10 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in January + 1 to Skip » Native Adventurer

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Searching for one of the best nationwide parks to go to in January?

The vacations are over, however your adventures don’t have to finish. January is a quieter time to go to many Nationwide Parks. Under are some nice choices when you’re hoping to flee the chilly or get pleasure from some winter actions.

There may be additionally a free day at Nationwide Parks throughout Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in January. This yr, it is going to land on January 16, 2023.

best national parks to visit in januaryPin

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Final Up to date: December 14, 2022

Earlier than we get into it, we need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Depart no Hint Ideas. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, reduce campfire affect, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.

In regards to the Nationwide Park by month Collection

To place collectively this listing, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal points of interest like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely provided at sure occasions of the yr to seek out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was quite a bit!

It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was fully value having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, take a look at our full listing of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park models that embody soon-to-be nationwide parks.

We additionally selected to not embody the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and U.S. territories on this sequence.

Nationwide Parks By Month – Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Might | Jun | Jul

Is January a Good Time to Go to Nationwide Parks?

Sure! December is a good time to go to sure nationwide parks, particularly these which might be too scorching to go to within the Summer season.

Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Decide up an America the Stunning annual cross to economize (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you might be serving to help the Parks that at all times want funding.

10 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in January

To Escape the Chilly

1. Biscayne Nationwide Park, Florida

9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, map

Common Temperatures: 76°F / 55°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:07 AM / 5:51 PM

Why Go to: Winter is one of the best time to go to Biscayne Nationwide Park. Though it’s busier, you’ll be avoiding hurricane season, and there are just a few US nationwide parks in January to take in the solar. Keep in mind to look out for manatees!

Greatest For / Prime Actions: Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing, Mountain climbing

Don’t Miss:

  • To Do – Boca Chita Key, Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, Snorkeling, Jones Lagoon
  • Wildlife – Sea Turtles, Manatees, Spiny Lobster, Snapper, Grouper
  • What number of days do you want? 2-3

Professional Tip: 90% of holiday makers enter the park by way of boat, so plan accordingly!

See Associated – 7 Exceptional Issues to Do in Key West Florida

Biscayne National Parks in FloridaPin

2. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Florida

281 Trumbo Rd, Key West, FL 33040, map

Common Temperatures: 74°F / 65°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:16 AM / 6:04 PM

Why Go to: Heat water and air temperatures make Dry Tortugas an amazing year-round vacation spot, however among the best occasions to go to is in January. The climate is delicate, and it’s the final month that Bush Secret’s open.

Greatest For / Prime Actions: Snorkel, Fishing, Boating, Paddle Sports activities, Diving

Don’t Miss:

  • To Do – Bush Key, Fort Jefferson, Snorkel, Backyard Key, Kayak Tour
  • Wildlife – Nurse Sharks, Reef Fish, Sea Turtles, ~300 Species of Birds
  • What number of days do you want? 1-3

Professional Tip: Begin planning early. You have to to e-book a solution to get to the park and take into account that elements of the park could also be closed to guard pure assets.

See Associated – 7+ Exceptional Issues to Do in Key West Florida

dry tortugas day tripPin

3. Everglades Nationwide Park, Florida

40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, map

Common Temperatures: 76°F / 56°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:10 AM / 5:54 PM

Why Go to: January is in the course of the dry season in Everglades Nationwide Park. You get cooler temps and fewer mosquitos, and wildlife might be extra energetic and considerable.

Greatest For / Prime Actions: Boating, Tenting, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Mountain climbing, Excursions

Don’t Miss:

  • To Do – Shark Valley, Anhinga Path, Eco Pond, Snake Bight, 9 Mile Pond
  • Wildlife – Alligators, Raccoons, Opossums, Bobcats, Grey Fox, Leopard Frogs, Roseate Spoonbill, Manatee
  • What number of days do you want? 2-3

Professional Tip: Since visiting in the course of the dry season is in style, make superior reservations for tenting, lodging, and excursions.

See Associated – 7 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Sarasota Florida

things to do in everglades national parkPin

4. Haleakalā Nationwide Park, Hawaii

20.7150988,-156.2519841, map

Common Temperatures: 61°F / 44°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:03 AM / 6:04 PM

Why Go to: January is a good time to discover Haleakala Nationwide Park! The climate continues to be heat however not scorching, making it a preferred time to go to. For those who’re hoping to catch the dawn within the Summit District, apply for a allow.

Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountain climbing, Backpacking, Tenting, Stargazing, Pictures

Don’t Miss:

  • To Do – Haleakala Crater, Sliding Sands Path, Waimoku Falls, Summit District, Kipakulu District
  • Wildlife – Hawaiian Goose, Hawaiian Petrel, I’iwi, Amakihi
  • What number of days do you want? 1-3

Professional Tip: Climate varies a ton relying on the place within the park you’re visiting. On common, the temperature drops 3°F each 1,000 toes you rise in elevation.

See Associated – 19 Unbelievable Street to Hana Stops You Can’t Miss

haleakala sunrise reservationsPin

For the Cooler Temps

5. Demise Valley Nationwide Park, California‎ →

36.4799715,-118.1707461, map

Common Temperatures: 67°F / 40°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:03 AM / 4:54 PM

Why Go to: Demise Valley is principally our yard, and we solely go to within the winter. January has heat temperatures in the course of the day for hikes, however it will get chilly at night time. Keep in mind to pack layers within the desert.

Greatest For / Prime Actions: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Pictures

Don’t Miss:

Professional Tip: The park is big. We have been shocked at how lengthy it took to drive from one spot to the following. Give your self loads of journey time.

See Associated – 15 Unbelievable Issues to Do in Demise Valley Nationwide Park

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death ValleyPin

6. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California‎ →

6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map

Common Temperatures: 63°F / 38°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 6:48 AM / 4:46 PM

Why Go to: We love Joshua Tree in January for the climbing. For individuals who don’t climb, it’s nonetheless a good time to get images of Joshua timber, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There may be much less to do on this park when you’re not into climbing, however it’s value visiting at the least as soon as. For those who’re fortunate, you might also catch the desert with a dusting of snow.

Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountain climbing, Backpacking, Stargazing, Tenting, Scenic Drives, Climbing

Don’t Miss:

  • To Do – Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Backyard, Halls of Horror, Cranium Rock
  • Wildlife – Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Grey Fox, Desert Package Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
  • What number of days do you want? 1 or 2-3 when you climb

Professional Tip: The park will get busier in the course of the cooler seasons, so e-book your web site early when you’re hoping to camp.

See Associated – 11 Wonderful Issues to Do in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park

Belle Campground Joshua Tree + best national parks to visit in januaryPin

7. Saguaro Nationwide Park, Arizona‎ →

2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map

Common Temperatures: 66°F / 39°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:23 AM / 5:38 PM

Why Go to: Cool days make January among the best occasions to discover Saguaro Nationwide Park. The park is busiest between Christmas and New Yr, so that you’ll keep away from the vacation crowds too.

Greatest For / Prime Actions: Mountain climbing, Scenic Drive, Pictures, Tenting, Ranger Applications

Don’t Miss:

  • To Do – Valley View Overlook Path, Cactus Forest Drive, Bajada Loop Drive, Sign Hill Path, Desert Museum
  • Wildlife – Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Grey Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail
  • What number of days do you want? 1-3

Native Tip: The park has an East and West portion separated by town (roughly 30-45 minutes). Whenever you plan your journey, have in mind the place every path is.

See Associated – 11 Stunning Issues to Do in Saguaro Nationwide Park

Saguaro Cactus in Sunset + 11 Beautiful Things to Do in Saguaro National Park ArizonaPin
saguaro cactus national parkPin

For Winter Actions

8. Grand Teton Nationwide Park, Wyoming‎ →

43.7601214, -110.7644613, map

Common Temperatures: 25°F / 0°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:48 AM / 4:47 PM

Why Go to: We visited Grand Teton on the finish of January, and it was so refreshing to see the distinction between winter and summer season. It was a good time for winter actions and wasn’t crowded like our different visits. Our spotlight was photographing the elk and bison coated in snow.

Greatest For / Prime Actions: Snowshoeing, Snowboarding/Snowboarding, Dogsledding, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives

Don’t Miss:

  • To Do – Mormon Row, Wildlife Tour, Nationwide Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides
  • Wildlife – Bison, Pronghorn, Elk, Moose, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears
  • What number of days do you want? 1-3

Native Tip: If you wish to discover Bear Lake Street, you could get a allow.

See Associated – 11+ Unforgettable Issues to Do in Jackson Gap in Winter

moose grand tetonPin

9. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Colorado

1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, map

Common Temperatures: 27°F / 13°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:21 AM / 5:00 PM

Why Go to: Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is ideal for winter actions. Backcountry skiers will discover a number of peaks to discover, and you can too discover world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and mountain climbing.

Greatest For / Prime Actions: Backcountry Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Mountain climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing

Don’t Miss:

  • To Do – Path Ridge Street, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Street, Alpine Ridge Path, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
  • Wildlife – Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions, Deer, Bears, Bobcats
  • What number of days do you want? 2-4

Native Tip: If you wish to discover Bear Lake Street, you could get a allow.

