Discover the Best Winter Hikes in America's National Parks

If you love hiking in the national parks but find the crowds frustrating, you're not alone. That's why we put this list together of the finest winter hikes within the parks. Hitting the trail during the colder months provides a welcome respite from the crowds, and gives you the unique opportunity to enjoy the nation’s most beautiful landscapes as they transform into a winter wonderland!

Hurricane Ridge Trail - Olympic National Park, WA

Open year round, Hurricane Ridge Trail in Olympic National Park, Washington transforms into a true winter wonderland in the colder months. Massive mountains are blanketed by snow, and on a clear day, you’ll enjoy jaw dropping views of Mt. Baker, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island in the distance. Typically covered by snow throughout most of the winter, this is the perfect winter hiking trail to break out the snowshoes or cross country skis. And as an added bonus, the area boasts pristine terrain perfect for the skier who enjoys a downhill backcountry adventure! Just be wary of avalanche danger if you’re venturing into the steeper terrain.

The Hurricane Ridge Trail is a 3.4 mile out-and-back that’s generally considered moderate in difficultly. Staying on the snow-covered trail can be tricky at times, so it’s best to bring along a map and to familiarize yourself with the area and the trail before heading out.

Where to Stay

Elwha Dam RV Park is conveniently located just outside the charming coastal town of Port Angeles and less than 45 minutes from the Hurricane Ridge trailhead, making this the perfect base camp for your Olympic National Park adventure!

Alum Cave Trail - Great Smoky Mountain National Park, TN

Characterized by ancient mountains, lush forests, and diverse ecosystems, it’s easy to understand why millions flock to this national park every year. But unfortunately, that can translate to crowded trails and noisy parking lots, which can detract from the magic of the park. When you visit in the winter, the crowds are far thinner, and the landscapes only get more beautiful as the snow falls!

Alum Cave Trail is a 10.6-mile out and back trail that brings you all of the best of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, winding through an old growth hardwood forest, a natural rocky tunnel, and finishing with an unobstructed view of the rugged valley. It’s generally considered a difficult trail with 2,919 feet of elevation gain, and while that may be a deterrent for some, seasoned winter hikers will be thrilled, as this almost guarantees this popular trail to yourself in the winter months.

Where to Stay

Nestled in between Great Smoky Mountain National park and Bryson City, you’ll find the historic Ela Campground — an amenity rich campground surrounded by the smoky mountains with plenty of fun opportunities for the whole family.

The Watchman - Zion National Park, UT

Zion is the third most visited national park, and is easily one of the most visually striking. Both of these facts make Zion the perfect winter destination. You’ll enjoy smaller crowds and idyllic views of a stunning desert landscape dusted with snow. But Southern Utah doesn’t experience a ton of snowfall and can even remain entirely snow-free at times, making Zion a great winter hiking destination for those dipping their toe into trekking during the colder months.

One of the all around best hikes in Zion is The Watchman Trail — a 3.1-mile out-and-back that guides you past some of the most stunning features in the park. The Watchman hike is generally considered moderately challenging, and the trail can be uneven. So, while you likely won’t need snow shoes, it’s best to have a sturdy pair of hiking boots for this one.

Where to Stay

Quail Creek RV Park sits just a short distance outside of the park in the town of Hurricane, UT. Surrounded by beautiful views on all sides and many local attractions in addition to Zion, Quail Creek is your ultimate Southern Utah winter escape.

Delicate Arch Trail - Arches National Park, UT

Delicate Arch is inarguably the most iconic feature in Arches National Park, attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year. And while it is undeniably beautiful in the summer, the winter season lends an added charm that you won’t find anywhere else. Witnessing the bright orange rock formations blanketed in snow is a truly unforgettable experience.

The Delicate Arch Trail is 3.0 miles round trip, and is generally considered a fairly easy hike with about 500 ft of elevation gain. However, the snow and ice can make it slightly more challenging, as there are some steeper sections, so we recommend bringing along traction devices and trekking poles if the weather calls for precipitation.

Where to Stay

Just 10 minutes outside downtown Moab and 20 minutes from the Arches entrance, Red Rock Park is perfectly located for your winter Arches excursion. Bring your own RV, or rent one of their on-site RVs or tiny homes! And as a bonus, plan a day trip to the nearby Canyonlands National Park.

Valley Loop Trail - Yosemite National Park, CA

Yosemite is one of America’s most popular national parks for good reason. Anywhere you venture in the valley, you’re surrounded by granite walls thousands of feet tall, lush forests, and meandering alpine streams. Add some glistening snow into the mix and Yosemite Valley becomes a paradise on any given winter day.

The Valley Loop Trail is an 11.5-mile trail that winds through the valley and offers stunning views of many of the parks iconic attractions, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and many more. You can access the Valley Loop Trail from several different trailheads, and you can make your hike as long or as short as you want. And if you don’t mind the cold, winter is the best time of year to do it. Dramatically smaller crowds, and picturesque views of the iconic Yosemite Valley dusted in snow make this one of the best winter hikes in the country. And with a little luck, you might even spy a frozen waterfall or two.

Where to Stay

Located just outside the town of Oakhurst, Granite Mountain Resort gives you the best of both worlds — easy access to the amenities in town and undeniably close proximity to Yosemite. Book your stay today at this ideally located premium RV park in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains!

Oak Flat Trail - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO

Nestled in the rugged terrain of Southern Colorado, The Black Canyon of the Gunnison stands as one of the state’s most stunning hidden gems. Carved out over millions of years by the Gunnison River, the canyon opens up an overwhelming world of steep cliffs and craggy spires that increases dramatically in beauty as the snow begins to fall.

Oak Flat Trail is our favorite winter hike in the park, as it offers the unique opportunity to venture down below the rim of the canyon, and doesn’t require a wilderness permit to do so. A 1.5-mile loop, the trail provides several unbeatable views down into the canyon and a chance to see the iconic Gunnison River roaring 2,000 feet below. Oak Flat Trail is generally considered moderately difficult, and there are some sections with ledges that could result in a dangerous fall, so we recommend bringing microspikes or snowshoes on this one.

Where to Stay

Ideally situated in the town of Montrose and just 20 minutes from the Oak Flat trailhead, Cedar Creek RV Park could not be more convenient. Roll up with your own RV, book a tiny home, or pitch your tent along the creek and enjoy stunning mountain views!

Ready to start planning your winter road trip? Let Spot2Nite make the process a breeze with our easy-to-use, interactive campsite finder and booking platform. Explore over 100,000 RV campsites near your favorite destinations, and only see sites that are available for the dates you want. See you on the trail!