In search of the perfect nationwide parks to go to in February?
February is a superb time to go to Nationwide Parks in order for you the parks to your self. It’s quiet for the reason that holidays are over, however the climate offers 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 Go away no Hint Ideas. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, decrease campfire impression, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
In regards to the Nationwide Park by month Collection
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 points of interest 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 yr to search out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was rather a lot!
It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was utterly price having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that as quickly as we end this collection!). Additionally, try our full checklist of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park items that embody soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embody the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and U.S. territories on this collection.
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! If you happen to’re not attempting to go to one particular nationwide park, you’ll be able to at all times discover one to go to any time of yr. February is a superb time to go to parks when they’re quieter, and we love the parks like Loss of life Valley, that are scorching scorching in the summertime.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Choose up an America the Lovely annual cross to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you’re serving to assist the Parks that at all times want funding.
10 Finest 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 Instances: 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 at all times falls round my birthday, and thus far, 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 fireplace. It occurs between 5-Quarter-hour earlier than sundown.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Snowshoeing, Cross Nation Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Excursions, Images, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Taft Level, Glacier Level, Half Dome, Tunnel View
- Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Massive Horn Sheep, Nice Grey Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Purple 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 Instances: 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 possibly can even lease snowshoes or cross-country skis to discover different components of the park. There’s additionally a Winter Pageant close by at Ruby’s Inn from February 18-20, 2023.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Climbing and Backpacking, Stargazing, Images, 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: This can be 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 car parking zone viewpoints.
See Associated – 15 Superb Issues to Do in Bryce Nationwide Park
3. Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park, Californiaㅤ→
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Common Temperatures: 74°F / 46°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:36 AM / 5:30 PM
Why Go to: Since Loss of life Valley is principally in our yard, we solely go to within the winter. February has heat temperatures throughout 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 Pageant from February 24-26, 2023.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Images
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: The park is gigantic. 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 Loss of life 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 Instances: 6:27 AM / 5:28 PM
Why Go to: We love Joshua Tree in February for the climbing. For many who don’t climb, it’s nonetheless a good time to get images of Joshua bushes, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There may be much less to do on this park should you’re not into climbing, but it surely’s price visiting at the very least as soon as.
Finest For / Prime 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 Package Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
- What number of days do you want? 1 or 2-3 should you climb
Professional Tip: If you happen to’re fortunate, you may additionally catch the desert with a dusting of snow. Our associates in Socal will drive out as quickly as they see the anticipated snow.
See Associated – 11 Superb 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 Instances: 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 will likely be chilly should you plan on exploring any floor trails, so simply make sure you might have the suitable gear.
Finest For / Prime 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 throughout the winter, however in addition they don’t ebook 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 Instances: 7:35 AM / 5:56 PM
Why Go to: Cool days make February among the best instances to go to Saguaro Nationwide Park for mountain climbing the paths and having fun with the scenic drive with out the warmth.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Scenic Drive, Images, Tenting, Ranger Applications
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 Instances: 7:35 AM / 5:56 PM
Why Go to: February is a superb time to go to White Sands Nationwide Park. You possibly can discover the dunes with out worrying about being too scorching throughout the day. In the course of the night time, although, you’ll want to bundle up.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Bicycling, Backcountry Tenting, Images, 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, Package Fox
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Native Tip: Hold your eye on path markers once you’re mountain climbing. It may get disorienting in a short time. It helps should you 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 Instances: 7:10 AM / 5:23 PM
Why Go to: Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is ideal for winter actions, and February is the perfect time to ski. In February, you will see a number of peaks by way of backcountry snowboarding, and you may as well discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and mountain climbing.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Backcountry Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Path Ridge Street, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Street, 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 Street, you should get a allow.
See Associated – The Finest 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 Instances: 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 expect it’s nice mountain climbing climate should you layer up for early mornings and evenings.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Backcountry Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Path Ridge Street, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Street, 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 shouldn’t be 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 Instances: 6:58 AM / 5:54 PM
Why Go to: Winter is the perfect time to go to Scorching Springs Nationwide Park to make the most of the cool climate whereas taking a dip within the heat swimming pools.
Finest For / Prime 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 possibly can solely soak within the two bathhouses, not the out of doors thermal springs.
ONE TO SKIP: Glacier Nationwide Park Montanaㅤ→
Logan’s Move Customer Heart, Browning, MT 59417, map
Why Skip It: The roads are closed, and far of the park is inaccessible, not making it well 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 under.
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in February
Need to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in February?
If you happen to’re a nationwide park lover like us and have completed most of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in February. Whereas February is probably not the highest two months of the yr to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless a good time.
- Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
- Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
- Massive Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
- Biscayne Nationwide Park, Florida
- Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah (put up 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 (put up coming quickly!)
- Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona (put up coming quickly!)
- Virgin Islands Nationwide Park, Virgin Islands
- Yellowstone Nationwide Park, Wyoming
- Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
FAQs
What’s the finest nationwide park to go to in winter?
We simply made a complete checklist. Test it out right here.
The place is the perfect 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 throughout the day.
What’s the prettiest Nationwide Park within the US?
It relies on what you want seeing! Regardless of the crowds, Yosemite at all times holds a particular place in our hearts for its grandness and surroundings. You’ll find a quieter nook of this large park should you transcend the valley.
What’s the #1 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 superb time to go to Massive Bend Nationwide Park?
You possibly can go to Massive 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 likely 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 individuals costume for Grand Canyon in February?
Layers so that you could regulate to the altering temperatures. Good mountain climbing sneakers.
Suggestions for Visiting the Finest Nationwide Parks in February
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Go away no Hint rules. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so on.
- Choose up the Nationwide Park Annual Move should you plan on visiting a number of parks inside the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- Examine present highway and park circumstances. It’s at all times good to go to the Nationwide Park’s website and Customer Heart once you arrive to grasp what the present park circumstances are.
- It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat throughout the day and funky at night time. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks will likely be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at greater elevations.
- You might want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times test the park’s website and Guests Heart 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 you must have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack relies on which park you go to and the actions you intend, however here’s a basic information on gadgets we at all times attempt to pack.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this checklist of finest 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 may 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.
Comply with alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