See Associated – The Greatest Nationwide Parks to Discover within the Winter

rocky mountain national park winter + best national parks to visit in januaryPin

10. Yosemite Nationwide Park, California‎ →

9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map

Common Temperatures: 48°F / 28°F
Common Dawn / Sundown Instances: 7:13 AM / 4:50 PM

Why Go to: January is among the quietest occasions to go to Yosemite Nationwide Park. Parts of the park might be closed, and also you’ll want to contemplate driving within the winter circumstances, however when you make it, you’ll discover stunning winter landscapes in solitude.

Greatest For / Prime Actions: Snowshoeing, Cross Nation Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Excursions, Pictures, Scenic Drives

Don’t Miss:

  • To Do – Taft Level, Glacier Level, Half Dome, Tunnel View
  • Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Large Horn Sheep, Nice Grey Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Crimson Foxes
  • What number of days do you want? 2-4

Professional Tip: Sure roads within the park are closed or require tire chains. Be ready! Since we’re from the desert, determining methods to placed on tire chains and drive in snowy and icy circumstances was nerve-wracking.

See Associated – 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Yosemite Nationwide Park

17 Breathtaking Things to Do in YosemitePin

Plus One Nationwide Park in January to Skip

11. Glacier Nationwide Park, Montana‎ →

Logan’s Go Customer Middle, Browning, MT 59417, map

Common Temperatures: 48°F / 28°F

Why Skip It: The roads are closed, and far of the park is inaccessible, not making it definitely worth the go to.

Map of the Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in January

Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in January?

For those who’re a nationwide park lover like us and have finished lots of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in January. Whereas January might not be the best time of the yr to go to these parks, it’s not the worst.

Suggestions for Visiting the Greatest Nationwide Parks in January

  • Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint rules. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so forth.
  • Decide up the Nationwide Park Annual Go when you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
  • Wish to see snow circumstances? Local weather change and droughts will make timing extra unpredictable. We sometimes go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll via all of the latest posts to see present circumstances. Remember that individuals submit older content material, so I like to have a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You too can depart a remark and ask once they went.
  • It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat in the course of the day and funky at night time. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks might be heat on the valley ground and chilly at increased elevations.
  • You could want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
  • At all times examine the park’s web site and Guests Middle for probably the most up-to-date data on closures.
  • Do not forget that wildlife is wild. Be aware of methods to work together with animals and the way a lot house you need to have between you and them.
grand tetons wildlifePin

What to Pack

How you’ll pack is dependent upon which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a basic information on gadgets we at all times attempt to pack.

Wish to know what to pack and put on to the airport? These are our supreme airport outfits and carry-on necessities.

FAQs

What nationwide park is heat within the winter?

Nationwide Parks in Florida and the Southwest are sometimes going to be hotter.

What nationwide park is greatest to go to in January?

We simply made an inventory of this! Go test it out right here.

Is January a superb time to go to zion nationwide park? Is it too chilly to go to zion in January?

Highs of 54 and lows of 30 make it a cold time to discover. So long as you might be carrying the suitable gear, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover. For those who plan on mountain climbing the narrows, you’ll need a dry go well with.

Is Yellowstone open in January?

Yellowstone is roofed with snow in January, and all roads besides the north entrance are closed. To entry the park from West Yellowstone or the south entrance, you could go by snow coach excursions, snowmobile excursions, snowshoeing, or cross-country snowboarding.

What’s the #1 visited nationwide park?

The Nice Smoky Mountains get 12.1 million visits all year long.

What’s Yosemite like in January?

The climate is snowy and chilly in Yosemite in January. Plus, parts of the park are closed or require snow chains to entry.

Are you able to go to Grand Canyon in January?

Sure, though it’s fairly chilly! The highs are normally round 44 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 18.

What is taken into account probably the most stunning nationwide park?

That’s one other onerous query! We love the southwest panorama, so parks like Demise Valley and Arches are stunning. Acadia Nationwide Park can be beautiful, and Yosemite at all times holds a particular place in our hearts.

What’s the most unpopular nationwide park?

Listed below are the 15 least visited Nationwide Parks you need to discover.

Are you able to go to Bryce canyon in January?

Sure, it’s open year-round, however the customer middle has lowered hours within the winter. Simply make sure you examine present circumstances since snow is widespread within the space.

Are you able to consider others that belong on this listing of greatest nationwide parks to go to in January? Which of them are we lacking?

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“Discovery consists not of in search of new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

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Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They consider that journey might be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover domestically. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and at the moment base themselves in Las Vegas.

Observe alongside on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

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