In search of the very best nationwide parks to go to in January?
The vacations are over, however your adventures don’t have to finish. January is a quieter time to go to many Nationwide Parks. Under are some nice choices in the event you’re hoping to flee the chilly or get pleasure from some winter actions.
There’s additionally a free day at Nationwide Parks throughout Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January. This 12 months, it would land on January 16, 2023.
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Final Up to date: December 14, 2022
Earlier than we get into it, we need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Depart no Hint Ideas. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, go away what you discover, decrease campfire impression, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
Concerning the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place collectively this listing, we’ve mixed our private experiences and ideas we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal points of interest like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure occasions of the 12 months to seek out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was lots!
It took me an entire week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was utterly price having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, take a look at our full listing of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park models that embrace soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embrace the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and U.S. territories on this collection.
Nationwide Parks By Month – Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Might | Jun | Jul
Is January a Good Time to Go to Nationwide Parks?
Sure! December is a good time to go to sure nationwide parks, particularly these which can be too scorching to go to within the Summer season.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Choose up an America the Stunning 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.
10 Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in January
To Escape the Chilly
1. Biscayne Nationwide Park, Florida
9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, map
Common Temperatures: 76°F / 55°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:07 AM / 5:51 PM
Why Go to: Winter is the very best time to go to Biscayne Nationwide Park. Though it’s busier, you’ll be avoiding hurricane season, and there are just a few US nationwide parks in January to take in the solar. Keep in mind to look out for manatees!
Finest For / High Actions: Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Boca Chita Key, Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, Snorkeling, Jones Lagoon
- Wildlife – Sea Turtles, Manatees, Spiny Lobster, Snapper, Grouper
- What number of days do you want? 2-3
Professional Tip: 90% of holiday makers enter the park by way of boat, so plan accordingly!
See Associated – 7 Outstanding Issues to Do in Key West Florida
2. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Florida
281 Trumbo Rd, Key West, FL 33040, map
Common Temperatures: 74°F / 65°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:16 AM / 6:04 PM
Why Go to: Heat water and air temperatures make Dry Tortugas an ideal year-round vacation spot, however top-of-the-line occasions to go to is in January. The climate is delicate, and it’s the final month that Bush Secret is open.
Finest For / High Actions: Snorkel, Fishing, Boating, Paddle Sports activities, Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bush Key, Fort Jefferson, Snorkel, Backyard Key, Kayak Tour
- Wildlife – Nurse Sharks, Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, ~300 Species of Birds
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Begin planning early. You’ll need to ebook a approach to get to the park and understand that elements of the park could also be closed to guard pure assets.
See Associated – 7+ Outstanding Issues to Do in Key West Florida
3. Everglades Nationwide Park, Florida
40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, map
Common Temperatures: 76°F / 56°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:10 AM / 5:54 PM
Why Go to: January is in the course of the dry season in Everglades Nationwide Park. You get cooler temps and fewer mosquitos, and wildlife will probably be extra lively and plentiful.
Finest For / High Actions: Boating, Tenting, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Climbing, Excursions
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Shark Valley, Anhinga Path, Eco Pond, Snake Bight, 9 Mile Pond
- Wildlife – Alligators, Raccoons, Opossums, Bobcats, Grey Fox, Leopard Frogs, Roseate Spoonbill, Manatee
- What number of days do you want? 2-3
Professional Tip: Since visiting in the course of the dry season is well-liked, make superior reservations for tenting, lodging, and excursions.
See Associated – 7 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Sarasota Florida
4. Haleakalā Nationwide Park, Hawaii
20.7150988,-156.2519841, map
Common Temperatures: 61°F / 44°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:03 AM / 6:04 PM
Why Go to: January is a good time to discover Haleakala Nationwide Park! The climate remains to be heat however not scorching, making it a well-liked time to go to. If you happen to’re hoping to catch the dawn within the Summit District, apply for a allow.
Finest For / High Actions: Climbing, Backpacking, Tenting, Stargazing, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Haleakala Crater, Sliding Sands Path, Waimoku Falls, Summit District, Kipakulu District
- Wildlife – Hawaiian Goose, Hawaiian Petrel, I’iwi, Amakihi
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Climate varies a ton relying on the place within the park you’re visiting. On common, the temperature drops 3°F each 1,000 toes you rise in elevation.
