On the lookout for 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 take pleasure in 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 is going to land on January 16, 2023.
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Final Up to date: December 14, 2022
Earlier than we get into it, we wish 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, reduce campfire impression, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
Concerning the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place collectively this checklist, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, 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 12 months to search out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was loads!
It took me an entire week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was fully value having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, try our full checklist of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park items 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 sequence.
Nationwide Parks By Month – Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Could | 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 might be too scorching to go to within the Summer time.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Choose up an America the Lovely annual move to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you might be serving to assist the Parks that all the time want funding.
9 Greatest 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 only some US nationwide parks in January to absorb the solar. Bear in mind to look out for manatees!
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Mountaineering
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 tourists enter the park by way of boat, so plan accordingly!
See Associated – 7 Exceptional 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 amazing year-round vacation spot, however top-of-the-line instances to go to is in January. The climate is delicate, and it’s the final month that Bush Key’s open.
Greatest For / Prime 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 will have to e-book a approach to get to the park and needless to say elements of the park could also be closed to guard pure assets.
See Associated – 7+ Exceptional 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 through the dry season in Everglades Nationwide Park. You get cooler temps and fewer mosquitos, and wildlife might be extra lively and considerable.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Boating, Tenting, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Mountaineering, 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 through 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 preferred time to go to. If you happen to’re hoping to catch the dawn within the Summit District, apply for a allow.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Backpacking, Tenting, Stargazing, Images
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 ft you rise in elevation.
See Associated – 19 Unimaginable 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 mainly our yard, and we solely go to within the winter. January has heat temperatures through the day for hikes, but it surely will get chilly at night time. Bear in mind to pack layers within the desert.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Images
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: The park is gigantic. We have been stunned at how lengthy it took to drive from one spot to the following. Give your self loads of journey time.
See Associated – 15 Unimaginable 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 timber, 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 value visiting a minimum of as soon as. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may additionally catch the desert with a dusting of snow.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, 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 Package 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 through the cooler seasons, so e-book your web site 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 instances to discover Saguaro Nationwide Park. The park is busiest between Christmas and New 12 months, so that you’ll keep away from the vacation crowds too.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Scenic Drive, Images, Tenting, Ranger Packages
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). Whenever you plan your journey, take into consideration the place every path is.
See Associated – 11 Lovely 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 time. It was a good time for winter actions and wasn’t crowded like our different visits. Our spotlight was photographing the elk and bison coated in snow.
Greatest For / Prime 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, you need 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 may also discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and mountain climbing.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Backcountry Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Mountaineering, 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, you need to get a allow.
See Associated – The Greatest 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 likely one of the quietest instances to go to Yosemite Nationwide Park. Parts of the park might 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 lovely winter landscapes in solitude.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Snowshoeing, Cross Nation Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Excursions, Images, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Taft Level, Glacier Level, Half Dome, Tunnel View
- Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Massive 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 easy methods to 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 Middle, 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 Greatest 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 completed most of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in January. Whereas January will not be the best 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
- Massive 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 Greatest Nationwide Parks in January
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint rules. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many others.
- 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. Remember that individuals submit older content material, so I like to have a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You may as well go away a remark and ask once they went.
- It’s all the time a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat through the day and funky at night time. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks might be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at greater elevations.
- You might want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times verify the park’s web site and Guests Middle for probably the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Do not forget that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to easy methods to work together with animals and the way a lot area you must 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 basic information on gadgets we all the time attempt to pack.
Wish to know what to pack and put on to the airport? These are our perfect 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 finest to go to in January?
We simply made an inventory of this! Go test it out right here.
Is January an excellent 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 might be 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, you need to go by snow coach excursions, snowmobile excursions, snowshoeing, or cross-country snowboarding.
What’s the no 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 normally round 44 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 18.
What is taken into account probably the most lovely nationwide park?
That’s one other onerous query! We love the southwest panorama so parks like Dying Valley and Arches are lovely. 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 must discover.
Are you able to go to bryce canyon in January?
Sure, it’s open year-round however within the winter, the customer middle has lowered hours. Simply you’ll want to verify present situations since snow is frequent within the space.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this checklist of finest 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.
Observe alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
