11 Amazing National Parks to Experience This Winter

As Ken Burns famously noted, the national parks represent America's greatest idea.

The national parks in the U.S. attract massive crowds, making them a favored destination for travelers of all ages and budgets.

This high interest can lead to overcrowding, particularly during the busy summer months or when specific entry regulations are enforced.

Luckily, visiting a national park in the winter can provide a break from the crowds while showcasing stunning landscapes unique to this season.

These national parks shine brightest in winter, showcasing breathtaking snowy landscapes and peaceful getaways.

Bryce Canyon National Park

For those seeking solitude in nature rather than crowds, winter is the perfect time to explore Bryce Canyon.

Though winter temperatures can be quite cold, the chilly weather and high altitude present a great chance for winter activities like cross-country skiing. Adventurers can forge their own paths or glide along groomed trails to admire the snow-covered hoodoos.

Access to the park costs $35 per vehicle and is valid for seven consecutive days. If you plan to visit multiple parks within a year, we suggest purchasing an $80 annual national park pass. This pass is particularly beneficial for trips to Bryce, as it can easily be combined with visits to Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park.

Crater Lake National Park

Receiving about 40 feet of snow annually, Crater Lake National Park is surprisingly under-visited during the winter months, despite being Oregon's only national park.

From roughly November through May (and with chilly temperatures lingering into late summer), travelers can enjoy the expansive terrain using snowshoes, skis, snowmobiles, snowboards, and sleds.

The park is home to the deepest lake in the U.S., nestled within an ancient caldera in the Cascade Mountains, offering even more recreational opportunities than during the summer months when scenic routes are crowded with tourists.

Be aware that many roads, such as the North Entrance Road, close to vehicles on November 1 or earlier, depending on snowfall. While the road to Rim Village is usually cleared, visitors might still require tire chains or all-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with winter tires to safely access the park. Ensure your vehicle is prepared for snowy and icy conditions, or consider entering on a snowmobile or with other winter equipment.

Everglades National Park

Though Everglades National Park is most popular during the winter months, temperatures can soar during the wet season, bringing along giant mosquitos, so winter remains the prime time to visit this southern park.

Venture to the Gulf Coast side of the park to paddle through stunning coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods. It's home to a renowned array of migrating birds and manatees, and uniquely features both alligators and crocodiles in the same habitat.

You can enjoy a luxurious stay on points while being just a drive away from Everglades National Park by reserving a room at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort or Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite was among the first areas designated as a national park and is regarded as one of the most breathtaking locations in the nation. Every year, millions flock to see the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan — two monumental cliffs further immortalized by the rock climbing movement.

Although most guests explore the valley or tackle the challenging Mist Trail in warmer months, the park has just as many outdoor options in winter, offering snow sports like downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Outfitters can even arrange snowmobiling adventures. You’ll encounter significantly fewer visitors than during the warmer months, regardless of the activity you choose.

Be aware that Tioga Road typically closes from around November until late May or early June each year. However, the majority of the park remains open. Additionally, the park features a ski resort, Badger Pass, which is much more budget-friendly (and less crowded) than the larger resorts found in places like Lake Tahoe or Mammoth.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is one of the most frequented national parks in the U.S. for good reason: it is recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World due to its breathtaking scale and grandeur. However, the throngs of summer visitors and the associated traffic can detract from the experience.

As a result, many travelers view winter as an underrated and especially enchanting season to explore the Grand Canyon. Experience the breathtaking vistas from the popular Bright Angel Trail, where the vibrant red rocks contrast beautifully against a light dusting of snow, allowing you to enjoy the scenery with only a small fraction of the summer crowds. You'll also notice increased wildlife activity during the cooler months, as the animals are more active with fewer humans around.

While the North Rim closes each winter, the South Rim stays accessible, with temperatures generally reaching the 40s during the day and dipping into the 20s at night. Temperatures at the canyon floor are slightly warmer, ranging from the 30s to high 50s.

Consider staying at the charming El Tovar Hotel, which is perched right on the canyon rim. It boasts some of the finest views and houses the only upscale dining option within the park. However, it comes at a premium, with standard room rates starting around $300.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is notorious for its arid conditions and scorching summer temperatures that regularly surpass 100 degrees. Thus, it’s no wonder that visitors flock to this vast desert during the winter months when daytime temperatures are much more bearable and the surrounding mountains are dusted with snow.

Situated in eastern California, Death Valley National Park makes for an excellent road trip from Las Vegas. Just a 2.5-hour drive from the Strip, travelers can explore Badwater Basin, which is a salt flat with the lowest elevation in North America. During winter, the cool weather allows visitors to stroll onto the salt flats and admire the famous "salt polygons"—the geometric patterns formed on the surface.

