Forget Summer, These National Parks Are Even Better In The Snow

Winter's Most Breathtaking National Parks

When the summer crowds fade and snow begins to fall, some of America’s most beautiful national parks transform into even more breathtaking winter escapes.

From steaming geysers framed by snow to frozen waterfalls glinting in the sun, these parks offer an entirely different kind of beauty when temperatures drop.

Here are five national parks where winter creates pure magic:

Yosemite National Park, California

The granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome gleam under blankets of snow in the crisp mountain air. Fewer visitors mean quieter trails and open space to take in iconic sights at Tunnel View or along the Merced River. For adventurers, snowshoeing in the Mariposa Grove or ice skating beneath the towering peaks in Curry Village adds to the magic.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Winter in Yellowstone is a world of steam and snow. Bison trudge through snowdrifts and wolves prowl across frosted valleys. The park’s geothermal features like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs create a stunning contrast between hot steam and icy air. Guided snowcoach and snowmobile tours offer access to areas closed to regular traffic.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, New Jersey

You don’t have to travel west to find winter beauty. In Paterson, New Jersey, the Great Falls on the Passaic River become a dazzling display of ice and mist when temperatures plunge. The 77-foot waterfall sometimes partially freezes, creating shimmering ice formations. The frozen falls are both peaceful and powerful, drawing photographers and sightseers alike each winter.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Mount Rainier’s snow-covered peaks dominate the skyline, but winter also brings wildlife closer to view. As snow piles high in the alpine meadows, elk and deer move down to lower elevations, often grazing near the park’s roads. Paradise, one of the park’s most popular areas, becomes a winter playground for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with dramatic views of the 14,410-foot volcano towering above.

Weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities.