Which are the best national parks to visit in winter? Well, that depends on your preferences.
When visiting national parks in winter, you’ll want to decide between two preferences. Do you want to go to a beautiful, snow-covered park with winter activities? Or do you want to escape cold and snow and head to a park that stays warm year-round? Both options have their advantages and both can be the source of exciting winter adventures!
Below is a list of the best national parks to visit in winter, including some warm weather options and some parks that become winter wonderlands during the cold months. Which one will you choose?
Yosemite National Park
Rather than slowing down for the winter months, Yosemite National Park kicks into gear with many cold-weather activities!
Curry Village in the Yosemite Valley is hopping, with heated cabins and restaurants, and a rec room where families can play games or relax and read in front of a roaring fire. There’s an ice rink in the valley as well. Yosemite also has a downhill ski resort – Badger Pass – and plenty of places for sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
The park’s lodges are also open for business, and there’s nothing quite like Sunday brunch at the Ahwahnee Hotel while you gaze out the massive picture windows at the snow falling gently outside.
Rent an RV near Yosemite National Park.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The temperature at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park only varies by about ten degrees between summer and winter. If you’re coming to Hawaii to escape the cold winter weather of your home state, the 68-degree weather that is the average in winter will feel absolutely heavenly.
There’s plenty to explore at Volcanoes National Park, which is home to the Kilauea Volcano that erupted in May of 2018. The volcanic activity and the scenery that resulted from that activity is fascinating to explore. Be sure to bring waterproof clothing as it rains frequently near the park, and bring layers because temperatures get chillier as you go up in elevation.
Rent an RV near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park
If Coloradans waited for warm weather to explore their state, they’d have a very narrow window! Thus, Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round and you can snowshoe, cross-country ski, hike, and sled throughout the snowy winter months.
Trail Ridge Road, which is the highest paved road in America, and the road that connects the east and west areas of the park, closes when the snow gets too deep and driving becomes treacherous – usually from about October to Memorial Day. After that point, many people tend to stay on the eastern side of the park and you can have a pleasant vacation spending your time there and in the nearby mountain town of Estes Park.
Rent an RV near Rocky Mountain National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park
Desert parks, which can often be extremely hot and uncomfortable in the summertime, are especially pleasant in winter. Joshua Tree National Park averages in the 60s and 70s from October through May, and the cooler months are a great time to hike, rock climb, camp, or take a horseback ride and view the trees that give the park its name…and look like alien plants from another world.
Rent an RV near Joshua Tree National Park.
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Island National Park is located off the coast of Southern California. It is home to isolated species including island fox and deer and Channel Island spotted skunk that can’t be found anywhere else. It does get a little chilly in the winter months, but December through March is also the best time to see migrating gray whales, along with sea lions, dolphins, and possibly orcas.
Rent an RV near Channel Islands National Park.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park in winter is a spectacular sight. The snow on the canyon, coupled with the fact that there are fewer crowds than there are in summer months, makes winter a beautiful time to visit the park.
The north rim of the park closes in winter, but the south rim of the canyon stays open year-round.
Rent an RV near Grand Canyon National Park.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
While the bats that inhabit Carlsbad Caverns National Park will have migrated south for the winter, the caves themselves are still easily navigated since they’re underground. The caves are also the same 56-degree temperature year-round, so they won’t be any colder than usual. You can visit the Big Room with its cave pools and stalactites, but without the horde of visitors that are usually wandering through it during the summer.
Rent an RV near Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is one of the few parks that’s busier in winter than summer because the weather is so much more pleasant then. So while you won’t get fewer tourists in the park in winter, you will get pleasant weather, less humidity, and fewer bugs than you would if you visit in the summer. Go canoeing or kayaking, or on a tour boat looking for alligators, manatees, and other Florida wildlife.
Rent an RV near Everglades National Park.
Bryce Canyon National Park
The hoodoo formations at Bryce Canyon National Park are fascinating and fun to see any time of year, but the summer months can get hot and dry…and crowded!
Winter, on the other hand, has considerably fewer visitors and although the temperature can be quite cold, if you dress for the weather you can take advantage of a much less trafficked park. You can hike to the snow-covered hoodoos, or cross-country ski along groomed trails to investigate them up close.
Rent an RV near Bryce Canyon National Park.
Winter Safety in National Parks
Of course, you will want to make sure to stay safe while exploring our amazing national parks. Here are some safety tips for visiting these parks during the winter months.
Be Prepared for Limited Amenities
Most national parks remain open in winter, but many may have reduced hours or services. Several of the lodges in Yellowstone National Park, for example, close for the winter although it is still possible to find lodging in the park. Also, in areas that aren’t near winter skiing or other attractions, nearby towns may have limited services in winter. Even parks in warmer areas may have reduced hours at places like visitor centers or restaurants since they tend to attract fewer people during the winter months.
Be sure to check your plans ahead of time to make sure everything you’d like to do is open when you plan to visit.
Watch for Road Closures
Some parks, like Rocky Mountain National Park, have roads that you may plan to take through the park that are closed for the entire winter season. Other roads may close when there is snow or ice. You can check the NPS website for updated road closure information.
Pack for the Elements
The winter months are going to be harsh in some of these places. Meanwhile, places like the Everglades will see really warm temperatures (with plenty of bugs), even during December and January. Make sure you know what kind of weather to expect and pack accordingly.
Lots of layers are ideal for cold places and bug spray is appropriate if you plan to visit Everglades National Park. Meanwhile, water is always important, no matter what the weather might be, meaning you should pack plenty of it no matter where you roam.
Communicate with Others
Always communicate with friends and family, letting them know where you’re going, where you’ll be staying, and how long your plan to be there. If you head out on a hike, paddle, or other outdoor adventure, let your camping neighbors know, so they can send for help if you don’t return when you said you would.
Visiting national parks in winter can be tons of fun, and in some cases, wintertime is the best time to go. Why not pick one of two of the packs listed above and plan an epic winter outdoor adventure with your friends or family?
