12 Best National Parks to Visit in November (+ Seasonal Info)

November is one of the best months to visit National Parks. There are significantly fewer crowds, the weather is generally more mild, and visiting during shoulder seasons means you can snag better deals on hotels and excursions. It’s one of my favorite times to plan a National Park trip. In this post I’m rounding up all of the best National Parks to visit in November (and why), as well as what you should know ahead of time regarding closures and the best things to do.

Additionally, National Parks that have timed-entry vehicle reservations typically do not have these restrictions in November, so it’s a lot easier to come and go without being limited to an entry time or date. And I don’t even need to mention how much less stressful parking is!

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Why Visit National Parks in November?

Most people don’t think of visiting National Parks in November. Typically, the National Parks are the most popular during the summer months. But there are so many reasons to visit these 12 best National Parks in November!

• Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a peaceful experience compared to peak seasons.
• Milder Weather: Perfect for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities.
• Seasonal Beauty: Some parks offer stunning autumn colors or snow-dusted landscapes.
• No Timed-Entry Requirements: Come and go when you want without being restricted to a reservation time.

However, there are some compromises to visiting National Parks in November. For example, some parks have areas which are seasonally closed due to weather, which means you won’t be able to fully explore the park.

That’s ok though! I like to visit the popular National Parks during the off-season, like October or November, and check as much off my list as I can. Then, when I visit them again during the busy summer season I can avoid the popular areas and see the remaining areas of the park.

1. Zion National Park (Utah)

• Why Visit Zion in November: Ideal hiking weather, fewer tourists, fall colors in Zion Canyon.
• Key Highlights: Hike Angels Landing and The Narrows. Enjoy scenic drives like Zion Canyon Scenic Drive without the crowds or shuttle requirements.
• Pro Tip: Early November is great for hiking the Narrows before temperatures drop too low.

November is a great time to visit Zion National Park if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The hiking trails, including Angels Landing and The Narrows, are much more manageable without the heat, and the fall colors can still be visible in November.

If you’re planning a Utah road trip, the route from Zion to Arches offers some fantastic opportunities to explore Utah. This 2-day Zion itinerary will help you hit all the key spots without feeling rushed.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

• Why Visit Bryce Canyon in November: Cool weather, stunning red rock formations dusted with snow.
• Key Highlights: Bryce Amphitheater for sunrise or sunset. Hike the Navajo Loop Trail.
• Pro Tip: November is quieter, but come prepared for cold mornings and possible snow due to Bryce Canyons elevation.

Bryce Canyon is also one of the top national parks to visit in the winter. November offers cooler weather, making it a great time for hiking in Bryce Canyon without the crowds. The park’s iconic hoodoos look especially striking against the crisp blue skies of fall, and the milder temperatures make it more comfortable to explore.

Compared to Zion, Bryce sits at higher elevation so expect cooler temperatures year round. November is also a perfect time to catch the sunrise at Bryce Canyon. With fewer visitors, sunrise is a much more peaceful experience in winter.

My Bryce Canyon travel guide has helpful information on must-see spots and how to navigate the park, even if you only have one-day in Bryce Canyon. If you’re using the park’s transit system, this guide on the Bryce Canyon shuttle will give you all the details you need.

Weather in November can vary so make sure you’re well-prepared with this Bryce Canyon packing list.

If you’re planning an extended Utah road trip, I recommend combining a visit to Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon.

3. Arches National Park (Utah)

• Why Visit Arches in November: Cooler temperatures make exploring the park’s arches and rock formations more comfortable.
• Key Highlights: Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Drive the Arches Scenic Drive for stunning views.
• Pro Tip: November is a peaceful time to visit, but pack layers for cool mornings and evenings.

November in Arches is perfect to see the park’s famous red rock formations and natural arches, like Delicate Arch, without the intense summer heat.

Arches National Park in winter is perfect for a few reasons, like not having to battle for timed-entry vehicle reservations and enjoyable weather for hiking in Arches. November also offers some of the best conditions for Arches National Park sunsets.

Not all that into hiking? My list of things to do in Arches National Park includes great activities for all interests. And while it might be too chilly to camp at Arches there are several hotels for any budget nearby in Moab.

If you’re traveling from Salt Lake City to Arches National Park there are plenty of scenic routes to consider along the way, like a trip to Canyonlands. For detailed planning, my Arches National Park itinerary covers all the essential spots, whether you have one day in Arches or a longer stay.

4. Death Valley National Park (California/Nevada)

• Why Visit Death Valley in November: Cooler weather for exploring the desert landscape.
• Key Highlights: See Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Explore the unique Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
• Pro Tip: Perfect for daytime exploration as the extreme heat of summer is gone.

Visiting Death Valley in November is a great option, and just 2 hours from Las Vegas. The scorching heat of summer (110-120°F!) subsides, creating more comfortable conditions for hiking.

November daytime temperatures are typically between 70-80°F, which makes it much easier to see the park’s popular spots like Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, or catch panoramic views from Dante’s View.

Winter hiking is also much more manageable during this time of year. Trails like Golden Canyon and Mosaic Canyon are far less grueling without the intense heat of summer.

