Best US National Parks to Visit in November

Here’s a list of the best National Parks to visit in November with tips to help you plan a national park vacation. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the United States, November is a terrific time to go!

If you’re looking for US National Park vacation ideas, consider November because the weather is cooler, the crowds are usually gone and you can capture some truly epic National Park photographs.

With plenty of activities to do at America’s National Parks in November like hiking, biking, camping, or scenic drives, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone!

November is one of our favorite time to visit the National Parks in the southwest. In this guide you’ll find tips from us based on our experiences at various parks in addition to vacation ideas from our travel friends about their favorite National Parks in the US to visit in November.

Use our US National Park Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the fall! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

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What to Pack for a Fall National Park Vacation

• US National Parks Pass – You can order passes online or get them at any of these Federal Recreation Areas. → BUY THE PASS AT REI and they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation. 
• Hiking shoes
• Darn Tough hiking socks
• Water bottles
• Healthy snacks
• National Park maps
• Hand sanitizer
• First aid kit
• DOWNLOAD our Camera Gear Checklist

National Parks to Visit in November

Check out our guide for finding the best National Parks to visit by month. During each season and month of the year, national parks will have different activities and services available.

Here’s a list of national parks in the USA that are awesome locations to visit in November!

Arches National Park in November

Arches National Park in the fall is one of the best times to go! The average temperatures in November at Arches range from 55 to 29. Be sure to dress in layers because the mornings and evening will be cool.

The month of November starts the off-season at Arches so there are fewer crowds. We try to go as often as we can from November to March. 

Visiting Arches National Park in November is completely different than visiting in the spring or the summer. There are fewer people there so parking at the main lots is much easier. And the trails are not nearly as crowded too which is a huge bonus.

If you are going to Arches to photograph some of the formations you might wait for hours during the summer to get the perfect shot, but in November you pretty much have it all to yourself.

Be sure to grab these Arches National Park photography tips to find all the best places to photograph while visiting. 

Not only that, but you can experience amazing Arches National Park hiking trails without the sweltering heat that you might be used to during the summer months. (Recommended by Dave & Jamie, Photo Jeepers) 

Where to Stay Near Arches National Park

• Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
• Hotels Near Arches National Park
• Arches National Park Camping

Biscayne National Park in November

November is a great time to visit Biscayne National Park in Southern Florida. Winter and Spring, usually thought of as November to May, is the best time to visit the park. Hurricane season in Southern Florida is winding down, and the waters are typically pretty calm during this time of year.

You can expect daily high temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s during November in this Florida national park. This is great weather for exploring the park in your own boat or going on one of the many tours offered by the Biscayne Institute. There are heritage cruises if you don’t want to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive. (Recommended by Candice, Exploring the Gulf)

Biscayne National Park Lodging & Tours

• Hotels Near Biscayne National Park
• Vacation Rentals Near Biscayne NP
• Biscayne Area Tours

Bryce Canyon in November

Visiting Bryce Canyon is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The Bryce Canyon views are something you have to see in person to truly appreciate!

The weather at Bryce Canyon in November means cooler temperatures that dip to below freezing so you will want to pack accordingly when visiting the park.

Since the average temperatures range from 44 to 18, you never know when you’ll see snow. So we always pack our winter gear just in case we need it. 

While visiting you can expect fewer crowds so that you can really enjoy all of the Bryce Canyon hikes without worrying about running into large crowds of people.  

The great thing about Bryce Canyon is that it is open 365 days a year 24 hours a day so you can enjoy it anytime you want during the month of November. (Recommended by Dave & Jamie, Photo Jeepers)

Bryce Canyon Lodging & Tours

• Bryce Canyon National Park Lodging
• Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
• Bryce Canyon National Park Tours

Congaree National Park in November

For a wonderful national park experience in November, head to Congaree National Park in South Carolina! Located about 45 minutes southeast of Columbia, Congaree National Park is at its prime in fall. 

The weather in this part of South Carolina is perfect for a hike during that time, but it’s still mild enough that the wildlife is active. Look for whitetail deer, river otter, grey squirrels, great horned owls, and more. One thing you won’t see much of are the bugs that live here in droves during the warmer months!

No Congaree National Park itinerary is complete without a visit to the visitors center and a 2.5 mile hike on the Boardwalk Trail. During November, this park explodes with fall colors, making it an excellent late-season option for leaf peeping. (Recommended by Natalie, Camping Kiddos)

Congaree National Park Lodging & Tours

• Hotels Near Congaree National Park
• Vacation Rentals Near Congaree National Park
• Columbia, South Carolina Tours

Death Valley National Park in November

One of the best National Parks to visit in November is Death Valley National Park. Cooler weather means you can easily explore the park without the danger of high temperatures.

If you’re traveling to Death Valley with kids, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail was a filming location of one of the Star Wars movies they might find interesting!

Want to see the lowest point in the United States? At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin allows you to walk on salt flats while enjoying spectacular views. The Artist’s Palette area of the park gives you a kaleidoscope view of colorful rocks in an otherwise drab desert landscape. 

Hiking not your thing? Head to the Furnace Creek Stables for a guided horseback ride through the park. And at night, be sure to head out to see the night sky. Designated as a gold tier dark sky park, Death Valley is the best place to see the most amazing night sky you will ever witness. (Recommended by Maggie, Milana’s Travels)

Death Valley Lodging & Tours

• Hotels Near Death Valley
• Vacation Rentals Near Death Valley
• Death Valley Tours

Grand Teton National Park in November

Grand Teton in November is a great time to avoid the crows. With the wildlife on the move getting ready for winter, you have a good chance of seeing moose, elk, bears and maybe even wolves!

