Why would you want to visit the best national parks in November and December? It comes down to one word: timing.
Timing is everything when it comes to national parks. Many national park sites are so popular that advanced reservations are required to stay at or even enter the park!
The good news is that most national parks are open year-round. Better still, many of these parks are at their best during the cooler months of November and December.
@dinkumtribe Visiting the Grove of Titans was like walking through a fairytale forest. @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #redwoodsnationalpark #redwoodscalifornia #redwoods #redwoodsforest #redwoodsnps #groveoftitans #jedidiahsmithstatepark #jedidiahsmithnationalpark #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids ♬ Ends of the Earth – Lord Huron
In this post, we will share about our holiday trip to one of America’s most popular national parks. We will also walk you through the 41 best national parks to visit in November and December, and what you’ll want to know before you go.
Table of Contents
- 5 National Parks in 1 Holiday Roadtrip
- 4 Ways to Enjoy National Parks in November & December
- 9 Off-Season Opportunities
- 7 Sunny Siestas
- 11 National Park Paradises
- 8 Winter Wonderlands
5 National Parks in 1 Holiday Roadtrip
We took a chance and it paid off big. Our family chose to visit Redwood National Park over the holiday season, and found that we had the place to ourselves!
In fact, we could enjoy five national parks at a comfortable, crowd-free pace. Our five-day national park itinerary began in Salem and looped through California National Historic Trail, Oregon Caves National Monument, Smith River National Recreation Area, Redwood National Park, and Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
#1. California National Historic Trail
National historic trails provide one of the best ways to experience the National Parks. Freeways and highways were built along routes that were first used by indigenous tribes, explorers, and armies.
@dinkumtribe This is a replica of an old covered wagon from the days of the Oregon Trail and Applegate Trail. @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #historictrailswest #coveredwagon #coveredwagons #applegatetrail #oregontrail #californiatrail #historictrailroad #howthewestbegan #pioneerhistory #youroregon #thatoregonlife #traveloregon #visitoregon #oregonisawesome #bestoforegon #oregonstateparks ♬ Epic Cinematic Dramatic Adventure Trailer – Romansenykmusic
Following the Infamous Applegate Trail
Our family jumped onto the Applegate Trail, an infamous part of the California Trail. The Applegate Trail was advertised as an easier and safer way to Oregon, but it turned out to be the opposite.
The first Applegate wagon trains found themselves blazing a trail through Southern Oregon’s rugged mountains amid the snows of late November. Indigenous tribes easily killed many emigrants who were trespassing on their traditional lands.
Interstate 5 follows this hazardous stretch of the Applegate Trail. The sun was setting amid these rugged, snow-dusted mountains when we pulled up to the Wolf Creek Tavern.
Oregon’s Oldest Tavern
Wolf Creek Tavern is one of the best locations along the Applegate Trail. The tavern got its start as a stagecoach stop in 1868 after the trail had become well-established.
Wolf Creek Tavern was warm and decked out for holiday festivities. The children loved exploring its historic rooms and black-and-white photos. We were the only party at the restaurant, so there was no bother in looking at the pictures and oddities that decorated the tavern’s walls and rooms.
@dinkumtribe Step into a historic Christmas celebration in Southern Oregon! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #applegatetrail #historicoregontrail #historiccaliforniatrail #californiahistorictrail #oregonfamily #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #pnwfamily #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolfieldtrip ♬ The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) – Nat King Cole Trio
Wolf Creek offers great food and local craft beer. Take the time to stay and eat at this historic stop along Oregon’s stretch of the California National Historic Trail.
Historic Jacksonville
The next day was just as rewarding. We got up early to attend one of Oregon’s best holiday celebrations: the Jacksonville Christmas Parade.
Jacksonville is one of the best-preserved frontier towns in Oregon. They make the most of this strength by transforming their town into a Victorian Christmas every holiday season.
@dinkumtribe Our kids loved riding in the horse-drawn carriage ride! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #victorianchristmas #victorianchristmasaesthetic #jacksonvilleoregon #oregonchristmas #historicoregon #horsedrawncarriage #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids ♬ Sleigh Ride – Ella Fitzgerald
Jacksonville’s parade didn’t disappoint. It was an hour-long extravaganza of marching bands, dancing troupes, floats, classic cars, and Father Christmas on a historic fire engine.
