Just because it’s winter it doesn’t mean you have to hold off on visiting your favorite National Park. In fact, we’ll let you in on a little bit of a secret…ready?
A lot of the National Parks are even better during the winter months. Now, there are a couple of reasons for this, some are obvious, like there will generally be fewer visitors. You’d be might surprised to find that some parks you practically have to yourself, which is pretty awesome.
Another big reason why National Parks are great in the winter months, is because of all the extra activities you can enjoy, snowshoeing being one of them.
Not too long ago, we did a post that highlighted three different spots to do a little snowshoeing, here we’ll expand on the National Parks part of it all.
Yosemite National Park
Everyone flocks to Yosemite National Park in the summer, it’s easy to see why. But in the winter months, when a fresh blanket of snow has covered the park, it truly becomes a wonderland. There are hundreds of miles available for snowshoeing, and in December through March, you can actually join in on ranger led events.
Glacier National Park
If you’ve always wanted to experience the incredible beauty of Glacier National Park‘s Going to the Sun Road, imagine taking it all in during the winter months. This relatively smooth and flat road is the perfect snowshoeing spot to wander around the park. Be on the lookout, because many snowshoers report seeing all sorts of natural wildlife too.
Yellowstone National Park
On it’s own, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most beautiful in the entire system. Both remote and rugged, it spans across the mountains and plains of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. So, it’s not surprising that there are hundreds of miles of trails perfect for snowshoeing. Be prepared though, most of these are in the back country.
Acadia National Park
NPS Photo
Spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean while rocking your snowshoes? Yes, it can happen, and it does at Acadia National Park. Or, if you’re up for the challenge, take a trek up the Cadillac Mountain Road and you’ll have some panoramic views of the rugged Maine wild. This is one of the more popular winter parks, so be on the lookout for skiers and snowboarders.
Rocky Mountain National Park
The Colorado Rockies have an entirely different look and feel during the winter months, and Rocky Mountain National Park is no exception. Because of that, this park has some of the most epic snowshoeing trails around. The park offers free ranger led programs, and if you don’t have your own gear, you’ll find rentals right outside the park.
Crater Lake National Park
NPS Photo
All booked up this winter, but still want to try your hand at some snowshoeing? Well, you’re in luck. With almost 45 feet of annual snowfall each year, Crater Lake National Park still has snowshoeing most years until June. Get up close and personal with wildlife, some incredible views, and the famous lake itself. Ranger led tours go through April.
There you have it. Six incredible National Parks that you can enjoy this winter (and sometimes even longer) to get your snowshoe fix in. What about some of your favorites? Let us know what you think!