November is also an excellent time for stargazing, as Death Valley is a designated International Dark Sky Park. The clear skies and cooler weather create great conditions for spotting constellations, planets, and meteor showers.

5. Acadia National Park (Maine)

• Why Visit Acadia in November: Late fall offers quiet serenity and beautiful coastal scenery.
• Key Highlights: Drive Park Loop Road for stunning ocean views. Hike to Cadillac Mountain for sunrise.
• Pro Tip: Many services start to close for winter, so check ahead, but enjoy solitude in this peaceful season.

Visiting Acadia National Park in November allows you to enjoy the park without the crowds that fill the area in summer and early fall. The temperatures are cooler, typically ranging from 30-50°F, which makes for comfortable conditions while hiking Acadia’s scenic trails.

Though some park facilities may be closed for the season, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the coastal views and forested areas.

One of the main highlights in November is the chance to visit Acadia’s popular spots, like Cadillac Mountain, without the usual traffic. Hiking or driving to the summit provides clear views of the Atlantic Ocean, and you can be among the first to see the sunrise in the United States from this spot.

Additionally, sections of Park Loop Road remain open in November, giving you access to Acadia’s rugged coastline and the chance to visit spots like Thunder Hole and Sand Beach.

November also marks the transition into winter in Acadia, so you’ll want to be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially at higher elevations.

While some trails may be icy, lower elevation hikes like Jordan Pond Path remain accessible and offer beautiful late-season views. Even though the fall colors in Acadia are mostly gone by November, the park’s dramatic cliffs and granite peaks still make it worth a visit.

6. Olympic National Park (Washington)

• Why Visit Olympic in November: Enjoy lush, mossy rainforests and less crowded coastal trails.
• Key Highlights: Explore Hoh Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge. Visit Rialto Beach for beautiful ocean views.
• Pro Tip: November is a wet season, so bring rain gear for hikes.

Visiting Olympic National Park in November is great as the summer crowds have thinned out. The park’s diverse ecosystems ranging from rugged coastlines to dense rainforests and mountain peaks are still accessible, though the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall mean you’ll need to be prepared for wet conditions, especially in the lower elevation areas.

One of the key draws in November is the Hoh Rainforest, where the winter rain brings the lush greenery to life. This is one of the best times to experience the rainforest’s moss-covered trees and ferns in their full glory.

Trails like Hall of Mosses offer an easy walk through the rainforest. Coastal areas, like Rialto Beach, are also worth visiting, with dramatic waves and fewer visitors.

Higher elevation areas, like Hurricane Ridge, may begin to see snow in November. Be sure to check road conditions, as access to higher regions can be limited depending on weather. In late November, Hurricane Ridge switches to winter operating hours and is only open Friday-Sunday.

You’ll want to spend at least 2 days in Olympic National Park to fully experience the rainforest, coastline and mountains.

7. Yosemite National Park (California)

• Why Visit Yosemite in November: Experience Yosemite’s waterfalls and stunning granite cliffs without the crowds.
• Key Highlights: Visit Yosemite Valley and see El Capitan and Half Dome. Hike to Lower Yosemite Falls.
• Pro Tip: Tioga Pass and Glacier Point may be closed due to snow, but the valley remains accessible.

Visiting Yosemite National Park in November has fewer visitors and cooler temperatures, ranging from 30-60°F.

On my recent trip to Yosemite and Sequoia in the winter, some areas like Glacier Point and Tioga Road were closed due to snowfall, but the Yosemite Valley remained accessible and offered iconic views of landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls without the summer crowds or parking nightmares.

It’s possible to see the winter highlights with just one day in Yosemite.

Hiking in the valley is still possible in November, with popular trails like Lower Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake offering stunning scenery and easier access.

The cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable, but you should be prepared for chilly mornings and potential ice on the trails. I bought traction devices for my hiking boots prior to this trip.

If you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the first snowfall of the season, which adds a unique charm to the park’s granite cliffs and towering sequoias.

8. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California)

• Why Visit Sequoia in November: Fewer visitors and a chance to see the giant sequoias with minimal crowds.
• Key Highlights: Explore Giant Forest and General Sherman Tree. Take in the views at Moro Rock.
• Pro Tip: Bring warm layers as snow can start to fall in the higher elevations.

Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in November is great for less crowded hikes and cooler temperatures, generally ranging from 30-50°F. I recently visited Sequoia in winter with my mom! It was a great trip and we loved being able to hike without being mobbed by other people.

In Sequoia, the giant sequoias, including the iconic General Sherman Tree, are accessible in November, and fewer visitors also mean more opportunities to enjoy the trails and scenic areas at a slower pace.

Higher elevations in both parks may start seeing early snowfall in November, particularly around Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow, so it’s important to be prepared for potential snow or icy conditions.

The roads leading to these areas are usually open, but checking the latest park updates is essential before heading out.

In Kings Canyon, the Grant Grove area remains accessible in November, allowing you to see the General Grant Tree and other sequoias even as winter approaches.

