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Looking for the best national parks to visit in February?<\/em><\/p>\nFebruary is a great time to visit National Parks if you want the parks to yourself. It\u2019s quiet since the holidays are over, but the weather gives you options to escape the cold or embrace a winter wonderland.<\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\nThis post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure\u00a0for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.<\/em><\/p>\nLast Updated: <\/em> January 4, 2023<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBefore we get into it, we want to remind everyone to explore the parks responsibly <\/strong>using the 7 Leave no Trace Principles. Have a plan, stay on established trails, carry out anything you carry in, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.<\/p>\nAbout the National Park by month Series<\/span><\/h2>\nTo put together this list, we\u2019ve combined our personal experiences and tips we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the weather, accessibility, local forums, other blogs, seasonal attractions like fall foliage or wildflowers, and special events happening in the area. We also considered any unique adventures only offered at certain times of the year to find the most optimal months to visit each National Park. Phew! that was a lot!<\/p>\n
It took me a whole week of research, but since I\u2019m a maximizer, it was completely worth having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that as soon as we finish this series!). Also, check out our complete list of all the national parks and all national park units that include soon-to-be national parks.<\/p>\n
We also chose not to include the hardest-to-access national parks in Alaska and U.S. territories in this series.<\/p>\n
National Parks By Month \u2013 <\/strong> Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb<\/strong> | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul<\/p>\n\n
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Is February a Good Time to Visit National Parks?<\/span><\/h2>\nYes! If you\u2019re not trying to visit one specific national park, you can always find one to visit any time of year. February is a great time to visit parks when they are quieter, and we love the parks like Death Valley, which are scorching hot in the summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Plan on visiting more than two national parks this year? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual pass to save money (entrance fees to each park are, on average, $30-35 per vehicle). Plus, you are helping support the Parks that always need funding.<\/p>\n
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10 Best National Parks to Visit in February<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
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1. Yosemite National Park, California \u3164\u2192<\/h3>\n 9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389,\u00a0map<\/em><\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 53\u00b0F \/ 30\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 6:40 AM \/ 5:43 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> We still need to visit Yosemite National Park in February for Firefall, but it always falls around my birthday, and so far, we haven\u2019t made it a birthday trip. Yosemite\u2019s Firefall happens every mid-to-late February, when the sun perfectly aligns with Horsetail Fall, making it look like it is on fire. It happens between 5-15 minutes before sunset.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Ice Skating, Tours, Photography, Scenic Drives<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Taft Point, Glacier Point,\u00a0Half Dome, Tunnel View<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Bears, Mule Deer, Big Horn Sheep, Great Gray Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Red Foxes<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 2-4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Expect crazy crowds during this phenomenon. Also, certain roads in the park are closed or require tire chains. Be prepared!<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 15 Breathtaking Things to Do in Yosemite National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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2. Bryce National Park, Utah \u3164\u2192<\/h3>\n UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 38\u00b0F \/ 13\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:35 AM \/ 5:56 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Visit Bryce Canyon during February for a winter wonderland and to avoid crowds. You can even rent snowshoes or cross-country skis to explore other parts of the park. There\u2019s also a Winter Festival <\/strong>nearby at Ruby\u2019s Inn from February 18-20, 2023.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking and Backpacking, Stargazing, Photography, Scenic Drives<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Bryce Point, Scenic Drive, Inspiration Point, Navajo Loop Trail<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Mule Deer, Porcupines, Utah Prairie Dog, Mountain Lions, Bobcats, Coyotes<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> This is a relatively small park you can see within a day. If it\u2019s crowded, just hit the trails to escape the people who don\u2019t want to explore beyond the parking lot viewpoints.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 15 Amazing Things to Do in Bryce National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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3. Death Valley National Park, California \u3164\u2192<\/h3>\n 36.4799715,-118.1707461, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 74\u00b0F \/ 46\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 6:36 AM \/ 5:30 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Since Death Valley is basically in our backyard, we only visit in the winter. February has warm temperatures during the day for hikes, but it gets chilly at night. Remember to pack layers in the desert. Also, they have their Dark Sky Festival <\/strong>from February 24-26, 2023.