15 Best National Parks in Winter to See Covered in Snow

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

The United States has some of the best national parks in winter. Well, actually, they are some of the best national parks, period, but some of these really shine when the temperatures cool and the snow falls.

After living in the southwest for a few years, I’ve found that winter is also one of the best times of year to visit these national parks—fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and truly just the most serene landscapes.

You can find them all over the country, making for a perfect week-long trip or just a quick weekend getaway. Here are the best national parks in winter!

🌟 Plan on visiting more than two national parks this year? Save money with the America the Beautiful Pass here! 🌟

Best National Parks in Winter

Mt Rainier National Park, Washington

If you’re looking to escape from the snow, Mt Rainier National Park should not be on your list of the best national parks to visit in winter, but if you crave a winter wonderland, start planning your trip now.

The deep greens of the forest are a perfect complement to the thick blanket of snow that graces Mt Rainier each winter. The views are absolutely breathtaking, but you will definitely need to pack a coat because the temperatures average about 30-40 degrees during the day.

Many of the roads are closed during this time of year, but take advantage of this and see the scenery and the wildlife up close and personal by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has one of the most stunning landscapes I’ve ever seen, one that only gets better with a layer of snow. 

This is another park that is largely inaccessible by car in the winter, but here, snowshoeing is the thing to do. Embark on a journey across the snowy plane yourself, or get a guide to follow. You can also cross-country ski or get an adrenaline rush riding atop a snowmobile.

Winter temperatures are also perfectly cold, averaging a high of about 30 degrees.

Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada

Death Valley is one of the best national parks in winter, and it’s no secret. Due to the extreme summer heat, most people opt for a winter visit. It has perfect temperatures, incredible scenery, and an extensive landscape for you to explore.

And despite the influx of visitors in the wintertime, you’re unlucky to encounter any crowds. Due to the park’s size, there is more than enough room for everyone to have their own corner of Death Valley.

There are some incredible hikes here that are pretty much only possible to summit in winter, so take advantage of the temps and get out there!

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

If you’re the kind of person who likes snow from a distance, then Saguaro National Park in Arizona is one of the best national parks in December. The higher elevations of the park will receive a light dusting of snow, and you’ll be safe in the 60-degree weather far below.

As you can imagine, adding a bit of snow to the vibrant desert color palette is a beautiful site, and the cool weather makes it all the easier to experience.

Whether it is seeing the park through a car window on the Bajada Loop Drive or hiking one of the various trails, you won’t regret witnessing what this park has to offer in winter. 

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Winter is one of the best times of the year to visit one of America’s favorite national parks.

The scenery is just as beautiful, but crowds are down, making it easier to see some of the more elusive parts of the park, such as mule deer, bald eagles, and elk. Many of these extraordinary animals have developed a resistance to the cold, making it so they don’t have to go into total hibernation.

The south rim is open year-round, and winter temperatures create the perfect environment for hiking. Embarking on the Bright Angel Trail is a must at this time of year. 

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Now, Rocky Mountain will not be on the list of the best warm national parks in winter, but it is certainly still worth visiting.

There are so many different ways to enjoy this evergreen wonderland. You can strap on some snowshoes, ski, or even use spikes to hike some of the more difficult trails, like up to Emerald Lake. And it is quite a sight to see the majestic Sprague Lake iced over.

This is also a great place for the best pastime of all winter pastimes: sledding! Feed into your inner child and slide down one of the Rocky Mountain hills like a penguin.

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park opens its roads to the public during the off-season, so you’ll be able to drive your own vehicle through this enchanting park and see it at your own speed.

The lighting that the colder and shorter days bring to Zion makes for a perfect picture, so as you’re hiking the trails, don’t forget to bring a camera along with you. You’ll be hiking in perfect temperatures, 50-60 degrees, so you can fully enjoy the scenery without dying of heat.

Zion is one of the best national parks in Utah all year round.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is one of the best national parks to visit in winter because a crystalline layer of snow brings the serenity you think you can only dream about.

Cars are not permitted in the park beginning November 1st, except for a small portion of the road through the North Entrance. This means you can enter through much more exciting means, such as snowmobiles, snowcoaches, snowshoes, or skis. It does take a little more planning, but whatever mode you choose will be an entry you’ll never forget.