We enjoyed a hot cup of coffee while listening to carolers and strolling through boutiques. A free carriage ride around the historic town was icing on the cake—what a holiday!
But we had one more place to see. An ancient indigenous site would wrap up our Applegate Trail experience: the story-telling stone of Ti’lomikh Falls.
The Ancient River
Beside the bubbling waters of the Rogue River sits a stone with an iron handle. The monument bears tribute to the Rogue River and the sacred role it has to the indigenous tribes of Southern Oregon.
This quiet spot was a good place to stop and reflect on the past, and how much has changed in two short centuries. Ti’lomikh Falls is one of many indigenous sites that can be found along the California National Historic Trail.
#2. Oregon Caves National Monument
The southbound route to the Redwoods passes by one of America’s loneliest national parks. Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is a hidden gem in the state’s wild southwestern corner.
The remarkable caves are closed during the off-season, but the rest of the park is open. You can explore the park’s 4,554 acres in quiet solitude.
@dinkumtribe Smokejumpers parachute into a forest fire to fight it at its source. They were even involved in defending Oregon from the balloon bombs during World War 2! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #oregonhistory #oregonhistorydiscovered #worldwar2 #parachutejump #smokejumper #smokejumpersforever #ww2history #oregonfamily #adhdfamilytravel #pnwfamily #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolfieldtrip ♬ Mission Impossible (Main Theme) – Favorite Movie Songs
We wanted extra time at Redwood National Park so we opted to pass Oregon Caves NM and had a quick lunch stop at the Siskiyou Smoke Jumpers Museum.
#3. Smith River National Recreation Area
Smith River NRA was a wonderful surprise. After crossing the state line, Highway 199 led us into an epic landscape, a gateway into Redwood County.
The Smith River roars and churns through miles of steep canyons before settling into Redwood National Park. This park offers a dramatic introduction to California’s mountainous northlands.
#4. Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is one of America’s iconic National Parks. It’s also one of the most popular national park locations, attracting over one million visitors every year. We got to enjoy all of the former and none of the latter because we chose to visit during the holiday season.
@dinkumtribe Walking the Grove of the Titans trail in Jedidiah Smith State Park was memorable and unexpected. @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #redwoodscalifornia #redwoodsnationalpark #redwoodsforest #groveofthetitans #redwoodsnps #redwoodsstatepark #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids #ispeakforthetrees #savetheredwoods ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel
Redwood National Park in November & December
To be honest, I wasn’t completely sure that it would work out. Inclement weather is a big factor in outdoor recreation and a cold snap could dampen our plans.
That said, I was fairly confident that the risk would pay off for two reasons:
- We’re Oregonians who know how to handle rain, snow, and ice.
- Redwood National Park is on the coast, and the coast consistently sees mild temperatures and fast-moving weather.
@dinkumtribe Whispers and quiet are the natural response to the epic beauty snd serenity of the Redwoods. Plus, we wanted to see some wildlife! 😊 @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #redwoodforest #redwoodscalifornia #redwoodsnationalpark #redwoodsstatepark #hikingwithkids #hikingthenationalparks #1000hoursoutside #naturesplayground #jedidiahsmithstatepark ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel
We could tell right away that we’d made the right choice. You could even say that we’d made the best choice because Redwood National Park is notoriously difficult to navigate. More time and less crowds would be key to finding our way around. This was even more evident as we followed the hilariously convoluted route to the Grove of Titans.
Thankfully we had obtained detailed directions from a park guide at the Hiouchi Visitor Center. We’d found the visitor center empty and were able to benefit from the guide’s undivided attention and assistance.
@dinkumtribe How to get to Redwoods National Park: Grove of Titans. @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #redwoodsnationalpark #redwoodscalifornia #redwoods #redwoodsforest #redwoodsnps #groveoftitans #jedidiahsmithstatepark #jedidiahsmithnationalpark #familytraveltips #familytravelvlog ♬ Run – AWOLNATION
In order to reach the Grove of Titans you must leave Redwood National Park, backtrack into the Smith River Recreation Area, cross the Smith River, and make your way through a neighborhood, before entering Jedidiah Smith Redwood State Park.
