Looking for the perfect nationwide parks to go to in November? You ought to begin by visiting these parks.
November is a perfect month to go to the various National Parks which might be silly sizzling in the course of the summer time. Plus, it’s sometimes quieter for those who keep away from the vacations and leaf-peeping season.
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Last Updated: October 12, 2022
Before we get into it, we need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Leave no Trace Principles. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, decrease campfire influence, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
About the National Park by month Series
To put collectively this record, we’ve mixed our private experiences and ideas 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 took into consideration any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure occasions of the yr to seek out essentially the most optimum months to go to every National Park. Phew! that was rather a lot!
It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was utterly price having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Also, take a look at our full record of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park models that embody soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embody the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and those in U.S. territories on this collection.
National Parks By Month – Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul
Is November a Good Time to Visit National Parks?
Yes! It’s the perfect month for a lot of nationwide parks which might be sometimes too sizzling to go to in the course of the summer time.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual cross to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you’re serving to help the Parks that all the time want funding.
11 Best National Parks to Visit in November
1. Death Valley National Park, California
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Average Temperatures: 77°F / 48°F
Why Visit: I received’t even contact Death Valley Valley National Park till it’s November. It’s probably the greatest occasions to go to, with heat temperatures in the course of the day so you’ll be able to go on longer hikes. At night time, temperatures drop considerably, however it’s not as freezing like December and January. It’s nonetheless a good suggestion to pack layers, particularly for those who run chilly like me.
Best For / Top Activities: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Photography
Don’t Miss:
Pro Tip: The park is huge so give your self loads of time touring from one spot to the subsequent.
See Related – 15 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
2. Everglades National Park, Florida
40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, map
Average Temperatures: 82°F / 64°F
Why Visit: November is the beginning of the dry season in Everglades National Park. Not solely are the temperatures cooler, however there are fewer mosquitos and wildlife will likely be extra lively and considerable.
Best For / Top Activities: Boating, Camping, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Hiking, Tours
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, Eco Pond, Snake Bight, Nine Mile Pond
- Wildlife – Alligators, Raccoons, Opossums, Bobcats, Gray Fox, Leopard Frogs, Roseate Spoonbill, Manatee
- How many days do you want? 2-3
Pro Tip: Since visiting in the course of the dry season is widespread, make superior reservations for tenting, lodging, and excursions.
See Related – Your List of All National Parks within the US
3. Joshua Tree National Park, California
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map
Average Temperatures: 72°F / 44°F
Why Visit: It’s lastly climbing season once more! That’s why we love Joshua Tree in November. For these of you who don’t climb, it will not be the most enjoyable or scenic nationwide park, however it’s nonetheless a good time to see Joshua timber, rock piles, and epic sunsets. The solar is heat in the course of the day and the temps drop at night time, making it enjoyable to cozy up subsequent to a campfire.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Stargazing, Camping, Scenic Drives, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Halls of Horror, Skull Rock
- Wildlife – Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Gray Fox, Desert Kit Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
- How many days do you want? 1 or 2-3 for those who climb
Pro Tip: The park will get busier in the course of the cooler seasons so for those who’re hoping to camp, ebook your web site early.
See Related – 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
4. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
37.1879181,-86.1028107, map
Average Temperatures: 59°F / 38°F
Why Visit: November is on the tail finish of fall colours, however you continue to may catch some! Since it’s later within the season, the leaf-peeping crowds ought to have thinned already so the park will likely be quieter. Fall can be the driest season within the park.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Bicycling, Cave Tours, Kayaking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Cave, Doyel Valley Overlook, Sunset Point, Green River
- Wildlife – Bats, White-Tailed Deer, Coyote, Black Bear
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: They provide fewer cave excursions throughout shoulder season so examine their present schedule when planning.
See Related – Complete National Parks List by State
5. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, map
Average Temperatures: 77°F / 48°F
Why Visit: As one of many latest National Parks, it has shortly earned a spot as one of many finest parks for fall foliage. It sometimes peaks mid to late October, however you may nonetheless catch it in early November. Even for those who miss it, the cool temps are excellent for mountaineering and climbing, which is extra our precedence.
