On the lookout 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 in case you’re hoping to flee the chilly or take pleasure in some winter actions.
There may be additionally a free day at Nationwide Parks throughout Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January. This 12 months, it’s going to land on January 16, 2023.
Final Up to date: December 13, 2022
Earlier than we get into it, we wish to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Depart no Hint Ideas. 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 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, seasonal sights like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions occurring within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure instances of the 12 months to seek out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was loads!
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 quickly!). Additionally, try our full listing 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 good time to go to sure nationwide parks, particularly these which are too scorching to go to within the Summer season.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Choose up an America the Lovely annual move to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you might be serving to assist the Parks that at all times want funding.
9 Greatest 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 Occasions: 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 absorb the solar. Bear in mind to look out for manatees!
Greatest For / High Actions: Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, 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 – 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 Occasions: 7:16 AM / 6:04 PM
Why Go to: Heat water and air temperatures make Dry Tortugas a fantastic year-round vacation spot, however among the finest instances to go to is in January. The climate is delicate, and it’s the final month that Bush Secret’s open.
Greatest For / High 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 option to get to the park and understand that elements of the park could also be closed to guard pure assets.
See – 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 Occasions: 7:10 AM / 5:54 PM
Why Go to: January is throughout the dry season in Everglades Nationwide Park. You get cooler temps and fewer mosquitos, and wildlife shall be extra energetic and plentiful.
Greatest For / High Actions: Boating, Tenting, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, 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 throughout the dry season is fashionable, make superior reservations for tenting, lodging, and excursions.
See – 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 Occasions: 7:03 AM / 6:04 PM
Why Go to: January is a good time to discover Haleakala Nationwide Park! The climate remains to be heat however not scorching, making it a preferred time to go to. If you happen to’re hoping to catch the dawn within the Summit District, apply for a allow.
Greatest For / High Actions: 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 – 19 Unimaginable Highway 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 Occasions: 7:03 AM / 4:54 PM
Why Go to: Loss of life Valley is principally our yard, and we solely go to within the winter. January has heat temperatures throughout the day for hikes, however it will get chilly at night time. Bear in mind to pack layers within the desert.
Greatest For / High 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 – 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 Occasions: 6:48 AM / 4:46 PM
Why Go to: We love Joshua Tree in January for the climbing. For individuals who don’t climb, it’s nonetheless a good time to get images of Joshua timber, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There may be much less to do on this park in case you’re not into climbing, however it’s price visiting not less than as soon as. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may additionally catch the desert with a dusting of snow.
Greatest For / High 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 Equipment Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
- What number of days do you want? 1 or 2-3 in case you climb
Professional Tip: The park will get busier throughout the cooler seasons, so e-book your web site early in case you’re hoping to camp.
See – 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 Occasions: 7:23 AM / 5:38 PM
Why Go to: Cool days make January among the finest instances 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.
Greatest For / High 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 the town (roughly 30-45 minutes). Once you plan your journey, take note of the place every path is.
See – 11 Lovely 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 Occasions: 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.
Greatest For / High 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 Highway, you should get a allow.
See – 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 Occasions: 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 too can discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and mountain climbing.
Greatest For / High 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 should get a allow.
See – The Greatest 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 Occasions: 7:13 AM / 4:50 PM
Why Go to: January is without doubt one of the quietest instances to go to Yosemite Nationwide Park. Parts of the park shall be closed, and also you’ll want to think about driving within the winter situations, however in case you make it, you’ll discover lovely winter landscapes in solitude.
Greatest For / High 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: Sure roads within the park are closed or require tire chains. Be ready! Since we’re from the desert, determining methods to placed on tire chains and drive in snowy and icy situations was nerve-wracking.
See – 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 Middle, 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 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in January
Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in January?
If you happen to’re a nationwide park lover like us and have completed most of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in January. Whereas January might 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
- Large 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 Greatest Nationwide Parks in January
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint ideas. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so forth.
- Choose up the Nationwide Park Annual Go in case you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Wish 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 via 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 also depart a remark and ask after they went.
- It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat throughout 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.
- All the time verify the park’s web site and Guests Middle for essentially the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be acquainted with methods to work together with animals and the way a lot house you must have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack depends upon 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.
Wish to know what to pack and put on to the airport? These are our preferrred airport outfits and carry-on necessities.
FAQs
Are nationwide parks crowded in January?
January is without doubt one of the finest instances to go to Nationwide Parks as a result of they’re much less crowded than the remainder of the 12 months.
What time of 12 months is finest to go to nationwide parks?
This depends upon the area, however typically, September and October are the perfect instances to go to for milder climate and wildlife exercise.
What nationwide park is finest to go to in January?
We simply made an inventory of this! Go test it out right here.
What’s Zion like in January?
Highs of 54 and lows of 30 make it a cold time to discover. Bundle up and keep heat.
How is Yellowstone 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 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.
How scorching is Grand Canyon in January?
On the South Rim, it’s fairly chilly! The highs are often round 44 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 18.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this listing of finest nationwide parks to go to in January? 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 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 presently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Observe alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.