See Associated – 19 Unbelievable Street to Hana Stops You Can’t Miss
For the Cooler Temps
5. Dying Valley Nationwide Park, California →
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Common Temperatures: 67°F / 40°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:03 AM / 4:54 PM
Why Go to: Dying Valley is principally our yard, and we solely go to within the winter. January has heat temperatures in the course of the day for hikes, but it surely will get chilly at evening. Keep in mind to pack layers within the desert.
Finest For / High Actions: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: The park is gigantic. We have been shocked at how lengthy it took to drive from one spot to the subsequent. Give your self loads of journey time.
See Associated – 15 Unbelievable Issues to Do in Dying Valley Nationwide Park
6. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California →
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map
Common Temperatures: 63°F / 38°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 6:48 AM / 4:46 PM
Why Go to: We love Joshua Tree in January for the climbing. For individuals who don’t climb, it’s nonetheless a good time to get images of Joshua bushes, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There’s much less to do on this park in the event you’re not into climbing, but it surely’s price visiting at the least as soon as. If you happen to’re fortunate, you might also catch the desert with a dusting of snow.
Finest For / High Actions: Climbing, Backpacking, Stargazing, Tenting, Scenic Drives, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Backyard, Halls of Horror, Cranium Rock
- Wildlife – Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Grey Fox, Desert Equipment Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
- What number of days do you want? 1 or 2-3 in the event you climb
Professional Tip: The park will get busier in the course of the cooler seasons, so ebook your website early in the event you’re hoping to camp.
See Associated – 11 Wonderful Issues to Do in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
7. Saguaro Nationwide Park, Arizona →
2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map
Common Temperatures: 66°F / 39°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:23 AM / 5:38 PM
Why Go to: Cool days make January top-of-the-line occasions to discover Saguaro Nationwide Park. The park is busiest between Christmas and New Yr, so that you’ll keep away from the vacation crowds too.
Finest For / High Actions: Climbing, Scenic Drive, Pictures, Tenting, Ranger Applications
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Valley View Overlook Path, Cactus Forest Drive, Bajada Loop Drive, Sign Hill Path, Desert Museum
- Wildlife – Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Grey Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: The park has an East and West portion separated by the town (roughly 30-45 minutes). If you plan your journey, consider the place every path is.
See Associated – 11 Stunning Issues to Do in Saguaro Nationwide Park
For Winter Actions
8. Grand Teton Nationwide Park, Wyoming →
43.7601214, -110.7644613, map
Common Temperatures: 25°F / 0°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:48 AM / 4:47 PM
Why Go to: We visited Grand Teton on the finish of January, and it was so refreshing to see the distinction between winter and summer season. It was a good time for winter actions and wasn’t crowded like our different visits. Our spotlight was photographing the elk and bison lined in snow.
Finest For / High Actions: Snowshoeing, Snowboarding/Snowboarding, Dogsledding, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mormon Row, Wildlife Tour, Nationwide Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides
- Wildlife – Bison, Pronghorn, Elk, Moose, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: If you wish to discover Bear Lake Street, it’s essential to get a allow.
See Associated – 11+ Unforgettable Issues to Do in Jackson Gap in Winter
9. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Colorado
1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, map
Common Temperatures: 27°F / 13°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:21 AM / 5:00 PM
Why Go to: Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is ideal for winter actions. Backcountry skiers will discover a number of peaks to discover, and you can even discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and mountain climbing.
Finest For / High Actions: Backcountry Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Path Ridge Street, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Street, Alpine Ridge Path, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
- Wildlife – Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions, Deer, Bears, Bobcats
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Native Tip: If you wish to discover Bear Lake Street, it’s essential to get a allow.
See Associated – The Finest Nationwide Parks to Discover within the Winter
10. Yosemite Nationwide Park, California →
9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map
Common Temperatures: 48°F / 28°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Occasions: 7:13 AM / 4:50 PM
Why Go to: January is among the quietest occasions to go to Yosemite Nationwide Park. Parts of the park will probably be closed, and also you’ll want to think about driving within the winter situations, however in the event you make it, you’ll discover stunning winter landscapes in solitude.
