Hello, and welcome to Dirt In My Shoes!
Since you’re here, you must be just like me — you can’t seem to get enough of the national parks! Don’t let the winter months slow you down. There are some fabulous parks to explore when everywhere else is covered in snow.
If you’re looking to escape the cold on your next national park adventure, look no further! While many national parks are nice to visit during the winter months, this list is focused on the parks that are generally warm and perfect for exploring.
Where will your next adventure be?!
1. Death Valley National Park
If you’re looking for heat, Death Valley is the perfect place to be! This national park is the hottest, lowest, and driest place in the country — but never fear, it’s actually quite pleasant during the winter months.
When To Go
November – March.
During these months, temperatures typically hover around the mid-60s or 70s during the day and the 40s or 50s at night. Visit during any other time of the year, and you’re looking at high temperatures in the 90s and 100s.
What to Do
Badwater Basin, Mesquite Sand Dunes, and Dantes View are all fabulous sights within the park. Find more information about the can’t-miss spots in Death Valley here.
Location
Death Valley National Park is located near the border of California and Nevada, about 2.5 hours west of Las Vegas.
2. Big Bend National Park
Enjoy the dramatic canyons, the spectacular night skies, and the sparkling river as you escape to one of the most remote places in America! Winter is the absolute perfect time to get out and hike in Big Bend!
When to Go
October – April, avoiding the spring break crowds that swarm the park in Mid-March.
Going at this time of year brings comfortable temperatures and avoids the summer monsoons. Expect to see temperatures in the mid-60s, 70s, or 80s during the day and mid-30s, 40s, or 50s at night.
What to Do
Check out the famous Santa Elena Canyon, hike the Chisos Mountains, and catch a sunset on the Rio Grande with this list of can’t-miss activities in the park.
Location
Big Bend National Park is located at the very bottom of West Texas, along the Texas/Mexico border. The nearest big cities are San Antonio {7 hours away} and El Paso {6 hours away}. It’s a trek to get here, but well worth it!
3. Saguaro National Park
Explore this land of giants….extremely prickly giants! The saguaro cactus is an icon of the American west, and this national park celebrates and protects this unique plant. Winter in this national park takes a little of the edge off of this parched desert landscape and offers a fascinating experience!
When to Go
November – April.
Average temperatures in Saguaro hover around the mid-60s during the day and the 40s at night during the winter. In the months leading up to summer, April especially, expect daytime highs to be closer to the mid-80s.
What to Do
See these majestic beauties up close and personal on the Valley View Trail or the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Click here for more information about the best activities in the park!
Location
Saguaro National Park is located on the eastern and western ends of Tucson, Arizona, about 2 hours south of Phoenix.
4. Zion National Park
Vibrant red rock mountains will completely surround you in this gorgeous national park! Hike to the mountaintops, rappel into a slot canyon, or bike along the river — you’ll never run out of adventures here.
When to Go
Anytime!
Zion is an overwhelmingly popular summer destination, which is why a winter vacation here is so fantastic. From December – March {excluding holidays}, you can expect a much quieter, more relaxed trip to this busy national park.
Daytime temperatures during the winter average about 50 degrees, with nights getting down to the mid-20s. It’s a little chillier than the other parks mentioned in this post, but the weather is still usually quite pleasant to get out and hit the trails.
What to Do
Almost everything you do in Zion during the summer can also be done in the winter!
Don’t rule out snow during the winter months here, though….snow is not unheard of. Higher elevations will accumulate some of the white stuff, often temporarily closing some mountainous trails like Angels Landing or Observation Point. The snow doesn’t usually stick in the park’s lower elevations on trails like Emerald Pools, Pa’rus, and the Riverside Walk, but these trails can still be icy in the shade.
Read more about the sights you definitely don’t want to miss in Zion here.
Location
Zion National Park is located in Southern Utah, about 4.5 hours south of Salt Lake City.
5. Joshua Tree National Park
Head to this national park where two beautiful desert landscapes converge! Here you’ll find unique cacti, crazy cool rocks, and tons of other-worldly trees that thrive in even the harshest conditions.
When to Go
October – April.
The average high temperatures here during these months are in the 60s and 70s, with lows in the 30s and 40s. Days are generally sunny with very little humidity, making it the perfect time to be adventuring outside!
What to Do
Rock climbing. Definitely don’t miss rock climbing!
Walking through the Cholla Cactus Garden, hiking to the top of Ryan Mountain, and exploring Hidden Valley are just some of the things you’ll want to do while you’re here. Here are a few more.
Location
Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Southern Californian desert near the city of Palm Springs, about 2.5 hours east of Los Angeles.
6. Everglades National Park
Ready to see one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world? Step into this tropical swampland that’s filled to the brim with creatures big and small. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of an alligator, a crocodile, or even the elusive Florida panther!
When to Go
December – Mid-May.
You’ll want to hit this park during the state’s dry season if you can! Temperatures are milder, and the large thunderstorms and hurricanes generally don’t occur during this time of the year.
What to Do
Looking for alligators, taking an airboat tour, or hiking the Anhinga Trail are just a few recommended activities to complete while you’re visiting.
Take a look at many of the other fun things you can do in the Everglades. During the winter, you might also want to check out the other nearby Florida national parks, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas.
Location
Everglades National Park is located on the southern tip of Florida, about 1.5 hours from Miami.
BONUS: Faraway Beaches
If you’re really looking for a fantastic national park getaway this winter, hit the beach in one of these faraway island national parks: Hawaii Volcanoes, Haleakala, Virgin Islands, or American Samoa.
Have a great time exploring the national parks this winter!
Hi Ash, recently found your content and you have a lot of great insight! Planning a March trip to both Joshua Tree and Death Valley (while finishing in Vegas to then fly home). Is there a central location to those NP’s you would recommend staying?
Thank you!
No, I’d stay at each individually!
Right near Zion, don’t forget Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, Vermillion Cliffs NM, and Goldbutte NM.
Of course! So many amazing things to do in the nearby area as well!
That cover photo sure looks like Balancing Rock in Big Bend NP!! Since moving to TX from CA (I do miss the Northern and Southern CA camping) in March of 2020, Big Bend has become my favorite place to photograph. I have camped at Chisos Basin in October 2020, April 2021 and now looking forward to my trip in mid-January 2022. It is a bit of a drive from the Austin area, but I make sure I have at least 4 nights in the park!! It is vast and offers so many opportunities for photography, hiking, site seeing and so much more!!
It is! That’s amazing that you’ve been able to spend so much time there. I feel like Big Bend is one of the most underrated parks in the NPS…it has so much to offer!
Thanks Ash for all the information you provide. I have recently returned from a 15 day trip from Alaska & I must say it was absolutely beautiful! Can’t wait to go back but in the meantime I’ll be planning on visiting more National Parks. I love the AZ & Utah area and have been to several. They are all my favorite!!
I hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving & wonderful Christmas! I know you enjoyed your Irelend trip. May God bless you and your family.
Thank you Delores! That sounds amazing, and I hope you’re able to make it to a bunch of parks in the near future. Happy holidays!
Acadia is perfect anytime. Experienced a nor’easter last month and the waves crashing on the pink granite was something to see.
I’m sure that was amazing!
1. The Anhinga trail is a great choice in the Everglades. It was the first NP hike for our kids when they were 2-1/2. Short and flat with plenty of birds, turtles and gators.
2. I’ve enjoyed Death Valley and Joshua Tree, but have not been to Mojave Preserve yet. That park looks pretty good and is actually between the two other parks. The rings hike looks fun. Are you going there after Death Valley?
3. Don’t overlook Northern California either. We live there so we may be biased. Pinnacles NP has a good chance to see California condors (close enough to see the numbers on the wings) and the High Peaks hike is fun from either side of the park. Point Reyes NS has enough people that want to whale watch from the shore that they run shuttles. Ano Nuevo state park has the elephant seals in the winter. Monarch butterflies hibernate in numerous groves. Ladybugs hibernate in Redwood Regional Park. Elkhorn Slough has up to 80 sea otters during a big winter storm. Point Lobos SP is pretty year round.
PS: Thanks for the FB post on Lake O’Hara in Yoho. The bus is by a lottery this year. We’ll hear in March if we got selected.
Thanks for the info! There are some fabulous parks to visit during the winter. I have been to the Mojave Preserve…it’s a beautiful and peaceful place to explore. Good luck with the Lake O’Hara lottery. I really hope you get selected!
Just visited The Grand Canyon and The Petrified Forest (as well as Antelope Canyon). We had the most beautiful weather and the crowds were minimal! Loved our time in Arizona.
Glad you enjoyed it — Arizona is beautiful!
Last week with #1 son we went thru Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Grand Stairway of the Escalante, & Dead Horse Point State Park! Absolutely stunning! Keep on Traveling……..
Sounds amazing! Safe travels to you!
The Everglades is a great start. Then Virgin Islands national park and the dry tortugas. Now that’s the way to spend winter. LOL
Haha agreed…that would be an amazing winter!
Just spent a couple of days in Joshua Tree where the sun was out and daytime temp in the mid 50s. Sky was an incredible clear blue, park relatively uncrowded. And local motels offer great discounts this time of year.
Sounds perfect!!
It’s like your read my mind!! I have been trying to decide on what park (or parks) to visit this winter, and this list is so helpful for trip inspiration. I visited the Everglades last year, and part of me just wants to go back….I can’t get enough of the Florida parks!
Awesome! I’d love to know which ones you pick!
Awesome! I’d love to know which ones you pick!