The 13 Best National Parks to Visit in February

Cold weather and snow aside, there’s something magical about experiencing a crisp, cool day in the country’s national parks. With so many to choose from, knowing which to head for becomes its own challenge. Stick around to tackle the task and discover the best national parks to visit in February. 

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The 13 Most Captivating National Parks to Visit in February

February is the month of love, and these national parks will have you falling head over heels. 

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park in eastern California is as wild and wondrous as it comes, and the park promises an epic winter getaway.

Why Visit Death Valley National Park in February

Summers are infamous for being extremely tough in Death Valley. That said, February is the perfect time to visit without dealing with unbearable temperatures. As the peak season only begins in spring, you’ll also have much of the park. 

The Weather

Average daytime temperatures stay at 60℉ to 70℉ instead of 100℉, with nights that can get quite cold.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Considering winter is the best time to visit Death Valley, the ideal trip length is between two and three days. 

Best Things to Do in Death Valley

Here’s a quick look at some of the most enjoyable activities to look forward to when visiting.

Marvel At Badwater Basin

It’s only fitting to dedicate some time to roaming across Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. This is one of the park’s biggest draws, and winter temperatures make exploring it much more manageable. 

Spend A Night Stargazing

Stargazing is one of the most fun things you can do overnight in Death Valley. During February, nighttime temperatures are cold but never unbearable. As an International Dark Sky Park, the Valley has some of the darkest night skies in the US.

Admire Artists Palette 

An easy addition to your Death Valley itinerary is Artists Palette. This series of colorful rock formations are a highlight of the park, offering shades of pink, orange, and turquoise. You’ll need to drive the Artists Drive loop to reach Artists Palette.

Arches National Park

What was once a seabed has undergone eras of transformation, creating Arches National Park, one of eastern Utah’s best and a standout in February.

Why Visit Arches National Park in February

Being among the most popular attractions in Utah, with an average of 1.6 million visitors in summer, choosing a winter trip to Arches helps you avoid enormous crowds. Considering how hot it gets in summer, you’ll also have a far lower chance of getting a heat stroke.

The Weather

Arches National Park becomes a winter wonderland in February. Daytime temperatures typically reach highs of 52℉ with lows of around 28℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

While it depends on what you’re planning for your Arches itinerary, your trip could last up to three days. 

Best Things to Do in Arches

Arches NP is a year-round destination, so these are top picks for activities you shouldn’t skip in February.

Hike to Delicate Arch

Some call the Delicate Arch “the star” of Arches National Park, and you’ll quickly see why. One of the more than 2,000 natural arches in the park, Delicate Arch is the largest freestanding arch accessible via a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike.

Sand Dune Arch & Broken Arch

There are dozens of fabulous walks, with one of the top ones taking you to Sand Dune Arch. It leads through narrow rock fins, which gives it some extra Instagram potential. You can visit the Broken Arch on the same trailhead, which offers equally beautiful scenery.

Admire Double Arch

Across the parking lot of the Windows Section is the trailhead for a must-do route to the Double Arch. A short 0.6-mile out-and-back pathway takes you up to the tallest arch in the park. 

Big Bend National Park

Deep in west Texas, along its border with Mexico, is one of the best US national parks to visit during February—Big Bend National Park. It’s a must-visit.

Why Visit Big Bend National Park in February

Simply put, February is the best time to visit Big Bend for various reasons. You can escape the cold winter conditions of the north, and at 8,000 feet in elevation, you’ll potentially see snow with fewer crowds and lower prices.

The Weather

February in Big Bend is typically dry, with mild temperatures setting the scene for a serene winter landscape. Daytime highs will be between 63-67℉, with lows below 40℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Big Bend offers much to see and do during winter, and a worthwhile trip should last two to three days. 

Best Things to Do at Big Bend

When milder temperatures settle into Big Bend National Park, they open up a world of possibilities for activities. 

Go Hiking

Housing the entire Chisos mountain range makes Big Bend one of the most unique national parks you could visit. Thanks to this, there are dozens of enticing hiking trails in Big Bend you can tackle in February, like these:

• Santa Elena Canyon Trail (1.7 miles)
• Lost Mine Trail (4.8 miles)

Head Out on A Scenic Drive

If you’re not set on hiking in the winter months, you can head on a scenic drive. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is the main park road that leads to Santa Elena Canyon, and the other is the Chisos Basin Road, leading to the primary visitor center.

Visit a Hot Spring

Another allure of Big Bend in February is its Hot Springs Historic District, housing a natural hot spring. During your trip, plan a visit and dive into its 105-degree mineral-rich water. The Rio Grande is next door, so double dip if you’re up for it.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

As one of the state’s most popular attractions, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on Big Island, is at the top of the list of must-visit February destinations.

