8 US National Parks to Visit During Winter

Travel expert Emily Hart has visited all 63 major US national parks and has narrowed down her favorites for winter travel. While winter can be a challenging season for national park visits due to weather conditions and logistical issues, specific parks remain open and accessible. Many parks experience road and trail closures during the winter months, but the eight parks highlighted here offer favorable conditions for exploration.

The selected parks are distinguished by their ability to remain open and their comfortable winter temperatures. These conditions make hiking, sightseeing, and exploring more enjoyable compared to the harsh summer heat or extreme winter cold found in other parks. The list includes a mix of desert landscapes, tropical islands, and volcanic terrains that provide unique experiences during the cooler months.

Several desert parks in the American Southwest become prime destinations during winter due to significantly milder temperatures. Death Valley National Park in California is a prime example. Summer heat in this park can be dangerous, with temperatures soaring over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Visiting in winter allows travelers to explore the park's vastness, hike the dunes, and wander the Badwater Basin salt flats without the risk of heat exhaustion. The winter weather also provides the opportunity to witness an unforgettable sunrise at Zabriskie Point.

Joshua Tree National Park in California is another park that becomes much more enjoyable in the cooler months. Summer temperatures typically reach around 100 degrees, making hiking difficult. However, visits between January and March offer comfortable weather for exploring iconic sites like Skull Rock and the Cholla Cactus Garden. The winter nights are crisp and ideal for stargazing, and the park feels peaceful and expansive.

Big Bend National Park in Texas offers similar benefits. In the summer, hiking on the desert floor must often be finished by mid-morning due to temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. The cooler winter weather makes admiring the Rio Grande and hiking the Chisos Mountains much more pleasant. Despite being a high season, the park's enormous size ensures it never feels crowded.

Saguaro National Park in Arizona is busier in the winter, but the experience remains enjoyable. Daytime temperatures average around 65 degrees, which is ideal for hiking among the towering saguaros and wandering desert trails. The milder climate makes spotting wildlife and exploring the landscape comfortable, avoiding the intense summer heat.

For those looking to escape the cold entirely, tropical national parks offer a Caribbean atmosphere without the need for a US passport. Virgin Islands National Park is highlighted as one of the best winter destinations. The park features gorgeous beaches and calm waters perfect for snorkeling. Trails wind through lush forests, and the warm winter weather allows visitors to explore, swim, and relax in the sun. It provides an authentic island experience within the US Virgin Islands.

Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida is another tropical option located about 70 miles west of Key West. While Florida is a popular winter destination, accessing this park requires booking a seaplane or ferry in advance. Once there, the winter weather is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring Fort Jefferson. The island feels like a true tropical getaway.

Other parks offer unique geological features that are best experienced during the winter. White Sands National Park in New Mexico is described as otherworldly. The cooler winter days make hiking, sledding the dunes, and exploring the gypsum landscape more enjoyable. At night, the dark desert skies provide incredible stargazing opportunities. Sunrise and sunset cast a warm glow across the sands, a sight that is especially lovely when crowds are lessened and temperatures drop.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is fantastic to explore in winter. The cooler weather makes hiking through lava fields and the popular Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) more fun. It also improves the experience of seeing the Halema'uma'u Crater. The park's trails and roads wind through tropical forests and striking volcanic landscapes, creating a completely otherworldly feel where greenery meets molten rock.

Winter presents a unique opportunity to visit some of the country's most iconic national parks without the extremes of summer heat or winter inaccessibility. From the mild desert climates of Death Valley and Joshua Tree to the tropical shores of the Virgin Islands, these eight parks offer diverse experiences for every type of traveler. By choosing the right destination, visitors can enjoy comfortable hiking, stunning scenery, and memorable adventures during the winter season.