The Best National Parks List For Winter Travel

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Enjoying the festive holiday seasons comes with warm, comforting foods, mulled wine from Christmas markets, and watching the snowfall while bundled under blankets piled high. For those who are outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, the holiday season also brings snowy weather ideal for exploring the vast outdoor, specifically the grand national parks found all over the globe.

If you’re an avid hiker, here are some of the best national parks to visit in winter. With help from fellow outdoor travel bloggers, we created the ultimate national parks list to visit during winter — from the East coast of the U.S. near the Great Smokie Mountains to Yosemite, Europe and beyond.  

Grab a thermos of hot chocolate, or mulled wine, whilst plunging into the winter wilderness these national parks offer from all over the world. Ranging from dense forests to unique ecosystems and cascading aqua waterfalls, the grandiose national parks are a wonder filled with unique wildlife, distinct acreage, and more.  

Bundle up for those brave enough to venture into this national parks list, as the beauty is captivating, yet the parks are frigid during winter. Stay warm with the proper equipment – winter coat, snow suit, gloves, hats, snow boots, undergarments and thick fuzzy socks.

Visiting the national in California? Read these guides and resources for more information – hikes in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite guide, Travel packing list.

A National Parks List for Winter

Here are some of the best parks to add to your national parks list for winter.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Situated toward Eastern Europe lies the beautiful country of Croatia, known for its stunning beauty, 3 times award winning best Christmas Market in Zagreb, and it’s gorgeous national parks. Founded in 1949, Plitvice Lakes National Park is both the biggest and oldest national park found within this country. It’s also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Experience this grand preserve during winter as it features emerald lake systems, limestone canyons, thick forests, and a multitude of cascading waterfalls. While the waterfall streams lessen, the glorious energy amongst the opulent backdrop creates a wonderland feeling from the North Pole.  The vibrant hues of green and blue delightfully reflect off of the pure white snow.

Walk along the various boardwalks that wind through the upper and lower lake systems to take in these vivid colors fully. Attempt to find the Veliki Slap postcard viewpoint for a panoramic view of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, witnessing the trees capped gently in snow, and the soft roars of the lake both expanding across 73,000 acres of land. Or use this winter guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park to cut down time on foraging through the snow.

Begin your journey into the park by starting at Entrance 1 for the most natural flow for viewing the waterfalls. The park is split into four main hiking trails (Red Trails, Maroon Trails), with seven various routes to access the lakes.

During winter, all the hiking trails remain open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, including access to the panorama train and the electric boat for a stunning short cruise across the lake.

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand is an awesome place to visit. Plus most of the year, you can see snow covered mountains! However visiting in winter, adds a different view with white snow covering the national park. If you’re lucky, you might catch a beautiful sunny day, whilst also seeing snow on the surrounding mountains and ground.

There are a number of different hikes offered in Mount Cook National Park with varying distances and elevations. Along with a museum and a tourist information center to learn more about the area (see here).

Two hikes you might consider are the Hooker Valley Hike and Tasman Glacier Hike. The Hooker Valley Hike is fairly flat in elevation, easy to complete and has a hike duration of roughly three to four hours. It’s also the best hike to get to the water’s edge and see the Glaciers in the distance.

The Tasman Glacier Hike has a number of stairs and is a shorter distance than Hooker Valley Hike with a few different scenic viewpoints.  The hikes duration is about one and a half hours, but it can easily be longer if you wish to scrabble over rocks to the water’s edge.

You’ll definitely need to check out the weather report on the day you plan to visit, just to make sure you won’t get snowed, then add to your national parks list.

By Chris from Aquarius Traveller

Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park is a magnificent national park to visit in winter. It’s incredibly hot in the summer, but because of the elevation it immediately gets covered in snow when the weather cools. 

There is only one road through the park, which means it can get extremely crowded in July-August. But, this also means it can be more easily accessed throughout winter. 

Additionally, Moab is only 5 miles away, so there are plenty of places to stay nearby. 

