Top 10 National Parks for Winter Adventures ❄️🏔️

Life is a Journey: Winter Edition.

Feb 03, 2024

Hello, fellow adventurers!

Exploring, experiencing, and enjoying national parks is a passion that fuels my life journey. During the winter season, they offer a silent serenity, spectacularly sparkling with snow. But as we travel on this journey together, let’s not forget that winter is not just about the snow and the cold. It’s also about the surprising warmth and sunshine in places you might not expect. Get ready to explore the snowy slopes and also take a detour to the sun-soaked sands of some extraordinary parks.❄️☀️

Top 10 National Parks for Winter Visits

Joshua Tree National Park: Fresh in my memory from my recent visit, Joshua Tree tops my list. Winter is the ideal time to explore this park, thanks to its mild temperatures and clear skies that are perfect for stargazing. It’s like having your very own planetarium! 🌌
Joshua Tree National Park | © Kacey Carpenter
Rocky Mountain National Park: I was born in Colorado and have so many childhood memories of the mountains in the snow. It’s a paradise for winter sports, with sledding, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter? If so, be prepared for snow! This is magical time to visit the park, a time when there are fewer crowds and it's easy to enjoy both solitude and snow on a winter wilderness adventure.🛷
Yosemite National Park: It’s been a few years since I visited Yosemite during the winter season, but it’s one of my favorites. There’s something special about coming in from the snow to a warm campfire at The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodges, which are open year-round. Known for its stunning granite cliffs and waterfalls, Yosemite transforms into a winter wonderland with opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Plus, there’s skiing and snowboarding at Badger Pass, one of the few lifts located in a national park.🎿
Olympic National Park: With its diverse ecosystems, Olympic National Park offers rainforests, mountains, and coastlines to explore, even in winter. It’s like experiencing three parks in one! Spanning nearly a million acres, the park features glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rainforests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline.🌲🏔️🌊
Olympic National Park | © Kacey Carpenter
Grand Canyon National Park: The Grand Canyon’s beauty is amplified by a dusting of snow, offering breathtaking views and quieter trails. The South Rim, including Grand Canyon Village and Desert View, is open year-round. It’s as if the canyon has donned its winter coat! 🧥
Yellowstone National Park: Experience the magic of geysers and hot springs against the backdrop of a snowy landscape. The road between the North and Northeast entrances remains open year-round. Anticipate icy and snowy conditions, and drive cautiously. Most facilities are closed during winter, but Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are open. Prepare for winter conditions with temperatures ranging from zero to 20°F (-20°C to -5°C). The “geyser rain” of tiny crystals when Old Faithful sprays in the winter is like a natural fireworks display! 🎇
Acadia National Park: Winter brings peaceful solitude to Acadia, perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing. Bundle up and strap on skis or snowshoes—or, better yet, hop on a snowmobile—to trek three and a half miles up to the Cadillac Mountain summit for the first sunrise in the U.S. through early March. Don’t forget to set your alarm for this early wake-up call. ⏰
Arches National Park: The red rock formations of Arches National Park contrast beautifully with the snow, and the cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable. It’s as if you’re walking through Mother Nature’s art gallery! 🖼️
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: For those seeking real heat, there is nothing like a volcano. Plus, during the winter the weather is warm tropical weather, active volcanoes, and unique ecosystems to explore. It’s like a summer vacation in the middle of winter! 🌴
Parque Nacional Barranca del Cupatitzio, Uruapan, Mexico: Last on our list, but certainly not least, is a visit to this national park in Mexico. Home to 495 species of native plants and a multitude of incredible waterfalls, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. In February, you can enjoy temperatures in the mid-70s. The park is carved by the Cupatitzio River, known as the “singing river” in the Purépecha language. 🎶