Searching for the perfect 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 should you’re hoping to flee the chilly or take pleasure in some winter actions.
There’s additionally a free day at Nationwide Parks throughout Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January. This 12 months, it’ll land on January 16, 2023.
This put up might comprise affiliate hyperlinks, the place we obtain a small fee on gross sales of the merchandise which can be linked at no further value to you. All opinions are at all times our personal. Learn our full disclosure for more information. Thanks for supporting the manufacturers that make Native Adventurer attainable.
Final Up to date: December 14, 2022
Earlier than we get into it, we need 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, reduce campfire impression, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
Concerning the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place collectively this record, 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 of any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure occasions of the 12 months to search out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was quite a bit!
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 quickly!). Additionally, try our full record 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 | Could | 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 can be too scorching to go to within the Summer season.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Decide up an America the Stunning annual move to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you’re serving to help the Parks that at all times want funding.
10 Finest 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 Instances: 7:07 AM / 5:51 PM
Why Go to: Winter is the perfect time to go to Biscayne Nationwide Park. Though it’s busier, you’ll be avoiding hurricane season, and there are only some US nationwide parks in January to take in the solar. Keep in mind to look out for manatees!
Finest For / Prime Actions: Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Mountain 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 through boat, so plan accordingly!
See Associated – 7 Outstanding 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 Instances: 7:16 AM / 6:04 PM
Why Go to: Heat water and air temperatures make Dry Tortugas an awesome year-round vacation spot, however top-of-the-line occasions to go to is in January. The climate is gentle, and it’s the final month that Bush Key’s open.
Finest 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 e-book a approach to get to the park and remember that elements of the park could also be closed to guard pure assets.
See Associated – 7+ Outstanding 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 Instances: 7:10 AM / 5:54 PM
Why Go to: January is in the course of the dry season in Everglades Nationwide Park. You get cooler temps and fewer mosquitos, and wildlife will likely be extra lively and ample.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Boating, Tenting, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Mountain 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 in the course of the dry season is common, 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 Instances: 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 scorching, making it a preferred time to go to. Should you’re hoping to catch the dawn within the Summit District, apply for a allow.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Mountain climbing, Backpacking, Tenting, Stargazing, Images
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 toes you rise in elevation.
See Associated – 19 Unimaginable Street to Hana Stops You Can’t Miss
For the Cooler Temps
5. Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park, California →
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Common Temperatures: 67°F / 40°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:03 AM / 4:54 PM
Why Go to: Loss of life Valley is mainly our yard, and we solely go to within the winter. January 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.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Images
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: The park is big. We have 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 Unimaginable Issues to Do in Loss of life 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 Instances: 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’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. Should you’re fortunate, you might also catch the desert with a dusting of snow.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Mountain 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 should you climb
Professional Tip: The park will get busier in the course of the cooler seasons, so e-book your web site early should you’re hoping to camp.
See Associated – 11 Superb 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 Instances: 7:23 AM / 5:38 PM
Why Go to: Cool days make January top-of-the-line occasions to discover Saguaro Nationwide Park. The park is busiest between Christmas and New Yr, so that you’ll keep away from the vacation crowds too.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Mountain 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). If you plan your journey, have in mind the place every path is.
See Associated – 11 Stunning 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 Instances: 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.
Finest 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 should 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 Instances: 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 you may as well discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and mountain climbing.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Backcountry Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Mountain 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
10. Yosemite Nationwide Park, California →
9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map
Common Temperatures: 48°F / 28°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:13 AM / 4:50 PM
Why Go to: January is likely one of the quietest occasions 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 should you make it, you’ll discover stunning winter landscapes in solitude.
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: Sure roads within the park are closed or require tire chains. Be ready! Since we’re from the desert, determining the right way 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 definitely worth the go to.
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in January
Need to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in January?
Should you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have finished most of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in January. Whereas January will not be the perfect time of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s not the worst.
- Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine – winter mountain climbing, snowshoeing
- Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
- Massive Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
- Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah (put up coming quickly!)
- Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Utah (put up 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
Suggestions for Visiting the Finest Nationwide Parks in January
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Go away no Hint ideas. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so on.
- Decide up the Nationwide Park Annual Go should you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Need 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 means of all of the current posts to see present situations. Needless to say individuals put up older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You may as well 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 in the course of the day and funky at evening. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks will likely be heat on the valley ground and chilly at increased elevations.
- You could want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- All the time verify the park’s web site and Guests Heart for probably the most up-to-date info on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to the right way to work together with animals and the way a lot area 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 propose, however here’s a basic information on objects we at all times attempt to pack.
Need to know what to pack and put on to the airport? These are our best 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 a very good 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’re sporting the suitable gear, you may nonetheless discover. Should you plan on mountain climbing the narrows, you will want a dry go well with.
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 should go by snow coach excursions, snowmobile excursions, snowshoeing, or cross-country snowboarding.
What’s the #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 normally round 44 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 18.
What is taken into account probably the most stunning nationwide park?
That’s one other laborious query! We love the southwest panorama, so parks like Loss of life Valley and Arches are stunning. Acadia Nationwide Park can be beautiful, and Yosemite at all times holds a particular place in our hearts.
What’s the most unpopular nationwide park?
Listed here are the 15 least visited Nationwide Parks it is best to discover.
Are you able to go to Bryce canyon in January?
Sure, it’s open year-round, however the customer heart has decreased hours within the winter. Simply remember to verify present situations since snow is frequent within the space.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this record of finest nationwide parks to go to in January? Which of them are we lacking?
DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER
SEE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES
⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡
“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 regionally. 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.