The arches and narrow ridges that give the park its name, are especially pretty when covered in snow.  Most of the arches can be seen on fairly short hikes.  Even the longest trail, through Devil’s Garden, has a short, easy, and mostly paved section leading to the Landscape Arch (the longest natural occurring single span arch in North America). 

Other short trails in the park take you to the stunning Double Arch, where two arches interconnect with the nearby North and South Windows.  Even shorter hikes give you scenic views over Park Avenue (a stunning small canyon of cliffs), Balancing Rock, and more arches such as Skylight and Sand Dune Arches. 

The most famous arch in the park, Delicate Arch, which features on Utah’s license plates, can be tricky to hike in the snow. However, with equipment such as crampons and hiking poles, you will be rewarded on this 3-4 hour hike with breathtaking views of the arch covered in snow. 

Arches National Park is truly magical in the snow!

By James Ian at Travel Collecting

Yosemite National Park, California

Perched among the heights of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California is the awe inspiring Yosemite National Park, a place of soaring cliffs, waterfalls, and thick forests. This pristine mountain escape is a magical land to experience the wonders of winter and to explore the serene stillness of deep snowfalls.

While the park is most famous for its spring or summer vibes, winter transforms this wilderness preserve into a land replete with ice and fresh thick snow. Iconic spots like Half Dome, El Capitan and Cathedral Peak are carpeted with snow, while Yosemite Valley is painted a white flurry.

Besides the high elevation of the park creating heavy snow areas, plenty of roads remain open. Contrarily, roads leading to the backcountry and Mariposa Grove are inaccessible during winter.

Bundle up and enjoy the amazing experience of a ranger led snowshoe hike from Badger Pass to Glacier Point. Instead of large crowds and tour buses, there’s an intimate group among the quiet snow covered wilderness. Other winter activities include skiing at Badger Pass, snowboarding, and ice skating at Curry Village.

If self-led adventure is your speed, experience the multitude of wonderous hiking trails in Yosemite. Consider the Mist Trail, rated strenuous, with a 7 mile hike duration to Vernal Falls, Mirror Loop Lake, a 5 mile flat loop, or the Valley Loop Trail, a 13 mile mostly flat loop.

Winter is also a fitting time to appreciate the wildlife within the park. Spotting deer and squirrels are frequent during this season, as well as discovering the ravens courting each other.

If you’re planning to add Yosemite National Park to your winter national parks list here’s a Yosemite Park guide.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Lassen Volcanic National Park in California is an incredible destination to experience fall in California, but its even more stunning in winter. The volcanoes and geothermal areas blanketed in snow is unreal to see! Many areas are open in the winter to both vehicle traffic and pedestrians.

To access the park, first drive to the Southwest visitor center. Then, learn more about what’s open and get recommendations from park rangers for the current winter conditions.  

The first tip for visiting the park in winter includes preparing your vehicle for driving in the snow. Bring tire chains and maintain a full tank of gas each day.

Secondly, for hiking you’ll need snowshoes or traction cleats for your boots; YakTrax are a popular brand. Don’t forget your sunscreen, travel snacks and water – you’ll be at high elevation and surrounded by highly reflective snow!

The most popular hike is to the Sulphur Works Hydrothermal Area. It’s a one mile trek from the visitor center. You’ll see the geothermal wonders that Lassen is known for including bubbling mud and steamy vents.

Also visit Manzanita Lake for scenic lake and mountain views. Plus, here is the easiest cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the park!

Snow in Lassen Volcanic National Park can remain throughout March, so even for a spring trip, remember to check National Park Service, NPS, for current conditions.

By Alanna Koritzke from Periodic Adventures

Travel tip: If you’re planning a trip to California, here are 14 more wellness focused and outdoorsy cities to explore– Wellness Cities in Southern California.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

For a truly classic winter experience, take a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. This epic winter snow-scape features beautiful mountains and a variety of fun-filled things to do.

A highlight activity is to embark on one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some winter hike favorites include Dream Lake and Lake Haiyaha (3.6 miles round trip), as well as Loch Lake (5.4 miles) and Glacier Gorge (2.8 miles).