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Photography<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> The park is enormous. Give yourself plenty of travel time between spots. We were surprised by how long it took.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 15 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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4. Joshua Tree National Park, California \u3164\u2192<\/h3>\n 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 66\u00b0F \/ 38\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 6:27 AM \/ 5:28 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> We love Joshua Tree in February for the climbing. For those who don\u2019t climb, it\u2019s still a great time to get photos of Joshua trees, rock piles, and epic sunsets. There is less to do in this park if you\u2019re not into climbing, but it\u2019s worth visiting at least once.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, Backpacking, Stargazing, Camping, Scenic Drives, Climbing<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Halls of Horror, Skull Rock<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Gray Fox, Desert Kit Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1 or 2-3 if you climb<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> If you\u2019re lucky, you may also catch the desert with a dusting of snow. Our friends in Socal will drive out as soon as they see the expected snow.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 11 Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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5. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky<\/h3>\n 37.1879181,-86.1028107, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong><\/strong> 51\u00b0F \/ 29\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> <\/strong>6:34 AM \/ 5:23 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Winter is the low season at Mammoth Cave, making February a great time to avoid crowds. The cave stays the same temperature year-round (54\u00b0 F or 12 \u00b0C). You\u2019ll get to explore the caves in smaller groups. It will be chilly if you plan on exploring any surface trails, so just be sure you have the appropriate gear.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, Bicycling, Cave Tours, Kayaking<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Mammoth Cave, Doyel Valley Overlook, Sunset Point, Green River<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Bats, White-Tailed Deer, Coyote, Black Bear<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLocal Tip:<\/strong><\/span> They offer fewer cave tours during the winter, but they also don\u2019t book up quickly like in the summer.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 Complete National Parks List by State<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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6. Saguaro National Park, Arizona \u3164\u2192<\/h3>\n 2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 69\u00b0F \/ 41\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:35 AM \/ 5:56 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Cool days make February one of the best times to visit Saguaro National Park for hiking the trails and enjoying the scenic drive without the heat.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, Scenic Drive, Photography, Camping, Ranger Programs<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Valley View Overlook Trail, Cactus Forest Drive, Bajada Loop Drive, Signal Hill Trail, Desert Museum<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Bats, Bobcats, Javelina, Mountain Lions, Gray Fox, Coyotes, Ringtail<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLocal Tip:<\/strong><\/span> The park has an East and West portion separated by the city (roughly 30-45 mins).<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 11 Beautiful Things to Do in Saguaro National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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7. White Sands National Park, New Mexico \u3164\u2192<\/h3>\n 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310,\u00a0map<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 63\u00b0F \/ 26\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:35 AM \/ 5:56 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> February is a great time to visit White Sands National Park. You can explore the dunes without worrying about being too hot during the day. During the night, though, you will want to bundle up.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, Bicycling, Backcountry Camping, Photography, Stargazing, Sledding<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Sledding, Dune Life Nature Trail, Alkali Flat Trail, Playa Trail<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013 American Badger, Apache Pocket Mouse, Black-Tailed Jackrabbit, Bobcat, Coyote, Kit Fox<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLocal Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Keep your eye on trail markers when you\u2019re hiking. It can get disorienting very quickly. It helps if you download an offline version of the map in case you need it to help you get back.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 5 Incredible Things to Do at White Sands National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado<\/h3>\n 1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517,\u00a0map<\/em><\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 28\u00b0F \/ 13\u00b0FAverage Sunrise \/ Sunset Times:<\/strong> 7:10 AM \/ 5:23 PM<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Rocky Mountain National Park is perfect for winter activities, and February is the best time to ski. In February, you will find multiple peaks via backcountry skiing, and you can also find world-class snowshoeing, sledding, and hiking.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Backcountry Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n