In search of the very best nationwide parks to go to in February?
February is a superb time to go to Nationwide Parks if you’d like the parks to your self. It’s quiet for the reason that holidays are over, however the climate provides you choices to flee the chilly or embrace a winter wonderland.
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Final Up to date: January 10, 2023
Earlier than we get into it, we wish to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Depart no Hint Rules. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, go away what you discover, decrease campfire affect, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
In regards to the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place collectively this checklist, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, different blogs, seasonal sights like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions occurring within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure instances of the 12 months to search out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was lots!
It took me an entire week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was utterly value having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that as quickly as we end this sequence!). Additionally, take a look at our full checklist of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park models that embrace soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embrace the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and U.S. territories on this sequence.
Nationwide Parks By Month – Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Might | Jun | Jul
Is February a Good Time to Go to Nationwide Parks?
Sure! Should you’re not attempting to go to one particular nationwide park, you’ll be able to all the time discover one to go to any time of 12 months. February is a superb time to go to parks when they’re quieter, and we love the parks like Dying Valley, that are scorching scorching in the summertime.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Choose up an America the Lovely annual move to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you’re serving to help the Parks that all the time want funding.
10 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in February
1. Yosemite Nationwide Park, Californiaㅤ→
9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map
Common Temperatures: 53°F / 30°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 6:40 AM / 5:43 PM
Why Go to: We nonetheless want to go to Yosemite Nationwide Park in February for Firefall, but it surely all the time falls round my birthday, and up to now, we haven’t made it a birthday journey. Yosemite’s Firefall occurs each mid-to-late February, when the solar completely aligns with Horsetail Fall, making it seem like it’s on hearth. It occurs between 5-Quarter-hour earlier than sundown.
Greatest For / High Actions: Snowshoeing, Cross Nation Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Excursions, Pictures, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Taft Level, Glacier Level, Half Dome, Tunnel View
- Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Huge Horn Sheep, Nice Grey Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Pink Foxes
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: Anticipate loopy crowds throughout this phenomenon. Additionally, sure roads within the park are closed or require tire chains. Be ready!
See Associated – 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Yosemite Nationwide Park
2. Bryce Nationwide Park, Utahㅤ→
UT-63, Bryce Canyon Metropolis, UT 84764, map
Common Temperatures: 38°F / 13°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:35 AM / 5:56 PM
Why Go to: Go to Bryce Canyon throughout February for a winter wonderland and to keep away from crowds. You may even lease snowshoes or cross-country skis to discover different elements of the park. There’s additionally a Winter Competition close by at Ruby’s Inn from February 18-20, 2023.
Greatest For / High Actions: Climbing and Backpacking, Stargazing, Pictures, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bryce Level, Scenic Drive, Inspiration Level, Navajo Loop Path
- Wildlife – Mule Deer, Porcupines, Utah Prairie Canine, Mountain Lions, Bobcats, Coyotes
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Professional Tip: It is a comparatively small park you’ll be able to see inside a day. If it’s crowded, simply hit the paths to flee the individuals who don’t wish to discover past the parking zone viewpoints.
See Associated – 15 Wonderful Issues to Do in Bryce Nationwide Park
3. Dying Valley Nationwide Park, Californiaㅤ→
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Common Temperatures: 74°F / 46°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 6:36 AM / 5:30 PM
Why Go to: Since Dying Valley is principally in our yard, we solely go to within the winter. February has heat temperatures in the course of the day for hikes, but it surely will get chilly at night time. Keep in mind to pack layers within the desert. Additionally, they’ve their Darkish Sky Competition from February 24-26, 2023.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: The park is big. Give your self loads of journey time between spots. We have been shocked by how lengthy it took.
See Associated – 15 Unimaginable Issues to Do in Dying Valley Nationwide Park
4. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, Californiaㅤ→
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map
Common Temperatures: 66°F / 38°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 6:27 AM / 5:28 PM
Why Go to: We love Joshua Tree in February for the climbing. For individuals who don’t climb, it’s nonetheless a good time to get pictures of Joshua timber, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There may be much less to do on this park if you happen to’re not into climbing, but it surely’s value visiting not less than as soon as.
