you can do in the summer, just without the people and heat! If there happens to be a lot of snow, some trails can be hard to follow, like the Devils Garden Primitive Trail, and others might just have some icy spots. Feel like you’re in an old western movie on Park Avenue, explore Garden of Eden, hike to the icon of Utah – Delicate Arch, and admire Landscape Arch while you still can.
Important information
There are no road closures in the winter. The Visitor Center may have limited hours as well. The campground is open and it is first-come, first-serve. There are no ranger-led hikes or campfire talks, either.
Zion
Why
Exactly the same reasons as Arches. Zion is by far the busiest park in Utah making a summer visit not always particularly enjoyable. The weather is perfect and you can only see 1-20 other people on a trail versus 500 in the summer.
What to do
Hike literally everything! Don’t just go for the big two: Angels Landing and The Narrows. Hike the Canyon Overlook, Hidden Canyon, Observation Point, and the East Rim Trails. If you have time, check out Kolob Terrace Road and Kolob Canyon. Just remember, it’s winter and the narrows might be a little chillier than anticipated. Even in June last year I was getting cold later in the evening. If you do hike the Narrows, rent a dry suit, or at least dry pants, and the water shoes and walking stick on offer as well, in Springfield. The water is too cold to go in without it.
Important information
The scenic canyon drive is open to drive on! This is my favorite part about visiting Zion in the winter. The shuttle doesn’t run in the winter so you can drive yourself. And don’t worry, it’s not bumper to bumper traffic and you can still find a place to park.
The Watchman Campground is first-come, first-served in the winter. When we were there this last winter they were doing construction in Springfield just outside of the park making getting into the park take a little longer. Hotels and restaurants may also be closed for the season.
Voyageurs
Why
Voyageurs in northern Minnesota is already one of the least visited national parks in the US, but in the winter, it sees even fewer visitors. The only way to get to the Voyageurs in the winter is by ice road or snowmobile. Just be prepared for some extreme cold. This is definitely one to avoid if you really don’t like snow and the cold.
Side note: if you’ve been in the winter and have two pictures I could include, send me an email.
What to do
Explore the park by snowmobile, snowshoe, or cross-country skis. There are 110 miles of groomed trails for snowmobiling. If you like fishing or have always want to try it, you can give ice fishing a shot here. If you get a little too cold, you can warm up in the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. There are a few different trails you can use to see the park in the winter. If you’re bringing your kiddos or are just a kid at heart yourself, they also have a sledding hill, so bring your saucers, definitely the best kind of sled.
Important information
The only way into the park is two ice roads. The routes can vary because ice. You can drive a vehicle up to 7,000 pounds on the ice road, as well as snowmobiles. Rainy Lake Visitor Center is open and has snowshoes and cross-country skis available free-of-charge during regular visitor center hours.
Yosemite
Why
Like a few of the aforementioned parks, Yosemite is going to be a lot less crowded in the winter. Plus, look at it under the snow! How could you not want to go see that? And don’t worry, chances are pretty high you’ll still be able to see Yosemite Falls flowing.
What to do
Along with they typical park activities available in the winter, snowboarding and skiing is also an option. For that, head down Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road. You can do downhill and cross-country skiing here. You can go backpacking in the winter, but options are going to be much more limited. Most trails will be under snow, but some will still be accessible.
Important information
Yosemite Valley and Wawona are accessible year-round by car, but Tioga Road, Crane Flat, Tioga Pass are closed. The Tuolumne Meadow and and the road to Glacier Point are also closed, but you can take Glacier Point/Badger Pass road to the plowed ski/snowboard area.
It is snowy and cold in the winter, but sunny, chilly days do happen. There can also be smoke and haze in the area from prescribed burns.
Death Valley
Why
This is a pretty obvious one. In case you’re not sure, it’s great to go to Death Valley in the winter because it’s not 120 during the day. It’s actually cool and can get pretty chilly at night. Hiking will be much more enjoyable in the cool weather.
