For many, summer is the perfect time to explore a national park. However, popular destinations like Yosemite National Park can become quite crowded during peak season, with long lines on hiking trails, high temperatures and busy tourist areas. Additionally, local prices often rise to match the influx of visitors.
There are a multitude of ways to navigate these national park crowds, however. What many may not realize is that national parks, while bustling in the summer, can offer a much more peaceful experience during the off-season. There's just as much to see at these stunning sites during fall or winter. If you're curious about the best national parks to visit in the winter, we've put together a list of top winter destinations that might surprise you. Keep reading to learn about the 6 best national parks to visit in the winter months.
1. Zion National Park
- Location: Southern Utah
- Time Needed: 1-3 Days
- Top Things to See: Canyon Overlook, Pa'Rus Trail
Zion's claim to fame has everything to do with its scenery: the iconic sandstone cliffs, slot canyons and unique ecology. Zion is Utah's first national park. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors make their way to hike, bike, boat, climb or simply sip coffee in front of a spellbinding view. Those views get even more dramatic with a dusting (or a hefty frosting) of snow. Although some roads close due to snow during the wintertime, many of the park's facilities do remain open--and others are accessible via snowshoes or snowmobile, which is a worthwhile experience on its own. You'll also get to skip the crowds and enjoy Zion's serenity more or less unscathed.
2. Volcanoes National Park
- Location: Hawai'i (The Big Island)
- Time Needed: 1-3 Days
- Top Things to See: Chain of Craters Road, Kilauea Overlook, Kilauea Iki Trail
In case you needed an excuse to travel to Hawaii during the winter months... we've got you covered. Located on the big island of Hawai'i, Volcanoes National Park boasts wonderfully mild weather during the winter (with highs in the 70's most days), fewer crowds than you'll find during the summertime and plenty to see and do. If you're lucky and Kilauea is erupting during your visit, you'll get to catch the glow of lava from an overlook point. But even if there's no lava to be seen, there are incredible day hikes--like the Kilauea Iki trail, which takes you right through the center of a (non-erupting) volcano crater. The Chain of Craters Road offers one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., with stunning views of the lava fields and the Pacific waters and the art galleries and studios in the nearby town of Volcano have something for just about everyone.
3. Acadia National Park
- Location: the Maine coast
- Time Needed: 1-3 days
- Top Things to See: Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing on the groomed carriage roads; views along Ocean Drive
Acadia, an island just off the coast of mainland Maine, is a bustling escape for outdoors enthusiasts during the summer. During the winter, the pace slows down significantly, with few people wanting to venture out into the harsh Maine winter weather. But those who make it there will be met by cozy inns and cafes and incredible views that set it apart as one of the top winter national parks. Ocean Drive, which is plowed during the winter, offers incredible sightseeing along the island's coast. And on the tiny island, an impressive 45 miles of crushed-stone carriage roads offer some of the best winter hiking, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing you'll find anywhere in the U.S.
4. Mount Rainier National Park
- Location: Northwestern Washington State
- Time Needed: 1-2 days
- Top Things to See: winter views, snowshoeing, historic National Park Inn
Mount Rainier is always something of a winter paradise--but it's even more spellbinding (and far less busy) in the winter. Unless a snowstorm has just blown through, you can expect roads to be plowed and maintained up to the park's Paradise area. There you can rent snowshoes and even take a ranger-guided winter snowshoe tour. Hop into the National Park Inn for a cup of something steamy and to enjoy gorgeous mountain views. If you're there for the outdoor snow opportunities, plan to stay for a few days; otherwise, a single day of driving up to take in the sights and then back down will be ample for most winter adventurers.
5. Death Valley National Park
- Location: central California
- Time Needed: 1-2 days
- Top Things to See: Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Dante's View
Death Valley might not come to mind when contemplating winter getaways, but unless you're looking for snow, it might be one of the best options. The sights here are truly incomparable, from the expansive salt flats to the dunes and rainbow-colored badlands. And if you don't want to run the risk of melting the soles of your shoes to the pavement, winter is the time to visit. Summer temps in Death Valley, one of the hottest places on earth, peak at 108 degrees Farenheit. But during the winter, things are much more inviting. You might even be able to squeeze in a few day hikes without worrying about heat stroke. Take your time to enjoy a drive through this desert wonderland and make sure to stop at Zabriskie Point and Dante's View for overlooks that will take your breath away.
6. Big Bend National Park
- Location: West Texas
- Time Needed: 1-3 days
- Top Things to See: hike in the Chisos Mountains, kayaking the Rio Grande, stargazing
Big Bend National Park is one of the least-frequented national parks in the nation, partially due to its isolation--but it has so much to offer. From the small-town, artsy charm of towns like Marathon and Marfa to the rugged high desert views that you can only find by hitting the trails, Big Bend has a character all its own--and it's one of the top national parks for wintertime, when temperatures drop to a level that won't fry you to a crisp the second you step out of your vehicle. Although there are occasional, short-lived snowstorms in the winter, Big Bend usually has very mild winters--and it's more than possible to rent a kayak or take a guided canoe tour even in January. Big Bend is also prime dark sky country, which makes for incomparable stargazing, especially during the winter months.
Plan Your National Park Vacation with AAA
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your winter trip to one of the top U.S. national parks today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.