Searching for one of the best nationwide parks to go to in January?
The vacations are over, however your adventures don’t have to finish. January is a quieter time to go to many Nationwide Parks. Under are some nice choices if you happen to’re hoping to flee the chilly or get pleasure from some winter actions.
There may be additionally a free day at Nationwide Parks throughout Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January. This yr, it is going to land on January 16, 2023.
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Final Up to date: December 14, 2022
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, depart what you discover, reduce campfire affect, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
Concerning the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place collectively this checklist, we’ve mixed our private experiences and ideas we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal sights like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place 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 loads!
It took me an entire week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was utterly price having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, try 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 January a Good Time to Go to Nationwide Parks?
Sure! December is a superb time to go to sure nationwide parks, particularly these which might be too sizzling to go to within the Summer time.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Decide up an America the Lovely annual cross to economize (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you might be serving to assist the Parks that at all times want funding.
9 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in January
To Escape the Chilly
1. Biscayne Nationwide Park, Florida
9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, map
Common Temperatures: 76°F / 55°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:07 AM / 5:51 PM
Why Go to: Winter is one of the best time to go to Biscayne Nationwide Park. Though it’s busier, you’ll be avoiding hurricane season, and there are just a few US nationwide parks in January to take in the solar. Bear in mind to look out for manatees!
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Boca Chita Key, Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, Snorkeling, Jones Lagoon
- Wildlife – Sea Turtles, Manatees, Spiny Lobster, Snapper, Grouper
- What number of days do you want? 2-3
Professional Tip: 90% of holiday makers enter the park by way of boat, so plan accordingly!
See Associated – 7 Exceptional Issues to Do in Key West Florida
2. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Florida
281 Trumbo Rd, Key West, FL 33040, map
Common Temperatures: 74°F / 65°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:16 AM / 6:04 PM
Why Go to: Heat water and air temperatures make Dry Tortugas an incredible year-round vacation spot, however probably the greatest instances to go to is in January. The climate is gentle, and it’s the final month that Bush Secret’s open.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Snorkel, Fishing, Boating, Paddle Sports activities, Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bush Key, Fort Jefferson, Snorkel, Backyard Key, Kayak Tour
- Wildlife – Nurse Sharks, Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, ~300 Species of Birds
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Begin planning early. You’ll need to guide a option to get to the park and understand that components of the park could also be closed to guard pure assets.
See Associated – 7+ Exceptional Issues to Do in Key West Florida
3. Everglades Nationwide Park, Florida
40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, map
Common Temperatures: 76°F / 56°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:10 AM / 5:54 PM
Why Go to: January is throughout the dry season in Everglades Nationwide Park. You get cooler temps and fewer mosquitos, and wildlife will likely be extra energetic and ample.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Boating, Tenting, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Climbing, Excursions
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Shark Valley, Anhinga Path, Eco Pond, Snake Bight, 9 Mile Pond
- Wildlife – Alligators, Raccoons, Opossums, Bobcats, Grey Fox, Leopard Frogs, Roseate Spoonbill, Manatee
- What number of days do you want? 2-3
Professional Tip: Since visiting throughout the dry season is standard, make superior reservations for tenting, lodging, and excursions.
See Associated – 7 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Sarasota Florida
4. Haleakalā Nationwide Park, Hawaii
20.7150988,-156.2519841, map
Common Temperatures: 61°F / 44°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:03 AM / 6:04 PM
Why Go to: January is a superb time to discover Haleakala Nationwide Park! The climate continues to be heat however not sizzling, making it a preferred time to go to. Should you’re hoping to catch the dawn within the Summit District, apply for a allow.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Backpacking, Tenting, Stargazing, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Haleakala Crater, Sliding Sands Path, Waimoku Falls, Summit District, Kipakulu District
- Wildlife – Hawaiian Goose, Hawaiian Petrel, I’iwi, Amakihi
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Climate varies a ton relying on the place within the park you’re visiting. On common, the temperature drops 3°F each 1,000 ft you rise in elevation.
See Associated – 19 Unbelievable Street to Hana Stops You Can’t Miss
For the Cooler Temps
5. Dying Valley Nationwide Park, California
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Common Temperatures: 67°F / 40°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:03 AM / 4:54 PM
Why Go to: Dying Valley is mainly our yard, and we solely go to within the winter. January has heat temperatures throughout the day for hikes, nevertheless it will get chilly at night time. Bear in mind to pack layers within the desert.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: The park is big. We had been stunned at how lengthy it took to drive from one spot to the following. Give your self loads of journey time.
See Associated – 15 Unbelievable Issues to Do in Dying Valley Nationwide Park
6. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map
Common Temperatures: 63°F / 38°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 6:48 AM / 4:46 PM
Why Go to: We love Joshua Tree in January for the climbing. For many who don’t climb, it’s nonetheless a good time to get photographs 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, nevertheless it’s price visiting at the least as soon as. Should you’re fortunate, you may additionally catch the desert with a dusting of snow.
Greatest 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 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: The park will get busier throughout the cooler seasons, so guide your web site early if you happen to’re hoping to camp.
See Associated – 11 Wonderful Issues to Do in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
7. Saguaro Nationwide Park, Arizona
2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map
Common Temperatures: 66°F / 39°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:23 AM / 5:38 PM
Why Go to: Cool days make January probably the greatest instances to discover Saguaro Nationwide Park. The park is busiest between Christmas and New 12 months, so that you’ll keep away from the vacation crowds too.
Greatest For / Prime 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). While you plan your journey, have in mind the place every path is.