I can hardly imagine driving these narrow, two-lane roads in peak-season traffic, not to mention the slender gravel road that winds through Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park.
An Epic National Park Experience
No words can do justice to the immersive beauty and silent power of an old-growth redwood forest. The Grove of Titans brought us before ancient redwoods of astonishing proportions.
The opportunity to stand alone with an ancient Redwood was priceless. It’s surreal to find yourself in the presence of a creature that is incredibly immense yet completely docile.
@dinkumtribe Look at the size difference between my son and the base of this tree in the Grove of Titans! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #giantredwoods #redwoodforest #redwoods #californiaredwoods #redwoodsnationalpark #redwoodtrees #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #gianttrees ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel
And we were truly alone, hearing nothing but the patter of the rain, the occasional bird call, and the sound of our own voices. I think that I’ve finally begun to understand and appreciate John Muir’s perspective.
Our Redwood trip brought us to a host of incredible places. We watched the Klamath River pour into the Pacific at the Klamath River Overlook.
We were awestruck by the sight of a bull elk sprinting across the wood-rimmed prairie at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Redwood National Park was all we had hoped for and more.
@dinkumtribe Majestic is the only way to describe an elk running- how do they do it with those big antlers?! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #elksighting #elkrunning #wildlifespotting #majesticelk #redwoodsnationalpark #redwoodsstatepark #redwoodsnps #redwoodsnationalandstateparks #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids ♬ Hiking – Elgafar
#5. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
We wrapped up our five-day national park itinerary by driving along Oregon’s breathtaking Southern Coastline. Our day-long drive brought us through Oregon’s most scenic corridor, over the state’s highest bridge, and through its oldest town.
The Southern Oregon Coast is one of the best routes to take to Redwood National Park. Oregon’s “Banana Coast” is wild, beautiful, and known for warm winter temperatures.
As the sun drew low we entered into a bizarre landscape. The Oregon Dunes is one of the largest expanses of coastal dunes in the world.
Our Nissan NV3500 drove amid steep, tree-topped dunes, strange oasis-like freshwater lakes, and salty marshes.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is one of America’s hidden parks. It’s a park that you won’t hear about or even find on the National Park’s app. Hidden parks are one of the best ways to experience America’s public lands because they’re beautiful, historic, and practically unknown.
Holiday Trip Trade-Offs & Pay-Offs
Trade-Offs of Visiting National Parks in November & December
A holiday parks trip does require some trade-offs. For one, our trip required next-level scheduling.
You’ll find the parks empty if you go during the holiday season, but not on the holidays. That can only happen if you’re willing to build your holiday season around your trip.
We also had to invest in some gear. Each of us packed thermals and water-resistant winter wear. Frankly, this was the easiest trade-off to swallow because we’d be buying these items for our family anyway.
Perhaps the hardest trade-off involved road closures. Inclement weather and off-season updates lead parks to close roads and park areas. In our case, Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach would have to wait for another time.
Pay-Offs of Visiting National Parks in November & December
All that aside, the benefits of the holiday trip far outweighed the costs. Rain and fog only enhanced the beauty of the Redwoods, we could explore at our own pace, and we literally had the park to ourselves.
We experienced no less than four fantastic holiday events over the course of our trip. We feasted at Wolf Creek’s decked-out tavern and enjoyed Jacksonville’s top-notch parade.
@dinkumtribe Majestic is the only way to describe an elk running- how do they do it with those big antlers?! @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe @dinkumtribe #elksighting #elkrunning #wildlifespotting #majesticelk #redwoodsnationalpark #redwoodsstatepark #redwoodsnps #redwoodsnationalandstateparks #adhdfamilytravel #familytravelcreator #oregonfamily #pnwfamily #pnwfamilies #oregonfamilies #familytravelvlog #familytravelblog #familytravelinfluencer #travelwithkids ♬ Hiking – Elgafar
We also walked among the magical Christmas murals at Grants Pass and explored Brooking’s astonishing Azalea Park lights display: Nature’s Coastal Holiday. Holiday novelty proved almost as worthwhile as our Redwood National Park adventure.
What Holiday Parks Trip is Best for You?
You don’t have to look far to find the best national parks to visit in November and December. Let’s start by identifying what kind of trip you’re interested in.
