U.S. national parks offer incredible opportunities for recreation, regardless of the time of year when you decide to visit them. But during the winter months, unique activities can connect you to the wildlife, scenery, and wonders of the national parks. Whether you're a professional or just looking to try something new, winter is a great time to discover new activities that you'll enjoy. Check out just a few of the things you can do by escaping to a winter wonderland in the park.
1st place: Check out the winter waterfalls
While waterfalls are a magnificent sight no matter the time of year, frozen waterfalls in winter have their own special splendor. The ice columns of the waterfall create a magical picture that glistens in the sun. From the cliffs of the Apostle Islands National Coast to the legendary Yosemite Falls, cooler temperatures turn waterfalls into spectacular scenery. Take a hike to your favorite waterfall in winter for a new perspective, or discover one of the hundreds of waterfalls in parks across the country and find your favorite.
Second Place: Put on your snowshoes
Who doesn't love a new winter accessory? Put your snowshoes on your favorite pair of hiking boots and hit the road! If you're heading to remote parks like the Arctic Gates National Park and Preserve, snowshoeing can be a great way to explore some of the more secluded parts of the park, offering the perfect opportunity to reflect on the picturesque scenery around you. If you're afraid to travel alone, try a ranger-led snowshoe tour in parks like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or Crater Lake National Park.
No matter how you get there, the walk on snowshoeing is a unique way to explore and learn more about the park. Excursions to parks such as Sleeping Bear Dunes or Crater Lake allow you to explore and learn more about these winter landscapes.
3rd place: Go skiing in the park >If you're ready to take your snow hiking to the next level, strap on a pair of skis and get ready to hit the slopes. Slow down by replacing your cross-country skis with snowshoes, perfect for exploring parks like Acadia or Mesa Verde National Parks. But if you're after speed, hit the snowy hills in parks like Glacier National Park or Rocky Mountain. Whether it's downhill or cross-country skiing, this classic winter activity offers an unforgettable view of the park.
4th place: Sled around the park
If you're looking for a safer way to hit the slopes, grab a sled and enjoy an afternoon of downhill skiing at the park. You don't even have to be afraid of freezing winter temperatures to enjoy this family fun. With the opportunity to sled in parks like the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve or White Sands National Park, you can soak up the sun while enjoying the downhill ride. So grab a sled and hit the parks all over the country.
5th place: Experience winter wildlife
It may be cold, but that doesn't stop the wildlife that call the parks home! Some animals are active during the winter months and can be seen during your visit. In Yellowstone National Park, watch iconic bison warming up in the park's hydrothermal areas or roaming packs of wolves, a park species recently reintroduced to the park. But don't worry, there are options for warmer weather too. See the elephant seal colony at Point Reyes National Seashore or go birdwatching at Padre Island National Seashore.
National parks are increasingly exposed to environmental and human impacts that threaten the health of wildlife and their habitats, which is why there are organizations that make efforts to preserve wildlife and landscapes in parks across the country. By applying the best scientific advances to study and protect these biologically diverse landscapes, they help ensure the health and vibrancy of the park environment on which these winter wildlife depend.
6th place: Ice Fishing
Rethink what it means to cast a line and try your hand at ice fishing in the park. In parks like the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, where ice fishing is possible, the ice must be very thick to support the weight of the fishermen. While fishing on the ice may seem intimidating to some, park staff are on hand to help beginners. Try a community event or a fishing master class at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
7th Place: Reach new heights on the ice
Change your rock climbing experience by learning new skills to go ice climbing in the park in winter. Parks across the country, including The Rocks City National Preserve, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, allow visitors to (safely!) climb their frozen waterfalls during the winter months. Elias National Park and Preserve offers ice climbing even during the summer months. If you are new to ice climbing, check out the Ice Climbing Guide for some tips and tricks to help you get started and make sure you are properly prepared before you start climbing.
8th place: Discover park by starlight
If you're looking for a winter park activity that pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa, then there's nothing better than stargazing. With shorter days and longer nights, winter is a great time to wrap yourself in a blanket and stargaze. Watch the winter constellations of Orion, Sirius, Gemini and Taurus while camping in Joshua Tree National Park, view the magnificent Milky Way galaxy from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, or watch the meteor shower in Death Valley National Park.
Before come to any park, check the weather and park conditions to make sure it is safe to visit the park. As with any activity, be safe so that you and everyone else can enjoy winter fun in the parks for years to come.