Keep in mind, many trails are unsafe due to avalanche concerns, so do your homework before you hike.

Another excellent option is to head to Rocky Mountain National Park to witness the sunrise. Pack a warm thermos of coffee or hot cocoa, plenty of layers, and a snack to enjoy the alpenglow. (Click here for a travel checklist to help you plan.)

A few notable sunrise spots include Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, and the Many Parks Overlook. Keep in mind the main scenic road – Trail Ridge Road – closes to vehicle traffic in the winter. However, adventurous backcountry skiers, cross country skiers, and snowshoers are able to walk the road.

After sunrise, head to the Hidden Valley area. This spot was once an old ski resort. Today you can learn how to backcountry ski (hiring a guide is recommended) or go sledding. There are toilets and a shelter for use in this area.

Overall, Rocky Mountain National Park is an excellent place to enjoy the snow and add to your national parks list. From beautiful hikes to stunning vistas, there’s a lot to discover adding Rocky Mountain to your national parks list.

By Meg Atteberry from Fox in the Forest

Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

Home to the one of the world’s highest-elevation active volcanoes, Cotopaxi National Park is one of the jewels of Ecuador, and a must-visit destination for adventure seekers looking for a wintery challenge.

Cotopaxi will take your breath away both figuratively and literally. This active volcano reaches past the clouds to 19,347 feet / 5,897 meters in elevation. Though just miles away from the equator, the high elevation keeps the top of the volcano covered in snow year-round.

Excursions to Cotopaxi Volcanic Summit depart from the Jose F. Rivas Refuge in the middle of the night before sunrise due to favorable snow and ice conditions. The journey takes around seven hours to reach the summit. Make sure you allow plenty of time to acclimate to the high elevation of the park before attempting to climb the summit.

Consider spending a few days in one of the park’s lodges or at the Secret Garden Cotopaxi, a dreamy hotel and hostel. It offers daily waterfall hikes and additional excursions throughout the park. 

Even if you’re not interested in summiting Cotopaxi, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy. Hiking to the glacier line, just a 40-minute hike past the refuge, is still a fantastic feat. Additionally, the park offers a variety of activities–horseback riding, mountain biking, and various other hiking trails exploring the national park.

By Carley Rojas Avila from Home to Havana

Sequoia National Park, California

There are many of activities to do in Sequoia National Park in winter  including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and more. Wolverton Meadow and Grant Grove are excellent snow sport areas that also have several trails nearby.

The best winter hiking trail is the 2-mile Congress Loop which passes The President Tree (3rd largest tree in the world) and The Senate, a grove of redwoods. Hiking to General Sherman (the largest tree in the world) and General Grant (the 2nd largest tree) is another gorgeous hike that’s not too difficult in winter.

The area around Wuksachi Lodge is excellent for hiking or snowshoeing on the winter trails. You can also take guided snowshoe hikes on weekends with naturalists from the park. During winter, the lodge is also open for a cozy meal after working up an appetite.

Experienced winter hikers can snowshoe up to Pear Lake, a six-mile trail with 2,000 feet of elevation gain which culminates at an altitude of 9,200 feet. There is a cabin up at Pear Lake with a pellet stove. It sleeps about ten people, but reservations are required. So, book early if this is your jam!

Winter tip: Note that snow chains for tires are required in winter if you’re driving in the national park (or other parks from this national parks list).

By Allison Green from California Crossroads

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is arguably even more beautiful when it’s snow covered. Imagine towering snowcapped peaks against a bright blue sky with the ground blanketed in snow. Not only will the views excite visitors, but with the new season, there are a multitude of things to do in Banff National Park.

With the proper warm winter gear (click here for outdoor winter packing tips), activities to enjoy include skating, winter hiking, snowshoeing, dogsledding, and skiing.

Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular areas in Banff National Park in the summer, but it’s equally impressive in the winter. This 3.1 mile hike takes you up the snowy canyon on catwalks to the frozen waterfalls. While this may be an easy winter hike in Banff, the magnitude of this frozen waterfall is bound to impress. Plus, watching the ice climbers is a fun experience.