The best national parks to visit in November and December fall into four groups. Start with the group that fits your interests, and you’ll soon find the park for you.
4 Ways to Enjoy National Parks in November & December
We’ve found four ways to enjoy the best national parks in November and December. Which one of these fits your interests?
Off-Season Opportunities
The hectic holidays keep crowds far from even the most popular national parks. You can enjoy a relaxed vacation at a premier park by choosing to stay during the holiday season. Click here to learn about 9 popular national parks that are great off-season destinations.
Sunny Siestas
Parks of the American Southwest have milder temperatures and better winter weather. Soak in the sun and enjoy the outdoors with a southwestern getaway. Click here to learn about 7 warm, wonderful desert parks.
National Park Paradise
Ditch the snow and head for the tropics! Florida, Hawaii, and four US territories host sunny, stunningly beautiful national parks. Click here to explore 11 amazing tropical parks.
Winter Wonderlands
Wishing for a White Christmas? Winter sports, wild encounters, and quiet moments are easy to find at snowbound parks such as Crater Lake or Yellowstone National Park. Click here to check out the 8 best national parks for a snowy holiday.
9 Off-Season Opportunities
November and December are the best time to visit America’s most popular national parks. With a little flexibility, you can have a premier park all to yourself.
#6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
November is the best time of year to visit America’s most popular park. Fewer crowds is only one of many reasons to visit in late fall.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its glorious fall colors. The park’s fall foliage comes into its own in October and carries on into November.
Low humidity and few bugs are two more reasons why November is the best time of year to visit. Daytime temperatures range from 45 to 59 degrees, while nighttime drops to between 20 and 30 degrees.
#7. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is truly epic. November and December offer visitors the opportunity to witness Olympic National Park in all its splendor.
The park’s coastal location allows it to enjoy reasonably fair weather. Fall rains and winter storms bring a dramatic background to the park’s incredible landscape.
Late Fall is a magical time in Olympic’s Hoh rainforest. Clouds hang amid the trees, salmon work their way up the Hoh River, and elk wander about the forest looking for a mate.
The Olympic Peninsula’s rainforests are at their best during the rainy season which runs from October to May.
Autumn looks different here. Big Leaf and Vine Maple stand aflame with fall color against a backdrop of dark green trees and lush moss. Mushrooms of all shapes, colors, and sizes grow along your path.
#8. Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim
November is an excellent time to visit Grand Canyon National Park. Fewer crowds means more time at canyon overlooks and cooler weather brings optimal temperatures for desert hikes. Daily highs average at 66 degrees during the day, and even warmer within the canyon itself.
The canyon’s South Rim stands 6,000 feet above sea level, so snow is always a possibility in the late fall and winter months. Grand Canyon’s 8,000-foot North rim closes after the first heavy snow which is usually sometime after mid-October.
One of the best fall blessings is the opportunity to stay and dine within the park. Grand Canyon NP’s historic hotels and lodges are both more available and affordable during the off-season.
#9. Everglades National Park
December is a great time to visit the Everglades. This month ushers in the dry season, making it a fantastic month to explore and enjoy Florida’s largest national park.
Winter season weather is pleasant featuring clear skies and low humidity. Daily highs average around 77 degrees and lows are around 53 degrees. Best of all, there are no bugs!
The dry season can draw crowds. Make your travel plans on the early side to ensure the best possible experience.
5 More Off-Season Opportunities
The National Park System is packed with holiday goodies. Here are five more popular parks to consider as holiday destinations.
#10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Autumn glory abounds along Virginia’s stretch of the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy the renowned beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and follow the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
#11. San Juan Islands National Historical Park, Washington
Take in the wonder of Washington’s storied San Juans. These colorful islands are famous for native Orcas and their unique history.
#12. DC National Parks
Have a capitol holiday in the one place where you can find a national park at nearly every turn. Fall and early winter make for beautiful scenery, few crowds, and no humidity!
#13. Colonial National Historical Park, Virginia
Immerse yourself in America’s colonial roots at this incredible park. Colonial National Historical Park includes the Jamestown Colony and the Battle of Yorktown, the beginning and the end of America’s colonial history.
