We love journeying through the national parks, but these six, coldest national parks take the cake for winter wonderlands!
The United States National Parks System is home to a wide range of weather conditions, from hot and arid deserts to cold and snowy mountain ranges. For those who enjoy the chill and crisp air of winter, there are a number of national parks that offer some of the coldest weather in the country.
Each park offers a special winter experience that is worth the time and consideration for a memorable family adventure. We’ll take a close look at some of the coldest national parks in the United States…
Coldest National Parks in the United States
National Parks of Alaska
Winter conditions in the national parks in Alaska can be extreme, with long periods of darkness, heavy snowfall, and extremely low temperatures. Collectively, they are our coldest national parks.
During the winter months, many of the roads in the parks are closed to vehicles, and visitors must rely on snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes to explore the park. Temperatures in the parks can drop well below freezing, with average temperatures in the coldest months of the year hovering around -20°F to -30°F (-29°C to -34°C).
Additionally, winter storms and high winds can make travel in the parks challenging and dangerous.
Despite the harsh conditions, winter can be a beautiful and rewarding time to visit the national parks in Alaska, with opportunities for winter sports, wildlife viewing, and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Look for wolves, dall sheep, caribou, and arctic foxes when visiting during the winter. Ensure that you are well-prepared for the cold, and be sure to take appropriate safety precautions when exploring the parks during the winter months.
Read more about travelling to Alaska’s national parks with kids!
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the coldest national parks in the United States. The park is located at high elevation, with much of it sitting above 7,000 feet. It experiences long, harsh winters with heavy snowfall. Temperatures during the winter months can drop to well below freezing, with average temperatures hovering around 0°F in January.
Many roads and facilities in the park are closed during the winter, so visitors should plan their routes and activities accordingly.
Snowmobiles and snowcoaches are the primary means of transportation during the winter months, and park guests must obtain a permit to enter the park on a snowmobile or snowcoach. These permits have specific regulations and requirements that must be followed. It is essential to review them before arriving.
The winter season in Yellowstone is a quiet time, and many services and facilities are closed or have limited hours of operation. If you choose to visit Yellowstone in the winter months, you should plan ahead to ensure you have access to food, lodging, and other necessary services.
However, Yellowstone is full of exciting winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. It is also a great time of year for animal viewing. The park is quieter and offers a more intimate experience of this famous and heavily trafficked icon.
For more on why winter in Yellowstone can be a special time for wildlife viewing, check out THIS post.
Yosemite National Park, California
While Yosemite National Park is best known for its warm summer weather, it is one of our coldest national parks in the winter months. Temperatures in the higher elevations of the park can drop to below freezing, with snow and ice covering the trails and roads.
The park is known to close under severe winter conditions, so be flexible with you winter Yosemite itineraries.
Despite the cold, visitors can still enjoy a range of winter activities, including snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels.
Rentals and lessons are available. Additionally, Yosemite’s meadows and trails are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating in Yosemite Valley’s outdoor rink, with beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year; however, the crowds are much smaller during the winter months. If you time it right, it can provide a peaceful and intimate experience.
Overall, Yosemite National Park is special every time of year. It is always worthy of your time and attention, and we hope that you, too, can enjoy its winter wonderland!
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its harsh winter weather with temperatures in the higher elevations dropping well below zero. There is often heavy snowfall.
Despite the cold, visitors can still enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and sledding. Winter is also a great time to spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.
Winter is the park’s quietest season, with fewer visitors and shorter lines. The park is majestic in its winter coat. It is easily accessible. Its gateway towns are often blanketed in twinkle lights. The nights are clear and full of stars.
Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park offers a peaceful and serene experience with opportunities for outdoor activities and special moments unique to the season.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is one of our coldest national parks. It is located in Montana and is known for its snowy winter weather. Temperatures in the park can drop well below zero, with heavy snowfall and strong winds making outdoor activities challenging.
Despite the cold, visitors can still enjoy a range of winter activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
During the winter months, wildlife such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and deer are more visible, making for great wildlife watching opportunities. The park also offers ice fishing opportunities on some of its lakes and streams.
Visitors can select from a variety of guided tours including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing tours, ranger-led walks, and photography workshops.
If you’re having trouble getting a car pass to travel the Going To The Sun Road during peak, summer season, how does snowshoeing or nordic skiing up the road sound? What a special adventure!
The nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort offers the traditional skiing and snowbarding fun. Outside of the park, visitors can also take a horse-drawn sleigh ride or snow mobile tours through the region’s winter wonderlands!
Overall, Glacier National Park during the winter offers a unique and serene experience with opportunities for outdoor activities and unique sights that you can’t see during other seasons.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington and is known for its cold and snowy winter weather. It is certainly one of our coldest national parks! The park is blanketed in snow for much of the winter, with temperatures dropping well below freezing.
Some roads in the park, including the road to Paradise, are closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.
Visitors should check the park’s website or call ahead for current road conditions and closures. Many of the park’s facilities, including campgrounds and lodges, are also closed during the winter months.
Despite the cold, visitors can still enjoy a range of outdoor activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Plus, wildlife such as elk, deer, and coyotes are more visible during the winter months, making for great wildlife watching opportunities!
When visiting mountainous national parks, including those in Alaska, during the winter months, visitors should take several safety precautions to ensure their safety and enjoyment. Always check the weather and trail conditions before heading out, and dress warmly including waterproof boots.
Bring safety equipment: food, water, compass, headlamp, first aid kit, and avalanche safety gear.
Follow all park advisories, and ensure that you stick to activities within your skill level. By taking these safety precautions, you can enjoy the beauty of mountainous national parks during the winter months while minimizing the risks associated with harsh winter conditions.
These national parks are just a few of the many parks with cold, winter weather. Despite the harsh conditions, they offer visitors the chance to experience the beauty of winter and enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
So pack your warm gear and start exploring the coldest weather in the United States National Parks System!
