Looking for the most effective nationwide parks to go to in February?
February is a superb time to go to National Parks if you need the parks to your self. It’s quiet because the holidays are over, however the climate provides you choices to flee the chilly or embrace a winter wonderland.
This publish could include affiliate hyperlinks, the place we obtain a small fee on gross sales of the merchandise which are linked at no extra value to you. All opinions are all the time our personal. Read our full disclosure for more information. Thank you for supporting the manufacturers that make Local Adventurer potential.
Last Updated: January 4, 2023
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, reduce campfire impression, 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 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 provided at sure instances of the yr to seek out probably the most optimum months to go to every National Park. Phew! that was so much!
It took me an entire 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!). 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 U.S. territories on this collection.
National Parks By Month – Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul
Is February a Good Time to Visit National Parks?
Yes! If you’re not making an attempt to go to one particular nationwide park, you possibly can all the time discover one to go to any time of yr. February is a superb time to go to parks when they’re quieter, and we love the parks like Death Valley, that are scorching sizzling in the summertime.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual move to economize (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you’re serving to help the Parks that all the time want funding.
10 Best National Parks to Visit in February
1. Yosemite National Park, California ㅤ→
9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map
Average Temperatures: 53°F / 30°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:40 AM / 5:43 PM
Why Visit: We nonetheless want to go to Yosemite National Park in February for Firefall, nevertheless it all the time falls round my birthday, and up to now, 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 seem like it’s on hearth. It occurs between 5-Quarter-hour earlier than sundown.
Best For / Top Activities: Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Ice Skating, 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: Expect loopy crowds throughout this phenomenon. Also, sure roads within the park are closed or require tire chains. Be ready!
See Related – 15 Breathtaking Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
2. Bryce National Park, Utah ㅤ→
UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, map
Average Temperatures: 38°F / 13°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:35 AM / 5:56 PM
Why Visit: Visit Bryce Canyon throughout February for a winter wonderland and to keep away from crowds. You may even hire snowshoes or cross-country skis to discover different elements of the park. There’s additionally a Winter Festival close by at Ruby’s Inn from February 18-20, 2023.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking and Backpacking, Stargazing, Photography, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bryce Point, Scenic Drive, Inspiration Point, Navajo Loop Trail
- Wildlife – Mule Deer, Porcupines, Utah Prairie Dog, Mountain Lions, Bobcats, Coyotes
- How many days do you want? 1-2
Pro Tip: This is 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 Related – 15 Amazing Things to Do in Bryce National Park
3. Death Valley National Park, California ㅤ→
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Average Temperatures: 74°F / 46°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:36 AM / 5:30 PM
Why Visit: Since Death Valley is mainly in our yard, we solely go to within the winter. February has heat temperatures throughout the day for hikes, nevertheless it will get chilly at night time. Remember to pack layers within the desert. Also, they’ve their Dark Sky Festival from February 24-26, 2023.
Best For / Top Activities: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Photography
Don’t Miss:
Pro Tip: The park is gigantic. Give your self loads of journey time between spots. We have been shocked by how lengthy it took.
See Related – 15 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
4. Joshua Tree National Park, California ㅤ→
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map
Average Temperatures: 66°F / 38°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:27 AM / 5:28 PM
Why Visit: We love Joshua Tree in February for the climbing. For those that don’t climb, it’s nonetheless a good time to get pictures of Joshua bushes, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There is much less to do on this park for those who’re not into climbing, nevertheless it’s price visiting not less than as soon as.
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: If you’re fortunate, you may additionally catch the desert with a dusting of snow. Our buddies in Socal will drive out as quickly as they see the anticipated snow.
See Related – 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
5. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
37.1879181,-86.1028107, map
Average Temperatures: 51°F / 29°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 6:34 AM / 5:23 PM
Why Visit: 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. It might be chilly for those who plan on exploring any floor trails, so simply make sure you might have the suitable gear.
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 supply fewer cave excursions throughout the winter, however in addition they don’t guide up shortly like in the summertime.
See Related – Complete National Parks List by State
6. Saguaro National Park, Arizona ㅤ→
2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map
Average Temperatures: 69°F / 41°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:35 AM / 5:56 PM
Why Visit: Cool days make February among the best instances to go to Saguaro National Park for mountain climbing the paths and having fun with the scenic drive with out the warmth.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Scenic Drive, Photography, Camping, Ranger Programs
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Valley View Overlook Trail, Cactus Forest Drive, Bajada Loop Drive, Signal Hill Trail, Desert Museum
- Wildlife – Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Gray Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: The park has an East and West portion separated by town (roughly 30-45 minutes).
See Related – 11 Beautiful Things to Do in Saguaro National Park
7. White Sands National Park, New Mexico ㅤ→
19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, map
Average Temperatures: 63°F / 26°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:35 AM / 5:56 PM
Why Visit: February is a superb time to go to White Sands National Park. You can discover the dunes with out worrying about being too sizzling throughout the day. During the night time, although, it would be best to bundle up.
