Winter Vacation Ideas in the US

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Winter Vacation Ideas in the US

Winter may not seem like a good time to take a trip, but it’s one of our favorite seasons to travel! Here’s a list US destinations that are awesome to visit this time of year.

• Visit US National Parks in the Winter
• List of Best USA Winter Destinations

Montana

• Glacier National Park in the Winter
• Yellowstone Winter Vacation

Utah

• Things to Do in Utah in the Winter
• Utah National Parks in the Winter
• Arches National Park in the Winter
• Bryce Canyon in the Winter
• Bryce Canyon Winter Camping
• Canyonlands National Park in the Winter
• Capitol Reef National Park in the Winter
• Zion National Park in the Winter
• Moab in the Winter

Washington

• Bald Eagle Photography Tours in Washington in the Winter

Wyoming

• Grand Teton National Park in the Winter

Places to Visit by Month in the Winter

There are important things to know about visiting US national parks and other locations during this time of year. Check out these articles to know all about planning a trip during a specific month so you know in advance what to expect.

• National Parks in December
• National Parks in January
• National Parks in February

• Arches National Park in December
• Arches National Park in January
• Arches National Park in February

• Bryce Canyon in December
• Bryce Canyon National Park in January
• Bryce Canyon National Park in February

• Canyonlands National Park in December
• Canyonlands National Park in January
• Canyonlands National Park in February

• Capitol Reef National Park in December
• Capitol Reef National Park in January
• Capitol Reef National Park in February

• Grand Teton in December
• Grand Teton National Park in January
• Grand Teton in February

• Yellowstone in December
• Yellowstone in January
• Yellowstone National Park in February

• Zion National Park in December
• Zion National Park in January
• Zion National Park in February

• Moab in January
• Visiting Moab in February

Winter Travel Tips and Resources

Tips and resources for what to pack, what to wear, where to stay and other helpful information for taking a trip in the winter.

• Winter Clothing Guide for Outdoor Travel
• Winter Photo Challenge printable

• US National Parks Pass
• US National Park Packing List
• National Park Packing Checklists

• National Park Coloring Pages
• National Park Scavenger Hunt
• National Parks Activity Pack
• National Park Themed Gift Guide
• National Park Gifts
• National Park Ornaments

What to Pack for a Winter Vacation

1.  Hiking Gear

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Insulated boots
• Heavy wool socks – we LOVE Darn Tough Socks!
• Walking stick or trekking poles

2. Clothing – Layers

• Wicking and quick-drying base layers
• Fleece jacket
• Wool, down or heavy-weight insulated jacket
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Insulating hat
• Insulating winter gloves
• Fleece neck gaiter or buff

3. Daypack

• WATER – water bottles or hydration backpack
• FOOD – healthy snacks
• Flashlight or headlamp
• National Park maps
• Sunscreen
• Lip protection with sunscreen
• Polarized sunglasses
• Hand lotion
• Toilet paper (carry out in a bag – do not bury)
• Hand sanitizer
• First aid kit
• Bags to pack out trash

4. Other

• Cell phone
• Portable charger
• Medications
• Guide books
• National Parks Pass
• Camera Gear Checklist
• Photography gear for hiking