13 Best National Parks To Visit In January (+ Seasonal Tips)

After the holiday rush calms down, the crowds thin, hotel prices drop and the weather is perfect for exploring outdoors. I’ve traveled across the US in my campervan full time and these are the 13 best National Parks to visit in January, in my experience.

An added perk to visiting National Parks in January is the ability to explore the parks more quickly, without having to battle crowded parking lots and long entry lines. Plus, all my last minute planners (like me!) will love how much easier it is to secure last minute bookings and permits.

In this article:

• Detailed overview of the best National Parks to visit in January
• What to do in each park in January (highlights and seasonal events)
• Seasonal tips, including closures and schedule changes

Disclaimer: This article features some affiliate links. I only endorse things I’ve personally used or that come highly recommended by trusted peers. If you purchase anything I mention using my referral links from Amazon, REI or other retailers I may receive a small commission. However, there is never extra cost to you. You can read more here. Thank you for your support.

Why Visit National Parks in January?

There are several reasons why these National Parks are great to visit in January:

• Fewer Crowds: Many of these popular parks are packed with crowds during the summer season. January is a great time to visit to enjoy quieter hikes.
• Milder Weather: Summer weather can bring scorching heat to some of these parks, so winter is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities in moderate temps.
• Seasonal Beauty: Some parks offer stunning snow-dusted landscapes.
• No Timed-Entry Requirements: None of these parks have entry restrictions during January so you may come and go when you want.

There are a few compromises to visiting some of these National Parks in January, like seasonal road closures or temporary trail closures due to weather. You should also anticipate fewer park services, like shorter visitor center hours and less ranger led programming in January.

1. Arches National Park In January

Location: Utah

Why Visit Arches in January: Cooler temperatures, drastically fewer crowds, and the chance to enjoy its iconic red rock formations, like Delicate Arch, dusted with snow.

Key Highlights: Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Drive the Arches Scenic Drive for stunning views.

Arches National Park Itinerary: One day in Arches is the perfect amount of time

As a smaller park, Arches suffers from massive summer crowds and not enough infrastructure to accommodate. For this reason, Arches has a reservation system from April to October. However, if you visit Arches in winter you can come and go as you please without a reservation.

The best way to get to Arches National Park is from Salt Lake City, but if you’re planning to visit the Utah Mighty 5 then Las Vegas to Arches is a better route.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park In January

Location: Utah

Why Visit Bryce Canyon in January: Unique opportunity to see famous hoodoos dusted with snow, and quieter trails to explore.

Key Highlights: Sunrise or sunset at Bryce Amphitheater. Hike the Navajo Loop Trail.

Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary: A one day itinerary for Bryce Canyon is perfect for January

Bryce sits at higher elevation than the other Utah parks, so it has cooler temperatures and typically during winter in Bryce Canyon you can expect to see snow.

Most of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park remain open during the winter, but you’ll want to pack traction devices if you plan to hike down into the amphitheater as it can get snowy and icy in January.

3. Zion National Park In January

Location: Utah

Why Visit Zion in January: Cooler weather, fewer visitors, and a chance to enjoy iconic hikes like Angels Landing or the Riverside Walk without the crowds.

Key Highlights: Hike Angels Landing and The Narrows. Enjoy scenic drives like Zion Canyon Scenic Drive without the crowds or shuttle requirements.

Zion National Park Itinerary: 3 days in Zion National Park is best, although it can be done in one with less time

The best time to visit Zion National Park is during non-peak months when there are fewer crowds. Zion is one of the most visited National Parks, and can be extremely crowded from May through September. Visiting Zion National Park in January means fewer crowds, and better chances of securing Zion permits for Angels Landing.

It’s also possible to hike the Narrows in January. River levels tend to be lower, but very cold so you’ll want to rent a drysuit from Zion Outfitters, near the visitors center.

In January, you can expect snow at lower elevation in Zion, although it tends to melt quickly. However, at higher elevation snow can linger for longer.

Additionally, the Zion shuttle does not operate in January, so you’re permitted to drive your own vehicle along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

It’s just over 2 hours from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, which makes it a great day trip to tack onto your Vegas itinerary.

4. Dry Tortugas National Park In January

Location: Florida

Why Visit Dry Tortugas in January: Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park in January offers warm, pleasant weather, ideal for snorkeling and exploring historic Fort Jefferson.

Key Highlights: Snorkeling, touring Fort Jefferson and seasonal access to Bush Key.

Itinerary: A Dry Tortugas National Park day trip is the easiest way to see the park. Access is limited to ferry or sea plane schedules, so unless you plan to camp, a one day trip is your only option

Dry Tortugas is one of the hardest National Parks to get to. It’s located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, making it accessible only by ferry, sea plane or private charter.