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: Keep your eye on path markers while you’re mountain climbing. It can 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 Related – 5 Incredible Things to Do at White Sands National Park
8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, map
Average Temperatures: 28°F / 13°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:10 AM / 5:23 PM
Why Visit: Rocky Mountain National Park is ideal for winter actions, and February is the most effective time to ski. In February, you can find a number of peaks by way of backcountry snowboarding, and you can too discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and mountain climbing.
Best For / Top Activities: Backcountry Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Trail Ridge Road, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Road, Alpine Ridge Trail, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
- Wildlife – Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions, Deer, Bears, Bobcats
- How many days do you want? 2-4
Local Tip: If you need to discover Bear Lake Road, you need to get a allow.
See Related – The Best National Parks to Explore within the Winter
9. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona ㅤ→
36.0591278,-112.1114996, map
Average Temperatures: 65°F / 42°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: 7:35 AM / 5:57 PM
Why Visit: January and February are the quietest months in Grand Canyon, with it being barely hotter in February than in January. We assume it’s nice mountain climbing climate for those who layer up for early mornings and evenings.
Best For / Top Activities: Backcountry Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Trail Ridge Road, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Road, Alpine Ridge Trail, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
- Wildlife – Desert Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Mountain Lions, Coyotes, Gray Fox
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: Grand Canyon West is just not a part of Grand Canyon National Park however on Hualapai Tribal land.
See Related – 17 Breathtaking Things to Do on the Grand Canyon National Park
10. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
629 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, map
Average Temperatures: 55°F / 32°F
Average Sunrise / Sunset Times: AM / PM
Why Visit: Winter is the most effective time to go to Hot Springs National Park to benefit from the cool climate whereas taking a dip within the heat swimming pools.
Best For / Top Activities: Soaking in Springs, Hiking, Birdwatching, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Buckstaff Bathhouse, Quapaw Bathhouse, The Display Spring, Hot Water Cascade
- Wildlife – White-Tailed Deer, Groundhog, Black Bear, Bats, Song Birds
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: You can solely soak within the two bathhouses, not the out of doors thermal springs.
ONE TO SKIP: Glacier National Park Montana ㅤ→
Logan’s Pass Visitor Center, Browning, MT 59417, map
Why Skip It: The roads are closed, and far of the park is inaccessible, not making it well worth the go to except you’re into cross-country snowboarding. Wait for hotter climate so you possibly can see lakes just like the one under.
Map of the Best National Parks to Visit in September
Want to See More NATIONAL Parks to Visit in February?
If you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have carried out most of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for National Parks to go to in February. While February is probably not the highest two months of the yr to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless an honest time.
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Arches National Park, Utah
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Biscayne National Park, Florida
- Canyonlands National Park, Utah (publish coming quickly!)
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
- Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
- Denali National Park, Alaska – Winterfest Celebration
- Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington (publish coming quickly!)
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona (publish coming quickly!)
- Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Zion National Park, Utah
FAQs
What is the most effective nationwide park to go to in winter?
We simply made an entire record. Check it out right here.
Where is the most effective place to hike in February?
Many Southwest parks are nice for mountain climbing in February as a result of the climate continues to be heat sufficient throughout the day.
What is the prettiest National Park within the US?
It is determined by what you want seeing! Despite the crowds, Yosemite all the time holds a particular place in our hearts for its grandness and surroundings. You can discover a quieter nook of this large park for those who transcend the valley.
What is the number one visited nationwide park?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will get 12.1 million guests yearly, making it probably the most visited park.
Can you go to Utah National Parks in February?
Yes! There are nice parks to discover when the climate is cooler, however some could also be within the snow.
What is Zion nationwide park like in February?
Winters in Zion are chilly and oftentimes moist, but when you will get over that, you possibly can keep away from crowds.
Is February time to go to Big Bend National Park?
You can go to Big Bend in February, though October-November and March-April are higher.
Can you go to Yosemite in February?
Yes! Although parts of the park might be closed, some roads are accessible however could require snow chains.
Can you go to Grand Canyon in February?
The South Rim is open year-round, and roads are drivable besides throughout inclement climate.
How do individuals costume for Grand Canyon in February?
Layers so to alter to the altering temperatures. Good mountain climbing sneakers.
Tips for Visiting the Best National Parks in February
- Explore the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace rules. Stay on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many 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.
- Check present highway and park circumstances. It’s all the time good to go to the National Park’s website and Visitor Center while you arrive to grasp what the present park circumstances are.
- It’s all the time a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat throughout the day and funky at night time. Pay consideration to the elevation change too! Some parks might be heat on the valley ground and chilly at larger elevations.
- You might have a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- Always examine the park’s website and Visitors Center for probably the most up-to-date info on closures.
- Remember that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to the right way to work together with animals and the way a lot house you need to have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack is determined by which park you go to and the actions you intend, however here’s a normal information on objects we all the time attempt to pack.
Planning Checklist
Can you consider others that belong on this record of finest National Parks to go to in February? Which ones are we lacking?
DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER
SEE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES
⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡
“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine that journey will 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.
Follow alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTook, and Pinterest.