What to do
There’s tons of stuff to do in Death Valley. A few of the things you shouldn’t miss are the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Racetrack Playa, Badwater Salt Flats, Ubehebe Crater Loop, Artist’s Palette, Dante’s View, and Zabriske Point. Like I said, there are a lot of things to do in Death Valley. The park is huge, so do a little research before going to help plan a little more if you’re limited on time.
Important information
Even in the winter you want to stay hydrated. There are no road closures in the park, but be aware of dirt roads. Don’t go down anything your car can’t handle. While it may not be as hot, you still don’t want to be the next Death Valley Germans story. I would highly recommend reading that.
Make sure you have a full tank of gas, too. There are limited services in the park. There are four lodging options in the main area of the park: Furnace Creek Ranch and Inn, Stovepipe Wells and Panamint Springs. There are also nine campground in the park.
Big Bend
Why
While even in the summer you may not have to fight the crowds, you would be slogging along the trails suffering in the Texas heat . Well, fear not! In the winter, you can avoid that and still explore the park. You will have pleasant weather for all of your activities, though it is cloudy and freezing occasionally.
What to do
In the park you can hike in the desert, on mountains, or along rivers. Devil’s Den (5.6 miles), Chimneys Trail (4.8 miles), and Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail (0.5 miles) are great desert options. For mountains, try Window View Trail (0.3 miles), Window Trail (5.6 miles), or Emory Peak (10.5 miles) to the highest peak in the park. Don’t miss the Santa Elena Canyon Trail (1.7 miles) for the iconic Big bend view. At the end of a long day hiking, or the beginning while it’s cooler, relax in the hot spring.
Important information
Be prepared for all temperatures visiting in the winter. They can range from freezing, especially at night, to the 80’s. Temperature will also very greatly by elevation changes. There are three campgrounds that are mostly first-come, first-served, but have some spots you can reserve. There are no road closures.
The best time to see the park is in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and the crowds that go with it.
Denali
Why
Visiting the third largest national park in the US with only one road in it in the winter may seem counter intuitive, but it can be an experience that not many other people have. Now, I have no concrete evidence pointing to a lot less visitors in the winter, but I think it’s a pretty safe guess. While access to a lot of the park may be limited, there is still plenty to do offering a unique experience.
What to do
Similar to most parks, you can go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This is also a great park for stargazing. Another great option for something fun to do is to go dog sledding in Denali. You can also visit the Denali Kennels where the dogs are. There are some ares in the park that are open to snowmobiling as well. Keep an eye out for Aurora Borealis at night during your stay as well!
Important information
The Murie Science and Learning Center is the temporary winter visitor center open every day 9-4:30, except major holidays. It’s at mile 1.4 on the park road. You can backcountry camp in the winter and get your permit for that here. You can also borrow snowshoes and more (their words) here. The park road usually closes at mile three in the winter.
Lassen Volcanic
Why
Like Yellowstone, Lassen Volcanic National Park has thermal features, which you can still enjoy in the winter. The park is under snow cover for more than half of the year, so your chances of experiencing it like that are pretty good. There’s nothing like admiring a good thermal feature surrounded by snow, at least I like to think there isn’t.
What to do
You can find all of the typical winter activities here: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Just be careful sledding. icy snow can be a recipe for disaster and sledding is actually the number one cause of visitor injury in the park in the winter.
Ranger-led snowshoe walks are offered on the weekends. While you’re here you can’t miss the main feature of the park, the hydrothermal areas! They are still visible in the winter because of the high temperatures at the steam vents. Just don’t get too close as that has resulted in plenty of previous injuries to visitors.
Important information
The park highway is closed in the winter, but the Manzanita Lake Areas are open year-round, as is the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Pets are not permitted on trails or snow covered routes, so keep them at home if you can or they’ll have to wait in the car. The southwest walk-in campground is open year-round and you can camp in your car in the adjacent parking area for the same fee.
Sequoia
Why
What better time to see the most majestic trees in existence? I mean, can you imagine these giants with a light blanket of fresh snow? That could be hard to beat. A bison with a snow covered face might be close, though. Snowshoeing among the giants sounds so peaceful I just might have to go myself!
