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10 National Parks You Need to Explore in the Winter

Snow > Crowds

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

If there's one thing you don't love about the national parks, we can probably guess what it is...the crowds. Well, we have a solution for you: go in the winter! Empty trails and less traffic are just the beginning of the long list of reasons why exploring the parks during the off-season is worth the cold. The scenery is even more beautiful with a fresh blanket of snow and there's no more peaceful time in the parks. So bundle up, bring some hot coffee in your pack, and head to one of these parks this winter. 

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Photo: Christin Healey

Photo: Christin Healey

2. Bryce Canyon National Park

Photo: Kathleen Buenviaje

Photo: Kathleen Buenviaje
 

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photo: John Sides

Photo: John Sides 


4. Yosemite National Park

Photo: Patrick Triratpadoongphol

Photo: Patrick Triratpadoongphol


5. Grand Canyon National Park

Photo: Clare Healey

Photo: Clare Healey 


6. Mount Rainier National Park

Photo: Matt Klemsz

Photo: Matt Klemsz


7. Shenandoah National Park

Photo: Christin Healey

Photo: Christin Healey

8. Crater Lake National Park

Photo: Dan Loch

Photo: Dan Loch


9. Denali National Park

Photo: Jacob W. Frank

Photo: Jacob W. Frank


10. Yellowstone National Park

Photo: Crystal Guthrie

Added Bonus: Grand Teton National Park

Body of water reflecting snow covered mountains in the background

Photo: Josh Packer

Cover photo: Christin Healey

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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