Unsurprisingly, January is the best time for a Florida National Parks itinerary to each of the 3 parks in Florida: Dry Tortugas, Everglades and Biscayne – all of them are included on this list of the best parks to visit in January!

Florida weather is mild in January, and it’s known as the dry season. That also means there are fewer mosquitos than during the wet summer season (yay!). The only drawback to visiting Dry Tortugas National Park in January are the winter winds which can cause rocky water, impact boat rides and decreasing visibility for snorkeling.

Finally, Bush Key is only open from October to January each year. After January, the key is closed to people in an effort to help preserve the nesting ground for rare birds.

5. Everglades National Park In January

Location: Florida

Why Visit Everglades in January: January is considered the dry season in Florida, which makes it easier to spot wildlife and avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures tend to be more mild in January and much less humid than in the summer.

Key Highlights: Take an airboat tour to see alligators and manatees. Hike the Anhinga Trail.

Itinerary: A two day Everglades itinerary is perfect for seeing the parks highlights

Everglades National Park is huge, and sits between Miami and Naples in southern Florida. It’s fairly easy to get to. A majority of the parks highlights are on the east side of the park.

In January, Everglades National Park offers tons of unique ranger led programs, including wet walks and night walks which are perfect for spotting wildlife and learning about the delicate ecosystems.

Finally, Everglades can be overrun with mosquitos during the wet summer months, so by visiting this National Park in January you’ll have far fewer insects to battle, particularly if you plan on camping in the Everglades.

6. Biscayne National Park In January

Location: Florida

Why Visit Biscayne in January: Visiting Biscayne National Park in January offers mild weather, and the chance to explore the park’s vibrant coral reefs and mangrove shorelines without the summer crowds.

Key Highlights: Jetty Trail, a boat tour to Boca Chita Key and snorkeling

Itinerary: A full or half day itinerary for Biscayne National Park is the perfect amount of time

Biscayne National Park is adjacent to Miami, so it’s easy to get to. Most of the park is below water, so snorkeling or scuba diving is a great way to explore the coral reefs and shipwrecks.

January is the windy season, so be flexible with your boat and snorkel plans as the wind can cause rescheduling. However, the temperatures and humidity at Biscayne National Park in January are perfect for exploring. This park can get quite hot during the summer months.

7. Joshua Tree National Park In January

Location: California

Why Visit Joshua Tree in January: Visiting Joshua Tree in January provides cool temperatures perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying the park’s unique desert landscapes in a quieter, off-peak season.

Key Highlights: Cholla Cactus Garden, Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Itinerary: One day in Joshua Tree National Park is plenty of time to see the highlights

Joshua Tree is a perfect day trip from Las Vegas, as it’s just 3 hours by car. It’s definitely feasible to see many of the parks highlights with just one day. With shorter daylight hours, visiting in January also means you can catch an epic sunset in Joshua Tree without having to stick around until 9pm.

That said, you may want to stick around. January brings very clear night skies, and as an International Dark Sky Park Joshua Tree has some incredible stargazing opportunities.

8. Pinnacles National Park In January

Location: California

Why Visit Pinnacles in January: The weather in January is perfect for hiking Pinnacles National Park. You can also expect fewer crowds and a great chance to spot California condors while exploring the park’s unique rock formations and caves.

Key Highlights: Bear Gulch Cave Trail, High Peaks Trail

Itinerary: One day is a good amount of time for a Pinnacles National Park itinerary

Pinnacles is the newest National Park in California. It’s fairly small and has two entrances. The entrances do not connect by any roads inside the park, so to reach the opposite side you’ll have to drive around the park perimeter.

I think the east side of the park, off Rt-25, is the better half. Here you’ll find Bear Gulch Cave Trail which is one of the coolest trails I’ve hiked to date. You want to time this trail right as it includes a trek through a cave system with a river. During heavy rains the trail is closed for safety.

As a smaller park, you can see most of Pinnacles in one day.

9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park In January

Location: North Carolina + Tennessee

Why Visit Great Smoky Mountains in January: Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park in January offers peaceful trails, and the potential for snow-dusted peaks.

Key Highlights: Cades Cove, Laurel Falls, Alum Cave

Itinerary: Two days is perfect for a Great Smoky Mountains itinerary. Add a day if you’d like to explore Gatlinburg as well.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited National Park, which means it can be quite crowded during the summer months. January is a perfect time to visit if you’re looking to escape the crowds.

While Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Rd) is closed in January, much of the park remains open. With fewer crowds it’s easier to find parking and explore the park with less time.

Occasional winter storms can impact higher elevations in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so check current conditions before your trip. For more access to the park, consider visiting Great Smoky Mountains in spring instead.