Wildlife abounds the acres of Yellowstone wilderness at this time of year. With fewer visitors sharing their habitats, the animals are more likely to come out and play.

Acadia National Park, Maine

This New England beauty is a truly unreal winter experience. From icy cliffs to sandy beaches, this mixed landscape provides plenty of things to do and see during the chilliest months of the year.

Like many of our other suggestions, you can, of course, cross-country ski and snowshoe here, but maybe think about seeing this park from a bird’s eye view with a scenic flight.

If not, the scenic Park Loop drive is a great substitute. For my adrenaline-seeking readers, you can attempt an ice climb up one of the park’s frozen waterfalls.

Don’t forget to check out some of the restaurants surrounding the park to try some traditional New England cuisine. The exquisite seafood after a long day in Acadia definitely helps to make Acadia one of the best national parks in winter.

Everglades National Park, Florida

If you’re looking for the best warm national parks in winter, the Everglades will happily sit high on your list. This otherworldly environment in Florida provides an escape from all things winter.

December to April is the park’s dry season, meaning very little chance of a hurricane, 70-degree weather, and lots of opportunity to see the wildlife. January has some of the lowest temperatures but the fewest mosquitoes.

This is a perfect time of year for fishing, boating, and hiking throughout the park.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon is already a picture-perfect palette of colors with red rocks, blue skies, and deep evergreens; adding the brightness of snow can only be an upgrade. Temperatures are cold enough to change the packing list, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting.

Many of the trails are still up and running in the winter, although it is recommended to bring some kind of traction device, like spikes, to safely hike them. Along with the typical winter activities, you can attend the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival and the Christmas Bird Count for a unique Bryce Canyon experience. 

Bryce Canyon is one of my favorite parks, period, so you know it had to be on my list of best national parks in winter.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

If you’ve ever wanted to ride horseback along the Rio Grande or bike the Texas mountains, winter is the time to do it. Big Bend National Park has a very different landscape from some of the other parks we’ve mentioned, but no less beautiful with no fewer things to do.

Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in Big Bend in the winter. The mild temperatures make for perfect horseback riding conditions, and if no cold fronts are passing through, it’s also a good time to raft the Rio Grande.

Yosemite National Park, California

Despite what you’ve heard about California, some parts of it do get snow, and that includes Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re a local looking for a snow-covered getaway or from out of state, you’ll find Yosemite absolutely breathtaking during the winter months.

Even with snow, temperatures aren’t too cold and can reach up to 50 degrees during the day. Most of the park stays open in the winter, but if hiking in the snow, snowshoeing, or skiing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of indoor options as well.

Explore the visitor centers or the Indian Culture Museum. There is also an ice-skating rink so you can skate among the wildlife and the forests.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

In contrast to the 100+ degree weather during the summer months, the weather in Joshua Tree National Park during the winter is extraordinary. It’s pleasantly cool, the days reaching about 60 degrees with little to no rain.

Every once in a while, there will be a sprinkling of snow. It is truly a one-of-a-kind sight to see those characteristically desert trees dusted with white. Besides the actual trees, one of the park’s crowning features is its rock formations.

Twisted and carved by the harsh desert environment, these structures are absolutely fascinating to look at and fun to hike around and climb.

Joshua Tree is one of the best national parks in winter for a unique weekend getaway, just hours from both Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Going to Glacier National Park in the winter is one of the best ways to escape our modern world and delve into a winter wonderland of beauty and serenity.

Many roads and facilities are closed at this time of year, so prepare to be fairly self-sufficient. If you come prepared, it will be a trip you will never forget.

You can snowshoe, snowboard, and ski throughout the park, and camping is available for those willing to brave the nighttime temperatures. There are about 12 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road open for a quick but beautiful scenic drive.

Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for majestic wildlife coming out of the woodwork.

Final Thoughts: Best National Parks to Visit in Winter

The United States is lucky to have so many beautiful places available for visitors to sneak into a world that existed long before human society, and for some reason, these cold months seem to transport us back in time just a little farther.

The best national parks in winter can be found all over the country, whether you’re looking for something with a thick blanket of snow or a tropical climate.

We’re confident you’ll find your perfect national park getaway in one of the places on our list.

Save this post for later: