Best National Parks in the Winter
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Dry Tortugas, Joshua Tree, Redwoods and Yosemite - which photo is which park?
There are few better feelings than using some hard-earned vacation time. While it’s no secret our national parks make for the perfect summer adventure, the diversity of our public lands is displayed throughout the seasons. Though some go through closures, the fun is year-round for many of them. Winter can be a wonderful time to explore parks you know and love from other seasons, while seeing them in an entirely new light.
Half Dome defrosting late in the season.
Yosemite
Lovers of this granite wonderland will tell you that you haven’t seen Yosemite until you’ve seen it in the wintertime. After spending a winter there, I see what they mean! When the cool air rolls in and cold temperatures follow, the park turns more mystical than ever. The winter begins with fog that rolls into Yosemite Valley, providing a surreal scene. A lot of popular trails remain open like The Mist Trail, and Four Mile Trail, two of my all-time favorites. Not to mention the giant sequoias, that are majestic buried under snow. By this time of year, a region itching for precipitation not only receives it but produces magic along with it.
The Merced River can freeze and create frazil ice and, later in the season, visitors flock back for the infamous Firefall. My winter season was a rather dry one, which provided lots more time on trails but other years contrast in that, proving beauty of the powerful waterfalls around the park.
Redwood National and State Parks
Rainy days under the Redwoods.
Further into Northern California is the Redwood forest. Coastal Redwoods are among the tallest trees (tallest or one of?) in the world and pictures certainly don’t do these giants justice. The location has a lot to do with their size, as they cannot grow anywhere else and the cool ocean air provides their perfect haven. It also keeps the winters rather mild, which also proves well for the Roosevelt Elk that inhabit the region. Another draw to the area is the route, as it sits at the southern base of Highway 101: The Redwood Highway and into the Southern Oregon coastline.
US-101: Oregon Coast and Redwood Highway
Joshua Tree and Death Valley
Down to Southern California where the winter isn’t as harsh as anywhere north. Unlike most parks, it’s recommended to visit in the winter for temperatures within reason. Here, there are two parks that offer loads of adventure. Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorites to date because, well, look at those crazy trees! This choose-your-own-adventure park gives visitors the freedom to venture out into the desert in search of whatever you please. Desert critters are abundant like rattlesnakes and the elusive desert tortoise. 90 miles northwest, you’ll find the largest park in the lower 48. Death Valley was once an ancient ocean, with the remains of wild sedimentary features. I had an absolute blast at the Sand Dunes and Badwater Basin, which is located nearly 300 feet below sea level. Even the rock structures like those at Zabriskie Point are something to marvel at, and plenty of it to marvel at within 3.4 million acres. While there is much to see at your feet, these parks hold firm on SoCal’s ever gorgeous golden hour - those sunrises and sunsets are unmissable.
Dry Tortugas NP
Winter brings its share of solitude and you can find that in Dry Tortugas National Park. The Florida Keys are the closest you can get by car to this park; not a bad national park border town! It then takes another 75-mile ferry ride south to this ocean gem. Upon arrival, I was mind blown by the sheer fact that this place exists and how much history you can find here. You can find plenty of enjoyment in the park’s trails through and around Fort Jefferson while getting expansive ocean views. You can always bring your swim trunks snorkel in the area too!
Still think you can’t get much from the parks in wintertime? Think again. With the crowds have retreating home, nature has freedom to flourish in the quiet season - and there’s nothing better than a front row seat. With snow in the mountains or warmer weather on the other side, there’s plenty of options for all and more space to get into nature without the crowds of the busy season. Pack those layers (or swimsuits) and get out there!