Finest For / High Actions: Snowshoeing, Cross Nation Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Excursions, Pictures, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Taft Level, Glacier Level, Half Dome, Tunnel View
- Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Huge Horn Sheep, Nice Grey Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Crimson Foxes
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: Sure roads within the park are closed or require tire chains. Be ready! Since we’re from the desert, determining how you can placed on tire chains and drive in snowy and icy situations was nerve-wracking.
See Associated – 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Yosemite Nationwide Park
Plus One Nationwide Park in January to Skip
11. Glacier Nationwide Park, Montana →
Logan’s Move Customer Heart, Browning, MT 59417, map
Common Temperatures: 48°F / 28°F
Why Skip It: The roads are closed, and far of the park is inaccessible, not making it well worth the go to.
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in January
Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in January?
If you happen to’re a nationwide park lover like us and have performed lots of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in January. Whereas January is probably not the perfect time of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s not the worst.
- Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine – winter mountain climbing, snowshoeing
- Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
- Huge Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
- Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah (submit coming quickly!)
- Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Utah (submit coming quickly!)
- Channel Islands Nationwide Park, California
- Crater Lake Nationwide Park, Oregon
- Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona
- Grand Teton Nationwide Park, Wyoming
- Nice Basin Nationwide Park, Nevada
- Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, Colorado – heavier and longer-lasting snow
- Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park, Kentucky
- Pinnacles Nationwide Park, California
- Redwood Nationwide Park, California
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, California
- Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia
- White Sands Nationwide Park, New Mexico
- Virgin Islands Nationwide Park, Virgin Islands
- Yellowstone Nationwide Park, Wyoming
- Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
Suggestions for Visiting the Finest Nationwide Parks in January
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint rules. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so on.
- Choose up the Nationwide Park Annual Move in the event you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Wish to see snow situations? Local weather change and droughts will make timing extra unpredictable. We usually go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by way of all of the latest posts to see present situations. Needless to say folks submit older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You may as well go away a remark and ask after 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 evening. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks will probably be heat on the valley ground and chilly at greater elevations.
- You could want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- All the time examine the park’s website and Guests Heart for probably the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be aware of how you can work together with animals and the way a lot area you need to have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack will depend on 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.
Wish to know what to pack and put on to the airport? These are our best airport outfits and carry-on necessities.
FAQs
What nationwide park is heat within the winter?
Nationwide Parks in Florida and the Southwest are usually going to be hotter.
What nationwide park is greatest to go to in January?
We simply made a listing of this! Go test it out right here.
Is January a great time to go to zion nationwide park? Is it too chilly to go to zion in January?
Highs of 54 and lows of 30 make it a cold time to discover. So long as you’re sporting the suitable gear, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover. If you happen to plan on mountain climbing the narrows, you have to a dry swimsuit.
Is Yellowstone open in January?
Yellowstone is roofed with snow in January, and all roads besides the north entrance are closed. To entry the park from West Yellowstone or the south entrance, it’s essential to go by snow coach excursions, snowmobile excursions, snowshoeing, or cross-country snowboarding.
What’s the #1 visited nationwide park?
The Nice Smoky Mountains get 12.1 million visits all year long.
What’s Yosemite like in January?
The climate is snowy and chilly in Yosemite in January. Plus, parts of the park are closed or require snow chains to entry.
Are you able to go to Grand Canyon in January?
Sure, though it’s fairly chilly! The highs are often round 44 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 18.
What is taken into account probably the most stunning nationwide park?
That’s one other arduous query! We love the southwest panorama, so parks like Dying Valley and Arches are stunning. Acadia Nationwide Park can also be gorgeous, and Yosemite all the time holds a particular place in our hearts.
What’s the most unpopular nationwide park?
Listed here are the 15 least visited Nationwide Parks you need to discover.
Are you able to go to Bryce canyon in January?
Sure, it’s open year-round, however the customer middle has diminished hours within the winter. Simply make sure to examine present situations since snow is widespread within the space.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this listing of greatest nationwide parks to go to in January? Which of them are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of in search of new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine that journey might 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.
Comply with alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.