Why Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in February

Being the only national park with an active lava flow until 2018, many reasons exist for considering a trip. During February, though, the weather tends to be milder, giving you a different perspective on its biodiverse landscapes, ancient trails, and petroglyphs.

The Weather

While tropical rainstorms can occur during a February visit, they are very scarce, and the Big Island is known to be one of the driest places in the state. You should expect mild weather with pleasant daytime temperatures in the 70s.

How Many Days Do You Need?

You will need at least an entire day to see every highlight of Hawaii Volcanoes NP.

Best Things to Do at Hawaii Volcanoes

So, what is there to do in Hawaii Volcanoes NP during the winter season? Plenty and these are some of the best things to keep you busy.

Visit the Kīlauea Caldera Overlook

Perched at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet, the Kīlauea Caldera Overlook is the perfect spot to capture scenes of a live volcano. The overlook lets you get close to one of Earth’s most active volcanoes.

Head Into the Thurston Lava Tube

The Thurston Lava Tube, created by a river of 2000°F molten lava, is a massive lava cave discovered in 1913. Roam through the cavern as light illuminates the path, and the entrance and exit offer ideal wildlife viewing sites.

See the Puʻuloa Petroglyphs

Located on the southern flank of Kīlauea is an area of Pānau Nui where you can marvel at ancient pecked images or petroglyphs. Boasting more than 23,000 of these glyphs, the collection here is the largest in Hawaii, so keep your camera handy.

Saguaro National Park

Planning a trip to Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona during winter, especially in February, is a superb idea, as the park shows off its best during this season.

Why Visit Saguaro National Park in February

Southern Arizona and summers are a match made in hot heaven, making a February visit a fantastic choice. Besides milder temperatures, the crisp weather creates the best setting for memorable hiking in the desert, with thousands of Saguaro cacti surrounding you.

The Weather

Saguaro is one of the great national parks to visit in winter, thanks to daytime temperatures peaking in the low 70s and nighttime lows reaching nearly 40℉. 

How Many Days Do You Need?

Your trip should last at least two days to ensure enough time to visit the west and east sections.

Best Things to Do at Saguaro

Unsurprisingly, one of the country’s favorite national parks has a plethora of activities that you shouldn’t skip, like these:

Marvel at the Signal Hill Petroglyphs

When visiting the Tucson Mountain District, you simply can’t miss out on seeing the Signal Hill Petroglyphs. You’ll need to tackle an easy and short 0.3-mile hike to the Signal Hill Picnic Area before reaching the viewing spots, so bring a picnic lunch along.

Drive The Cactus Forest Scenic Loop

On the other side of the park, the Cactus Forest Scenic Loop is one of the best attractions in the Rincon Mountain District. This captivating 8-mile drive takes you through the heart of a cactus forest with ample spots for snapshots and exploring. 

Join a Ranger Program

The National Park Service offers various ranger-led programs in most national parks nationwide, and February is a great month to sign up for one in Saguaro. These ranger-led programs cover many topics, from the park’s geology to its ecology and cultural history.

Zion National Park

Bursting with unforgettable hiking trails and scenery, Zion National Park in southwest Utah is quickly becoming an American sweetheart, and a visit in February is like falling in love.

Why Visit Zion National Park in February

As Zion National Park’s popularity grows, so do crowd numbers. Winter is the park’s off-season and the best time to visit. That means a far calmer and quieter visit with very mild winter conditions, with some hiking trails only accessible during the season.

The Weather

During the month of love, typical weather in Zion is cold, with a rare chance of snow. Daytime highs reach around 57℉, and lows dip to 31℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

You can spend anywhere from one to three days in Zion.

Best Things to Do at Zion

With the winter months opening up many potential activities in Zion, there is plenty to choose from for your Zion itinerary.

See the Park from Observation Point

While it’s not the highest viewing point in the park, hiking to Observation Point is a great alternative to Angels Landing. This 7-mile roundtrip leads to spectacular views of the park from 6,521 feet above sea level.

Visit the Emerald Pools

The Emerald Pools in Zion is a set of short hikes connecting each of the three pools. The shortest leads to the lower pools and is a short 1.4-mile roundtrip, but you can also extend your trip to see the middle and upper pools.

Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail

Easily one of the most rewarding hikes in the park, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a quick 1-mile roundtrip route. You’ll see epic views of Pine Creek Canyon, culminating in a panoramic overlook of Zion highlights.

Everglades National Park

Home to one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet, the Everglades National Park in Florida is a majestic landscape of wetlands and wildlife best experienced in February.

Why Visit Everglades National Park in February

Visiting the Everglades in February falls within the region’s dry season, with better hiking and boat tour conditions. The month also offers fantastic wildlife viewing as the area’s animals flock to watering holes due to limited rain.

The Weather

While February is one of the cooler months in the Everglades, it is far warmer than other places, with highs in the 60s and 70s℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Depending on what you want to see and do, you can spend anything from one to five days in Everglades National Park.

