Top 5 US National Parks For Winter Thanks To New Report

Americans usually head to the US National Parks during the summer months, but getting out in the great outdoors can be enjoyed year-round. During the summer months, visitor numbers are at their highest, but a new report has revealed the top parks to visit during winter. In fact, some of the parks are at their best during the cooler months.

Top US National Parks to visit this winter

According to a new report from USA Today, some parks are even better to visit during winter, when the temperatures are more comfortable. Read on to discover the top 5 parks to visit during the cooler months of the year.

1. Hot Springs National Park, AR

When looking for warmth in winter, Hot Springs features 47 natural hot springs, which all year round maintain an average temperature of 143 degrees Fahrenheit. While the waters in the springs aren’t safe for bathing, the town features bathhouses where it is safe to enjoy the park’s famous spring water.

Known as Bathhouse Row, this part of town offers eight restored bathing facilities dating back to the Victorian era. Naturally, when it’s cold outside, the steamy hot waters are truly welcomed by visitors.

2. Yellowstone National Park, WY

The scenery in Yellowstone National Park is beautiful in any season, but in winter, the park is often covered in snow. While that might seem a drawback, snow makes Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders even more beautiful, when touring on a snow coach or snowmobile tour.

Meanwhile, the geysers look especially magical in the cooler temperatures and while some wildlife (particularly the bears) is hibernating, there is still a chance to view animals in the background of beautiful snowy landscapes. Another draw is that compared to July and August, hotel rooms are around 50 percent less during the winter.

3. Saguaro National Park, AZ

While the heat of summer is brutal in Saguaro, other seasons make it far more comfortable to visit the cactus groves in the park. Meanwhile, the park features more than 165 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. These trails are perfect for a winter hike in this beautiful park.

However, if you head out into the desert at night, make sure you are warmly dressed as temperatures drop when the sun goes down.

4. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

While Bryce Canyon does get sprinkled with snow in the winter months, this makes for gorgeous scenery and fewer crowds.  Meanwhile, it is the ideal park for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other outdoor fun. Yes, it is cold, with deep snow and sub-zero temperatures, but there are plenty of places to warm up. Make your visit coincide with the annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival and get cozy in the many bars and cafés.

Next year, the festival is to be held on February 17, 18, and 19, so mark it down in your calendar. At the event, you can enjoy scenic tours, attend demonstrations and information sessions, and enter competitions. Among the races, people can participate in cross-country ski races, people-powered sled races and snowshoe races.

5. Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Lying as it does in California, Joshua Tree National Park is best visited in winter. At that time, daytime temperatures rarely drop below 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit in the park, plus crowd levels are low.

For those who love star gazing, Joshua is a dark sky park and in winter, it gets dark earlier. While you can explore the beautiful park in the daytime, make sure you spend time star gazing to see that amazing night sky.