National Parks That Are Winter Wonderlands

While summer and fall typically bring large crowds and visitors to America’s national parks, the coldest months can prove incredibly appealing. There are usually remarkably fewer visitors for one, making it quiet in the remote parts. The relative quiet is a perfect fit for a beautifully calm time of year that can offer a new perspective on your surroundings—picture herds of elk trekking through snow, the vast Grand Canyon blanketed in white.

Here is a collection of LivingBetter50’s best national parks to visit while they are winter wonderlands!

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone remains one of the country’s most divine stretches of wilderness, extending across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Covering almost 3,500 square miles, the park is an expanse of pristine canyons, forests, hot springs, alpine rivers, and geysers, including the country’s most famous, Old Faithful. In winter, when the iconic spring’s almost-boiling water sprays during the winter, it hits cold air and creates a “geyser rain” of tiny crystals.

Wolves, bears, and bison roam and can be spotted easily against a backdrop of white—their tracks are easier to follow in snow, too. The park is typically accessed via guided snow coach guided snowshoe and cross-country ski tours in winter. Book a room at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins, one of two in-park accommodations open this winter, and you’ll be ready for an evening program called Stream, Stars, and Winter Soundscapes, which departs from the lodge. Other events include morning wildlife excursions and winter photo safaris.

Bryce Canyon National Park

If you want spectacular, escape to Bryce Canyon National Park this winter. The towering, otherworldly hoodoos—intricate rock formations shaped over thousands of years by water and ice—look even cooler when frosted with snow. Visitors can cross-country ski or snowshoe among the formations, with guided snowshoe hikes (occasionally under a full moon, with some winter astronomy added to the mix) and daily hoodoo geology talks available through the park service free of charge.

For breathtaking stargazing, bundle up and head to Sunset Point, one of several spots in the park recommended by the International Dark Sky Association for astronomy lovers. The closest hotel to Bryce Canyon is Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn: open since 1916, it has an RV park, restaurant, and other convenient amenities onsite. Ruby’s also organizes the annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival in February, with dozens of activities ranging from archery and snowshoe walks to crafting and yoga. For an ultra-luxe option, you can make a two-hour drive to Amangiri’s Camp Sarika, where each of the 10 plush, tented suites comes with a private plunge pool and fire pit.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Dramatic, majestic, and rugged are all fitting descriptors for this 415-square-mile stretch which spans the Continental Divide. There are areas of the Rocky Mountain National Park that cars can’t reach in winter, but you can still experience the stunning scenery via snowshoe, even if you’re a beginner. There are tours based on skill level, and the park offers ranger-led walks that can be booked in advance.

For sporty types, Kent Mountain Adventure Center offers classes in split boarding, which combines elements of snowboarding and cross-country skiing for remote backcountry escapades. Learn to ice climb at Jewel Lake, sled at Hidden Valley, or simply stroll (and elk spot) along the Colorado River.

Nearby accommodations in Estes Park include the YMCA of the Rockies, perfect for families with miles of trails onsite, as well as activities such as ice skating and sledding. For those traveling without kids, try the Della Terra Mountain Chateau, which features 14 suites with private hot tubs and unspoiled views, plus a spa.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, immortalized in one of Ansel Adams’ most famous photographs, is quite the playground come winter, especially for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Visitors can book guided snowshoeing expeditions led by park rangers from January through March on Wednesdays and Fridays that teach you about winter ecology while getting your heart rate up. Jackson Hole Eco Tour Wildlife Adventures offers a variety of excursions, including sunrise and sunset tours through the park in heated 4×4 vehicles—along the way, you can spot moose, bison, bighorn sheep, wolves, and other wildlife.

For easy access to all the excitement, stay in Jackson, WY, at the stone-clad The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection, which opened in 2021 and features an outdoors-focused concierge team, the Pathfinders, to help plan excursions. There’s a heated outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace for stargazing, and plenty of local artwork and photography of the surrounding landscapes, in case you didn’t get enough in the park.

If you are looking for a walk on the wide side in the beautiful national parks, LivingBetter50 recommends these locations for a great winter escape!

LivingBetter50 is a magazine for women over 50, offering an over 50 magazine free download for women of spirit!