Greatest For / High Actions: Climbing, Backpacking, Stargazing, Tenting, Scenic Drives, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Backyard, Halls of Horror, Cranium Rock
- Wildlife – Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Grey Fox, Desert Equipment Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
- What number of days do you want? 1 or 2-3 if you happen to climb
Professional Tip: Should you’re fortunate, you might also catch the desert with a dusting of snow. Our mates in Socal will drive out as quickly as they see the anticipated snow.
See Associated – 11 Wonderful Issues to Do in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
5. Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park, Kentucky
37.1879181,-86.1028107, map
Common Temperatures: 51°F / 29°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 6:34 AM / 5:23 PM
Why Go to: Winter is the off-season at Mammoth Cave, making February a good time to keep away from crowds. The cave stays the identical temperature year-round (54° F or 12 °C). You’ll get to discover the caves in smaller teams. It is going to be chilly if you happen to plan on exploring any floor trails, so simply make sure you may have the suitable gear.
Greatest For / High Actions: Climbing, Bicycling, Cave Excursions, Kayaking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Cave, Doyel Valley Overlook, Sundown Level, Inexperienced River
- Wildlife – Bats, White-Tailed Deer, Coyote, Black Bear
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: They provide fewer cave excursions in the course of the winter, however in addition they don’t e book up shortly like in the summertime.
See Associated – Full Nationwide Parks Listing by State
6. Saguaro Nationwide Park, Arizonaㅤ→
2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map
Common Temperatures: 69°F / 41°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:35 AM / 5:56 PM
Why Go to: Cool days make February the most effective instances to go to Saguaro Nationwide Park for mountain climbing the paths and having fun with the scenic drive with out the warmth.
Greatest For / High Actions: Climbing, Scenic Drive, Pictures, Tenting, Ranger Packages
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Valley View Overlook Path, Cactus Forest Drive, Bajada Loop Drive, Sign Hill Path, Desert Museum
- Wildlife – Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Grey Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: The park has an East and West portion separated by town (roughly 30-45 minutes).
See Associated – 11 Lovely Issues to Do in Saguaro Nationwide Park
7. White Sands Nationwide Park, New Mexicoㅤ→
19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, map
Common Temperatures: 63°F / 26°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:35 AM / 5:56 PM
Why Go to: February is a superb time to go to White Sands Nationwide Park. You may discover the dunes with out worrying about being too scorching in the course of the day. In the course of the night time, although, you’ll want to bundle up.
Greatest For / High Actions: Climbing, Bicycling, Backcountry Tenting, Pictures, Stargazing, Sledding
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Sledding, Dune Life Nature Path, Alkali Flat Path, Playa Path
- Wildlife – American Badger, Apache Pocket Mouse, Black-Tailed Jackrabbit, Bobcat, Coyote, Equipment Fox
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Native Tip: Preserve your eye on path markers while you’re mountain climbing. It could possibly get disorienting in a short time. It helps if you happen to obtain an offline model of the map in case you want it that will help you get again.
See Associated – 5 Unimaginable Issues to Do at White Sands Nationwide Park
8. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Colorado
1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, map
Common Temperatures: 28°F / 13°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:10 AM / 5:23 PM
Why Go to: Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is ideal for winter actions, and February is the very best time to ski. In February, you’ll discover a number of peaks through backcountry snowboarding, and you can too discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and mountain climbing.
Greatest For / High Actions: Backcountry Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Path Ridge Highway, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Highway, Alpine Ridge Path, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
- Wildlife – Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions, Deer, Bears, Bobcats
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Native Tip: If you wish to discover Bear Lake Highway, it’s essential to get a allow.
See Associated – The Greatest Nationwide Parks to Discover within the Winter
9. Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizonaㅤ→
36.0591278,-112.1114996, map
Common Temperatures: 65°F / 42°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:35 AM / 5:57 PM
Why Go to: January and February are the quietest months in Grand Canyon, with it being barely hotter in February than in January. We predict it’s nice mountain climbing climate if you happen to layer up for early mornings and evenings.
Greatest For / High Actions: Backcountry Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Path Ridge Highway, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Highway, Alpine Ridge Path, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
- Wildlife – Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Mountain Lions, Coyotes, Grey Fox
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: Grand Canyon West is just not a part of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park however on Hualapai Tribal land.