While visiting you can expect some cooler temperatures in November, so be sure to pack accordingly. Average daytime temperatures will be around 35 degrees and the lows can get all the way to the teens. You might be lucky and even see some snow while visiting. Definitely pack your winter gear to stay warm!

Be sure to take advantage of the cooler weather to try out some amazing hiking spots. Just remember it might be a bit cooler and more strenuous because of the higher elevations. Grand Teton in the fall is truly an amazing experience that is a must-see to add to your bucket list! (Recommended by Dave & Jamie, Photo Jeepers)

Grand Teton Lodging & Tours

• Grand Teton National Park Lodging
• Grand Teton National Park Hotels
• Grand Teton National Park Tours

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in November

Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in November is a great way to see a fantastic part of nature during the fall season. This National Park is the most visited park in the US. It spans multiple states, including North Carolina and Tennessee.

The fall foliage colors in the Great Smoky Mountains are breathtaking and provide some stunning photographic opportunities, making it one of the best US National Parks to visit in the fall! 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not only renowned for its scenic beauty but also for its array of wildlife: white-tailed deer, black bears, numerous native bird species, and rivers and streams home to various aquatic life. Remember to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife for your safety and theirs. 

Is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park worth visiting in November? Yes if you enjoy hiking! One of the most popular activities in the park is hiking its extensive network of trails, with each trail revealing a unique aspect of the park’s beauty as well as a chance to view wildlife.

From tranquil woodland walks to challenging mountain treks, there’s a path for everyone. The trails are less crowded at Great Smoky Mountains in November, offering a peaceful exploration of the park’s myriad fall colors. (Recommended by Melodie, Travel Must Dos)

Great Smoky Mountains Lodging & Tours

• Hotels Near Great Smoky Mountains
• Vacation Rentals Near Great Smoky Mountains
• Tours Near Great Smoky Mountains

Saguaro National Park in November

One of the best US Southwest National Parks to visit in the fall is Saguaro due to its fabulous views and incredible weather. November is a lovely time to visit Saguaro National Park because of its spectacular weather during this time of year. 

You can typically expect highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-40s, making it a fantastic time to go hiking in Saguaro. Hiking in the area is one of the top activities to embark on due to the many trails to pick from and the amazing views of cactus plants and the desert landscape as you trek throughout the park. 

If hiking is not your thing, be sure to explore Saguaro on an epic scenic drive. November is the perfect time to roll your windows down and take in the marvelous views of towering Saguaro cacti. (Recommended by Abby, Trekking Price’s)

Saguaro National Park Lodging & Tours

• Hotels Near Saguaro National Park
• Vacation Rentals Near Saguaro National Park
• Saguaro National Park Tours

Yellowstone National Park in November

Visiting Yellowstone National Park in November has many benefits, especially if you enjoy winter activities and wildlife viewing. Most of the park roads are closed except for the single road through the northeastern section of the park, from Gardiner, Montana (North) to Cooke City, Montana (Northeast). 

However, this route is quite possibly one of the most scenic routes to drive. And it’s one of the best places to see wildlife in Yellowstone National Park as the animals come to the lower elevation for food and preparation for the winter. Due to the lack of vegetation, you may be able to see bison, elk, pronghorns and wolves with ease.

You can go hiking or snowshoeing (if there’s enough snow) in Mammoth Springs and Lamar Valley areas. There are many hiking trails to go on, where you can have peace and quiet and views of the wildlife and amazing scenery.

You’ll find many things to do in Yellowstone in November even though you may not be able to see the major attractions. (Recommended by Melanie, The World Travel Girl)

Yellowstone Lodging & Tours

• Yellowstone National Park Lodging
• Yellowstone National Park Camping
• Yellowstone National Park Tours

Yosemite National Park in November

There is something about Yosemite National Park in November that is epically gorgeous! While visiting Yosemite in the fall you can expect most of the crowds to be gone so that you can really take in all the breathtaking views. 

The temperatures on average are about 56 degrees Fahrenheit in November which makes for pleasant hiking weather.

In November you might get the chance to see some snow falling while visiting Yosemite. This gets the water flowing again which enhances the beautiful scenery in the park. 

Before visiting Yosemite be sure to check the road conditions prior to going. The roads usually stay open for most of the year, but you might have to put chains on in some places, so be sure to carry them with you. (Recommended by Dave & Jamie, Photo Jeepers)

Yosemite National Park Lodging and Tours

• Hotels Near Yosemite National Park
• Vacation Rentals Near Yosemite National Park
• Tours Near Yosemite National Park

Zion National Park in November 

While visiting Zion National Park in November you can expect the weather to be a bit cooler. The daytime temperatures will be around the mid-50s and the nighttime temperatures will drop to the low 30s. 

The Zion National Park shuttle is running every day in November so check the shuttle schedule for the most updated information. In the fall the shuttles start running a little less frequently and for less hours each day.

With the cooler temperatures, it makes for some great hiking weather to hike the best Zion National Park hikes. Our favorites have to be Canyon Overlook Trail to watch the sunrise, Riverside Walk for an easy hike along the Virgin River, and Pa’rus Trail to enjoy sunset.

Don’t forget about the Zion National Park Scenic Drives, stargazing, and mountain biking while visiting in November. (Recommended by Dave & Jamie, Photo Jeepers)

Zion National Park Lodging & Tours

• Zion National Park Lodging
• Camping in Zion National Park
• Zion National Park Tours

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Plan a US National Park Vacation

• National Parks by State
• National Park List in Alphabetical Order
• US National Parks Pass
• US National Parks to Visit With Kids
• 63 Fun Facts about US National Parks

Check out the National Park Planner that includes blank packing list, daily itinerary, expense log, and photo spots pages to help you organize your vacation! Simply click on the image below to grab your free copy!