12 National Parks to Visit During Winter

There’s nothing quite like reconnecting with nature. And there’s no better place to do so than one of the United States’ 60+ National Parks. Embrace the world outside those four walls, take a breath of fresh air, and explore any of these top National Parks to visit during winter.

Experience Winter at these National Parks

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado

Spanning across the Continental Divide is the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. With 265,461 acres to explore, there’s plenty of ground to cover. And you’re free to explore the park at any time as it’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – weather permitting. 

2. Zion National Park

Utah

Nestled in the southwest of Utah is Zion National Park, known for its steep red cliffs and clear, emerald pools. And there’s nothing like a scenic drive through the red rock canyons blanketed with snow. 

3. Yosemite National Park

California 

Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is one of the best national parks to visit during winter. It’s most known for its enormous sequoia trees and the scenic tunnel view on State Route 41.

4. Denali National Park

Alaska

Home to North America’s tallest peak is one of the most extraordinary national parks to visit during winter: Denali National Park. While it’s a beautiful destination any time of year, winter means experiencing the Northern Lights and observing wildlife like grizzly bears, caribou, and more.

5. Mount Rainier National Park

Washington

Mount Rainer National Park is a 369-square-mile reserve just southeast of Seattle. Said to have some of the heaviest snowfall in the states, it’s one of the best national parks to visit during winter for some unforgettable alpine scenery. 

6. Acadia National Park

Maine 

Acadia National Park is one of the top national parks to visit during winter thanks to its woodland features, rocky beaches, and granite peaks. If you wish to partake in some winter activities, you can snowshoe around the forty-five miles of carriage roads, go snowmobiling, or even try ice fishing. 

7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

North Carolina, Tennessee

Spanning across North Carolina and Tennessee is the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Winter in this area means considerably fewer crowds making it an excellent time of year to visit.

8. Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park is quite possibly one of the best national parks to visit during winter. While it’s a popular destination year-round, visiting during winter means significantly more bearable temperatures and equally as spectacular scenery.

9. Yellowstone National Park

Idaho, Montana, Wyoming 

Geysers in the snow, roaming bison, snow-capped peaks – what more could you ask for when you want something authentically winter? Yellowstone National Park offers many reasons to visit during the winter season and there are endless ways to explore its 3,500 square miles.

10. Glacier National Park

Montana

A wilderness area in the Rocky Mountains of Montana is the Glacier National Park. Whether you want to go hiking through the glacier-carved peaks or take a boat tour on one of Glacier’s lakes, there’s an endless amount of activities to do in Glacier National Park. 

11. Crater Lake National Park

Oregon

Residing in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon is one of the best national parks to visit during winter: Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake National Park has a wide array of activities to enjoy, including the Sun Notch trail that allows you to see the Phantom Ship island – a natural rock formation whose shape resembles that of a pirate ship.

12. Shenandoah National Park

Virginia

Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is Shenandoah National Park. With 500 miles of trails that lead hikers to waterfalls and panoramic views, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best national parks to visit during winter.