#14. Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia
Walk the halls where a nation was founded. Independence National Park preserves the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
#15. Gettysburg National Military Park
America’s famous battlefield is one of the best national parks to visit in November and December. Autumn colors and winter snow lend a dignified beauty to the park’s hallowed ground.
7 Sunny Siestas
Craving Vitamin D? These parks are rich in sunlight, warmth, and southwest style.
#16. Joshua Tree National Park
SoCal’s weirdo-tree orchard is one of the best national parks to visit in the cooler months. Temperatures are comfortable and crowds are few.
Joshua Tree is one of the most convenient parks in the national park system. The gates are less than an hour’s drive from Palm Springs. The park itself features one of the best auto tours in the country, immersing visitors in a stunning, natural transformation.
Jennifer and I embarked on this drive during a three-day Palm Springs babymoon. Beginning with the south gate we worked our way north and watched the desert change before our eyes.
Joshua Tree National Park lies on the border of two very different deserts. Ocotillo and barrel cactus inhabit the park’s southern Sonora region, an entirely different habitat is found as one journeys north into the Mojave desert.
The change is a direct result of increasing elevation. The low-lying Sonora cultivates an entirely different kind of ecosystem to the high-desert Mojave.
#17. Death Valley National Park
November and December are great times to visit the hottest place on earth. On average the daily temperature ranges between a high of 70 degrees and low of 38 degrees. Sick Girl Travels has some great ideas for things to do in Death Valley National Park (including accessibility tips).
November also sees the valley’s biggest event: the annual 49ers Encampment. This Western festival celebrates the natural and human history of Death Valley every second weekend in November. The encampment includes art events, entertainment, wagon rides, educational programs, and a Southwest lapidary and craft show.
Death Valley experienced significant flooding in August 2023. Be sure to check the park website to determine what parts of the park will be open at the time of your trip.
#18. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is one of Arizona’s best kept secrets. This little-known national park include forests of giant cacti, ancient petroglyphs, and remarkable rocky desert ecosystem.
November is a perfect time to visit Saguaro National Park. Daytime highs average around 74 degrees and there is much less humidity than other times of the year.
Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures also mean more wildlife encounters. Animals are more active in this quiet, mellow month.
December is a different story. Crowds flock to Arizona’s warmth, making this month one of the most popular times to visit Saguaro National Park.
That said, you may find December to be worth the fuss. Daytime highs are around 65 degrees, making this month an ideal time for long hikes and camping
December is also the time to see winter flowers and cacti blossoms. You may even get the chance to see snow on a Saguaro.
#19. Big Bend National Park
Texas’ largest national park offers an escape from the holiday humdrums. Big Bend National Park is larger than the state of Rhode Island and packed with epic landscapes, remarkable finds, and a vibrant borderland culture.
Big Bend NP preserves the wild and remarkable Chihuahuan Desert. Its West Texas location makes it one of the most remote parks in the contiguous United States.
November marks the beginning of peak season at Big Bend National Parks. Late fall temperatures range from 74 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. This mellow weather makes November the perfect time to enjoy Big Bend.
December is slightly cooler with daytime temps around 70 degrees and nighttime lows near freezing. It rarely snows at Big Bend National Park.
3 Secret Siestas
Longing for something different? These three parks a little-known, but full of wonder.
#20. San Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
Follow the adventures and adversities of Spanish colonists led by Juan Bautista De Anza. This national historic trail traces the expedition’s route from Mexico, into Arizona, through Southern California, to present-day San Francisco.
#21. White Sands National Park
Explore one of the world’s strangest landscapes. White Sands National Park pairs natural wonder with world-class recreation.
#22. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Learn the rich history of Spanish Texas at San Antonio Mission National Historical Park. The park’s four missions and extensive ruins have made it a UNESCO world heritage site.
11 National Park Paradises
You don’t need a passport to find your island in the sun. Tropical adventure awaits at these 11 national parks.
There are two things to know about planning a tropical park vacation. First, these parks hit their peak season in the winter months, so be sure to make your reservations ahead of time.
Second, most of these parks can only be reached by ferry, airplane, or sea cruise. Each park’s official site is a good starting point for locating charters and travel options.
#23. Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia
Georgia’s Cumberland Island is famous for its beautiful woods, haunting ruins, and natural inhabitants. Wild horses and Sea Turtles call this place home.
