Every year, millions of people take a road trip to see at least one of the incredible national parks that are sprinkled across the country. Checking out at least a few National Parks has to be on everyone’s bucket list when traveling across America.
Yet, most people think that the parks are best seen in the summer. Actually, that might not always be the case! There are some National Parks that are just breathtakingly beautiful in the winter. On top of that there is a bonus, they are virtually deserted in the winter. Plus, many of the parks and surrounding towns offer reduced rates for lodging because of the off season. So, if you’ve been dying to hit up a National Park but have been looking to avoid the crowds, here are three must see parks you can have virtually all to yourself this winter.
Yosemite National Park – California
Yosemite (pictured above) is one of the most popular parks in America, and with good reason, it is home to some amazing geological wonders like half dome, El Capitan and the falls. So while you might be fighting to get a good spot in the summer, in the winter the park is covered with a fresh dusting of snow and is just picturesque.
Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah
Bryce Canyon is consistently listed as one of the best National Parks. But, you might not know that winter is a fantastic time to visit, with cooler temps and the iconic red rocks covered with fresh snow. The rangers offer a number of fun events like snowshoeing and stargazing during the off months. And about four hours drive from Las Vegas, it’s a perfect little getaway.
Everglades National Park
While many people love to visit Florida during the winter for the mild temperatures, they aren’t the only ones. Thousands of migratory birds also fly south, many of them nesting inside Everglades National Park making it a perfect spot to see nature in action. While this national park is a bit more popular during the winter you won’t have to worry much about large crowds.
What are some of your favorite National or State Parks to visit in the winter? Do you love seeing them during the off season? Let us know in the comments!