Another must-do activity in Banff National park in the winter is to skate on a frozen lake. Lake Louise offers the perfect opportunity for visitors to do just that. With the snow cleared off the lake, skaters can enjoy ice skating on this stunning lake with the most incredible views.  

Before visiting any national parks off this national parks list in winter, always check avalanche and trail reports. Also stay prepared with the right equipment. Layers are best for staying warm during winter activities, while other gear can be rented in the Banff townsite. 

By Celine from Travel Banff Canada

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Vatnajökull National Park is located in the south of Iceland and covers over 14000 km², about 14% of Iceland. This makes it the second largest national park in Europe. The focus of the national park is the Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest glacier outside of the Arctic in Europe.

The park has a range of activities, all with a theme of ice and water.  Some of the largest waterfalls in Iceland are produced from the glacial meltwaters.  Dettifoss, a lovely waterfall, in the north has a huge flow of water. This trail is rated easy, as you hike along gentle paths out to the waterfall.

Nearby is Sellfoss, one of the easiest hiking trails in the national park.  Godafoss is another beautiful waterfall to visit during winter when the surrounding landscape is covered in snow. 

In the south of the national park are a number of glacial lagoons, which have large icebergs breaking off and floating down the outlet rivers to the Diamond Beach, sprinkled with ice. 

It’s possible to hike the glacial tongues and explore inside the spectacular ice caves which form during the winter months.  These activities are accessible in most weather conditions but need to be under the guidance of local guides. 

Since the conditions can change rapidly, ice hiking and caves should not be attempted without skilled guidance.

Side note: Iceland is also famous for its hot springs bath located throughout the country. Here’s a list of the top thermal baths in Europe for a nice long soak after a day of hiking.

By Suzanne from Meandering Wild

Sierra Nevada National Park, Spain

One of the most beautiful national parks in Spain is Sierra Nevada National Park in Andalucia. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll find snow at least 6 months during the year.

Home to the highest peak in continental Spain, Mulhacen at 11,414 feet, begins to snow as early as September. There you can ski on the slopes at the Sierra Nevada Ski Centre from early November until late May, and sometimes early June. Sierra Nevada is home to Europe’s most southern ski slopes.

What makes Sierra Nevada National Park special is during mid-winter, you can begin your day backcountry skiing and then enjoy the afternoon sunbathing on one of the gorgeous beaches of the Costa Tropical. Driving from the ski center to the beach there is only two hours.

Because the park location is in close proximity to the sea, it has a unique microclimate on the coast. In fact, this rare climate not only brings warmth during winter, but it’s also suitable for growing many types of fruits and vegetables. Locals say that the salads here, made with the local ingredients, are the tastiest in the world.  

Since the national park has several different climates, you can also go hiking during winter. Of course, peaks such as Mulhacen are not accessible to the average hiker, only to experienced mountaineers.

However, you can still enjoy hiking trails such as Ruta de Los Cahorros, at a lower altitude. In fact, winter is the best time to hike this trail! It’s not recommended to hike it during summer because of the high temperatures and the lack of shade.

By Joanna from Andalucia In My Pocket

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park may be better known for its vibrant bursts of golden yellow and fiery amber foliage. But, there’s something special about this national park when the fall colors fade and fresh snowfall opens up opportunities to observe wildlife tracks and frozen waterfalls.

Stay warm as you motor along the gently curving 105-mile Skyline Drive at 35 miles per hour. More than 75 scenic viewpoints, including Signal Knob Overlook (milepost 5.5) and Crescent Rock Overlook (milepost 44), implore visitors to pull over to take in sweeping snow-covered views across the majestic Shenandoah Valley.

Cold weather hikers too will be rewarded with gram-worthy scenery aplenty as they criss-cross the park on hiking trails that wow with frozen cascades and snow-packed trails. Enjoy invigorating winter hikes, like the short and sweet 1.3-mile out-and-back hike to Little Stony Man Cliffs for spectacular views of Massanutten Mountain. Seek out picturesque winter waterfalls on the 1.4-mile out-and-back hike to Dark Hollow Falls. Keep your eyes open for interesting ice formations along the way.

