Condé Nast TravelerDec 14, 2025
14 National Parks That Are Even More Beautiful in Winter
Summer may be high season, but these parks are at their best in the colder months.
Family-friendly trail with panoramic views.
16 things in this story
- Phantom RanchHotelVintage cabins and restaurant at the canyon bottom.
- Bright Angel CampgroundPlaceNab last-minute permits to camp near the river.
- Rim TrailTrailFamily-friendly trail with panoramic views.
- Hermits RestSightStone ruins at the end of the Rim Trail.
- Elsewhere
- Delicate ArchSightArches National Park, United StatesThe arch is the most widely recognized landmark in Arches National Park and is depicted on Utah license plates and a…
- Ocean DriveTrailAcadia National Park, United StatesScenic drive, plowed during snowy months.
- Santa Elena CanyonSightBig Bend National Park, United StatesSunset turns this canyon into shades of amber.
- Zabriskie PointSightDeath Valley National Park, United StatesTake in the rosy glow of sunrise from here.
- Golden CanyonTrailDeath Valley National Park, United StatesHike through the mustard-hued walls of this canyon.
- Inn at Death ValleyHotelDeath Valley National Park, United StatesLounge poolside at this freshly updated historic hotel.
- Circle of Fire helicopter tourPlaceHawai'i Volcanoes National Park, United StatesSoar over the national park on this tour.
- Chisos Mountains LodgeHotelBig Bend National Park, United StatesStay here and marvel at high-elevation vistas.
- Window FormationSightBig Bend National Park, United StatesMarvel at vistas of this formation.
- Alpine Visitor CenterSightRocky Mountain National Park, United StatesHighest visitor center in the National Park System.
- Trunk BaySightUS Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin IslandsIslet in Virgin Islands National Park.
- Keys ViewSightJoshua Tree National Park, United States