Summer may steal the spotlight, but winter is when America’s national parks turn downright magical. Think snow-dusted trails, frozen waterfalls, wildlife at lower elevations, and best of all – quiet, crowd-free landscapes. Many national parks stay open year-round and offer incredible cold-weather adventures, from snowshoeing and skating to dog sledding and even underground caroling.
If you’re dreaming of a snowy escape, these are the best national parks in winter for unforgettable outdoor activities.
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Yellowstone National Park – Geysers and Wildlife in Winter Wonderland
Yellowstone is famously packed in summer, but winter transforms it into a peaceful world of steaming geysers and frosted wildlife. The contrast of frigid air and scalding geothermal features makes Old Faithful, the Fountain Paint Pots, and the park’s hot springs even more dramatic. Take a guided day tour to Old Faithful to spot steam-frosted bison, glimpse the Fountain Paint Pots, and watch the famous geyser erupt with barely a soul in sight.
Ride a snowcoach or snowmobile through Yellowstone. When the deep snow closes Yellowstone’s roads to vehicles, the park transforms into a dreamscape best explored by snowmobile or snowcoach (a specialized vehicle with tracks or oversized low-pressure tires). Snowmobiles offer an active adventure, while snowcoaches deliver a relaxing, heated, guided ride.
Yosemite National Park- Skate beneath the Half Dome
Winter in Yosemite feels like stepping into a postcard. At Curry Village, you can ice skate with Half Dome glowing pink at sunset – one of the most iconic winter activities in any national park. After skating, warm up near the fire pits or grab a bite at Bar 1899 or the Pizza Deck.
When you’re ready for more adventure, hop the free shuttle to Badger Pass Ski Area, one of California’s oldest ski resorts, offering beginner-friendly downhill runs, snowboarding, a terrain park and a dedicated tubing hill.
Reservations for lodging at Yosemite are highly advised and space fills up fast, so be sure to plan well in advance.
Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting a lot of parks this year, think about getting an America the Beautiful Pass. It will save you money in the long run.
Read: Ultimate Guide to America the Beautiful Pass
Grand Teton National Park – Snowmobiling and Winter Safaris
Winter is a wonderful time to experience Grand Teton National Park. One of the best things to do is to drive around looking for wildlife. If you don’t want to drive, opt to go on a winter wilderness safari where you travel in a large snowcat. Winter recreation activities abound, as the park becomes a popular destination for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and photographers who wish to capture the beauty of a Teton winter.
With many traditional roads in the Teton Range closed due to snow and ice, a snowmobile ride adventure through the Wyoming backcountry is the perfect way to behold the mountains come winter. Bundle up for a windswept snowmobile tour departing from Jackson Hole, which highlights scenic destinations in both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks.
Rocky Mountain National Park – Sleigh Rides and Snowshoe Trails
Rocky Mountain National Park is the best national park for winter camping. It also has amazing mountain scenery with snow capped peaks and snowy landscapes. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are favorites here especially at the Bear Lake area. Easier wildlife viewing in winter is a bonus! The quiet brings the animals to lower elevations.
You’ll hear those sleigh bells jingling as you set off on a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy terrain surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park. Snuggle up under a blanket as you check out the local wildlife, and a breathtaking sunset, on an evening ride that includes dinner in a beautiful mountain cabin. It’s a unique apres-ski activity that’s the perfect end to a day spent tackling the famous Colorado slopes.
Pro Tip: Bring this cute, insulated travel tumbler filled with your favorite hot chocolate on the sleigh ride. It also fits in your car’s cup holder and keeps your drink warm for up to 3 hours. Available on Amazon.
Bryce Canyon National Park – Hoodoos and the Winter Festival
Bryce Canyon’s iconic red-orange hoodoos look almost unreal with a layer of fresh snow. Winter reduces crowds dramatically, making the viewpoints even more spectacular.
Every February for the last 40-plus years, Ruby’s Inn hosts the annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival, three days of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, archery (and ski archery), ice skating, and guided hikes along the canyon rim. Beyond sports, attendees can take workshops in astrophotography, leather-making, line dancing, and even nutrition.
Kings Canyon National Park- Celebrate the Nation’s Christmas Tree
Time slows in the sequoia groves that make up Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, where arboreal giants have watched the seasons come and go for more than 2,000 years. You can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing or if you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, drive through the parks’ gorgeous landscape.
For more than a century, people have gathered on the second Sunday in December in Kings Canyon National Park to honor one of the largest living trees in the world: General Grant. President Calvin Coolidge designated it the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” in 1926 and every year the trek offers ranger talks, caroling and a ceremonial wreath-laying beneath the tree.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack lip balm and sunscreen for protection from the wind, sun and cold.
Glacier National Park – Quiet Trails and Ranger-Led Snowshoeing
Winter in Glacier brings deep stillness and fewer visitors, turning the park into one of the most peaceful national parks to visit in winter. While Going to the Sun Road is not fully open to motor vehicles in winter season, there are portions of this scenic roadway open all year round. The road to Lake McDonald Lodge is plowed throughout the winter, and it’s a beautiful scenic drive along the lake.
Winter weekends in Glacier National Park mean popular ranger-led snowshoe walks from late December through mid-March. The two-hour, beginner-friendly outings trace quiet trails near Apgar and Lake McDonald, putting the park’s vast stillness on full display.