10. Shenandoah National Park In January

Location: Virginia

Why Visit Shenandoah in January: Visiting Shenandoah National Park in January offers quiet trails, scenic winter views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the chance to experience the park’s peaceful, off-season charm.

Key Highlights: Skyline Drive, 360° views at Bearfence Mountain

Itinerary: One to two days in Shenandoah National Park is perfect for a January trip

Shenandoah National Park is famously known for it’s fall foliage, but winter is a great time to visit, too! The crowds are much smaller so you’re able to find some peace on the trails, and it’s common for snow to dust the mountains.

Temperatures can be fairly chilly in January in Shendoah, but with the right winter hiking outfit you won’t even notice. Skyline Drive may temporarily be closed due to winter storms, so it’s best to check conditions before you arrive.

11. Death Valley National Park In January

Location: California

Why Visit Death Valley in January: Visiting Death Valley in January provides mild temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring, along with the chance to experience the park’s vast desert landscapes without the intense summer heat (the hottest place on earth!)

Key Highlights: Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Itinerary: One day in Death Valley is perfect for January

Death Valley is literally the hottest place on earth, so visiting during the summer months can be scorching. The best time to visit Death Valley is during the winter months when temperatures are more moderate. Visiting in January means you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with.

12. Saguaro National Park In January

Location: Arizona

Why Visit Saguaro in January: Visiting Saguaro National Park in January offers mild weather ideal for hiking and enjoying the iconic saguaro cacti, all with fewer visitors compared to the busier spring season.

Key Highlights: Signal Hill Trail, Sendero Esperanza Trail, Bajada Loop Drive

Itinerary: One day in Saguaro National Park is enough to explore the western section of the park. Plan two days if you’d like to see the eastern section as well.

I’ll just get right to it, I think the best reason to visit Saguaro National Park in January is because the rattlesnakes are in brumation (hibernation) for the winter. The end of April is when they come out of brumation and I always make sure I’m far away by then because Arizona has some massive rattlesnakes.

Saguaro National Park is split into two sections, about an hours drive apart. The eastern section (Rincon Mountain District) is less popular, and therefore less crowded. The western section (Tucson Mountain District) has a larger concentration of cacti and many great hiking trails. Personally, I recommend prioritizing the western portion of the park.

I recommend checking out the visitors center and then heading to Sendero Esperanza Trail. This trail is a detour off of Bajada Loop Drive (which you’ll want to do counterclockwise due to the one-way section along Hohokam Road.) I once saw a massive swarm of bees looking for a new hive on Sendero Esperanza Trail!

13. Capitol Reef National Park In January

Location: Utah

Why Visit Capitol Reef in January: Visiting Capitol Reef in January offers cool temperatures, quiet trails, and the chance to explore the park’s stunning red rock landscapes and historic Fruita area without the usual crowds.

Key Highlights: Cassidy Arch Trail, Goosenecks & Sunset Point, Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

Itinerary: One day in Capitol Reef is perfect for a visit in January

Capitol Reef isn’t a large National Park, and it’s often overlooked. However, it’s incredibly scenic and definitely worth a visit. From Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef it’s just over a two hour drive, so it’s definitely worth adding to your Utah road trip itinerary.

There are several easy hikes in Capitol Reef, and I recommend spending some time exploring the orchards. I highly recommend stopping in to Gifford Farm bakery for fresh homemade pie, or their famous cinnamon rolls.

The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is also an incredible way to see the park. It follows the waterpocket fold – a massive geologic monocline that offers incredible views of the landscape.

Along the scenic drive is Cassidy Arch Trail. It’s one of my favorite hiking trails in the southwest. It’s just over 3 miles and offers a wide variety of views – starting along Grand Wash and then climbing up to Cassidy Arch – a giant hole in the sandstone. You’ll frequently find people repelling here, too.

Final Thoughts On The Best National Parks To Visit In January

One of the things I love the most about our National Parks is that my experience in each of them is vastly different from season to season. It makes them easy to come back to over and over again and know I’ll still experience something new each time.

These best National Parks to visit in January offer fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience for hiking (and also finding parking without my blood boiling), not to mention the cost of accommodations is much more affordable than the busy summer months.

If I had to pick the absolute best National Park to visit in January I’d pick Everglades National Park. Primarily because its location in southern Florida means visiting during any other season brings intense humidity and mosquitos. I also loved how easy it was to spot wildlife, like tons of gators, due to the lower water levels.

Would you add anything to this list? Let me know what your favorite National Park to visit in January is!

Planning your next National Park trip? Check out all of my park guides here.

You might also like The Best National Parks To Visit In Winter.