Winter in National Parks offer serene beauty and solitude beyond summer crowds
Before Lassen Peak gave me a great day on my skis, it gave me a rude awakening in my sleeping bag. Heavy snow fell all night during my first winter outing to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Time after time, my buddy and I took turns braving the storm to unbury our tent. Unwisely, we both fell asleep. Then the weight of the falling snow snapped our tent’s main pole around 2am. A truckload of white fell on us, forcing us to unbury ourselves in the icy dark. After the night finally ended, our party labored to break three miles of trail back to our cars. Lassen’s summit would have to wait.
Americans flock by the millions to their national parks in summer, though these premier destinations see far less traffic in winter. Snow and cold aren’t for everyone, but they create adventure opportunities for those willing to tough out long nights and winter conditions.
Consider these outings which national parks offer visitors during the winter season.

Yosemite National Park
Yosemite sports an abundance of snowy sojourns. Day outings include out-and-backs at Tuolumne and Mariposa giant sequoia groves. When snow falls deep enough, one can make a nice tour through Yosemite Valley on skis or snowshoes.
For a great day trip, trek seven miles from Badger Pass Ski Area to Dewey Point and back. A marked, well-traveled trail from Badger Pass leads to a spectacular vista and an especially good view of El Capitan. The rolling route meanders through a peaceful meadow and forest before descending to the valley rim where visitors can see deep into the snow-capped backcountry.

Kings Canyon National Park
In Kings Canyon National Park, check out General Grant Loop Trail. This four-mile outing, which takes two to four hours, leads through a wondrous grove of ancient giant sequoias, including General Grant Tree, the largest in the park and second-largest in the world. Follow green trail markers north past the stables. After about a mile, the trail splits as the loop begins. Turn left for the shortest trip to General Grant Tree. From here, you can simply return the way you came, or continue the loop for the full experience.
Other worthy Kings Canyon outings include Panoramic Point, Buena Vista Peak and Big Baldy. All three are achievable on skis or snowshoes in half a day or less during good conditions.

Crater Lake National Park
In Crater Lake National Park, the primary attraction is Crater Lake itself, and earning a grand winter vista of the scenic gem is an attainable goal. Enter the park on Highway 62 and park at Steel Visitor Center. From here, one can take the rugged Raven Trail one mile to the lake rim near the lodge. Alternatively, follow the much easier Rim Drive for 2.5 miles. A breathtaking lake view rewards this effort and may inspire the ambitious to return for a 31-mile tour on roads surrounding the lake.

Death Valley National Park
Now we shift our focus from mountains to desert, where summer temperatures make exertions dangerous but mild winter conditions create inviting opportunities.
In Death Valley National Park, snow falls on high peaks though visitors can enjoy exploring the lower regions comfortably in t-shirts.
Artists Drive provides a look at a marvelously colorful landscape on the western edge of the Black Mountains. A nine-mile drive takes visitors through an explosion of colors. There are multiple places to stop and admire the geology.
Badwater Basin, just south of Artists Drive, marks the lowest dry elevation in North America at 279 feet below sea level. Enjoy a short out-and-back walk on the large salt flat where a lake existed thousands of years ago.
For a slightly longer trek, try Natural Bridge Canyon beside Badwater Road. A path leads up a narrow canyon with high walls, reaching a natural bridge in a half mile. Other interesting formations abound. Hikers can continue another half mile until the canyon ends with a wall of rock.

Grand Canyon National Park
Backpacking in Grand Canyon National Park normally involves perilous heat and difficulty in obtaining permits. Winter visitors get relief on both fronts. When I arrived at the South Rim in March with no reservation, I was able to get a campsite and an overnight permit to hike through and camp within the canyon.
A companion and I descended from South Kaibab Trailhead, quickly passing through snow near the rim which at other times requires crampons or microspikes. The Colorado River roared as we crossed Black Suspension Bridge, a remarkable feat of 1920s engineering. We spent a night at Cottonwood Campground and another at Havasupai Gardens before finishing our 30-mile trek at Bright Angel Trailhead. Light rain which fell bothered us not at all. One couldn’t find a more rewarding three-day tour.

Joshua Tree National Park
When passing through Joshua Tree National Park, I’ve often thought that this desert jewel would make a prime bike tour if not for heat and lack of water. A fellow cyclist and I finally proved this theory during a January visit.
One could make an easy out-and-back ride almost anywhere in the park. For a full-day loop ride of about 50 miles, start from the town of Joshua Tree, ride through the most scenic features on Park Boulevard, exit the park in Twentynine Palms, and return to your vehicle on Highway 62. My friend Bob and I took it a step further, starting and finishing in Palm Springs on a four-day, 175-mile loop which we greatly enjoyed.
Matt, nice article. Why did you leave off Lassen Volcanic National Park? Lassen Park and the surrounding National Forests have so much to offer in the winter. http://www.nps.gov/lavo. If you have not visited Lassen you should add it your bucket list it is amazing in all seasons and each season has something special to offer. For a unique lodging experience stay at http://www.stbernardlodge.com
Hi Sharon, Matt’s article starts off with his experience at Lassen. Your lodge looks great!