In search of 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 for the reason that holidays are over, however the climate provides you choices to flee the chilly or embrace a winter wonderland.
Final Up to date: January 4, 2023
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, go away 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 sights like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure occasions of the 12 months to seek out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was rather a lot!
It took me a complete 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 items 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 at all times 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 Dying Valley, that are scorching sizzling in the summertime.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Decide up an America the Lovely annual cross to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you’re serving to assist the Parks that at all times want funding.
10 Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in February
1. Yosemite Nationwide Park, California ㅤ→
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 to date, 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 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, Massive 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 – 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Yosemite Nationwide Park
2. Bryce Nationwide Park, Utah ㅤ→
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 Competition 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: This can be 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 need to discover past the car parking zone viewpoints.
See – 15 Wonderful Issues to Do in Bryce Nationwide Park
3. Dying Valley Nationwide Park, California ㅤ→
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 Dying 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 night time. Bear in mind to pack layers within the desert. Additionally, they’ve their Darkish Sky Competition 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 – 15 Unbelievable Issues to Do in Dying Valley Nationwide Park
4. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California ㅤ→
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 pictures of Joshua timber, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There may be much less to do on this park for those who’re not into climbing, nevertheless it’s price visiting at the 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 for those who climb
Professional Tip: In case you’re fortunate, you might also catch the desert with a dusting of snow. Our mates in Socal will drive out as quickly as they see the anticipated snow.
See – 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 for those who plan on exploring any floor trails, so simply make certain you will 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 – Full Nationwide Parks Listing by State
6. Saguaro Nationwide Park, Arizona ㅤ→
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 among the finest occasions to go to Saguaro Nationwide Park for climbing 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 – 11 Lovely Issues to Do in Saguaro Nationwide Park
7. White Sands Nationwide Park, New Mexico ㅤ→
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 through the day. In the course of the night time, although, you’ll want 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: Hold your eye on path markers if you’re climbing. It could actually get disorienting in a short time. It helps for those who obtain an offline model of the map in case you want it that can assist you get again.
See – 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 will see that a number of peaks through backcountry snowboarding, and it’s also possible to discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and climbing.
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 – The Finest Nationwide Parks to Discover within the Winter
9. Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona ㅤ→
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 climbing climate for those who 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 shouldn’t be a part of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park however on Hualapai Tribal land.
See – 17 Breathtaking Issues to Do on the Grand Canyon Nationwide Park
10. Sizzling Springs Nationwide Park, Arkansas
629 Central Ave, Sizzling Springs Nationwide Park, AR 71901, map
Common Temperatures: 55°F / 32°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: AM / PM
Why Go to: Winter is one of the best time to go to Sizzling 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, Sizzling 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 Montana ㅤ→
Logan’s Cross Customer Middle, Browning, MT 59417, map
Why Skip It: The roads are closed, and far of the park is inaccessible, not making it definitely worth the go to except you’re into cross-country snowboarding. Anticipate hotter climate so you possibly can see lakes just like the one beneath.
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in September
Need to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in February?
In case you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have achieved most of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in February. Whereas February might not be the highest two months of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless an honest time.
- Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
- Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
- Massive Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
- Biscayne Nationwide Park, Florida
- Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah (put up 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 (put up coming quickly!)
- Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona (put up 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 a complete listing. Test it out right here.
The place is one of the best place to hike in February?
Many Southwest parks are nice for climbing in February as a result of the climate continues to be heat sufficient through the day.
What’s the prettiest Nationwide Park within the US?
It is dependent upon 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 could find a quieter nook of this large park for those who transcend the valley.
What’s the no 1 visited nationwide park?
Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park will get 12.1 million guests yearly, making it essentially 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 possibly can keep away from crowds.
Is February a very good time to go to Massive Bend Nationwide Park?
You possibly can go to Massive 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 shall 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 folks gown for Grand Canyon in February?
Layers to be able to alter to the altering temperatures. Good climbing footwear.
Ideas 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 Cross for those who plan on visiting a number of parks inside the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Test present street and park circumstances. It’s at all times sensible to go to the Nationwide Park’s website and Customer Middle if you arrive to grasp what the present park circumstances 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 night time. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks shall be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at increased elevations.
- Chances are you’ll want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times verify the park’s website and Guests Middle for essentially the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to learn 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 is dependent upon which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a normal information on objects we at all times attempt to pack.
Planning Guidelines
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?
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Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They consider that journey may 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 present base themselves in Las Vegas.
Observe alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.