12 of the Best National Parks to Visit in February in the USA
The best national parks to visit in February feature landscapes of mountains, hot springs, sand dunes, swamps, and more!
While most people tend to visit national parks in the United States during the spring and summer months, there are plenty of other times of the year for booking an outdoor adventure.
February is one of the best months to check out a few national parks. Not only are the holiday crowds long gone, but you can still find dreamy snowy landscapes or mild southern climates, depending on what you prefer.
The parks below cover a range of winter experiences, from cross-country skiing in the Washington mountains to caving in Kentucky to climbing sand dunes in New Mexico.
These are some of the best national parks to visit in February.
Best National Parks to Visit in February
These 12 outdoor playgrounds are ideal for February national park vacations!
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend is one of the largest national parks in the United States and an incredible place to visit for those who want a variety of terrain, insanely good views, wildlife sightings, and all things desert.
Located in southwestern Texas, Big Bend gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy plenty of activities, including hiking in the Chihuahuan Desert, enjoying the Rio Grande River, and soaking up the most iconic views of towering cliffs and the alluring Chisos Mountains.
A must-do for your Big Bend itinerary is hiking the Window Trail, a 5.5-mile path through a canyon to a desert view framed perfectly by the rocky hills. Also plan to drive the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive through the Chihuahuan Desert, visit the Castolon Historic District, and walk the short Santa Elena Canyon trail.
Why visit Big Bend National Park in February: February brings in pleasant weather during the day and some of the driest conditions of the year. It’s the beginning of the peak spring travel season, but you’ll encounter fewer crowds than in March. In February, the high temps at the Park Headquarters average about 68 degrees and the lows average around 42 degrees. In higher elevations, temps can be 5 to 10 degrees lower.
Zion National Park, Utah
A bucket-list destination for outdoorsy folks, Zion National Park boasts towering red and pink cliffs and mesas, a gushing river, hanging gardens, and one-of-a-kind hikes. As if that weren’t reason enough to visit Zion, the park is also home to tons of endemic wildlife, which can be easier to spot during the winter months when the crowds clear out.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, so in February, you should check out trails like the 1.2 to 3-mile Emerald Pools Trails, the 3.3-mile Watchman Trail, and the 1-mile Canyon Overlook Trail. February is also a great time to tackle one of the park’s famous trails with fewer crowds – the Angel’s Landing summit requires a permit, but it is much easier to get one in winter, and the Narrows hike through the Virgin River will be frigid cold, but serene and empty for adventurous explorers who properly prepare and wear the right gear to stay warm.
You also don’t want to miss the scenic drives on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Zion Canyon Road, which is only open to private vehicles in winter (the rest of the year, the park shuttle takes you down this route).
Why visit Zion National Park in February: February is a very quiet time to visit Zion, one of the busiest locations in the National Park System. Afternoon winter temperatures are pleasant for hiking and scenic driving even though the park does dip below freezing at night. The average temps in February are 59 for the high and 34 for the low. Be aware that winters can be wet, snowy, and icy on the trails. It’s wise to hike with spikes or another traction device on your boots.
The ultimate Utah and Arizona road trip itinerary
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes is another gorgeous national park to visit in February to escape the cold and enjoy otherworldly views. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the park is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the entire world, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
Hawaii Volcanoes is full of adventurous activities and breathtaking sights – think hiking through lava tubes, standing on a volcano, and witnessing smoldering lava! During your visit, plan to cruise along Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road for the best views. Some of the top day hikes are the Crater Rim Trail along the summit of Kilauea, the Kilauea Iki Trail to a solid lava lake, and the Maunaulu/Pu’uhuluhulu hike along an old lava landscape formed from a volcanic flow in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Why visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in February: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in February for pleasant hiking weather. Plus, who doesn’t want to escape the winter cold in the Hawaiian Islands? The weather varies widely within the park, so expect anything from rain and fog at the volcano summits to hot and dry in the coastal areas. Freezing temperatures and even snow are possible any month of the year at the peak of Mauna Loa, which is nearly 14,000 feet high.
Mammoth Caves National Park, Kentucky
With 420 miles of mapped passages, Mammoth Caves National Park is the longest explored cave system in the world. Located in Kentucky, this unique national park is all about the underground, with tours available to explore the chambers, hidden passageways, and buried cathedrals.
There are different tour options available depending on your fitness level and experience, which range from easy strolls perfect for families to full-on expeditions. The tour available does decrease in the winter months since there are fewer visitors, but there are typically still a few of the most popular routes available.
