Visiting US National Parks in February
Visiting US National Parks in February is a good time of year to travel to avoid crowds you find in the busy spring, summer, and fall seasons!
Planning a trip to US National Parks in the winter is a great time to enjoy winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing and sledding in the Northern states. You can escape the cold and snow and enjoy fun outdoor activities like hiking and biking in the Southern states.
If you’re looking for US National Park vacation ideas in February, you’ll find cold temperatures at many of the northern National Parks. At the southern US National Parks this time of year means a relief from hot temperatures and pesky bugs!
We have been visiting US National Parks for over 15 years and love the off-season winter time at the most popular and busy parks. When looking at a list of the best month to visit National Parks, don’t discount February!
Our number one tip is to be prepared for the weather and temperatures for the park you’ll visit. Use our US National Park Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in February! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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Winter Packing List for National Parks
- Winter Clothing Guide
- Winter Packing List for National Parks
- US National Parks Pass – BUY THE PASS AT REI and they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation.
- Waterproof hiking boots or shoes
- Insulated boots
- Traction devices
- Darn Tough Socks heavy wool socks
- Walking stick or trekking poles
- Wicking and quick-drying base layers
- Fleece jacket
- Wool, down or heavy-weight insulated jacket
- Insulating hat
- Insulating winter gloves
- Fleece neck gaiter or buff
- WATER – water bottles or hydration backpack
- FOOD – healthy snacks
- Flashlight or headlamp
- National Park maps and guides
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection with sunscreen
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hand lotion
- Hand sanitizer
- Winter photography gear
Best US National Parks in February
Visiting the US National Parks is an immersive way to truly appreciate the natural wonders that this country has to offer. Each park, with its unique landscape and biodiversity, provides an unforgettable adventure.
We’ve put together some resources to help you plan your next US National Park vacation!
- US National Parks List of Reservations
- USA National Park List in Alphabetical Order – FREE CHECKLIST TO PRINT
- US National Parks Scenic Drives
- Best Places to See Wildlife at US National Parks
If you’ll be visiting US National Parks with kids, here are some activities to get the family excited before, during and after the trip:
- 63 Fun Facts about US National Parks
- US National Park Coloring Pages
- National Park Activity Pack (FREE PRINTABLE)
- National Park Activity Books for Kids
Take a look at this list of National Parks in the US and what it’s like to visit some of our favorites in February!
Arches National Park in February – Utah
While visiting Arches National Park in February you will feel like you have the park to yourself. In fact, oftentimes there is no one else but us in the parking when we visit!
A trip to Arches in January allows us to take in all the breathtaking views of the arches without feeling rushed by others wanting to observe them as well. This really gives you time to take some incredible Arches National Park photography so you have memories to hold onto forever.
If you’re lucky and it snows while you’re there, you can capture some breathtaking Arches National Park winter photos to showcase the contrast of red rock and white snow!
The Arches National Park weather in February usually means highs in the upper 40s and lows in the mid 20s. You might experience rain or snow so be prepared with winter clothing and dress in layers!
It’s also a great time to explore the Arches National Park winter hiking trails (be sure you wear traction devices on some of the trails in February).
Arches Winter Lodging & Tours
Biscayne National Park in February – Florida
If you looking for a National Park to visit in February that is warmer, then look to Biscayne National Park in Florida.
With sunshine year round it makes for a great place to visit in the winter to get away from cold and snow. The average temperature in February is 66 degrees making it a nice winter getaway!
With it being warm and sunny you can expect it to be more crowded than the other parks this time of year.
There are fun things to do at Biscayne like fishing, boating, diving, and snorkeling. Not only that, you can kayak and hike and see some amazing wildlife.
Be sure to stop by the visitor center for an educational experience the whole family will love. There you will find a touch table for the kids. You can also talk to the park ranger and see what he suggests is great to do while visiting.
Biscayne really is a great February spot to visit because the humidity levels are low and the temperatures are pleasant.
Biscayne National Park Lodging & Tours
Bryce Canyon National Park in February – Utah
The scenery is absolutely incredible at Bryce Canyon National Park in February. You’ll love taking pictures of the white snow contrasted against the red rock landscape filled with hoodoos!
If you choose to visit Bryce Canyon during President’s Day weekend you can observe the Winter Festival at the Park.
Bryce Canyon winter hikes are a fun thing to do in February. You may need to wear snowshoes or ice traction devices, both can be rented at the park or nearby Bryce Canyon City.
Don’t forget about the awesome cross country skiing, winter backpacking, sledding, and winter sky gazing at the park in February.
