On the lookout for one of the 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 because the 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 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 Collection
To place collectively this listing, we’ve mixed our private experiences and ideas 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 taking place within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely provided at sure instances of the 12 months to search out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was so much!
It took me an entire week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was fully price having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that as quickly as we end this collection!). Additionally, take a look at our full listing 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 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! In case you’re not attempting to go to one particular nationwide park, you possibly can 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 Demise Valley, that are scorching sizzling in the summertime.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Choose up an America the Stunning annual cross to economize (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you’re serving to help the Parks that all the time 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 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 to this point, 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.
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, Large 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 possibly can even hire snowshoes or cross-country skis to discover different elements 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: It is a comparatively small park you possibly can 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. Demise 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 Demise 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 evening. 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 big. Give your self loads of journey time between spots. We have been shocked by how lengthy it took.
See Associated – 15 Unbelievable Issues to Do in Demise 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 photographs of Joshua bushes, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There’s much less to do on this park should you’re not into climbing, but it surely’s price visiting a minimum of 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: In case you’re fortunate, you might also 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 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. Will probably be chilly should you plan on exploring any floor trails, so simply make sure you have got 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 in the course of the winter, however additionally they don’t e-book up shortly like in the summertime.
See Associated – Full Nationwide Parks Record 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 top-of-the-line instances to go to Saguaro Nationwide Park for mountaineering the paths and having fun with the scenic drive with out the warmth.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Scenic Drive, Images, 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 Stunning 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 possibly can discover the dunes with out worrying about being too sizzling in the course of the day. Throughout the evening, although, it would be best 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: Preserve your eye on path markers while you’re mountaineering. It will probably get disorienting in a short time. It helps should you obtain an offline model of the map in case you want it that can assist you get again.
See Associated – 5 Unbelievable 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 one of the best time to ski. In February, you can find a number of peaks by way of backcountry snowboarding, and it’s also possible to discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and mountaineering.
Finest For / Prime 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, you will need to 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 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 mountaineering 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 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 just isn’t 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: 6:58 AM / 5:54 PM
Why Go to: Winter is one of the best time to go to Scorching Springs Nationwide Park to benefit from 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, Track Birds
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: You possibly can solely soak within the two bathhouses, not the outside thermal springs.
ONE TO SKIP: Glacier Nationwide Park Montanaㅤ→
Logan’s Cross 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. Watch for hotter climate so you possibly can see lakes just like the one beneath.
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in February
Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in February?
In case you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have finished lots of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in February. Whereas February will not be the highest two months of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless a good time.
- Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
- Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
- Large 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 finest nationwide park to go to in winter?
We simply made an entire listing. Test it out right here.
The place is one of the best place to hike in February?
Many Southwest parks are nice for mountaineering in February as a result of the climate continues to be heat sufficient in the course of the day.
What’s the prettiest Nationwide Park within the US?
It will depend on what you want seeing! Regardless of the crowds, Yosemite all the time holds a particular place in our hearts for its grandness and surroundings. You’ll find a quieter nook of this huge park should you 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 probably 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 possibly can keep away from crowds.
Is February time to go to Large Bend Nationwide Park?
You possibly can go to Large 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 can be closed, some roads are accessible however could 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 gown for Grand Canyon in February?
Layers to be able to regulate to the altering temperatures. Good mountaineering footwear.
Suggestions for Visiting the Finest Nationwide Parks in February
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint ideas. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so on.
- Choose up the Nationwide Park Annual Cross should you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Test present street and park circumstances. It’s all the time good to go to the Nationwide Park’s web site and Customer Heart while you arrive to know what the present park circumstances 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 evening. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks can be heat on the valley ground and chilly at greater elevations.
- Chances are you’ll want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times verify the park’s web site and Guests Heart for probably the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be acquainted with the best way to work together with animals and the way a lot house it is best to have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack will depend on which park you go to and the actions you intend, however here’s a basic information on objects we all the time attempt to pack.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this listing of finest Nationwide Parks to go to in February? 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 might 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.