One must-see attraction is Artist's Palette on Artist's Drive, a scenic 9-mile route that winds through vibrant badlands. The stunning array of colors, created by various metals reacting with the elements in the mountains, is most captivating in the late afternoon light.

For those wishing to stay overnight in the park, consider reserving a room at Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel. The accommodations boast a traditional Western ambiance and feature amenities like a pool, saloon, and general store. Additionally, there are campsites and RV hookups available.

Yellowstone National Park

If you've experienced Yellowstone during the summer, you probably encountered throngs of tourists (carelessly) taking selfies with bison and had your view of Old Faithful obstructed by numerous selfie sticks. However, winter offers a distinctly different adventure for visitors.

The steam billowing from erupting geysers and hot springs creates a stunning contrast against the snowy landscape. Wolves and bighorn sheep emerge, making it the perfect time to join a wolf-viewing tour. Meanwhile, skiers can savor a tranquil experience that is unmatched by any ski resort in the world.

Explore Cook City, Gardiner, Red Lodge, or West Yellowstone in Montana for hotels or rental properties close to the three Montana entrances. Another option for a more upscale stay is The Kimpton in Bozeman, located about 90 miles from Yellowstone, especially if you're looking to use your points.

There are also numerous accommodations near the two entrances in Wyoming, particularly close to the one near Cody, Wyoming. If you're aiming to use points for your stay, consider the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone, Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone (an Ascend property by Choice Hotels), Days Inn by Wyndham West Yellowstone, Best Western Desert Inn, or Best Western Weston Inn.

Glacier National Park

Thanks to the influence of social media and the rise of adventure travel, many believe they must fly to Iceland or Alaska to experience the northern lights.

However, you can simply visit Glacier National Park — a certified Dark Sky Park — in winter for an excellent chance to witness this celestial display. Lake MacDonald, extending 10 miles to the north, is framed by towering peaks and provides an unobstructed view of the sky.

Typically, Glacier National Park charges a $35 entrance fee per vehicle during the summer, but adventurous visitors willing to endure the winter chill will enjoy a reduced fee of $25.

If you plan to visit Glacier in winter, it's best to stay just outside the park. There are several upscale hotels available, including the Firebrand Hotel in Whitefish. Travelers can also utilize points to book accommodations at TownePlace Suites Whitefish Kalispell, SpringHill Suites Kalispell, or one of Hilton's four local properties, which include a Hilton Garden Inn, a Hampton Inn, a Homewood Suites, and a Hampton Inn and Suites.

Big Bend National Park

Experience the stunningly dark skies and expansive, uncrowded landscapes at Big Bend National Park in West Texas. Winter is the perfect time to visit, allowing you to escape the sweltering heat of the South and enjoy stargazing in peace.

Spend your days hiking in the Chisos Mountains (just be aware of trail closures during the peregrine falcon nesting season) or relaxing in the natural hot springs located near Rio Grande Village.

If you plan ahead, you can book a stay at the Chisos Mountains Lodge — but there are also plenty of expansive campgrounds available in the park. With winter lows rarely dipping below the low 40s, it’s an ideal season to snuggle up in an RV or pitch a tent.

Saguaro National Park

While winter storms in Saguaro National Park can be unpredictable, even if you miss seeing the iconic cacti blanketed in snow, winter remains one of the best times to explore this often-overlooked park.

Located less than half an hour from Tucson, Arizona, this national park lies in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where summer temperatures can soar above 110 degrees. That’s what makes winter a wonderful time to visit, with mild temperatures typically ranging from the mid-60s to 70s.

Home to the nation's largest cacti, the saguaros, which can reach heights of up to 60 feet and live for over 200 years, this park also boasts ancient petroglyphs. It's conveniently located near a family-friendly museum and features several scenic drives and mountain trails that vary in length and difficulty.

Grand Teton National Park

Experience a serene, crowd-free version of Wyoming's stunning Grand Teton National Park by visiting in winter. After the autumn visitors depart, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or even snowmobiling through the snow-covered landscapes.

For a more relaxed adventure, consider taking a dog sled tour through the glistening white wilderness. Whether you're on a sled or skiing, keep an eye out for wildlife: winter is an excellent time to spot elk, moose, bison, deer, bald eagles, and wolves.

Keep in mind that there are no lodges or services available within the park during the offseason, so it's best to find accommodations in the nearby towns of Jackson and Teton Village. Consider staying at The Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection hotel in Jackson, where you might even discover some off-peak award availability.