Find Yourself In A National Park This Coming Winter

It's still a bit early to predict what winter might throw at the National Park System, but if you enjoy snow and cold here's an overview of some of the parks you should consider visiting.

You likely will need to be nimble and flexible, as the Climate Prediction Center is calling for "wetter-than-average conditions for the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes states, with drier-than-average conditions expected from the Four Corners region of the Southwest to the Southeast, Gulf Coast and lower mid-Atlantic states."

Here are some suggestions and tips from across the park system. Many parks offer ranger-led snowshoe hikes, including some under the full moon, so check with a specific park to see when those opportunities might fall this winter. Some also offer special programs for school children.

Just remember, conditions can change quickly depending on the storm track. Also, if you're coming from lower elevations — sea level, anyone? — you might find yourself needing to acclimate a day or two to much higher elevations, so be sure to take that into account with your plans.

Cross-Country Skiing And Snowshoeing 

Acadia National Park, Maine

There are 45 miles of carriage roads in the park that offer the perfect setting for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing once the snow cover gets deep enough. Ski tracks are sometimes laid down by volunteers on sections of the carriage roads when snowfall exceeds four inches; you also can access unplowed roads.

Check the Friends of Acadia Winter Trails Association webpage for trail status and when grooming occurs. You also can ski down unplowed/groomed roads in the park. Just be careful, as snowmobiles also are permitted to use most of these park roads.

Hiking trails can be rough on snowshoes unless there's a really significant snow cover.

If you're on snowshoes or walking with a pet on the carriage roads, the park asks that you travel on the opposite side of the classic ski tracks, which are on the side of the roads. And cyclists should avoid sections of carriage roads that are groomed for recreational use.

During winter and spring, the park shares winter visitor operations with the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, 2 Cottage Street, at the corner of Cottage and Main streets (GPS coordinates = 44.398633, -68.204933).

Telephone operations continue at (207) 288-3338 during regular hours, except holidays.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

Unfortunately, Hurricane Helene's winds and rains made a mess of the 469-mile-long parkway, particularly in North Carolina, and that might restrict your access in some areas, so be sure to check the park's webpages to see what's open and what's closed.

Many state highways and county roads intersect this mountainous landscape, and they might provide relatively easy access. While sections of the parkway might shut down to wheeled traffic under heavy snows, those closures open the parkway to cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Among the areas along the parkway that Randy Johnson, author of Southern Snow, The New Guide to Winter Sports from Maryland to the Southern Appalachians, recommends are Julian Price Memorial Park and Moses H. Cone Park. "The 4,200-acre Price Park between mileposts 295.9 and 297.2 has fine cross-country opportunties and a number of good winter hikes," he writes. At Moses Cone, Johnson writes, "the white pine forests appear nearly virgin in size and grandeur. Under this canopy, cross-country skiers glide through a silent and beautiful setting, one of the sport's high points in the Southeast."

More detailed descriptions of the parkway's options can be found in Johnson's book.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Winter delivers solitude in bulk to Bryce Canyon. During one winter trip I had the Upper Inspiration Point Overlook to myself. I glanced down upon Natural Bridge with two others. I had Farview Point to myself. I walked the Queen's Garden-Navajo Loop Trail (minus the Wall Street section, which is closed in winter) with my own thoughts. I watched the sun come up from Bryce Point with a hardy Texan and his two tripod-steadied cameras.

This redrock icon in Utah offers mile after mile after mile of cross-country and snowshoeing possibilities. The 18-mile-long Rim Road is as good as any place for skiing, and the views can't be beat. The Fairyland Point and Paria View roads are open for cross-country skiers and snowshoeing. Cross-country skiing is permitted above the canyon rim; however no skiing, snowboarding or other sliding is allowed below the rim. Trails to consider include sections of the Rim Trail along the edge of the Main Amphitheater, the Bristlecone Loop Trail; Paria Ski Loop; and the unplowed Paria View and Fairyland Point roads.

Just outside the park boundary Bryce Canyon City maintains many miles of groomed ski trails. 