Best Things to Do at the Everglades

During the peak season in the park, there’s lots to do, from boardwalk trails to kayaking, tram tours, and more.

Hike the Trails in Flamingo

While it is the most remote section of the park, the region around the Flamingo visitor center is home to incredible and longer nature walks. These are the best:

• Snake Bright (3.2 miles)
• Rowdy Bend (5.2 miles)
• Christian Point (3.6 miles)

Attend a Ranger Progam

Another fantastic park where you can attend a ranger program is the Everglades, with each part of the park offering something different. Hosted from the visitors center, these include canoe trips, night walks, and slough slogging.

Walk Along the Anhinga Trail

One of the park’s most popular and accessible attractions is the Anhinga Trail. Its flat walking paths and boardwalk trails cut through a massive marsh, providing ample opportunities to spot the area’s wildlife.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Often overlooked, Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas is a genuine geological and ecological paradise that’s even more rewarding in February.

Why Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park in February

Thanks to its location, Guadalupe Mountains NP does get very hot during summers, making outdoor activities difficult. This makes a visit in February, with lower temperatures and fewer tourists, the number one reason to plan a trip.

The Weather

As one of the cooler months for the national park, daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-50s to mid-60s℉, with nights getting quite cold.

How Many Days Do You Need?

While it might be small, there’s a lot to see and do, so plan your trip for at least two to three days.

Best Things to Do at the Guadalupe Mountains

Considering it’s not the most well-known national park, Guadalupe Mountains NP has many attractions that are enticing in February.

Brave the Guadalupe Peak Hike

Reaching a peak of 8,751 feet, Guadalupe Peak is the highest in Texas, and this popular 8.4-mile out-and-back trail is worth the effort. You’ll need hiking chops to reach the summit, but the bragging rights are a massive reward.

Admire the Salt Basin Dunes

A unique (and remote) part of the park, the Salt Basin Dunes are gypsum dunes covered in lush, distinct vegetation. There is a short and easy one-mile walk to the area, with a few spots to take epic snapshots.

Tackle the Devil’s Hall Hike

If you like scrambling and some challenge, head out on the Devil’s Hall trail at the Pine Springs Trailhead. The trail involves a lot of climbing as you hike up and over giant boulders to the end of a sprawling canyon.

Biscayne National Park

Nestled in southern Florida, just south of Miami, Biscayne National Park is another standout February choice if you’re after warmer conditions.

Why Visit Biscayne National Park in February

Home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world, Biscayne is a living underwater museum brimming with vibrant marine life. Because of the islands it’s made up of, you’re in for boat tours, and the mild winter weather is still fine enough for snorkeling and kayaking.

The Weather

The weather in Biscayne during February is mild and dry, with daytime temperatures hovering in the high 60s to mid-70s℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

You can easily plan to spend several days in Biscayne, but if you can’t, you can plan a worthwhile two-day trip.

Best Things to Do at Biscayne

Like its Florida counterparts, Biscayne offers a treasure trove of winter activities.

Dive the Maritime Heritage Trail

This unique underwater excursion is located within the park’s boundaries, and snorkelers and divers shouldn’t hesitate to add it to the itinerary. Diving below the waters, you can explore six shipwrecks marked by floating buoys.

Discover the Boca Chita Lighthouse

Dating back to the 1930s, Boca Chita Key is a lighthouse packed with history. Standing at 65 feet, the top offers exceptional 360-degree views of the bay, the ocean, nearby islands, and more.

Kayak in the Mangroves

Those who want to stay above water should head out on a boat ride or, better yet, kayak through the park’s extensive mangrove forests. It’s a unique experience that isn’t time-constrained, so you have more than enough time to explore.

Joshua Tree National Park

Situated in southern California, February is the best time to visit Zion, and the park isn’t afraid to show off why, with more than enough to see and do.

Why Visit Joshua Tree National Park in February

Hiking and rock climbing are some of Joshua Tree’s biggest attractions, and February marks the peak season for the park. While you must deal with larger crowds, the conditions make for the ideal conditions to explore as much of the park as possible.

The Weather

Considering the park experiences cold temperatures in February, you should expect daytime highs of 61℉ and average lows of 37℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Ideally, your trip to Joshua Tree should last at least two days, with a three-day trip to the park being perfect.

Best Things to Do at Joshua Tree

There are many things to do in Joshua Tree year-round, but here are the best picks. 

A Night Spent Stargazing

One of the best things in Joshua Tree is to spend a night admiring the sky as celestial wonders unfold. The park also regularly hosts stargazing events led by astronomers who share their knowledge.

Attend the Joshua Tree Music Festival

The annual Joshua Tree Music Festival in February is synonymous with the national park. Set against the backdrop of the desert, the park’s landscapes become a vibrant celebration of music.