#24. Biscayne National Park, Florida
Biscayne National Park is one of Florida’s most alluring treasures. Swim rich tropical waters and explore historic shipwrecks at this remarkable park paradise.
#25. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Fly away from the USA at this remote, tropical park. Dry Tortugas National Park is an island retreat filled with beautiful beaches, historic sites, and natural wonders.
#26. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida & Mississippi
Walk amid sandy beaches and historic forts along America’s historic Gulf Coast. Barrier islands, maritime forests, and bayous make up this remarkable, multi-state national park.
#27. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Texas’ Padre Island is home to world wonders and is one of America’s least-visited parks. This national seashore preserves Laguna Madre, one of the world’s only hypersaline lagoons. The park also protects one of the last coastal prairie habitats within the United States.
#28. San Juan National Historic Site, Puerto Rico
Explore the complex history of Puerto Rico at San Juan National Historic Site. This world heritage site includes colonial fortifications, historic buildings, and San Juan’s old city walls.
#29. Virgin Islands National Park
Escape to one of America’s greatest national parks. Discover ancient petroglyphs, tour historic plantations, walk white sand beaches, and explore coral reefs at this incredible Caribbean park.
#30. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Witness the power of the earth’s largest volcano at this world-class national park. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park preserves the natural and cultural legacy of Hawaii and its native people.
#31. Haleakalā National Park
Hawaii’s crown jewel encloses a spectacular landscape. Take in jaw-dropping views, hike through multiple biomes, and encounter species found nowhere else in the world.
#32. War in the Pacific National Historical Park
Follow the footsteps of soldiers and generals at this extensive WWII battlefield. War in the Pacific National Historical Park tells the story of what it took to liberate the island of Guam from Imperial Japan.
#33. American Samoa National Park
Soak in the warmth and beauty of the South Pacific at the National Park of American Samoa. The multi-island park preserves stunning beaches, tropical forests, and vibrant coral reefs.
8 Winter Wonderlands
Experience Fall and winter in their full glory at classic national parks like Yellowstone, Crater Lake, and the Grand Canyon. Crowds are thinner, temperatures are cooler, wildlife is easy to find, and snow sports are in full force.
You’ll need to use a different playbook to get the most out of these parks. Higher elevations and inclement weather require solid planning, flexibility, and an adventurous spirit.
#34. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park takes on an entirely new look in the colder months. Steam rises from snow-shrouded geysers, wolves hunt among evergreen forests, and delicate icicles deck the beards of mighty buffalo.
November and December are prime times to see abundant wildlife. Cold temperatures drive animals from higher elevations into valleys and meadows. Wolves, coyotes, cougars, and bobcats can be spotted searching for prey.
Choosing Your Yellowstone
Timing is essential when it comes to a winter trip to Yellowstone. The kind of park you encounter will depend on whether you visit before or after December 15th.
Less is More: November & Early December
November and early December can be a great time to visit December if you know what to expect. On the one hand, much of the park is closed, but that can make for a nice “no-fuss” national park retreat.
The thing to know is that this won’t be your iconic Yellowstone vacation. Most of the park’s roads are closed in preparation for snow transportation. That means that there’s no way to visit Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone until mid-December.
That said, there’s still plenty to behold. Open areas include the famed Mammoth Hot Spring and Lost Creek Falls. Herds of elk and bison can admired in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins provides comfortable in-park lodging during this secluded park hiatus.
Sleigh Time: Late November
Experience an entirely different Yellowstone. Yellowstone’s snow transportation opens around mid-December, providing winter travel to the park’s best-known attractions.
Visitors can charter tours or rent equipment to ride across the park’s winter landscape. The opportunity to take a snow shuttle or snowmobile is almost as much fun as seeing the park’s amazing sites.
#35. Glacier National Park
Starting in November, Montana’s premier national park becomes a haven for intrepid adventurers. All in-park lodging and services are closed, but well-prepared explorers are welcome.
While in-park lodging is closed, accommodations can still be found in nearby towns and cities. November is shoulder season in Glacier country so it’s a good idea to call before visiting local restaurants and attractions.
#36. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley can be an ideal retreat in November and December. Cooler temperatures bring beautiful autumn colors and snow-capped cliffs.
