17 Best US National Parks to Visit in February
What better way to shake off the winter blues than exploring the incredible beauty of US national parks?
Each park has its own unique charm, making it hard to choose just one. So why not explore them all? Let’s uncover the best spots to visit this February!
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1. Yosemite National Park
February transforms Yosemite into a serene snow-draped sanctuary where you can cross-country ski across Badger Pass or try ice skating at Curry Village with Half Dome as your backdrop.
The park is much quieter this time of year, with temperatures perfect for winter fun. The real highlight is the Firefall phenomenon in mid-February. As the sun sets, it hits Horsetail Fall just right, creating a stunning illusion of flowing fire.
Insider Tip: For the best Firefall views, head to El Capitan picnic area before sunset.
Where to Stay: The Ahwahnee Hotel, built in 1925, offers luxurious rooms and an exceptional dining room with seasonal dishes, all nestled near Yosemite Falls.
2. Biscayne National Park
February brings perfect weather to Biscayne National Park, with less rain and pleasant temperatures. The park is 95% water, making it a unique destination for snorkeling, sailing, and glass-bottom boat tours.
Winter months offer the clearest waters for spotting colorful fish, sea turtles, and maybe even a peaceful manatee.
Where to Stay: The Hampton Inn & Suites is conveniently located just a short drive from the park.
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3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
February delivers mild, breezy weather with temperatures ranging from 63-72°F (17-22°C). The cooler climate makes it ideal for exploring the park’s otherworldly landscapes, from steaming craters to lava fields.
Stargazing at Jaggar Museum and taking scenic drives along Chain of Craters Road become even more magical in the winter months.
Insider Tip: Catch a private eco-tour with a professional guide to get the inside scoop on the park’s unique flora and fauna.
Where to Stay: Volcano House Hotel perches right on the volcano’s rim, offering rooms with a view you can’t beat.
4. White Sands National Park
Who knew sand could freeze? At White Sands in February, it does! The cooler temperatures create perfect conditions for sledding down the pristine white slopes.
Morning temperatures often dip into the high 20s, creating firm sand that’s ideal for exploration.
Insider Tip: Wax your sled in stripes (not circles) in your intended direction of travel for maximum speed.
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5. Yellowstone National Park
February in Yellowstone means snowy landscapes and extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities. Temperatures can dip to -30°F, but the cold brings out unique animal behaviors and creates stunning frost-covered scenery.
Insider Tip: Snow bibs, multiple clothing layers, thick socks, insulated boots, and face coverings are absolute must-haves.
Where to Stay: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel remains open year-round and provides easy access to some of the park’s most dramatic thermal features.
6. Virgin Islands National Park
Virgin Islands National Park covers two-thirds of St. John Island, offering endless adventures.
Don’t miss the chance to visit historic plantation sites and learn about the island’s past. Ancient petroglyphs tell tales of Indigenous Taino culture.
Where to Stay: Sugar Mill Hotel offers five-star accommodations with a garden, restaurant, and bar.
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7. Bryce Canyon National Park
In February, Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos wear white coats, creating a photographer’s dream. Temperatures dip between 17°F and 38°F, with generous snowfall.
You can enjoy the park with fewer visitors this time of year. The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival offers snowshoe tours and photography workshops. It’s a perfect blend of outdoor fun and learning.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the ranger-led snowshoe hikes. They provide the equipment, so you just bring your sense of adventure.
Where to Stay: Ruby’s Inn keeps you warm and entertained with its own ice skating rink and winter activities.
8. Mount Rainier National Park
February brings a magical transformation to Mount Rainier, blanketing the landscape in an average of 15 feet of snow. The Paradise area becomes a winter sports haven, perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Wildlife spotting becomes easier as animals like foxes and elk contrast beautifully against the white landscape. The park’s visitor count drops significantly, giving you peaceful moments to soak in the grandeur of the 14,411-foot volcano.
Insider Tip: Join a ranger-led snowshoe walk from the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center – they provide the snowshoes, you bring the enthusiasm!
Where to Stay: National Park Inn at Longmire offers year-round coziness as your winter basecamp.
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9. Death Valley National Park
February is prime time to visit Death Valley. The weather is perfect for exploring, with daytime temps around 73°F and cool nights at 46°F.
You can hike Golden Canyon or check out the sailing stones at Racetrack Playa without overheating. The winter sun makes the landscape glow in gorgeous golds and purples.