Tour schedules are released online a couple of months in advance. Since Kentucky has pretty mild winters, February can also be a pleasant time to explore the 60-plus miles of backcountry trails that sit above the cave system.
Why visit Mammoth Caves National Park in February: Temperatures inside the Mammoth Caves are pretty constant year-round, typically staying right around 54 degrees. But what makes Mammoth Caves one of the best national parks to visit in February is the lack of crowds. During the busier months, you sometimes have to reserve your tour spot weeks in advance.
Everglades National Park, Florida
If adventure and wildlife sightings are your jam, Everglades National Park has pretty much everything you could ever hope for. The national park in Florida consists of 15 million acres of wilderness, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Hiking, biking, ranger-led walks, boating, snorkeling, and scenic drives are just a few of the items on the menu.
Not to mention, the Everglades is a great spot to see alligators and crocodiles in the wild, and South Florida is the only place in the world where both species co-exist. Aside from that, you may also get to see flamingos, bald eagles, pythons, and more.
Why visit Everglades National Park in February: February is the dry season in the Everglades, which allows for hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. Winter is a popular time to visit Florida, but February can be a sweet spot for a fewer vacation crowds between the holiday season and spring break in March. Average highs in February are around 80 degrees and lows around 56 degrees. The Everglades is definitely one of the best national parks to visit in February for warm weather!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Home to over 100 waterfalls, gorgeous mountains, and captivating forests, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a winter wonderland. Whether you prefer to cozy up in a cabin by the fire or hit snowy mountain trails, there’s something for everyone here.
In February, waterfalls like Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls, and Abrams Falls look as gorgeous as ever. On particularly cold weeks, heavy ice can form on the falls, creating a stunning winter scene.
Winters in the Great Smoky Mountains are usually pretty moderate, so you can still check out popular trails like Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, and Chimney Tops. Nearby cities like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also have fun winter festivals, ice skating, and indoor activities for the extra frosty days.
Why visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park in February: Snowy days are possible here and there are plenty of cozy cabins available. It’s the perfect spot to combine a trip in nature with a comfortable staycation. February high temps average 54 degrees at the lower elevations and 35 up in the mountains. The lows are around 29 degrees in the lower spots and 18 degrees at the high elevations.
The biggest reason to visit the Great Smoky Mountains in winter is the lower crowd levels. This is the most popular national park in the system and stays busy through spring, summer, and fall.
Check out this national park bucket list!
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Located in western Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts a landscape of sand dunes, fossilized mountains, and the highest summit in the state.
Activities at Guadalupe National Park range from hiking to the top of Guadalupe Mountain to birdwatching, biking, or searching for fossils of marine species encapsulated in rocks. On your visit, don’t miss the El Capitan Viewpoint, the Salt Basin Dunes, and the Five Points Vista of the mountains.
Why visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park in February: February marks the end of winter in Guadalupe Mountains and it’s when temperatures start rising while still remaining mild. Be aware that the weather can vary drastically since the park covers elevations between 3,000 to 8,000 feet.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Winter at Mesa Verde National Park is a quiet time to enjoy the scenery of southwestern Colorado. Even though some roads in the park will be closed for icy conditions, the main Visitor Center and Park Road remain open year-round and you can still enjoy several overlooks of the historic cliff houses the park is famous for.
During a February visit, plan to drive the Mesa Top Ruins Road (or Main Park Road) and Mesa Top Loop Road with stops at the scenic overlooks, snap photos of cliff houses at the Spruce Tree House and Sun View Point overlooks, and hike the 2.4-mile Petroglyph Point Trail through a forest of pinyon pine and juniper trees.
When the ground is white, you can hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski the Cliff Palace Loop Road, which is closed to cars in winter, and the Park Point road to the overlook, which closes when it snows.
Be aware that ranger tours of the cliff dwellings and popular zones like the Wetherill Mesa are not available in winter, so you won’t be able to explore every nook and cranny of the park in February. Check-in at the Visitor Center before setting off for the most up-to-date information on conditions and park closures.
Why visit Mesa Verde National Park in February: The park is mostly empty of tourists during the winter months, so you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery without any crowds. The February high temps average around 45 and lows average 19 degrees, so plan and pack accordingly. Since most winter visitors to Colorado flock to the ski villages in the Rocky Mountains, February is also a great time to try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park without crowds.
This Colorado road trip includes all four national parks in the state!
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
If you don’t mind freezing cold temperatures, Mount Rainier is another wonderful park to visit in February. The Washington national park is home to the most glaciated peak in the United States outside of Alaska as well as tons of different ecosystems. Think ancient forests, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and subalpine meadows, to name just a few.