Given winter is not peak season, there will be fewer visitors in the park. Thus, allowing for a greater sense of solitude, digital detox and oneness with nature in the cold of winter.

With fewer leaves, visitors can also enjoy more wide-reaching valley views. As an added bonus, no bears. They are all off hibernating for the winter season. 

By Erin from Go Hike Virginia

Glacier National Park, Montana

Nestled into the rugged mountains of Montana, you’ll find Glacier National Park. Known for its dense forests, glacier-carved valleys, cliffs, and alpine landscapes, the park is one of most visited in the United States. In the winter, Glacier National Park is covered in snow, making it the best winter destination for wellness travelers who love the outdoors.

Most of the roads within the park are closed during the winter. However, Going-to-the-Sun road stays open and plowed year-round, allowing access between West Glacier and Lake McDonald.

Skiing or snowshoeing are popular ways of getting around the park. Explore the unplowed road past Lake McDonald, or head to the trails near Apgar Village, the main village within the park. Keep in mind that most trails aren’t marked, so pick up a map at the Park Headquarters before venturing out.

If you spend some time at Glacier National Park in winter, you’ll likely see some wildlife. The park is home to many animals, including moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and bears. However, the most commonly seen large animal is the white-tailed deer.

If you enjoy bird watching, there are various species that call the park home in winter. This includes waterfowl, ravens, and white-tailed ptarmigan. However you spend your visit, be sure to add Glacier National Park to your national parks list for winter travel.

By Natasha from Great Ocean Road Collective.

Jasper National Park, Canada

Canada is a dream destination for winter activities, with much of the country covered in a blanket of snow for months. One of the most dreamy places to visit during the winter is Jasper National Park in Alberta.

Even during the holiday season, the park is a great winter destination for outdoor enthusiasts with many activities offered. Some of the top things to do in Jasper during winter are dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. There’s even the chance to see the northern lights in Jasper, as the park is far enough north and a dark sky preserve. 

There are many gorgeous hiking trails in Jasper National Park. One of the best winter hikes is the ice walk to Maligne Canyon. It’s the deepest accessible canyon in the park and becomes a magical wonderland during the winter season with frozen waterfalls and ice caves to explore.

You’ll have to join the Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour to see this, which includes crampons to walk on the ice. The walk is about 2.2 miles and takes about three hours. Book yourself a hotel with a fireplace, hot tub, or other wellness amenities so you can warm up at night after a day of playing in the snow! Or bring some essential oils to rub on after a long days hike.

Wellness tip: Here’s some more wellness tips, quotes and resources for traveling — how to stay healthy when traveling, and the best essential oils for travelers.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

One of the best snow-covered national parks to visit in December in the USA is Mount Rainier. This beautiful national park is a great place to visit throughout the year but winter is offers a spectacular experience. There are splendid views of snow-covered Mount Rainier and special winter activities organized by park rangers to enjoy in winter. 

Please note that due to heavy snowfall in this area there are only two access points to Mount Rainier National Park during the winter months. You can either enter the park via the Nisqually Entrance or via the Carbon River Entrance. Regardless of which entrance you use, be sure to drive carefully and use snow tires, which are mandatory between November and May. 

Another important thing to note is restaurants and accommodation within the park are closed during the winter season. Thus, be ready to self-cater by bringing enough food, snacks and water.

One of the best winter activities to enjoy in the national park is signing up for a ranger-led snowshoeing hike. The ranger will lead you through a winter wonderland and explain the parks delicate ecosystem. 

For those interested in a high-adrenaline activity, there’s snowmobiling in a small section along the Westside Road. When visiting with kids, head to the Paradise Snowplay Area where children can enjoy an afternoon of sledding and snowball fights.  

By Lotte from Phenomenal Globe

Additional resources for winter travel

Have you explored a national park during winter? If not, which park would you add to your national parks list?