Best National Parks in Winter: Top 10 Park Destinations

Top 10 National Parks to Visit in Winter

If you’re looking for a winter getaway, consider an adventure to one of America’s many national parks. During this time of year, national parks in the winter offer visitors smaller crowds that allow for a more intimate travel experience. The tranquility, paired with one-of-a-kind experiences like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing, can make lasting memories while learning about life in these parks during a time when many choose to stay home. Take a look at our roundup of the best national parks to visit in December and other winter months.

1. Yosemite National Park, California

One of the best national parks in winter to visit is Yosemite. Known for its unrivaled beauty and plethora of wildlife to discover, visitors can enjoy fewer crowds and unique outdoor activities not available during the more popular summer months. Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area offers groomed trails perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, allowing you to explore areas like Glacier Point Road and its sweeping panoramic views. Or, enjoy an evening ice skating at Curry Village with Yosemite Valley’s cliffs towering above.

2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

If you’re trying to decide which national park to visit in winter, Yellowstone is unparalleled. Visitors are treated to stunning landscapes, and all the animals come out to play; elk, bison, wolves and moose. The famous geysers look even more awe-inspiring in the wintertime.  

On the Winter Ventures in Yellowstone Country tour, Road Scholar experts teach adventure seekers how to snowmobile, snowshoe and ski. The six-day tour will also explore unique wildlife and visit Old Faithful, fumaroles and bubbling hot springs in the winter. 

3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The biggest benefit of visiting Grand Canyon National Park in winter is that there are 15% fewer visitors. In December, visitors have the trails to themselves, and the car traffic is minimal. Inside the canyon is a desert climate, and it stays warm, even in the winter, with average temperatures in the high 50s. December is incredibly beautiful at Grand Canyon National Park, especially when there is snow dusting the grand cliffs. 

Road Scholar offers a number of trips in and around the Grand Canyon, including by way of rail. The six-day tour takes adventure seekers on an overnight adventure to Grand Canyon National Park via the historic Grand Canyon Railway. 

4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

What puts the Rocky Mountains on our list of the best national parks to visit in winter is its 300 miles of trails that lend themselves to unique hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures during these colder months. As you make your way through popular trails like the Cub Lake Trail or Tonahutu Creek Trail, you’ll be able to spot wildlife like elk, mule deer and bighorn sheep. For those bringing children, make sure to head over to the Hidden Valley area for a day of sledding with the family. While snow can quickly accumulate in higher elevations, many lower-elevation trails are still accessible for hiking during the winter and can be enjoyed with the appropriate gear. Review our practical information to learn more about preparing for your next winter excursion.

5. Zion National Park, Utah

Known for its red rock cliffs and rugged landscapes, Zion is another one of the top national parks to visit in winter, offering views of snow-covered winter vistas and hoodoos, which are unique rock formations. Throughout the park, visitors can spot wildlife like mule deer, wild turkeys and even bald eagles on trails like The Narrows and Angels Landing. This time of year is spectacular for those with a keen interest in photography, as the stark contrast between the red rocks and white snow blanketing the cliffs creates stunning views.

6. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Located a little over an hour away from Zion National Park is Bryce Canyon, another destination known for its red cliff formations and hoodoos. With the tall, slender rock formations covered in white snow against the deep reds, the winter view is almost otherworldly. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, Bryce Canyon is an excellent destination for stargazers looking for some of the clearest skies in the U.S. This destination is also one of the most popular national parks to visit in December because of its winter hiking opportunities along the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden, which offer options for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

7. Acadia National Park, Maine

Located on the rugged coastline of northeast New England is Acadia National Park, one of the best national parks to visit in winter. The park’s carriage roads and hiking trails transform into perfect paths for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering a unique way to explore different areas of the park. Trails like the Jordan Pond Path and Ocean Path are typically open during the winter, providing stunning coastal views, with several nearby ponds allowing visitors to enjoy ice fishing and skating. The iconic Park Loop Road, a scenic coastal drive that carves through the snow-covered landscape, is partially open in the winter.

8. Glacier National Park, Montana

If you’re looking to find an adventure unlike any other, consider a winter retreat to Glacier National Park. On the west side, areas like Apgar, Lake McDonald and Polebridge lend themselves to invigorating cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. While the park does not permit snowmobiling, surrounding areas in the backcountry, such as those around the north shore of Flathead Lake, have groomed trails ideal for this winter activity. The chilly season in Glacier is also excellent for spotting wildlife like elk, wolves and deer that stand out against the white backdrop.

9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

Another one of the best national parks in winter is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina. Throughout this mountainous region, visitors can find several trails open year-round for hiking, such as the Trillium Gap Trail, Laurel Falls Trail and Alum Cave Trail. Like many of the national parks on our list, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are exciting outdoor activities visitors can partake in to view different areas of the park. There are also numerous scenic drives to explore the park’s wintry landscapes, such as the Cades Cove Loop Road, where deer, turkeys and black bears commonly roam. The peacefulness of the Smokies in the off-season is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

10. Denali National Park, Alaska

In the interior of Alaska, you’ll find Denali National Park, the third-largest national park in the United States. With so much ground to cover comes endless possibilities for viewing wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Denali National Park is located in the interior of Alaska in the central part of the Alaska Range. It is about 150 miles north of Anchorage, making it an easy drive from Alaska’s most populated city. The endless adventures it offers make Denali National Park one of the best national parks to visit in winter. Some of the top explorations and activities you can partake in when visiting Denali include:

Mount Denali: Perhaps the star attraction of Denali National Park is Mount Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley. Mount Denali has the highest peak in North America, standing at 20,310 feet tall. While reaching the summit is only for expert climbers (and even extremely dangerous for them) you can enjoy easy day hikes at the base, as well as views of the mountain from various areas of the park. Wildlife: Denali National Park is known for its diverse and untouched wilderness. Adventurers can spot rare and unique wildlife, such as grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, foxes, lynx, marmots and a wide range of bird species. The diverse wildlife also allows for great photo opportunities, where visitors can take images and videos of the park’s healthy predator-prey ecosystem. Winter activities: There are plenty of winter activities Denali National Park offers its visitors, including dogsledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, all of which are great ways to explore the park’s extensive trail network. Other activities include ice fishing and outdoor camping, which offer a truly immersive winter experience. The experts: At Denali National Park, you can join ranger-led tours or partake in one of Road Scholar’s Alaska National Park tours, where you can learn from local experts about the wildlife, geography, culture and history of Denali National Park. Northern Lights: Denali National Park is also one of the best national parks to visit in winter because it offers visitors the opportunity to view the Northern Lights up close. With minimal light pollution and its northern location, Denali National Park is a great viewing spot for the dancing lights illuminating the night sky.

Road Scholar National Parks in Winter 

With our list of the best national parks to visit in December and other winter months, you’ll be able to find an outdoor adventure that immerses you in shimmering landscapes offering unrivaled beauty. Fewer crowds paired with unique activities like snowshoeing, hiking and cross-country skiing allow you to explore some of the world’s most famous national parks for an unforgettable trip. As you browse our trips to national parks in the U.S. & Canada, you’ll join a diverse cohort of like-minded adventurers led by expert guides who will provide details on the wildlife, history, culture and geography of the park you’re visiting.

Still don’t know where to go for winter break? Road Scholar aims to provide immersive and educational adventure travel for those who want to head for a national park in the winter months.

We have curated tours for those who want to travel during winter break. Enroll in a national park winter adventure today with Road Scholar.