Explore the Cholla Cactus Garden

Thanks to milder temperatures, February is the ideal time to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden. With the sun shining from above, the cacti are bathed in a golden glow, and their unique shapes are worthy of any Instagram feed.

Acadia National Park

Another beyond-belief winter wonderland is Acadia National Park in the heart of Mount Desert Island, Maine, with another section on the Schoodic Peninsula. 

Why Visit Acadia National Park in February

Sure, Acadia might be covered in snow during winter, but the park comes to life with unique activities. February is excellent for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, and seeing captivating snow-capped peaks.

The Weather

One of the best times to visit Acadia is in February, when the winter temperatures are cold, with average daytime highs of 31℉ and lows of 13℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

While visiting Acadia NP in less than three days is possible, plan your trip for a memorable adventure for at least as many days as possible.

Best Things to Do at Acadia

With winter closing in, there are a host of must-do activities that make a February itinerary for Acadia National Park perfect.

Go Skiing or Snowshoeing

The park has several rave-worthy spots to stretch your skiing legs or have some fun snowshoeing. Some are the Park Loop Road, the West Side of Eagle Lake, and the Aunt Betty Loop.

Head Out on A Winter Hike

Alongside the snowshoeing and carriage roads, Acadia NP features numerous hiking trails you can tackle if you’re up for some wintery fun. These are some of the best:

• Great Head Trail (1.7 miles)
• Ocean Path (4 miles)
• Ship Harbor Trail (1.3 mile)

Try Some Ice Climbing

For some extra thrill and excitement, February in Acadia offers the ideal conditions for ice climbing. The park has plenty of spots, but some highlights are Otter Cliffs, The Precipice, and South Bubble.

Grand Canyon National Park

There’s never a wrong time to visit the Grand Canyon, and even during February in the cold of winter, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a must.

Why Visit Grand Canyon National Park in February

While the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed during the winter, the South Rim isn’t and is the most excellent part of the canyon to visit in February. As it is the off-season for the park, you’ll have much of it to yourself.

The Weather

Visiting Grand Canyon NP means experiencing everything weather-wise, from snowstorms to crisp, clear days with highs of 45℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Your trip to Grand Canyon National Park should be at least two days long, but you can extend it to three or four days.

Best Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

Beyond seeing the captivating canyon covered in snow, there are dozens of must-do activities for your February visit.

Spend Time at the Visitor Center

While all visitor centers are worth a stop, the Grand Canyon NP visitor center is extra special. Here, you can talk to rangers, explore various exhibits, and watch the incredible Grand Canyon movie at the IMAX.

View the Snow Covered Outlooks

The park has four different shuttle routes, and each takes you to must-visit spots that are enchantingly packed in snow. Even on days when the snowfall is light, it’s terrific to see sights like Mather Point or Yavapai Point covered in snow.

Catch a Sunset Over the Canyon

Be sure to stop at Grand Canyon Village for lunch and then head to any of the park’s viewpoints for a mesmerizing sunset. In February, days are shorter, and sunset is around 6 pm, with the best spots being Hopi Point and Yavapai Point.

Canyonlands National Park

Situated in southeastern Utah, Canyonlands National Park is a rugged and expansive wilderness that is perfect for a warm winter escape.

Why Visit Canyonlands National Park in February

For serenity and seclusion, a visit to the Canyonlands in February would be a great idea. It’s one of the best to visit, thanks to small crowds and exceptional hiking weather.

The Weather

Speaking of, February brings cooler winter conditions, with daytime highs of 40-50℉ and lows at night of 30℉.

How Many Days Do You Need?

If you want to see all of the best sights in Canyonlands National Park, the ideal trip length is two to three days.

Best Things to Do at Canyonlands

Planning your Canyonlands itinerary? These are some of the best things to do during February.

Hike the Mesa Arch Trail

While it is a short and easy loop trail, the Mesa Arch Trail offers one of the park’s most legendary views. The reward for your effort is a stone arch framing a dramatic drop with far-reaching vistas of the Colorado River canyons.

Head to the Grand View Point Overlook

An easy, walkable route in the park takes you to the Grand View Point Overlook, which offers sweeping views of Monument Basin. If you’re up for it, you can extend the trip to the 2-mile out-and-back Grand View Point Hike.

Upheaval Dome First Overlook via Crater View Trail

The hike to Upheaval Dome in the Island in the Sky district is all about pondering geology, capturing epic snapshots, and gazing out over what could be a meteor impact site. 

Wrapping Up the Best National Parks to Visit in February

And with that, folks, you have a curated list of the best national parks to visit this February. From those in the southern states that offer an escape from the cold weather to those in the north that embrace it and become even more majestic, take your pick. The real question now is, where to start?

Read More: 13 Best National Parks to Visit in January

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