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.
16 things in this story
- Trunk BaySightIslet in Virgin Islands National Park.
- 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.
- Phantom RanchHotelGrand Canyon National Park, United StatesVintage cabins and restaurant at the canyon bottom.
- 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.
- Bright Angel CampgroundPlaceGrand Canyon National Park, United StatesNab last-minute permits to camp near the river.
- Rim TrailTrailGrand Canyon National Park, United StatesFamily-friendly trail with panoramic views.
- Window FormationSightBig Bend National Park, United StatesMarvel at vistas of this formation.
- Hermits RestSightGrand Canyon National Park, United StatesStone ruins at the end of the Rim Trail.
- Alpine Visitor CenterSightRocky Mountain National Park, United StatesHighest visitor center in the National Park System.
- Keys ViewSightJoshua Tree National Park, United States