Snowshoeing can be limited here, depending on the storm track. If you want to go below the rim and into the hoodoo-studded landscape, make sure that there’s enough snow. If there’s not, check out the Rim Trail, Fairyland Point, or Paria View roads. If your visit coincides with a full moon, check at the visitors center about ranger-led full moon snowshoe hikes.

If you're determined to watch the sun rise from Bryce Point, and to enjoy the illumination of the main amphitheater, plan on driving to the point between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. (in the visitor center they post the next day's sunrise, so use that as a gauge). Since it possibly will be very dark, as opposed to somewhat dark, when you reach the point's parking lot, you might feel good toting a flashlight to see where the best footing is on the way to the overlook. Just keep the beam pointed on the ground in front of you, as some photographers might already be on the overlook and using long exposures to capture the dawning day. A misguided beam of light would not go over well in that situation. 

Also, it's not a bad idea to have some traction devices for your feet when you're not skiing or snowshoeing.

Unfortunately, there is no in-park lodging during the winter months, though the North Campground is open and you can reserve a site at recreation.gov. There also are motels right outside the park entrance.

Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah

There are three primary locations to park when accessing the park during the winter. The two primary parking areas provide access for all users including snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers.

Beginning around mid-November, Highway 148 and the scenic road through the park (Rim Road) are closed due to snowfall, according to park staff. Highway 143 which enters the park at the north and east entrances is plowed during daylight hours during the winter. These conditions continue until mid to late May each year.

Junction of Highways 14 & 148

Drive on Highway 14 from Cedar City or Duck Creek Village to the junction with Utah Highway 148. A plowed parking lot is maintained at this junction (except during and immediately after snowstorms). Highway 14 is kept open all winter but accessing Cedar Breaks National Monument from this direction requires traveling further distances by foot or snowmobile.

From Highway 14 Junction to Point Supreme Overlook: 3.5 miles

Brian Head Town

There are several places within Brian Head to park and hike or snowmobile into the park. Please check with local officials for parking rules and limitations.

Junction of Highway 143 & Park Road

Drive on Highway 143 through Brian Head to the junction with Park Road. A plowed parking area is maintained at this junction. Due to the limited space, trailers are not permitted in this parking area and cars should park diagonally.

Be aware that during and immediately after heavy snowstorms Highway 143 and the parking area may be temporarily inaccessible. Snow tires and/or chains are required on this road generally from November 30 to March 1.

From Highway 143 Junction to Point Supreme Overlook: 4.1 miles

State Route 148 usually is transformed into a marked and groomed snowmobile route, and the rest of the park is transformed into a winter playground for those on snowshoes and skis when the snowstorms strike. The oranges, creams, and snowy whites of the main amphitheater create spectacular photos, and the ancient bristlecones add chararacter and history to this monument.

Though track is set only on the snow-covered park road, all trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Crater Lake features a variety of marked and unmarked routes for cross-country skiing. Choose a route through forests, along West Rim Drive to lake overlooks, or to Vidae Falls along the East Rim Drive. Maps and descriptions of the ski trails are available in the park newspaper.

None of the routes are groomed, and they are sometimes deep and difficult to follow. Conditions may range from powder to slush or ice. Skiers may need to break trail. Snowshoers often use the same routes.

Just be careful not to ski or snowshoe too close to the rim of the crater, as visitors have lost their lives when snow cornices they thought were sound broke away under their weight. Marvel at the blue waters down below from a safe distance.

Ski and snowshoe rentals are not available in the park, but many outfitters outside the park rent cross-country skis and/or snowshoes.

Rangers lead two-hour guided snowshoe walks through forests and snow-covered meadows in Rim Village. The walks are generally 1 to 2 miles across moderate-to-strenuous terrain. Snowshoes are provided at no cost. Previous snowshoeing experience is not necessary. All participants must be at least 8 years of age.

Each winter, approximately 80 skiers and 40 snowshoers travel all the way around Crater Lake. It’s a trip that can be exceptionally rewarding, with unforgettable views. It can also be physically and mentally demanding—a test of endurance and outdoor skills. A backcountry permit is required for entire tour.