Best For / Top Activities: Camping, Whitewater Rafting, Hiking, Biking, Climbing, Scenic Drives, Fishing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – New River Gorge Bridge, Grandview, Sandstone Falls, Nuttallburg
- Wildlife – Groundhogs, Coyotes, Red Foxes, Gray Foxes, Black Bears, Bobcats, White-Tailed Deer
- How many days do you want? 1-3
6. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, map
Average Temperatures: 66°F / 29°F
Why Visit: November is without doubt one of the quieter months at White Sands National Park. It’s a good time to discover the dunes with nobody in sight. If you’ll be able to bear actually chilly climate, you’ll be able to even camp and benefit from the stars.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Bicycling, Backcountry Camping, Photography, Stargazing, Sledding
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Sledding, Dune Life Nature Trail, Alkali Flat Trail, Playa Trail
- Wildlife – American Badger, Apache Pocket Mouse, Black-Tailed Jackrabbit, Bobcat, Coyote, Kit Fox
- How many days do you want? 1-2
Local Tip: Since you’re mountaineering on dunes, it is advisable examine for path markers. It can get disorienting in a short time. We obtained rotated when looking for out manner again to our automotive however discovered our manner by wanting on the course of the sundown. Also, you’ll be able to obtain an offline model of google maps of the world.
See Related – 5 Incredible Things to Do at White Sands National Park
7. Zion National Park, Utah
1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, map
Average Temperatures: 56°F / 30°F
Why Visit: Zion National Park has exploded in recognition, so late fall is a superb time to go to for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. You can typically nonetheless catch fall leaves at decrease elevations too!
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Angels Landing, Canyon Overlook Trail, Emerald Pools, Observation Point, Riverside Walk
- Wildlife – Ringtail, Mountain Lion, American Pika, Desert Cottontail, Coyote, Kit Fox, Bighorn Sheep, Elk
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: The Narrows will likely be chilly to hike, however you’ll be able to all the time lease dry fits on the town for those who nonetheless need to test it out.
See Related – 15 Incredible Things to Do in Zion National Park
8. Yosemite National Park, California
9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map
Average Temperatures: 57°F / 32°F
Why Visit: November is without doubt one of the quietest occasions to go to Yosemite National Park. You’ll get cool nights and sunny days. Most of the park remains to be open earlier than the upper elevations shut down for winter. Plus you might even catch the primary snow of the season making it further magical.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking and Backpacking, Tours, Photography, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Taft Point, Glacier Point, Half Dome, Tunnel View
- Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Big Horn Sheep, Great Gray Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Red Foxes
- How many days do you want? 2-4
Pro Tip: Remember that elevation varies rather a lot throughout the park, which implies temperatures fluctuate fairly a bit. Be positive to examine the climate within the areas you propose on visiting.
See Related – 15 Breathtaking Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
9. Pinnacles National Park, California
5000 CA-146, Paicines, CA 95043, map
Average Temperatures: 68°F / 34°F
Why Visit: Pinnacles National Park is rather more widespread in the course of the cooler months since summer time is so sizzling. November is a superb time to hike, rock climb, and see wildlife, and though it’s a busier time, the general park visitation is manageable because it’s one of many lesser-known National Parks within the US.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Camping
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Talus Cave, Bear Guild, Balconies Cave, Rim Trail Loop, High Peaks Loop
- Wildlife – Canyon Bats, Mountain Lions, Condors, Feral Pig, Bobcat, Gray Fox, Ringtail
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Pinnacles National Park has two separate entrances which might be removed from one another. Plan accordingly primarily based on what you need to see!
10. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847, map
Average Temperatures: 52°F / 37°F
Why Visit: The park’s busiest time is mid-October to mid-November for good purpose. The climate is cool and also you’ll get to benefit from the fall colours. Since the park is without doubt one of the least visited National Parks, even when it’s crowded, it received’t really feel like Zion or Yellowstone. Plus, it’s a wilderness park so that you’ll must get on rugged trails to see among the finest spots, which implies no crowds! It’s wonderful how getting off the principle street will deter folks.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Horseback Riding
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Smith Spring Trail, Devil’s Hall Trail, McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Peak Trail
- Wildlife – Coyote, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Badger, Texas Banded Gecko, Bats, Javelinas, Jackrabbits, Rattlesnake
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Be ready to hike; in any other case you’ll miss out on the perfect spots within the park.
