While there are 63 US national parks to choose from, deciding where to go can be trickier when winter holds a tight grip over most of the country. Still, there are some national parks where winter even outshines the warmer seasons. Plunge into these gorgeous spots and start planning your winter adventure.
1. Zion
- Location: Utah
- Average high: 54°F (12°C)
- Read: Best places to stay at Zion
Zion’s popularity can take some fun off a hike, but not if you come during the quiet winter season. Now, drive straight into Zion Canyon (the shuttle doesn’t operate in the low season, bar holidays) to find rare solitude and a landscape most visitors miss out on. In winter, the park’s eye-popping sandstone cliffs get dusted with snow, creating spellbinding contrasts of red and white. Slipping can quickly spoil the party, though. As you may face icy conditions on the trails, we highly recommend traction devices for your boots.
2. Death Valley
- Location: California/Nevada
- Average high: 67°F (19°C)
- Read: Where to stay in Death Valley
Visiting the long, narrow and deep Death Valley at the wrong time of the year can be outright dangerous — mind-bending 134°F (57°C) has been recorded at Furnace Creek. Winter is just the right time, though: Stop by between December and February to take in epic sights — from Badwater Basin, North America’s lowest point, to the brilliant viewpoints of Zabriskie Point and Dantes View — while enjoying days in the comfy upper 60s (19°C). However, be sure to bring an extra layer (or two) for those chilly sunrises and sunsets.
3. Mammoth Cave
- State: Kentucky
- Average high: 44°F (7°C)
- Read: Guide to Mammoth Cave
Some things stay the same, and Mammoth Cave’s climate is one of them. Enter the world’s largest cave system —boasting over 400 miles of explored passageways — during winter, and you’ll most likely experience a temperature increase. Although snow and icicles may decorate the outside landscape, the vast cave keeps at 54°F (12°C) year round. Cave tours are generally smaller in winter, meaning you’re in for an intimate adventure.
Too far from home? Wind Cave, SD, and Carlsbad Caverns, TX, are other underground realms with reliable climates.
4. Dry Tortugas
- State: Florida
- Average high: 75°F (24°C)
- Read: Guide to Dry Tortugas
Fall in love with the Florida Keys‘ version of winter. Quietly floating in the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas has a (so-called) winter with days hitting the mid-70s (24°C). Exactly like the rest of the year, sunbaking on the beach, discovering the marine wildlife and touring the red-brick landmark Fort Jefferson are top activities.
5. Saguaro
- State: Arizona
- Average high: 66°F (19°C)
- Read: Southern cross-country road trip
Winter excursions don’t come more pleasant than in Saguaro, the backyard of Tucson. Lower your windows and relish scenic drives through the park’s two sections, Tucson Mountain District and Rincon Mountain District. When you feel like it, park your car to get up close to its famous population of saguaro cacti. These giants can reach some 80 feet (24 m), providing appreciated shade even during midwinter — and unbeatable silhouettes.
6. Everglades
- State: Florida
- Average high: 78°F (25°C)
- Read: Everglades lodging
With two distinct seasons, the dry and the wet, there’s no discussion about the best time to explore the Everglades. During the dry, running from December to mid-May, sign up for an iconic airboat ride, meander through alligator-lined trails and paddle your way through the massive biodiversity hotspot — all encouraged by beautiful blue skies and low humidity.
7. Big Bend
- State: Texas
- Average high: 62°F (17°C)
- Read: Big Bend accommodation
Delve into West Texas’ seemingly endless landscape in Big Bend, where the Rio Grande twists and turns while the Chisos Mountains reach for the heavens. Stunning sunny hiking conditions are almost guaranteed from December through February. While 62°F (17°C) might sound a tad chilly, the mercury along the low-lying river beds regularly climbs into the pleasant 70s (24°C).
8. Bryce Canyon
- State: Utah
- Average high: 37°F (3°C)
- Read: Bryce Canyon lodging
Visit Bryce Canyon during wintertime to find its world-record jungle of rock spires, called hoodoos, dressed in glittering snow. At some 8,000 feet (2,438 m) altitude, it’s cool even around midday, but convenience and photo opportunities make up for it. Parking spots are easy to find at the renowned overlooks along the Southern Scenic Drive — a stark contrast to the summer’s craziness — and those who wear traction devices can effortlessly hike down into the Bryce Amphitheatre for breathtaking wintry close-ups.
9. Virgin Islands
- Location: US Virgin Islands
- Average high: 84°F (29°C)
Craving heat? Load up on vitamin D as you discover the bone-white beaches and lively coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. Before the unforgiving sun gets the better of you, put on a hat and learn about the dark chapters of the historic Annaberg sugar plantation — a chilling but captivating experience.
10. Grand Teton
- State: Wyoming
- Average high: 26°F (-3°C)
- Read: Where to stay for Grand Teton
Come winter, Grand Teton turns into a wonderland for skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. You can drive into the park, but the stretch between Taggart Lake and Signal Mountain Lodge is groomed exclusively for recreational activities. Although the big sibling in the north, Yellowstone, is cool in winter too, Grand Teton stands out as winter visitors surprisingly easy can uncover such a large portion of the park.
Keep planning your national park trip
- Dive into all the national parks in the USA
- Embark on a mighty 5 road trip in Utah
