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The national parks are a treat to visit all throughout the year, but once they dress in all their winter finery—gowns of powdery snow, ice-bejeweled trees, and powdered pines—they truly are a sight to behold. And the general lack of crowds in traditionally wintery destinations is an extra special bonus. This time of year, even in places that usually require reservations or are congested with visitors, you’re likely to either have whole trails to yourself or share them with just a handful of other hikers.
Sure, you might find fewer services and visitor centers open depending on where you’re headed, but those who appreciate the stunning scenery of winter will hardly be disappointed. Just make sure to research road closures and amenities before you go so you’re prepared.
Pro tips: Get snow tires and pack traction boards in case you get stuck in the snow, and bring microspikes and snowshoes so you’re ready for any terrain you find when you arrive. If in doubt about what gear is appropriate or what areas might have higher avalanche risk, ask a ranger; they’ll always point you in the right direction.
Rocky Mountain National Park: Chasm Lake
Perhaps not surprisingly, Rocky Mountain is as spectacular in the off season as it is at the height of summer. However, it sees far fewer visitors in the winter, and hard-to-get permits for traffic-choked areas like Bear Lake aren’t required.
While that area is a fine choice for a mostly level snowshoe, the hike to Chasm Lake is practically guaranteed to delight. But it’s not for the faint of heart. There’s 2,552 feet of elevation gain over 4 miles (one way) and reaching the lake itself requires traversing a steep, snow-covered slope, so an accessible ice ax isn’t a bad idea, just in case. Don’t forget your ice skates; the lake is frozen solid most of the winter.
Mount Rainier National Park: Glacier Vista
Glacier enthusiasts, head to Mount Rainier in Washington for a hike on the 2.75-mile Glacier Vista Trail. Take the Skyline Trail located next to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise and follow signs for Glacier Vista. The route leads you to a lookout above Nisqually Glacier and epic views of snow-blanketed valleys, white-capped pines, and the surrounding Tatoosh range.
Once you reach the viewpoint, spot the glacier below and Mt. St. Helens behind you before heading back down the way you came. Want an extra special photo op? Hike near sunrise for a truly magical alpine glow. Just make sure to check road conditions and closings before you go and keep in mind the road to Paradise is only open Friday through Monday.
Zion National Park: Angels Landing
This infamous 4.3-mile route in one of Utah’s “Big Five” national parks is renowned for its zig-zagging switchbacks, chains bolted into rock faces, and big, impressive views of the valley far below the terminus (a high cliff overlooking the Virgin River canyon) that all make it a bucket-list hike for those who don’t let a fear of heights slow them down. In warmer months, however, winning a lottery permit is as hard as winning the actual lottery. You’ll still need a permit in the winter, but you have a better chance of snagging one that time of year.
If you visit in winter, you also won’t have to wait a few dozen times for hikers going the other way to pass you on narrow ledges. Do bring spikes, though, because depending on the weather that week, they may be all but required to ensure you keep your footing on icy rock.
Acadia National Park: Jordan Pond Loop
Western national parks aren’t the only fourth-season stunners. This east coast favorite boasts some radical cold-weather adventure destinations, too. You can stick to the park’s historic 45 miles of wide, easy carriage roads, which volunteers from Friends of Acadia groom for cross-country skiing (check trail conditions on their website), but for more of a challenge, hit up the 3.4-mile Jordan Pond Loop trail. In the winter, it’s practically guaranteed to be magically quiet and the shoreline, rocks, and Jordan Pond itself provide plenty of opportunities for envy-inducing pictures.
Yellowstone National Park: Observation Point Snowshoe Trail
Once snow starts to fall, most roads in Yellowstone close to vehicular traffic (except Grand Loop Road and Route 212 from Gardiner to Cooke City). And once they do, hikers and cross country skiers have free rein to explore not just traditional trails, but any unplowed roads, too, meaning there are practically endless exploration opportunities. There are even warming huts and lodges scattered throughout the park so you can take a break and thaw your toes.
But if it’s a designated route you want, and you can get yourself there (via snowmobile or guided snowcoach tour), the 2-mile Observation Point loop that starts at the visitor center near Old Faithful is a standout option. On this snowy tour, you’ll bag views of the Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, and the Firehole River.