February also brings crystal-clear night skies, perfect for stargazing in this International Dark Sky Park.
Insider Tip: Head to Zabriskie Point for sunrise to see the badlands bathed in magical morning light.
Where to Stay: The Ranch at Death Valley offers spring-fed pools and a town square design capturing the Old West vibe.
10. Everglades National Park
February marks the sweet spot in the Everglades – the dry season brings comfortable temperatures and fewer mosquitoes.
The reduced water levels concentrate wildlife around water holes, making it prime time for spotting alligators, wading birds, and maybe even the elusive Florida panther.
The weather typically stays in the mild 70s, perfect for kayaking through mangrove tunnels or biking along the Shark Valley trail.
Insider Tip: Take an early morning tram tour at Shark Valley when animals are most active.
Where to Stay: Everglades City Motel sits right at the park’s doorstep, offering clean, comfortable rooms with a distinct Old Florida charm.
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11. Big Bend National Park
February delivers ideal conditions for exploring this vast Chihuahuan Desert paradise, with daytime temperatures hovering in the perfect 60s and 70s.
Clear winter skies make stargazing a must-do activity. Bring your telescope or join a ranger-led program to marvel at the Milky Way.
Don’t miss the chance to relax in the Rio Grande Hot Springs. The 105°F water is especially inviting on chilly February days.
Where to Stay: Chisos Mountains Lodge puts you right in the heart of the park’s most scenic area.
12. Arches National Park
The park’s iconic red rock formations look even more striking with a dusting of snow. Daytime temps hover between 30-50°F, perfect for tackling popular hikes without breaking a sweat.
The park’s 2,000+ natural stone arches appear even more dramatic against winter’s moody skies.
Insider Tip: Pack microspikes for your boots – some trails can get icy, especially in the morning hours.
Where to Stay: Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa offers luxurious riverside cabins with stunning red rock canyon views.
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13. Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Park
February offers a magical winter setting where giant sequoias wear snowy coats against blue skies. With fewer visitors, you can enjoy peaceful moments among these ancient trees.
Insider Tip: If there’s a snowstorm, be flexible with your dates – the parks might close temporarily, but conditions change quickly.
Where to Stay: Wuksachi Lodge offers the only winter lodging inside Sequoia, with stunning views of the snowy landscape.
14. Rocky Mountain National Park
With fewer crowds in February, you can enjoy peaceful snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The white landscape makes it easier to spot elk and moose roaming the park.
Winter brings deep blue skies and pristine snow-covered peaks. Only about 84,000 visitors come in February, the lowest of any month. This means you’ll have trails mostly to yourself!
Insider Tip: Be prepared for winter driving. Pack extra supplies like food, water, and blankets in your car.
Where to Stay: The YMCA of the Rockies offers affordable rates and provides an ideal winter location for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.
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15. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
February reveals the park’s hidden beauty with bare trees opening up panoramic views normally obscured by foliage. It’s the perfect time to spot wildlife against the stark winter landscape.
Take a scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road for breathtaking vistas. Keep your eyes peeled for elk and black bears – they’re easier to spot without all those pesky leaves in the way.
Insider Tip: Split your stay between Gatlinburg and Cherokee to explore different sections of the park efficiently.
Where to Stay: LeConte Lodge offers a unique experience – it’s only accessible by hiking, making it an unforgettable winter adventure at 6,593 feet above sea level.
16. Saguaro National Park
February delivers perfect hiking weather with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s. Early wildflowers start to bloom, adding pops of color to the landscape.
Clear winter skies make for amazing stargazing opportunities. The iconic saguaro cacti stand tall against the desert backdrop, creating stunning photo ops.
The park has two sections – East and West. Each offers a unique perspective of the Sonoran Desert, so be sure to check out both during your visit.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa provides luxury accommodations with stunning desert views and is near the park’s western section.
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17. Grand Canyon National Park
You can’t beat the Grand Canyon in February. The crowds thin out, with fewer than 15% of annual visitors braving the winter months.
The possibility of snow dusting the red rocks creates once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. Hiking conditions are ideal, especially on the South Kaibab Trail which receives more sun and has less ice than other trails.
Where to Stay: El Tovar Hotel offers historic charm and excellent dining, with dinner reservations much easier to secure in February.
