For many full time RVers, winter is a time to slow down. For some, this is because they feel there is nothing to see in winter, and while I can understand why they believe this, I’m here to tell you that it simply isn’t true. There are plenty of amazing things to see and do during the winter months!
Yes, museums and other indoor attractions will naturally make this list, but I can also think of a number of outdoor activities that are wonderful during the cold season, including several national parks.
In this article I will share the best national parks to visit in winter. I hope you add one of these to your winter travels so you can see just how amazing winter can be!
The Best Cold Weather National Parks to Visit in Winter
Planning to embrace the cold this winter? Here are a few of the best national parks to visit in winter that are extra amazing in the chilly weather. If you’re going to brave the cold in your RV anyway, it’s well worth adding one of the parks below to your itinerary.
Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Yellowstone is America’s first national park and should be on every RVer’s bucket list. That said, while most people choose to visit in summer, I have to point out that winter is equally incredible.
The park takes on a magical quality during this time of year, with steaming geysers and snowy plains full of bison. However, Bison aren’t the only animals you’re likely to see during winter in Yellowstone; elk, wolves, and bald eagles also live in the park and tend to be out and about during the chilly months.
Things to do:
- Snowmobiling and snowcoaching: Guided tours provide access to many areas of the park that are otherwise inaccessible in winter.
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing: Trails throughout the park cater to all skill levels, with snowshoeing offering a quieter, more intimate way to explore.
- Wildlife viewing: Winter offers prime opportunities to see wolves, bison, and other animals that are more elusive in summer.
Yosemite National Park
California
Yosemite National Park is a truly majestic place that takes on a quieter, almost otherworldly quality in the winter months, making it one of the best national parks to visit in winter. The famous Yosemite Valley receives far fewer visitors during this time, meaning you have more space to enjoy landmarks such as Half Dome and El Capitan.
On top of all that, the park’s iconic falls can sometimes freeze into striking ice formations, adding to the magic of the place.
Things to do:
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: The park has several designated winter trails, including the Glacier Point Road.
- Ice skating: Curry Village (formerly known as Half Dome Village) has a scenic outdoor ice skating rink open during winter months.
- Photography: The low-angle winter light makes Yosemite a paradise for photographers.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Utah
Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock—are beautiful all year round. That said, in winter the rock formations are capped with snow and they become even more stunning. The contrast of the snow against the red-orange rock formations creates a striking visual that’s not to be missed.
Despite cold winter temperatures and plenty of snow, the park’s roads are kept open through the chilly months, meaning you will be able to access all of the awesome viewpoints.
Things to do:
- Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing on the Rim Trail or into the canyon is a peaceful way to explore the park.
- Cross-country skiing: Several trails offer scenic routes for cross-country skiers.
- Stargazing: Bryce Canyon is a designated International Dark Sky Park, and winter’s long nights make it an ideal time for stargazing.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado
As an RVer, you really need to make at least one trip to Rocky Mountain National Park—and to be honest, I recommend that you go during the winter. The dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains are even more breathtaking when the whole area is blanketed in snow and making it one of the best national parks to visit in winter.
Besides that, Rocky Mountain National Park is a paradise for winter enthusiasts, with activities ranging from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to sledding and wildlife watching.The park even has designated areas for sledding, making it a great destination for RVing families.
Things to do:
- Snowshoeing: Ranger-led snowshoe walks are offered in the winter. These are a great way to get a taste of snowshoeing and learn about the park.
- Sledding: The Hidden Valley area is open for sledding and tubing—easily one of the best winter activities for kids.
- Wildlife watching: Elk and deer are often spotted in the valleys in winter, especially at lower elevations.
The Best Warm Weather National Parks to Visit in Winter
Now, if you’re anything like me, you much prefer to seek out warmer weather during the winter months. Fortunately, there are some national parks that stay nice and warm when the rest of the country is cold, making them ideal national parks to visit in winter if you’re hoping to seek out sunshine.
Everglades National Park
Florida
Everglades National Park is one of my favorite places in Florida and is definitely one of the best warm weather national parks to visit in winter. Known as the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., the park is famous for its vast wetlands, mangroves, and diverse wildlife.
Winter is the dry season in the Everglades, which means fewer mosquitoes (although you’ll still want to pack bug spray), lower humidity, and more accessible trails for exploring.
Things to do:
- Wildlife viewing: Take a boat tour or explore on foot to spot alligators, manatees, and birds.
- Kayaking and canoeing: Paddle through mangrove forests and along coastal estuaries. Yes, this is possible in winter!
- Hiking and biking: Trails like the Anhinga Trail offer easy access to some of the park’s most scenic areas.
Saguaro National Park
Arizona
Home to towering saguaro cacti, Saguaro National Park is located in Tucson, making it an ideal destination for Arizona snowbirds. In winter, the area offers warm sunny days and cool nights, meaning you can have the best of both worlds and making it one of the best national parks to visit in winter.
When we visited, we found that winter was the perfect time to hike through the desert without dealing with the intense summer heat. It was also a great time for desert boondocking with our Mr. Buddy Heater.
Things to do:
- Hiking: Trails like the Valley View Overlook Trail and Signal Hill Trail offer excellent desert views and opportunities to see ancient petroglyphs.
- Scenic drives: The Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro West provides a scenic tour of the desert landscape.
- Sunset viewing: Winter sunsets in the desert are spectacular, with the saguaro cacti silhouetted against vibrant skies.
Joshua Tree National Park
California
Joshua Tree National Park is a special place for my family, and winter is our favorite time to visit thanks to the mild temperatures that make exploriation a lot more comfortable.
This unique desert park features beautiful Joshua trees, distinctive rock formations, and rugged landscapes. The park is also famous for its dark skies, making it a prime destination for stargazing, and if you boondock right outside of the park, you can stargaze from your RV!
Things to do:
- Rock climbing: Joshua Tree is a world-renowned destination for rock climbers, with hundreds of routes to explore.
- Hiking: Trails like the Hidden Valley Trail and Ryan Mountain offer great views and a chance to experience the unique desert flora.
- Stargazing: Winter nights in Joshua Tree are perfect for stargazing due to minimal light pollution and clear skies.
Death Valley National Park
California and Nevada
Despite its ominous name, Death Valley National Park is a land of remarkable beauty. That said, the place is incredibly hot during the summer, meaning it’s best one of the best national parks to visit in winter when temperatures are cool and the landscape comes alive. The park is home to sand dunes, salt flats, mountains, and canyons, offering a wide range of landscapes to explore.
Things to do:
- Hiking: Trails like Golden Canyon and Mosaic Canyon offer excellent opportunities to explore Death Valley’s unique geological features.
- Scenic drives: Artists Drive and Dante’s View are must-see routes that showcase the park’s stunning landscapes.
- Stargazing: With its dark skies, Death Valley is a designated International Dark Sky Park, offering incredible stargazing opportunities. I recommend packing a telescope if you can!
There you have it, the best national parks to visit in winter. Any one of these would be a great addition to your winter travel itinerary. That said, if you can squeeze in two or three, you certainly won’t regret it! Which one will you visit first?