Best National Parks to Visit in Winter (To Avoid the Snow)
When most people think of visiting national parks in the winter, they imagine snow-covered trails, icy roads, and frigid temperatures. But what if you want all the beauty of the parks without bundling up in layers or worrying about blizzards? (Spoiler…I am that person. The good news is that there are plenty of U.S. national parks that stay mild and snow-free during the colder months. From desert landscapes to coastal escapes with far fewer crowds, these parks offer the perfect mix of adventure and warmth. Here are the best national parks to visit in the winter if you’d rather swap snow boots for hiking shoes.
This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. There are only products included that I truly love. I APPRECIATE your support!
Table of Contents
Snow-free National Parks to Visit This Winter!
Let’s dive into the best warm(ish) National Parks in the USA to visit this winter! From airboat rides and snorkeling to desert hikes and canoe trips, there’s a fun winter adventure for everyone!
1. Death Valley National Park (California & Nevada)
- Closest Airport: Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas (LAS) – 2 hours away
- Average Winter Temperature: 40°F to 70°F
Winter is the best time to explore Death Valley, since summer temperatures can be dangerously hot. We visited for one day in January, and we were met with temperatures in the 50s and even a bit of rain.
During your winter trip, you can enjoy hikes through Golden Canyon, wander the salt flats at Badwater Basin, and catch sunrise at Zabriskie Point. Campgrounds and lodges remain open, but expect chilly nights.
2. Everglades National Park (Florida)
- Closest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA) – 1 hour away
- Average Winter Temperature: 55°F to 75°F
Dry season (aka December to April) makes winter the best time to visit the Everglades. Wildlife is abundant (hey, alligators), and mosquitoes are minimal compared to summer. Airboat tours, kayaking, and ranger-led programs are top activities.
We stopped by this park on our way to Key West one winter, and I cannot wait to get back and explore for longer. The airboat rides are SO fun!
3. Biscayne National Park (Florida)
- Closest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA) – 45 minutes away
- Average Winter Temperature: 65°F to 75°F
Biscayne is a mostly water-based park, making winter’s calm seas and mild temps ideal for snorkeling, boating, and paddleboarding. The coral reefs and shipwrecks of the Maritime Heritage Trail are highlights. Be aware that most of the park is only accessible by boat, so plan a tour or rent gear in advance. This one is still high on my bucket list as it definitely looks like one of the coolest things to do in Florida!
4. Big Bend National Park (Texas)
- Closest Airport: Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF) – 3.5 hours away
- Average Winter Temperature: 45°F to 65°F
I live in Dallas and I often get asked “Does Texas even have any cool hikes?!” And…Big Bend enters the chat. Okay…it might be 8 hours from me and almost 4 hours from the nearest airport, BUT it’s 1000 percent worth the travel effort.
Winter offers mild hiking conditions in Big Bend’s desert and mountain landscapes. Popular hikes like Santa Elena Canyon and the Lost Mine Trail are less crowded, and stargazing is phenomenal thanks to the park’s remote location. Pack layers as temperatures can drop sharply at night.
Be sure to take some time to stop by the nearby Big Bend State Park and wander around the town of Terlingua. It’s so unique and feels like you’ve stepped back into the wild wild west.
5. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
- Closest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) – 1 hour away
- Average Winter Temperature: 40°F to 60°F
Winter brings perfect hiking weather to Joshua Tree. Explore rock formations at Hidden Valley, walk the Barker Dam Trail, or hike Ryan Mountain. Just like in Big Bend, stargazing is world-class here, though desert nights get cold, so bring warm gear if camping.
If camping is not your thing (me), there are so many unique airbnbs in the area. Or, you could make your home base in Palm Springs!
6. Saguaro National Park (Arizona)
- Closest Airport: Tucson International Airport (TUS) – 30 minutes away
- Average Winter Temperature: 40°F to 65°F
Tucson is one place that I find myself returning to year after year. The desert is just so dang peaceful.
Winter is ideal for exploring Saguaro without the extreme summer heat. Hike cactus-lined trails like Valley View Overlook, or take a scenic drive through the park’s western district. Daytime temps are comfortable, but mornings and evenings can be chilly. Be sure to save some time to hike the nearby Seven Falls trail and explore the Desert Museum.
Keep Reading! The Best Dog-friendly Things to do in Tucson
7. Channel Islands National Park (California)
- Closest Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 1.5 hours to Ventura Harbor ferry
- Average Winter Temperature: 45°F to 60°F
Channel Islands offer a quieter escape in winter with fewer visitors. While water can be cool for snorkeling, you can still enjoy hikes with coastal views and possible whale sightings offshore. Be aware: ferries can be canceled in rough seas, so flexibility is key. It’s definitley home to some of the coolest hikes in California!
Best National Parks to Visit in Winter Recap
Summer may get all the hype when it comes to National Parks, but some are just better in the winter! I hope you found this list so helpful in planning your future snow-free winter getaway! Here’s a quick recap of the parks we covered!
- Death Valley
- Everglades
- Biscayne Bay
- Big Bend
- Joshua Tree
- Saguaro
- Channel Islands
Be the first to comment