Olympic National Park – Ski in a Rain Forest (Yes, Really)
Olympic National Park is famously diverse and that includes winter. It turns out that you can ski in a rain forest. One of the most surprising winter activities here is skiing at Hurricane Ridge, where 400 inches of snow fall annually. You can also snowboard, snowshoe and cross-country ski here.
On the coast, sink into a hot tub and watch mesmerizing and intense winter storms batter the shoreline. Once you are done playing in the snow head to the hot springs and warm up while enjoying the beautiful coast. Clear days deliver jaw-dropping views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuc.
Pro Tip: You’ll want to capture these amazing views, so don’t forget a camera. I like this Kodak PixPro when I travel. It’s a great size and has capability to take videos.
Mammoth Cave National Park – Underground Caroling
Winter slows things down at Mammoth Cave, making it an atmospheric time to explore the world’s longest-known cave system. As icicles decorate the Historic Entrance of Mammoth Cave and the occasional snowstorm blankets the hillsides, winter transforms the park into a new wonder all its own.
Every December, merry voices echo through the world’s longest-known cave system during Mammoth Cave National Park’s annual Cave Sing. The tradition dates back well over a century, when residents hosted a Christmas party in the cave, even hauling in a decorated 10-foot tree. Today, the free celebration includes several musical performances in the cave’s massive, acoustically rich rooms, as well as refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
Acadia National Park- Frozen ponds equal skating rinks
When winter’s deep freeze takes hold in Maine, smaller bodies of water across Acadia National Park transform into serene natural skating rinks in a winter playground. Local favorites like Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake have wide-open ice.
An average of five feet of snow falls on Acadia’s evergreen forests and rocky headlands over the course of a year, transforming the park’s scenic loop drive and winding carriage roads into a paradise for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Mount Rainier National Park – Winter Camping Heaven
Mount Rainier shines in winter, offering massive snowy vistas and frozen waterfalls perfect for photography. Winter camping is a favorite for visitors here, but usually is not available until January and requires a permit.
Other winter fun includes a slew of sports such as snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sledding. Hike or snowshoe through the forest with views of Mount Rainier and bubbling mineral springs.
Denali National Park- Dog sledding and Northern Lights
Denali delivers a true Alaskan winter. Vast untouched landscapes, clear night skies, and deep silence set the tone for a cold-weather adventure. Dress warm and head out for a magical experience. If you’re lucky you’ll see the Northern Lights.
Dog sledding is a quintessential Alaskan winter activity, and Denali is one of the best places to experience it. The park also offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, riding snow mobiles and winter camping. Dress warm, really warm, and enjoy the solitude.
Pro tip: Take along night vision goggles not only for a better view of the Northern Lights but also for spotting wildlife. These googles by Hexeum are really nice. Check them out on Amazon.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Train Ride to the “North Pole”
Cuyahoga Valley is a great place to visit during winter, snow or no snow. The hiking trails remain open year round. Some animals are active in the winter months, so be sure to bring your camera. Winter sports abound; you can enjoy Cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and sledding.
The railroad in Cuyahoga Valley National Park operates through the winter, offering themed rides that make it a compelling journey this time of year. Best of all, visitors who hop aboard during the holiday season can enjoy a festive trip to the “North Pole,” complete with a visit from Santa that’s sure to delight younger guests. Travelers can board trains from either the Akron Northside Station or the Rockside Station. It’s one of the most charming winter experiences in any U.S. national park.
Voyageurs National Park – Drive Across the Frozen Lake
Voyageurs is a true winter wilderness with no shortage of cold,but also unimaginable beauty. The Northern Minnesota winters bring a deep freeze to Voyageurs National Park. While Voyageurs may not be for everyone (it gets really, really cold here). It is a beautiful park that offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snow mobile riding. Anglers can enjoy ice fishing and even rent ice houses and get guides to help!
Driving on the ice roads is the real adventure in this park. A 7-mile plowed ice road starts near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and follows the frozen lake along the north edge of the Kabetogama Peninsula, and another stretches nine miles from Lake Kabetogama to Ash River Visitor Center. Both roads are open when the ice is thick enough for safe use.
Crater Lake National Park- Crater Rim Overlook Magical View
Crater Lake becomes a magical winter wonderland with its deep blue waters surrounded by snow-covered peaks. The lake is the big draw, but it’s often blocked by clouds, so viewing the entire lake during the winter is rare. That said, the portion of the lake you can see is stunning when surrounded by snow. The overview of the crater is high on the bucket list but be sure to check the weather before you go as they do close the road sometimes.
From November to May, visitors can enjoy ranger-led snowshoe walks, cross-country skiing, and even downhill skiing and snowboarding. You can also go sledding and ride snow mobiles in the park.
Final Thoughts: Planning a Winter Visit to U.S. National Parks
If you love snow, quiet trails, and crisp winter air, these national parks offer some of the best winter adventures in the country. Before you go, check the NPS website for current conditions -many parks require tire chains, 4WD, or route planning due to winter closures.
Bundle up, plan ahead, and get ready to experience America’s national parks in their most peaceful and magical season. We want to share tips and information we learn to help you plan your trips. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.