From enchanting, snow-capped canyons in Colorado to season-defying Florida beaches, United States national parks are exciting winter destinations.
Even the most popular national parks tend to have fewer crowds in the cooler months, offering you more room to roam. National parks in Colorado and other northern states facilitate unique seasonal activities while protected areas in warmer climates like Florida provide a more comfortable, cooler experience.
Stay at a Hilton Grand Vacations property and take a short drive to these five national parks ideal for a winter visit.
1. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison, Colorado
Of the four national parks in Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the most overlooked. It was established in 1999, so while it’s not the “traditional” western national park that comes to mind, there’s hardly anything “new” about it.
Black Canyon is home to some of the oldest rock formations in North America. Large enough to explore thoroughly yet compact enough to experience during a rewarding day trip, Black Canyon is a must-see.
Why Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park In Winter?
Some access to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is limited in winter, particularly parts of the canyon’s Rim Road, but enough of the park is open to accommodate diverse visitors. Join a guided snowshoeing tour led by a park ranger or take advantage of the road closures that become cross-country skiing trails in the winter months.
Where To Stay: Valdoro Mountain Lodge, A Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Imagine seeing an awe-inspiring national park without sacrificing your annual ski vacation. Valdoro Mountain Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club is located in Breckenridge, Colorado— a four-hour drive from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. All multi-Bedroom Suites include a gas fireplace and a fully-equipped kitchen. With a heated swimming pool and ski shop on-site, Valdoro Mountain Lodge lets you make time for mountain time and a trip to Colorado’s newest national park.
2. Death Valley National Park, California
It’s the lowest, driest and hottest national park in the United States: Death Valley. While its name is no exaggeration, you’ll be surprised at the diverse flora and fauna that thrive despite drought and heat.
Death Valley National Park spans nearly 3.5 million acres, but you don’t need to trek across every sand dune to feel like you’ve seen this arid landscape. Pack fresh drinking water and fill up your gas tank for a short but scenic drive through the canyons, salt flats and spring-fed oases.
Why Visit Death Valley National Park In Winter?
Known for its scorching temperatures, the cooler weather makes Death Valley one of the best national parks to visit in winter. As your feet touch sand, your eyes will see snow on the mountain tops.
Death Valley National Park is debatably best explored during this cool season, but if you’re still uncomfortable hiking through this remote landscape, consider a self-guided Star Wars driving tour that’s a (cinematically) out-of-this-world experience.
Where To Stay: Desert Retreat, A Hilton Vacation Club
Where better to prepare for your journey into Death Valley than at the Las Vegas oasis Desert Retreat, a Hilton Vacation Club. Located 2 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and only two hours from Death Valley National Park, the property feels like a remote escape from the casinos and concert venues. Laid-back 1- and 2-Bedroom Suites with a private balcony or terrace offer hours of rest and relaxation. Amenities like a game room, hot tub, barbecue grills and an outdoor heated pool will help you beat the heat or cozy up no matter Nevada’s winter forecast.
3. Biscayne National Park, Florida
Don’t despair if you can’t find Biscayne National Park on the map: 95% of this U.S. national park is underwater. Just across the Biscayne Bay from Miami, Florida, Biscayne National Park presents a special opportunity to explore a unique part of the country’s coast.
Islands, reefs and aquamarine waters create a world of wonder beneath the water’s surface. Over 10,000 years of human history sit sunken beneath the Biscayne Bay. Snorkeling, diving, canoeing and kayaking are just a drop in the bucket of the ocean of activities that this U.S. national park offers.
Why Visit Biscayne National Park In Winter?
Few travelers need convincing to visit Florida in winter, though Biscayne National Park is prepared to offer a boatload of reasons. First and foremost, winters in South Florida are rarely cold and filled with plenty of daily sunshine. Second, Biscayne’s waters are open to a variety of activities, including boating, fishing and lobstering.
Where To Stay: McAlpin Ocean Plaza, A Hilton Grand Vacations Club
McAlpin Ocean Plaza, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club is located in Miami’s South Beach, one hour north of Biscayne National Park. The private rooftop whirlpool spa, on-site beach rentals and almost-instant access to the beach will make you forget that it’s snowing back home. Embrace the warmth on the sports courts or with a tropical cocktail stirred in the fully equipped kitchen of your 1- or 2-Bedroom Suite.
4. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Along with gaining U.S. national park status in 1941, Mammoth Cave National Park has also received designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
The world’s longest cave system sits relatively undisturbed beneath the Kentucky soil, but its guided cave tour isn’t the park’s only draw.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find that Mammoth Cave National Park is just as interesting and exciting above ground. From hiking and biking to horseback riding and canoeing down the Green River, Mammoth Cave has plenty of natural wonders to discover topside.
Why Visit Mammoth Cave National Park In Winter?
Mammoth Cave is open year-round, including its daily guided cave tours. A variety of tours include adventurous crawling tours, short or lantern-led tours and fully wheelchair-accessible tours. Up on the park’s surface, miles upon miles of trails offer the same flexibility. You can strap on snowshoes and explore the backcountry or sip hot cocoa from a thermos on the boardwalk of the Heritage Trail Loop.
Where To Stay: Sunrise Ridge Resort
Sunrise Ridge Resort in Pigeon Forge is already a great winter destination thanks to its sauna, indoor pool and hot tub and fast access to trailheads. While other visitors visit Dollywood, drive four hours across the Tennessee border and explore Mammoth Cave before returning to the cozy confines of your spacious 1- or 2-Bedroom Suite.
5. Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is an iconic American landmark and the focal point of Gateway Arch National Park. Unlike most national parks, this riverside greenspace requires no hiking poles or camping gear.
Think of Gateway Arch National Park as a museum: The Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse are the featured exhibits while the paved pathways offer more ways to enjoy this monument to America’s western expansion.
Why Visit Gateway Arch National Park In Winter?
Gateway Arch National Park is much more of a landmark attraction than a sprawling outdoor space — which is why it’s an ideal national park to visit in winter.
Located near a metro station, a day trip offers plenty of time to take photos, ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, then enjoy a mini city break in St. Louis. From the free Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park to fast-paced action at a St. Louis Blues NHL game, Gateway Arch National Park is one of the most accessible national parks to check off of your bucket list.
Where To Stay: The Suites At Fall Creek
The Suites at Fall Creek is an excellent choice for winter travel thanks to Branson’s lighter crowds. Spend a quiet stay fishing, playing games from the activity center or catching up on your to-read list in your 1- or 2-Bedroom Suite. When you’re ready for a livelier day, head to St. Louis only four hours away and take an unforgettable photo beneath the Gateway Arch.
Read “Get Outside And Visit One Of These Fantastic National Parks” for more outdoor vacation inspiration.