Tioga Road and Glacier Road are closed in November and December. But Yosemite Valley’s renowned sites can be enjoyed without the bother of summer crowds.
Most of Yosemite’s trails remain open in November and there’s no need for bug repellant. The weather can be difficult to predict in November. It would be wise to pack for both warmer and colder temperatures.
The park does have one noteworthy absence during the winter months: Yosemite Falls. The winter snowpack is melted and long gone by this time, so the valley’s beloved waterfalls are at their lowest in the last months of the year.
#37. Crater Lake National Park
Snow transforms Crater Lake into an entirely different park. The park’s rim drive is closed for the season, making way for winter sports.
The historic Crater Lake Lodge hosts winter visitors and offers snowshoe tours of the epic lake. Winter activities include Cross-country skiing, Ranger-guided snowshoe walks, snowboarding, sledding, downhill skiing, and snowmobiling.
#38. Zion National Park
Zion is a beautiful national park in November. Autumn colors decorate steep canyon walls, and snow powders the high precipices.
Average daytime temperatures rise to the high 50s, making it ideal weather for hiking. Accommodations are less expensive and easier to come by. Zion’s shuttle is still the only way to enter the canyon in November. However, crowds are few so it’s easy to climb aboard and be on your way.
Winter arrives with full force in December. Icicles decorate cliff faces and waterfalls stand frozen in time.
And here’s a reason for holiday cheer: December visitors can drive their car into Zion National Park!
Hikers need to exercise care when visiting Zion in November and December. Snow doesn’t stay for long, but quickly turns into ice.
Traction equipment and trekking poles are essentials for staying safe on Zion’s winter trails. The Narrows are especially dangerous during these months, and should only be attempted by well-equipped experts.
#39. Bryce Canyon National Park
Who hasn’t seen a picture of Bryce Canyon’s glorious hoodoos glimmering with white winter snow? Bryce Canyon is one of the best national parks to visit in November and December.
Bryce Canyon takes a relaxed pace in November. Parking is easy to come by and the trails aren’t choked with tourists.
Be sure to build some flexibility into your Bryce Canyon trip. There’s only one road that leads to Bryce Canyon NP, and winter storms can quickly close it down.
Like Yellowstone, a Bryce Canyon vacation should probably be in December instead of November. While November has warmer temperatures, its weather is also less predictable.
More than that, a number of trails in the park are closed in November but reopen in December. So if you’re willing to wait, you can explore this wondrous park by snowshoe or cross-country ski.
That said, there are a few trails that will be closed both months. Navajo Loop’s Wall Street segment and a portion of the Rim Trail (Inspiration Point to Bryce Point) both close for the season.
#40. Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a world wonder. This exceptional national park encloses over 2,000 natural arches within its boundaries.
Winter snow contrasts beautifully with the park’s red rocks. This only adds to Arches’ visual and photographic appeal.
The park’s high elevation 4,085-5653 means that you enjoy optimal hiking temperatures (daily highs range between 40 and 60 degrees). By contrast, scorching summer temperatures make heat-related illnesses a real threat in peak season.
That said, Fall and Winter bring their own dangers. Arches National Park is cold even on a sunny day, so be sure to dress in layers and watch the weather closely.
Snow and rain can make for treacherous hiking, especially on Devil’s Garden Trail and Delicate Arch Trail. Use trekking poles and other traction equipment to guard against injury.
#41. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in November and December. The mountains are white with snow and the trails are empty.
Park attendance drops to less than half of October levels. This makes November and December a great time to hike the park’s most popular trails. Explore the Rocky Mountains in all their glory via snowshoes or cross-country skis.
The Rocky Mountains pose real dangers for visitors, especially if you’re unfamiliar with hiking in high elevations. Guided hikes and tours are the safest way to avoid these dangers.
Car travel is a comfortable way to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Be sure to check weather and road conditions before heading out and only use a reliable vehicle with a well-stocked emergency kit.
41 Best National Parks for the Holidays
I truly enjoyed building this list of the 41 best national parks to visit in November and December. Is there a national park that you’re interested in or would like to have included? Please send me an email or drop me a comment. Thanks for reading & have a fantastic holiday!
©️ Copyright Brian A. Warren 2023.