See Associated – 17 Breathtaking Issues to Do on the Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
10. Scorching Springs Nationwide Park, Arkansas
629 Central Ave, Scorching Springs Nationwide Park, AR 71901, map
Common Temperatures: 55°F / 32°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: AM / PM
Why Go to: Winter is the very best time to go to Scorching Springs Nationwide Park to benefit from the cool climate whereas taking a dip within the heat swimming pools.
Greatest For / High Actions: Soaking in Springs, Climbing, Birdwatching, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Buckstaff Bathhouse, Quapaw Bathhouse, The Show Spring, Scorching Water Cascade
- Wildlife – White-Tailed Deer, Groundhog, Black Bear, Bats, Tune Birds
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: You may solely soak within the two bathhouses, not the out of doors thermal springs.
ONE TO SKIP: Glacier Nationwide Park Montanaㅤ→
Logan’s Cross Customer Middle, Browning, MT 59417, map
Why Skip It: The roads are closed, and far of the park is inaccessible, not making it definitely worth the go to except you’re into cross-country snowboarding. Anticipate hotter climate so you’ll be able to see lakes just like the one beneath.
Map of the Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in September
Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in February?
Should you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have accomplished most of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in February. Whereas February might not be the highest two months of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless an honest time.
- Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
- Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
- Huge Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
- Biscayne Nationwide Park, Florida
- Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah (publish coming quickly!)
- Carlsbad Caverns Nationwide Park, New Mexico
- Crater Lake Nationwide Park, Oregon
- Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park, Ohio
- Denali Nationwide Park, Alaska – Winterfest Celebration
- Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Florida
- Everglades Nationwide Park, Florida
- Gateway Arch Nationwide Park, Missouri
- Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
- Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, Hawaii
- Mesa Verde Nationwide Park, Colorado
- Mount Rainier Nationwide Park, Washington (publish coming quickly!)
- Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona (publish coming quickly!)
- Virgin Islands Nationwide Park, Virgin Islands
- Yellowstone Nationwide Park, Wyoming
- Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
FAQs
What’s the greatest nationwide park to go to in winter?
We simply made an entire checklist. Test it out right here.
The place is the very best place to hike in February?
Many Southwest parks are nice for mountain climbing in February as a result of the climate remains to be heat sufficient in the course of the day.
What’s the prettiest Nationwide Park within the US?
It is determined by what you want seeing! Regardless of the crowds, Yosemite all the time holds a particular place in our hearts for its grandness and surroundings. Yow will discover a quieter nook of this large park if you happen to transcend the valley.
What’s the number one visited nationwide park?
Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park will get 12.1 million guests yearly, making it essentially the most visited park.
Are you able to go to Utah Nationwide Parks in February?
Sure! There are nice parks to discover when the climate is cooler, however some could also be within the snow.
What’s Zion nationwide park like in February?
Winters in Zion are chilly and oftentimes moist, but when you will get over that, you’ll be able to keep away from crowds.
Is February a very good time to go to Huge Bend Nationwide Park?
You may go to Huge Bend in February, though October-November and March-April are higher.
Are you able to go to Yosemite in February?
Sure! Though parts of the park will probably be closed, some roads are accessible however might require snow chains.
Are you able to go to Grand Canyon in February?
The South Rim is open year-round, and roads are drivable besides throughout inclement climate.
How do folks gown for Grand Canyon in February?
Layers so as to regulate to the altering temperatures. Good mountain climbing sneakers.
Ideas for Visiting the Greatest Nationwide Parks in February
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint rules. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many others.
- Choose up the Nationwide Park Annual Cross if you happen to plan on visiting a number of parks inside the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Test present highway and park situations. It’s all the time sensible to go to the Nationwide Park’s website and Customer Middle while you arrive to grasp what the present park situations are.
- It’s all the time a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat in the course of the day and funky at night time. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks will probably be heat on the valley ground and chilly at larger elevations.
- You might want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times verify the park’s website and Guests Middle for essentially the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be conversant in tips on how to work together with animals and the way a lot area it’s best to have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack is determined by which park you go to and the actions you intend, however here’s a basic information on gadgets we all the time attempt to pack.
Planning Guidelines
Are you able to consider others that belong on this checklist of greatest Nationwide Parks to go to in February? Which of them are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of in search of new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They consider that journey will be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover domestically. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and at the moment base themselves in Las Vegas.
Observe alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.