See Associated – 11 Lovely Issues to Do in Saguaro Nationwide Park
For Winter Actions
8. Grand Teton Nationwide Park, Wyoming
43.7601214, -110.7644613, map
Common Temperatures: 25°F / 0°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:48 AM / 4:47 PM
Why Go to: We visited Grand Teton on the finish of January, and it was so refreshing to see the distinction between winter and summer time. It was a good time for winter actions and wasn’t crowded like our different visits. Our spotlight was photographing the elk and bison lined in snow.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Snowshoeing, Snowboarding/Snowboarding, Dogsledding, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mormon Row, Wildlife Tour, Nationwide Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides
- Wildlife – Bison, Pronghorn, Elk, Moose, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: If you wish to discover Bear Lake Street, you will need to get a allow.
See Associated – 11+ Unforgettable Issues to Do in Jackson Gap in Winter
9. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Colorado
1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, map
Common Temperatures: 27°F / 13°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:21 AM / 5:00 PM
Why Go to: Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is ideal for winter actions. Backcountry skiers will discover a number of peaks to discover, and it’s also possible to discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and climbing.
Greatest 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 will need to get a allow.
See Associated – The Greatest Nationwide Parks to Discover within the Winter
10. Yosemite Nationwide Park, California
9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map
Common Temperatures: 48°F / 28°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:13 AM / 4:50 PM
Why Go to: January is among the quietest instances to go to Yosemite Nationwide Park. Parts of the park will likely be closed, and also you’ll want to think about driving within the winter situations, however if you happen to make it, you’ll discover stunning winter landscapes in solitude.
Greatest For / Prime 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, Large Horn Sheep, Nice Grey Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Purple Foxes
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: Sure roads within the park are closed or require tire chains. Be ready! Since we’re from the desert, determining learn how to placed on tire chains and drive in snowy and icy situations was nerve-wracking.
See Associated – 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Yosemite Nationwide Park
Plus One Nationwide Park in January to Skip
11. Glacier Nationwide Park, Montana
Logan’s Go Customer Heart, Browning, MT 59417, map
Common Temperatures: 48°F / 28°F
Why Skip It: The roads are closed, and far of the park is inaccessible, not making it well worth the go to.
Map of the Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in January
Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in January?
Should you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have executed lots of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in January. Whereas January might not be the perfect time of the yr to go to these parks, it’s not the worst.
- Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine – winter climbing, snowshoeing
- Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
- Large Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
- Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah (publish coming quickly!)
- Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Utah (publish coming quickly!)
- Channel Islands Nationwide Park, California
- Crater Lake Nationwide Park, Oregon
- Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona
- Grand Teton Nationwide Park, Wyoming
- Nice Basin Nationwide Park, Nevada
- Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, Colorado – heavier and longer-lasting snow
- Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park, Kentucky
- Pinnacles Nationwide Park, California
- Redwood Nationwide Park, California
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, California
- Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia
- White Sands Nationwide Park, New Mexico
- Virgin Islands Nationwide Park, Virgin Islands
- Yellowstone Nationwide Park, Wyoming
- Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
Ideas for Visiting the Greatest Nationwide Parks in January
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint ideas. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many others.
- Decide up the Nationwide Park Annual Go if you happen to plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- Wish to see snow situations? Local weather change and droughts will make timing extra unpredictable. We usually go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by way of all of the current posts to see present situations. Needless to say folks publish older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You may also depart a remark and ask once they went.
- 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 increased elevations.
- You could want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- All the time test the park’s web site and Guests Heart for essentially the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to learn how to work together with animals and the way a lot house you need to have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack depends upon which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a normal information on objects we at all times attempt to pack.
Wish to know what to pack and put on to the airport? These are our perfect airport outfits and carry-on necessities.
FAQs
What nationwide park is heat within the winter?
Nationwide Parks in Florida and the Southwest are usually going to be hotter.
What nationwide park is finest to go to in January?
We simply made a listing of this! Go test it out right here.
Is January time to go to zion nationwide park? Is it too chilly to go to zion in January?
Highs of 54 and lows of 30 make it a cold time to discover. So long as you might be carrying the suitable gear, you may nonetheless discover. Should you plan on climbing the narrows, you will have a dry swimsuit.
Is Yellowstone open in January?
Yellowstone is roofed with snow in January, and all roads besides the north entrance are closed. To entry the park from West Yellowstone or the south entrance, you will need to go by snow coach excursions, snowmobile excursions, snowshoeing, or cross-country snowboarding.
What’s the no 1 visited nationwide park?
The Nice Smoky Mountains get 12.1 million visits all year long.
What’s Yosemite like in January?
The climate is snowy and chilly in Yosemite in January. Plus, parts of the park are closed or require snow chains to entry.
Are you able to go to Grand Canyon in January?
Sure, though it’s fairly chilly! The highs are often round 44 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 18.
What is taken into account essentially the most stunning nationwide park?
That’s one other exhausting query! We love the southwest panorama so parks like Dying Valley and Arches are stunning. Acadia Nationwide Park can also be beautiful and Yosemite at all times holds a particular place in our hearts.
What’s the most unpopular nationwide park?
Listed below are the 15 least visited Nationwide Parks you need to discover.
Are you able to go to bryce canyon in January?
Sure, it’s open year-round however within the winter, the customer middle has lowered hours. Simply remember to test present situations since snow is widespread within the space.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this checklist of finest nationwide parks to go to in January? Which of them are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of looking for new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many high 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 present base themselves in Las Vegas.
Comply with alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
