Winter in the parks opens up a whole new realm of possibilities when it comes to exploring the national parks. You can take to the trails in snowshoes or cross country skis to see the snow-covered landscapes or hop on a wildlife tour for great opportunities to see large mammals in the parks. 

Need some inspiration for your next chilly thrill? We’ve compiled a list of the best national parks for winter adventures and some tips for planning. 

Planning Your Winter Trip

Winter in these parks will be significantly less crowded, but that’s largely because winter adventuring takes some more time and preparation to be safe and have fun. 

Prepare for the Weather

Be aware of the weather forecast leading up to your trip. Even if the days you are there look clear, if a large snowstorm just passed through some of the roads may still be closed. 

Prepare for Limited Services

During the summer months, national parks hire on seasonal employees to help staff the park. In the winter, be prepared for limited visitor center hours and fewer rangers. Also, many parks will have more limited services during the winter, including water, plumbing, shuttles, and more. 

Prepare for Winter Conditions

Ensure that the gear you’re packing is rated for sub-zero temperatures. A high-quality coat, socks, gloves, and hat is essential when planning extended adventures in the cold outdoors. 

A good pair of waterproof boots will make your snowshoeing adventures much more comfortable for all-day exploring.

Prepare for limited trail markers

In the summer, it’s easy to see the well-worn paths on popular trails, but fresh blankets of snow can quickly disorient snowshoers and skiers. Be sure you have the necessary skills and equipment to navigate the landscape before leaving the parking lot. 

Yellowstone National Park

What to Expect

Yellowstone National Park will be transformed into a cold, snowy landscapes through the winter. 

You’ll have plenty of great opportunities to view wildlife. Moose, wolves, and bison are easier to spot in the distance against the white backdrop. 

The road from the North Entrance to the Northeast Entrance is the only road open to automobiles all year. All other roads are only accessible by over-snow transportation. Plan to enter the park via the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana or via Tower Junction in Cooke City, Montana. Using this road, you can access Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs. 

What to Do

The Yellowstone National Park Lodges continue operations for two of their nine lodges each winter. You can book packages through their site that include airport shuttles, night stays, meals, and excursions.

There are plenty of guided tours available and ski and snowshoe rentals if you want to explore on your own.

Over-snow transportation is available so you can visit Old Faithful and see it erupt in the snow. Twice daily snow coaches, designed specifically for snowy terrain, run between Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. 

Yosemite National Park

What to Expect

Yosemite National Park is tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountain range, so most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. Winter in Yosemite is snowy and cold, though sunny and chilly days are not uncommon.

Note that Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, but Tioga Road is closed (usually by sometime in November), so you’ll have to plan to approach from the west section of the park. The road to Glacier Point is also closed (usually sometime in November).

Tire chains are often required on park roads. When they are, you must carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving.

What to Do

Yosemite is home to the oldest ski area in California: Badger Pass. Even better, a free shuttle runs between Yosemite Valley and the ski area.

Badger Pass is a perfect family-friendly outing. Downhill and cross country skiing, as well as snow tube courses, mean there’s something for every level of skill and comfort. 

If you don’t hit the slopes, you can take in the view of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks or rent some skis or snowshoes to explore in the valley. 

In February, the famous Horsetail Fall Firefall is on full display. Check out our article to learn how to see the famous falls for yourself!

​​Crater Lake National Park, OR

What to Expect

Crater Lake National Park has some of the most winter activities of any national park ranging from ranger-guided snowshoe walks to downhill skiing and snowboarding. The winter season at Crater Lake often lasts from November to May.

The park receives an average of 42 feet (13 meters) of snow per year. It is open year-round, 24 hours a day and the west and south entrances are plowed as needed, but the north entrance road is closed in the winter. Rim Drive is also closed to vehicles and redesignated as a ski and snowshoe route.

The lake is obscured 50% of the season by clouds and snowstorms. You can check the Crater Lake webcam before you visit to see current visibility levels.

Check out their winter conditions safety video to learn more about how to explore safely in the park.

What to Do

There are plenty of winter activities you can plan for your trip to Crater Lake. Be sure to join a popular ranger-guided snowshoe walk while you’re in the park. The walks last about two hours and cover one to two miles of moderate-to-strenuous terrain. An experienced ranger will take the group out to explore the forests and meadows along the rim of Crater Lake.

Sledding and skiing is allowed in areas throughout the park, but absolutely prohibited in the caldera for safety reasons. Keep in mind that there are no chairlifts in the park, so you’ll need to be ready to hike to your desired starting point.

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

What to Expect

Most of Rocky Mountain National Park‘s hiking trails are covered with a blanket of snow from mid-November through mid-May. Even into June, elevations above 9,000 feet may still have snow.

Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road are both closed throughout the winter season.

The park requires timed entry from May to October. Visiting in the winter will give you more flexibility with your visit and fewer crowds to battle for a parking space.

What to Do

Don’t miss the park’s famous sledding hill in Hidden Valley, located 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance and the Fall River Entrance on the east side of the park. This is the only place in the park where sledding is allowed.

The park also offers free ranger-led snowshoe walks on both the east and west sides of the park during the months of January through March, as conditions allow.

Winter in the park is one of the best times to view wildlife. Try to spot snowshoe hares, white-tailed ptarmigan, coyote, elk, and mule deer. It is also a good time to see bald eagles and Clark’s nutcrackers. 

Acadia National Park, ME

What to Expect

Acadia National Park is the perfect place to visit during the winter. Of the parks two million visitors, fewer than 5 percent — visit during the snowy month. You’ll have plenty of trails and viewpoints to yourself as you take in the sights and explore the coast.

Note that from Dec 1 to April 14, the Park Loop Road (including Cadillac Mountain) is closed to vehicles. An entrance station along the Park Loop Road at Schooner Head Road is open year round for information and sales of all entrance passes.

What to Do

Winter hiking is one of the most popular activities during the cold months in Acadia.

Ensure you bring the proper gear to ensure a safe hike on icy trails. Popular activities include scenic drives, winter hikes, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.