11. Badlands National park, South Dakota
25216 SD-240, Interior, SD 57750, map
Average Temperatures: 47°F / 28°F
Why Visit: Fall is without doubt one of the finest occasions to see the park’s wildlife, like bison, prairie canine, and bighorn sheep. In November, you’re normally away from any giant snow dumps (though they will nonetheless occur, so plan forward).
Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Hiking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fossil Preparation Lab, Sage Creek Rim Road, Sheep Mountain Table, Badlands Loop Road
- Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Dogs, Bighorn Sheep, Black-Footed Ferret
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Most of the highlights will be seen from the scenic drives, however hop out for some straightforward hikes (most are 1.25 miles or much less).
See Related – 15 Least Visited National Parks You Need to Explore Next
Map of the Best National Parks to Visit in November
Want to See More NATIONAL Parks to Visit in November?
If you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have executed most of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for National Parks to go to in November. While November will not be the highest two months of the yr to go to these parks, it’s additionally not the worst time.
Tips for Visiting the Best National Parks in November
- Explore the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace rules. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, decrease campfire influence, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
- Pick up the National Park Annual Pass for those who plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- Want to see the autumn foliage? Climate change and droughts this yr will make timing extra unpredictable. We sometimes go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by all of the latest posts to see what it’s wanting like. Keep in thoughts that folks publish older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You may depart a remark and ask once they went.
- It’s all the time a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat in the course of the day and funky at night time. Pay consideration to the elevation change too! Some parks will likely be heat on the valley ground and chilly at increased elevations.
- You may have a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- Always examine the park’s web site and Visitors Center for essentially the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Remember that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to work together with animals and the way a lot area it is best to have between you and them.
FAQs
Are nationwide parks crowded in November?
For essentially the most half, parks are much less crowded in November. Although among the parks will likely be busier throughout this time for fall foliage or at parks which might be insufferable in the summertime.
What time of yr is finest to go to nationwide parks?
This relies on the area, however September and October are typically the perfect occasions to go to since most parks are much less crowded. Plus, it’s normally cheaper, you’ve gotten delicate climate, and the animals are extra lively.
What is Zion like in November?
Temperatures with a excessive of 63 levels Fahrenheit and a low of 37. It’s nice mountaineering climate, particularly for the uncovered trails like Angels Landing.
How is Yellowstone in November?
Yellowstone in November is chilly and infrequently occasions there will likely be snow. Temperatures are chilly, with common highs round 39 and lows round 20. Southern parts of the park are closed to all visitors.
What is Yosemite like in November?
The climate is cool and sunny, with a excessive of round 56 and a low of round 33. At increased elevations, temperatures can drop to 17 levels. It’s the final month you’ll be able to discover the upper elevations earlier than they shut for the season.
Is Glacier park open in November?
November is the beginning of the wintry season in Glacier National Park and the customer facilities and lodges are closed. Going-to-the-Sun-Road and Many Glacier Road are additionally closed for the season. For this purpose, I might solely go to throughout July and August.
How sizzling is Grand Canyon in November?
On the South Rim, the highs are normally round 52 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 24.
Recap of the 11 Best National Parks to Visit in November
November is an excellent time to discover the National Parks. You get to reap the benefits of good climate, and most colleges have began again up, so will probably be a bit much less crowded than within the peak of summer time. Here is the record of parks we suggest visiting.
- Death Valley National Park
- Everglades National Park (publish coming quickly!)
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- New River Gorge National Park
- White Sands National Park
- Zion National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Pinnacles National Park (coming quickly!)
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Badlands National Park (coming quickly!)
Can you consider others that belong on this record of finest nationwide parks to go to in November? Which ones are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust