Favorite Winter Parks (Warm Weather Edition)

Thinking about going somewhere fun this winter to break up the long, cold days? You’re going to love this episode of Exploring the National Parks!

Today, we are sharing our favorite national parks to visit in the winter if you are looking to escape the snow. These are some of our favorite warm-weather escapes, and we are excited to share them with you today!

Join us as we discuss:

The hottest and driest park that is best to visit in the winter
The national park that we could visit every single winter
One of our favorite parks to visit in the south
The best national park in Utah to visit in the winter
Where you can go in the winter and see some unique trees
The park we weren’t expecting to love in the winter
The perfect Hawaii national park getaway

We hope you enjoyed hearing about our favorite national parks to visit when we need to get away from the cold. We visit at least a few of these parks pretty much every winter, and we hope you get a chance to do the same this year!

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Favorite Winter Parks Overview

We’re diving into the best national parks to escape the winter chill. We discuss where to find that much-needed sunshine, with a focus on parks that are ideal for a winter getaway—though we’ll mention one that’s been unexpectedly chilly lately.

Join us as we celebrate the warmth and joy of heading south, trading in the snow for the promise of adventure along the Gulf Coast or towards the vibrant borders of Mexico.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is a park of extremes: incredibly hot, remarkably dry, and sitting below sea level. Yet, when visited during the cooler winter months, it transforms into a playground for nature lovers, offering a variety of experiences and a strong sense of community among the campers.

While Death Valley is famous for its challenging environment, it’s also home to a range of unique sites, such as the alien landscapes of Badwater Basin, the narrow walls of Mosaic Canyon, and the breathtaking vistas from Dante’s View. Visitors should be aware, however, that recent flash floods have temporarily changed the face of the park, affecting some trails and roads, so it’s essential to check current conditions before planning a trip.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, tucked away at the lower tip of West Texas and carved by the Rio Grande, comes to life in the winter months. We’ve found ourselves enamored by its unexpected beauty, with the desert landscape bursting into vibrant blooms and the wildlife stirring in the mild coolness—a stark contrast to the often overlooked and underestimated desert terrain.

The best times to visit are between October and April to avoid the extreme summer heat. Highlights like Santa Elena Canyon epitomize the park’s allure, coupled with the romance of the Rio Grande and echoes of the beloved Western, “Lonesome Dove.” Crossing into Boquillas, Mexico, for local flavors and crafts is effortless and fun, enhancing the park’s appeal.

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park, cradled by the city of Tucson, Arizona, offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and the raw beauty of the American West. With its protective embrace around the majestic saguaro cacti, the park presents two distinct faces: the west, with its stunning sunsets and dense cacti population, and the east, showcasing larger, older saguaros against a backdrop of rugged mountains. A stroll along the Desert Discovery Trail for sunset here feels like stepping into a classic Western film.

Complementing the natural wonders, the culinary delight of Tucson’s Sonoran hot dogs adds a flavorful twist to the park experience, making it a must-visit in the cooler winter months. For those with a penchant for the Wild West, a side trip to the historic town of Tombstone adds an authentic touch to the adventure, complete with tales of gunfights and frontier legends. Saguaro National Park is more than a haven for plant life; it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and the enchanting desert landscape.

Zion National Park

We’re passionate about Zion National Park’s off-season allure, preferring its cooler, less crowded times over the sweltering summer. Visiting in months like November or February allows for a peaceful and comfortable hiking experience, free from the throngs of tourists and the intense desert heat.

We recommend experiencing Zion in the tranquility of the shoulder seasons. Trails remain accessible, and the park reveals a different kind of beauty, quiet and cool, making it perfect for those who enjoy solitude in nature. Avoiding the peak season isn’t just about comfort—it’s about discovering Zion’s serene side, which we believe is at its best when the crowds thin out and the temperatures drop.

Joshua Tree National Park

We’re back in California for park number five: the remarkable Joshua Tree National Park. It’s not just the unique Joshua Trees that make this park special—it’s the park’s history of protection and the stark beauty of the desert. Joshua Tree stands out for its delicate ecosystems, where even within the park, you can observe the clear demarcation where these trees can and cannot grow, dividing the park between the Mojave and Colorado deserts.

Our connection to Joshua Tree grew over time, morphing from mild appreciation to deep admiration. It’s a park that might require adjustment in expectations, especially for those used to lush, green trails. The real magic of Joshua Tree, for us, came alive through rock climbing among the giant rock formations. The park offers a ‘choose your own adventure’ style experience for all skill levels, which makes it a fascinating visit, especially in winter.

Everglades National Park

Initially skeptical, our trips to the Everglades, now tallying three in the last four years, have turned into an annual tradition. What seemed like an ordinary flat park surprised us with an abundance of diverse wildlife, turning our visits into unforgettable safaris. Whether it’s the vibrant birdlife or the thrilling sight of alligators, Everglades defied our expectations, revealing a rich ecosystem as we watched pelicans feed and marveled at the beauty of manatees and dolphins.

Venturing beyond Everglades, we find that Florida’s southern tip offers a trio of distinct national park experiences. From Biscayne National Park, ideal for water-based adventures like boat tours and scuba diving, to the enchanting Dry Tortugas, each park offers unique encounters that make for an ideal winter escape.

Our advice? Fly into Miami during the colder months for short weather and a multicultural culinary feast, then embark on a journey through these parks. We reminisce about past adventures, like savoring key lime pie in the Florida Keys, and eagerly plan our return, ensuring we don’t miss out on the vibrant life and natural wonders these parks have to offer.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is a top-notch destination for those looking to escape colder climates, boasting warm temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees even in the winter. This park offers an array of activities that range from snorkeling to exploring volcanic landscapes.

Visiting when Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, is in an eruptive phase can heighten the experience, but with its consistent activity, any visit promises to be unforgettable. The park’s diverse terrain includes hiking through lava tubes and across the crater of Kilauea Iki, offering a thrilling glimpse into the planet’s geological forces at work.

Additionally, Haleakala National Park on Maui presents a starkly different yet equally breathtaking experience. Unlike the dynamic lava flows of Hawaii Volcanoes, Haleakala offers a serene landscape to traverse, with vast craters and cinder cones that evoke scenes from an otherworldly realm. It’s a place of stillness and grandeur, where the immense scale of the volcanic landscape impresses upon visitors the power of the natural world. Whether seeking adventure, warmth, or awe-inspiring sights, these national parks are magnificent getaways, with or without the backdrop of winter.

We’ve spotlighted a selection of national parks that truly shine during certain seasons. The list, featuring spots like Big Bend, is just a snapshot of the places that capture our hearts and stir our wanderlust. As you dust off your hiking boots and prepare to bask in the sunshine once more, remember there’s a whole world of parks waiting to be discovered.

Links mentioned in this episode:

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