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!
