Searching for the most effective nationwide parks to go to in February?
February is a superb time to go to Nationwide Parks if you need the parks to your self. It’s quiet because the holidays are over, however the climate provides you choices to flee the chilly or embrace a winter wonderland.
This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks, the place we obtain a small fee on gross sales of the merchandise which might be linked at no extra 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 doable.
Final Up to date: January 10, 2023
Earlier than we get into it, we need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Go away no Hint Rules. 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.
In regards to the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place collectively this listing, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, different blogs, seasonal points of interest like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions occurring within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely provided at sure occasions of the yr to search out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was lots!
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, try 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! For those who’re not attempting to go to one particular nationwide park, you may at all times discover one to go to any time of yr. 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 yr? Decide up an America the Stunning annual move to economize (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 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, nevertheless it at all times falls round my birthday, and up to now, 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 appear like it’s on fireplace. It occurs between 5-Quarter-hour earlier than sundown.
Finest 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: 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 may 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, Pictures, 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: This can be a comparatively small park you may see inside a day. If it’s crowded, simply hit the paths to flee the individuals who don’t need to discover past the car parking zone viewpoints.
See Associated – 15 Wonderful 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 mainly in our yard, we solely go to within the winter. February has heat temperatures through the day for hikes, nevertheless it will get chilly at evening. Bear 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, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: The park is gigantic. Give your self loads of journey time between spots. We had been stunned by how lengthy it took.
See Associated – 15 Unimaginable 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 many who don’t climb, it’s nonetheless a good time to get images of Joshua bushes, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There may be much less to do on this park in case you’re not into climbing, nevertheless it’s price visiting at the very least 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 in case you climb
Professional Tip: For those who’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 Wonderful 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 in case you plan on exploring any floor trails, so simply make certain you might have 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 through 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 the most effective occasions 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, Pictures, Tenting, Ranger Applications
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 the 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 may discover the dunes with out worrying about being too sizzling through the day. Through the evening, although, you’ll want to bundle up.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Bicycling, Backcountry Tenting, Pictures, 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: Maintain your eye on path markers if you’re mountaineering. It might get disorienting in a short time. It helps in case you obtain an offline model of the map in case you want it that will help you get again.
See Associated – 5 Unimaginable 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 the most effective time to ski. In February, you will discover a number of peaks by way of backcountry snowboarding, and you can even 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 could 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 expect it’s nice mountaineering climate in case 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 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 the most effective time to go to Scorching Springs Nationwide Park to reap the benefits of 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, Tune Birds
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: You may solely soak within the two bathhouses, not the out of doors thermal springs.
ONE TO SKIP: Glacier Nationwide Park Montanaㅤ→
Logan’s Go 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 until you’re into cross-country snowboarding. Watch for hotter climate so you may see lakes just like the one under.
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in February
Need to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in February?
For those who’re a nationwide park lover like us and have achieved most 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 yr 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 (submit 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 (submit coming quickly!)
- Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona (submit coming quickly!)
- Virgin Islands Nationwide Park, Virgin Islands
- Yellowstone Nationwide Park, Wyoming
- Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
FAQs
What’s the greatest nationwide park to go to in winter?
We simply made an entire listing. Test it out right here.
The place is the most effective place to hike in February?
Many Southwest parks are nice for mountaineering in February as a result of the climate remains to be heat sufficient through the day.
What’s the prettiest Nationwide Park within the US?
It relies on what you want seeing! Regardless of the crowds, Yosemite at all times holds a particular place in our hearts for its grandness and surroundings. You will discover a quieter nook of this large park in case 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 may get over that, you may keep away from crowds.
Is February time to go to Large Bend Nationwide Park?
You may 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 will likely be closed, some roads are accessible however might 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 so as to regulate to the altering temperatures. Good mountaineering footwear.
Suggestions for Visiting the Finest Nationwide Parks in February
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Go away no Hint rules. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many others.
- Decide up the Nationwide Park Annual Go in case you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- Test present highway and park situations. It’s at all times sensible to go to the Nationwide Park’s web site and Customer Heart if you arrive to grasp what the present park situations are.
- It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat through the day and funky at evening. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks will likely be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at increased elevations.
- You might 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 probably the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Do not forget that wildlife is wild. Be acquainted with find out how to work together with animals and the way a lot area you must have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack relies on which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a normal information on gadgets we at all times attempt to pack.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this listing of greatest Nationwide Parks to go to in February? 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 prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine 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.