Due to the high elevation, the Bryce Canyon National Park weather will be COLD and SNOWY so pack winter clothing and dress in layers!
Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging & Tours
Capitol Reef National Park in February – Utah
Visiting Capitol Reef National Park in February can be a truly unique experience. While it might be a bit chilly, the stark contrast between the snow-capped peaks and the vibrant red rock formations is breathtaking.
February Temperatures: high 45 / low 23 degrees Fahrenheit. The Capitol Reef National Park weather in February will be cold, and you may encounter snow.
As the park tends to be less crowded during this period, it offers a serene and peaceful environment for those seeking solitude. Remember to dress warmly and be prepared for potential road closures due to snow.
The Capitol Reef scenic drive is a must-do activity to see and photograph the cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges! If you’re up for adventure, and the weather allows it, drive the Cathedral Valley District of Capitol Reef. It’s a remote, rugged region that requires vehicles with high ground clearance. In the winter you may need four-wheel drive depending on road and weather conditions.
Capitol Reef Lodging & Tours
- Capitol Reef National Park Lodging
- Capitol Reef National Park Camping
- Capitol Reef National Park Tours
Glacier National Park in February – Montana
Expect to see a snowy paradise at Glacier National Park in the winter. There are only a few paved roads throughout the park open in February. You will want to check road conditions prior to going. The Park Headquarters and Apgar Visitor Center remain open throughout the month.
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main activities to do at Glacier National Park in February. On the weekends, you will find ranger-led snowshoeing adventures. These tours take about 2 hours and really help you explore the park this time of year.
You will also see white-tailed deer as well as several species of birds at Glacier National Park in the winter.
The February weather at Glacier is cold and snowy. The average highs are 30 degrees, with the lows in the teens. Definitely wear warm winter clothing and hiking gear!
Glacier National Park Lodging & Tours
Yosemite National Park in February – California
Yosemite is one of the best California National Parks to visit in the winter to enjoy fewer crowds. You’ll have a quite and unhurried time to soak up the beauty that is all around you. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, especially with the new fallen snow.
Horsetail Falls, one of the lesser known waterfalls throughout the rest of the year, becomes the star of the show during February. If the sun hits this waterfall just right the light appears as a stream of fire, which is truly remarkable.
There are many roads that close at Yosemite in February so you will want to check the Yosemite NPS website for road closures and current conditions prior to visiting.
While visiting, there are several things to do, such as cross country skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. Of course, we can’t forget about lots of the lower level hikes that are perfect to do this time of year.
Yosemite National Park Lodging and Tours
- Hotels Near Yosemite National Park
- Vacation Rentals Near Yosemite National Park
- Tours Near Yosemite National Park
Yellowstone National Park in February
If you want a unique experience you should add a trip to Yellowstone in the Winter to your bucket list! It’s an awesome to enjoy the serenity of the park, see steaming geyser basins, and watch wildlife.
The only way to get around in Yellowstone National Park in February is with skis, snowshoes, snowcoaches, and snowmobiles. Vehicles are only allowed to drive the road from Mammoth to the northeast entrance through Lamar Valley.
If you want to visit Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and other parts of the park in February, we recommend a guided snowmobile or snowcoach.
There is nothing like the seeing Yellowstone National Park in the winter. It’s a stark contrast to visiting the park during the other seasons.
Use our Yellowstone winter packing list to be prepared with winter clothing that’s best for outdoor travel. Plan a trip to Yellowstone in the winter. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Yellowstone Winter Lodging & Tours
Zion National Park in February
Visiting Zion National Park is always a good idea no matter what time of year it is.
Zion National Park in February is colder and wetter than the rest of the year. Temperatures can range from highs of 50-60°F during the day to lows well below freezing at night.
But February is also the least crowded time to visit the park which makes it easy to explore at your own pace. President’s weekend does get a bit more busy if you can avoid that time.
We would rather brave the cold and stormy weather than fight the crowds and navigate the shuttle busses during the summer!
Winter hiking in Zion National Park is more enjoyable in February because you escape the heat and crowds of Zion in the summer! Check with the rangers for trail conditions before heading out!
The great thing about visiting Zion in February is that you can drive through Zion Canyon in your car. Exploring the Zion National Park scenic drives of Zion Canyon, Highway 9 and Kolob Terrace are perfect for those really cool days or when it is raining.
Zion Winter Lodging & Tours
CLICK TO SHOP FOR US NATIONAL PARK GUIDES & MAPS
National Parks by State List
There is no better vacation than exploring National Parks in the USA. To make it easy, we’ve created this list of National Parks by state. Get the free printable of the list by clicking the graphic below!
Whoa! That snowmobile is insane! Great photos too.