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Looking for the best national parks to visit in November? You should start by visiting these parks.<\/em><\/p>\nNovember is an ideal month to visit the many National Parks that are stupid hot during the summer. Plus, it is typically quieter if you avoid the holidays and leaf-peeping season.<\/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> October 12, 2022<\/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<\/h2>\n To 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, seasonal attractions like fall foliage or wildflowers, and special events happening in the area. We also took into account 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 soon!). 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 the ones in U.S. territories in this series.<\/p>\n
National Parks By Month \u2013 <\/strong> Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov<\/strong> | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul<\/p>\n\n
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Is November a Good Time to Visit National Parks?<\/span><\/h2>\nYes! It\u2019s the best month for many national parks that are typically too hot to visit during 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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11 Best National Parks to Visit in November<\/span><\/h2>\n1. Death Valley National Park, California<\/h3>\n 36.4799715,-118.1707461, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 77\u00b0F \/ 48\u00b0F<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> I won\u2019t even touch Death Valley Valley National Park until it\u2019s November. It\u2019s one of the best times to visit, with warm temperatures during the day so you can go on longer hikes. At night, temperatures drop significantly, but it\u2019s not as freezing like December and January. It\u2019s still a good idea to pack layers, especially if you run cold like me.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Photography<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> The park is big so give yourself plenty of time traveling from one spot to the next.<\/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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2. Everglades National Park, Florida<\/h3>\n 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 82\u00b0F \/ 64\u00b0F<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> November is the start of the dry season in Everglades National Park. Not only are the temperatures cooler, but there are fewer mosquitos and wildlife will be more active and abundant.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Boating, Camping, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Hiking, Tours<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, Eco Pond, Snake Bight, Nine Mile Pond<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Alligators, Raccoons, Opossums, Bobcats, Gray Fox, Leopard Frogs, Roseate Spoonbill, Manatee<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 2-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Since visiting during the dry season is popular, make advanced reservations for camping, lodging, and tours.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 Your List of All National Parks in the US<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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3. Joshua Tree National Park, California<\/h3>\n 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 72\u00b0F \/ 44\u00b0F<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> It\u2019s finally climbing season again! That\u2019s why we love Joshua Tree in November. For those of you who don\u2019t climb, it may not be the most fun or scenic national park, but it\u2019s still a great time to see Joshua trees, rock piles, and epic sunsets. The sun is warm during the day and the temps drop at night, making it fun to cozy up next to a campfire.<\/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> The park gets busier during the cooler seasons so if you\u2019re hoping to camp, book your site early.<\/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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4. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky<\/h3>\n 37.1879181,-86.1028107, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 59\u00b0F \/ 38\u00b0F<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> November is on the tail end of fall colors, but you still might catch some! Since it\u2019s later in the season, the leaf-peeping crowds should have thinned already so the park will be quieter. Fall is also the driest season in the park.<\/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 shoulder season so check their current schedule when planning.<\/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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5. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia<\/h3>\n 162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing, WV 25862,\u00a0map<\/em><\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 77\u00b0F \/ 48\u00b0F<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> As one of the newest National Parks, it has quickly earned a spot as one of the best parks for fall foliage. It typically peaks mid to late October, but you might still catch it in early November. Even if you miss it, the cool temps are perfect for hiking and climbing, which is more our priority.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Camping, Whitewater Rafting, Hiking, Biking, Climbing, Scenic Drives, Fishing<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0New River Gorge Bridge, Grandview, Sandstone Falls, Nuttallburg<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Groundhogs, Coyotes, Red Foxes, Gray Foxes, Black Bears, Bobcats, White-Tailed Deer<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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6. White Sands National Park, New Mexico<\/h3>\n 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310,\u00a0map<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 66\u00b0F \/ 29\u00b0F<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> November is one of the quieter months at White Sands National Park. It\u2019s a great time to explore the dunes with no one in sight. If you can bear really cold weather, you can even camp and enjoy the stars.<\/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> Since you are hiking on dunes, you need to check for trail markers. It can get disorienting very quickly. We got turned around when trying to find out way back to our car but found our way by looking at the direction of the sunset. Also, you can download an offline version of google maps of the area.<\/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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7. Zion National Park, Utah<\/h3>\n 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 56\u00b0F \/ 30\u00b0F<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Zion National Park has exploded in popularity, so late fall is a great time to visit for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. You can often still catch fall leaves at lower elevations too!<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Stargazing<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Angels Landing, Canyon Overlook Trail, Emerald Pools, Observation Point, Riverside Walk<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Ringtail, Mountain Lion, American Pika, Desert Cottontail, Coyote, Kit Fox, Bighorn Sheep, Elk<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> The Narrows will be cold to hike, but you can always rent dry suits in town if you still want to check it out.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 15 Incredible Things to Do in Zion National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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8. Yosemite National Park, California<\/h3>\n 9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389,\u00a0map<\/em><\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 57\u00b0F \/ 32\u00b0F<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> November is one of the quietest times to visit Yosemite National Park. You\u2019ll get cool nights and sunny days. Most of the park is still open before the higher elevations shut down for winter. Plus you may even catch the first snow of the season making it extra magical.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking and Backpacking, 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> Remember that elevation varies a lot within the park, which means temperatures vary quite a bit. Be sure to check the weather in the areas you plan on visiting.<\/p>\nSee Related \u2013 15 Breathtaking Things to Do in Yosemite National Park<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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9. Pinnacles National Park, California<\/h3>\n 5000 CA-146, Paicines, CA 95043, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 68\u00b0F \/ 34\u00b0F<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> Pinnacles National Park is much more popular during the cooler months since summer is so hot. November is a great time to hike, rock climb, and see wildlife, and although it\u2019s a busier time, the overall park visitation is manageable since it\u2019s one of the lesser-known National Parks in the US.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Camping<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Talus Cave, Bear Guild, Balconies Cave, Rim Trail Loop, High Peaks Loop<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Canyon Bats, Mountain Lions, Condors, Feral Pig, Bobcat, Gray Fox, Ringtail<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPro Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Pinnacles National Park has two separate entrances that are far from each other. Plan accordingly based on what you want to see!<\/p>\n <\/svg>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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10. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas<\/h3>\n 400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847, map<\/em><\/p>\nAverage Temperatures:<\/strong> 52\u00b0F \/ 37\u00b0F<\/p>\nWhy Visit:<\/strong> The park\u2019s busiest time is mid-October to mid-November for good reason. The weather is cool and you\u2019ll get to enjoy the fall colors. Since the park is one of the least visited National Parks, even when it\u2019s crowded, it won\u2019t feel like Zion or Yellowstone. Plus, it\u2019s a wilderness park so you\u2019ll have to get on rugged trails to see some of the best spots, which means no crowds! It\u2019s amazing how getting off the main road will deter people.<\/p>\nBest For \/ Top Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Horseback Riding<\/p>\nDon\u2019t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTo Do \u2013\u00a0Smith Spring Trail, Devil\u2019s Hall Trail, McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Peak Trail<\/li>\n Wildlife \u2013\u00a0Coyote, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Badger, Texas Banded Gecko, Bats, Javelinas, Jackrabbits, Rattlesnake<\/li>\n How many days do you need? 1-3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n