During February, activities such as hiking and scenic driving are a bit challenging, since many roads close and trails are covered in snow. But, you’ll be able to participate in wintery activities like cross-country skiing, sledding, snowboarding, snow camping, and snowshoeing. Plus, the park is far less crowded than in summer.
In winter, plan to check out the Longmire Historic District, go hiking in the northwestern Carbon River district, and join a ranger for a snowshoe walk from the Jackson Visitor Center. The road from the Nisqually park entrance to Longmire stays open throughout winter, except during extreme weather, and the road beyond Longmire to Paradise opens on weekends only.
Why visit Mount Rainier National Park in February: In February, Mount Rainier National Park is covered in snow and allows for a plethora of incredible winter activities backdropped by some of the most beautiful landscapes the United States has to offer. It’s one of the best national parks to visit in February for snow sports.
The average high temps range from 35 to 41 degrees and the average low is between -6 to 5 degrees, depending on the altitude. Come prepared with warm clothes and bring snow gear for your vehicle. It’s also wise to read the winter safety tips from the park.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Arkansas’s Hot Springs National Park in February is the perfect winter escape. The unique national park is focused on the historic and cultural attraction of Bathhouse Row. Ancient thermal springs in town are used for spa treatments and warm soaking pools, just what you need to warm up on a chilly February day. Reserve a session at the 1922 Quapaw Bathhouse for private soaking tubs or the 1912 Buckstaff Bathhouse for hydrotherapy spa treatments.
When the sun is shining on a warmer afternoon, you can head to some of the outdoorsy attractions in the surrounding forests. The 2.2-mile Goat Rock Trail leads to a beautiful vista of the Ouachita Mountains. Or, for something more intense, the Sunset Trail makes a 17-mile circuit loop around the park boundary and can be broken into shorter sections.
While you’re here, you don’t want to miss the panoramic view from the top of Hot Springs Mountain Tower, the West Mountain Scenic Drive for overlooks of downtown, and the Fordyce Bathhouse museum to see how the bathhouses of the early 1900s looked and functioned.
Why visit Hot Springs National Park in February: While there are trails and outdoorsy attractions, Hot Springs National Park is one of the best national parks in February for indoorsy activities at Bathhouse Row. It can drop to freezing low temps in Hot Springs with some snowfall, but this is the perfect chance to warm up at one of the spas. Highs typically average in the low to mid-50s, but it’s not unusual to have comfortable sunny days in the 60s for hiking.
Add these East Coast national parks to your bucket list!
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Tucked away inside the Tularosa Basin in New Mexico, White Sands National Park is made up of miles upon miles of sand dunes that create a dreamy desert landscape. In February, the park has pretty mild winter temperatures that are perfect for hiking along the dunes.
Must-do activities include walking over the Interdune Boardwalk to observe desert wildlife, going on a range-led Sunset Stroll, sledding down the sandy hills, and driving the 8-mile Dunes Drive into the gypsum field. There are also several short hikes to follow, or you can just explore the dunes at your own pace for as long as you wish.
Why visit White Sands National Park in February: In February, temperatures at White Sands are pleasant, days are sunny, and there are far fewer crowds compared to the spring and summer. Winter daytime highs average around 60 degrees and lows around 23 degrees, with occasional light snow storms and rain.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
The only national park in Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley covers a landscape of farmlands, forests, and hills along the Cuyahoga River. The park sits between Cleveland and Akron, so it’s easy to get to from either city in winter.
With over 125 miles of biking and hiking trails, the park is an outdoor playground. While hiking is the main reason people visit Cuyahoga year-round, February means you will also get to enjoy plenty of bonus activities in the snow. For winter wonderland, head over to the Kendall Hills area, where you can enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, snow tubing, and more. The Boston Mills Visitor Center has snowshoes available to borrow when there is 4 inches or more snow on the ground.
As for hiking, you’ll still be able to enjoy all of the year-round trails. The popular Ledges Trail is a treat during the winter, as icicles form over the rocks and create a gorgeous scene. Just make sure to use caution when hiking and prepare for winter conditions.
When it’s too cold for the outdoors, you can book a ride on the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad to sightsee through the valley from a train.
Why visit White Cuyahoga Park in February: While Cuyahoga is a favorite during summer and fall, winter brings in plenty of opportunities to enjoy fun in the snow. Cuyahoga is one best national parks to visit in February for winter hikes and activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
Read Next:
The best national parks in January
10 best national parks to see in March
10 national parks you must see in April
12 best national parks to visit in May
