Reader Participation Day: Which Is Your Favorite Winter's Day Hike In the Parks?

November 28, 2012

If you are in reach of a unit of the National Park System in the coming months, is there a particular hike that is a must-do in your opinion?

Winter is coming to the country, and that means snow, ice, and fewer leaves in the northern half of the National Park System, while mild, if not warm or even hot, days are on tap across the southern half. Those contrasting conditions translate into a wide array of hiking conditions -- both under foot and in the surrounding landscape.

Do you look forward to snowshoeing in the parks, or prefer to leave your footprints in the sand along beaches in places such as Padre Island National Seashore or Virgin Islands National Park?

Share your winter hiking secrets with the rest of the Traveler readership.

Story Categories:

Reader Participation Day

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Permalink Submitted by justinh on November 28, 2012 - 10:39am.

So far, it's Fall Canyon, Death Valley NP. Thin winter light.

Permalink Submitted by Kutztribe2 on November 29, 2012 - 1:57am.

One winter we purchased a small booklet on identifying animal footprints in the snow. We took it with us cross country skiing at Longmire at Mt. Rainier National Park. The Trail of Shadows is right across the street from the Lodge. We had a great time both skiing and identifying many critter footprints. I believe we had a nice hot meal at the Lodge afterwards.

Permalink Submitted by [email protected] on November 29, 2012 - 2:42pm.

After a fresh coating of new fallen snow, the Navajo Loop trail at Bryce Canyon is a "must do" experience. Perferably, it should be taken early in the morning, before anyone else has had the chance to put footprints on virgin snow. Yak trax on boots are recommended.

Permalink Submitted by Megaera on December 1, 2012 - 7:23pm.

I have to agree with Kutztribe2. Longmire's a terrific place to go in the wintertime. So is the Carbon River area in the northwestern corner of Mt. Rainier NP.

Another good place to walk in the wintertime, esp. after a storm, is along the beach around and north of Kalaloch in Olympic National Park.

And I have wonderful memories of visiting Zion in February one year, and walking the Gateway to the Narrows trail.

Permalink Submitted by Ranger Dave on December 1, 2012 - 8:22pm.

The AT in Shenandoah National Park is great in winter. Few if any people will be with you and with the leaves off the trees every step is like a new vista either over the peidmont of Virginia or over ridge after ridge of Appalacians all the way into West Virginia. And you can make it as long or as short as you wish.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.