9. Glacier National Park (Montana)

• Why Visit Glacier in November: A quieter time to experience Glacier before the snow fully sets in.
• Key Highlights: Scenic drives along Going-to-the-Sun Road (check for early closures). Enjoy the peacefulness of Lake McDonald.
• Pro Tip: Some areas may be closed for winter, so plan for limited access and colder temperatures.

Visiting Glacier National Park in November is perfect for avoiding the insane summer crowds. However, weather conditions can vary significantly, with temperatures often ranging from 20-40°F.

Some areas and facilities begin to close for the season as early as September, but key parts of the park, like Lake McDonald and the surrounding low-elevation trails, remain accessible.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, the park’s most famous scenic drive, is usually closed at higher elevations due to snow, but the portion near the west entrance and Lake McDonald often remains open.

While the famous Glacier National Park waterfalls may not be as full as they are in the spring, they still flow, especially after rain, making this a great time for a peaceful hike without battling for parking or camping reservations.

Even though some services within the park may be limited in November, popular hikes in Glacier like Avalance Lake are still accessible. Additionally, several lodges in Glacier remain open year-round.

I recommend at least 3 days in Glacier National Park, regardless of which season you visit.

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

• Why Visit Great Smokey Mountains in November: Stunning fall foliage, peaceful trails, and wildlife spotting.
• Key Highlights: Scenic drive on Newfound Gap Road. Hike the Alum Cave Trail.
• Pro Tip: Visit in early November for peak fall colors.

Early November (and late October) is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you want to see fall foliage!

The cooler temperatures, typically ranging from 30-60°F, make for comfortable hiking conditions, though you’ll want to layer up for early morning or late afternoon hikes.

With fewer visitors, popular spots like Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome (recently renamed Kuwohi) are much more peaceful, allowing you to enjoy the park’s scenic views without the crowds.

November is also a good time for wildlife viewing. As the park gets quieter, it’s easier to spot animals like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears preparing for winter.

The Newfound Gap Road remains open, providing access to stunning mountain views, though some higher elevation areas may see snow toward the end of the month.

Lower elevation hikes, such as the Alum Cave Trail or the Laurel Falls Trail, are still accessible and provide beautiful forest views as the trees begin to shed their leaves.

While most of the fall colors have passed, the clear views of the Smokies’ rolling mountains and valleys are still impressive. November is also a good time to visit the park’s many waterfalls, which tend to flow more steadily as the rainy season picks up.

11. Joshua Tree National Park (California)

• Why Visit Joshua Tree in November: Cool weather, perfect for hiking and stargazing.
• Key Highlights: Explore Hidden Valley and Keys View. Enjoy desert stargazing in November’s crisp, clear skies.
• Pro Tip: November is a prime time for rock climbing and exploring without summer’s heat.

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park in November is an excellent choice, as the temperatures are much more manageable compared to the scorching summer months which can be brutal.

With daytime temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F, it’s a comfortable time for hiking and exploring the park’s iconic landscapes, including the vast fields of Joshua trees and unique rock formations like Skull Rock and Arch Rock.

Popular trails, such as the Hidden Valley and Barker Dam trails, are ideal in November. If you’re into rock climbing, this is a great month to take advantage of the cooler conditions, as Joshua Tree is known for its world-class climbing spots.

The lower visitor numbers in Joshua Tree in November also make it easier to explore without the crowds at popular viewpoints like Keys View, which provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.

12. Everglades National Park (Florida)

• Why Visit Everglades in November: Beginning of the dry season, fewer mosquitoes, and great wildlife viewing.
• Key Highlights: Take a boat tour to see alligators and manatees. Hike the Anhinga Trail.
• Pro Tip: November is the best time to explore before it gets too hot and humid.

Visiting Everglades National Park in November is ideal, as it marks the start of the dry season when temperatures are milder, typically ranging from 70-80°F, and humidity levels are lower (if you’ve been to Florida in the summer, you know the pain!)

The drop in mosquitoes compared to the wet season makes time outside much more enjoyable. This shift in weather conditions makes it an ideal time for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing without the intense heat or heavy rains that are common in the summer.

With water levels lower in November, animals like alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species are more concentrated in visible areas such as Shark Valley and Flamingo. The park’s boardwalk trails, like the Anhinga Trail, offer close-up views of these animals, making it easy to experience the diversity of the park’s wildlife.

Boat tours and kayaking trips are especially popular in November, because the calmer weather conditions create ideal opportunities to navigate the mangrove tunnels and coastal areas.

Paddling through these ecosystems provides a the chance to see manatees and dolphins in their natural habitat. With the cooler, drier conditions and abundance of wildlife, November is one of the best times to experience the Everglades.

Final Thoughts On The Best National Parks To Visit In November

I personally think November is one of the best months to visit many of our beautiful National Parks. Crowds in the summer can be unbearable, and most of the southern parks are so hot during the day that it’s difficult to hike longer trails.

While some areas of the parks are closed for winter, it’s nice to have a more relaxed trip to see the highlights (and then circle back in the future to explore the closed areas when they open in the summer months).

My favorite National Park to visit in November is Zion, which is usually packed during the summer. What’s yours?

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.