March and April are the most popular months to complete the loop. Spring provides more hours of daylight than the winter months and longer periods of fair weather. When the weather is clear, the 31-mile loop takes an average of three days to complete. Storms, however, force many parties to turn back or to spend extra nights. The route is unmarked, difficult to follow in places, and crossed by a number of avalanche paths. Those attempting the trip should be experienced in winter camping, backcountry travel, and avalanche safety.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Winter can be a wonderful season to visit Glacier, in part because few others take time to visit during this season, so you'll likely have the snowy landscape largely to yourself.

There are miles of skiing and snowshoeing possibilities in Glacier but, as with any other park setting, take into account your skiing ability and backcountry knowledge, and check with rangers for weather and snow conditions. Familiarity with the park and good maps are great to have, as most ski routes are not marked. A topographic map will help. Plan to break trail on less popular routes.

Several trails in the Apgar Village area are available for winter skiing and snowshoeing and may be viewed on the Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing page of the park website. The unplowed section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, beyond Lake McDonald Lodge, is also a popular winter ski and snowshoe route. Winter recreation brochures and maps are available at Park Headquarters and the Apgar Visitor Center.

Going-to-the-Sun Road closes to wheeled traffic at Lake McDonald Lodge, but there is still much to do. Try a 16-mile round-trip cross-country ski from Lake McDonald Lodge to Avalanche Lake, or strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore any of the forests accessible via the roads.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Once the snow is deep enough the Teton Park Road is closed to wheeled traffic and open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Last winter that didn't happen until early January, so keep tabs on the park's website. The road gets groomed for cross-country skiing (thanks to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation) from the Taggart Lake parking area to Signal Mountain.

You also can explore trails along the Moose-Wilson Road, the Colter Bay area, or farther north near Flagg Ranch. Some areas are closed in winter to lessen the impact on wildlife, so be sure to check at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center for that information. 

The Moose-Wilson Road is a corridor road connecting the towns of Moose and Wilson. In the winter the road is closed from the south at the Granite Trailhead and from the north at the Death Canyon Junction, providing 3 miles (4.8 km) of walking, skiing, and snowshoeing. As you ski or snowshoe on the road you will wind through forest and marsh habitats, covered in deep snow and ice. Be aware that not all is frozen underfoot, thin ice can be dangerous—use caution.

Intrepid skiers will use Jackson Lake, once it freezes solid, to cross into the canyons of the Tetons for some earned turns. 

Looking for wildlife? Check out the nearby National Elk Refuge. A great sidetrip if you find yourself in Jackson is the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

When it snows in the Smokies, the 7-mile road to the summit of Kuwohi (formerly called Clingmans Dome) is closed to vehicles but available for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. There’s even a volunteer Nordic Ski Patrol that serves as a contact point for visitors using the road during winter.

The road starts 0.1 mile south of Newfound Gap.

Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

This lakeside park offers snowshoers 45 miles of trails perfect for exploring winter. Cross-country skiers also are welcome, and most repeaters head to the Ly-co-ki-we and Inland Marsh trails for skinny skiing. The best option for cross-country skiing is the Glenwood Dunes Trail. This 6.4-mile trail is a series of interconnecting loops that meander through gently rolling wooded dunes. 

The 2.9-mile Tolleston Dunes Trail System winds amid varied habitats ranging from oak savanna to wetlands and is a good choice for advanced skiers. There are some difficult hills that can be tricky to navigate.

If you need snowshoes, free rentals are avaiable at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education for use on the Paul H. Douglas Trail, weather permitting.

Visitors must bring their own snowshoes and cross-country skis for these activities at other places in the park. A 4-6 inch snow base is recommended. Trails are not groomed. Call the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center at 219-395-1882 for trail conditions. 

Park staff say the best areas to bring your own cross-country skiis or snowshoe equipement include:

Glenwood Dunes Trails

This extensive trail system features interconnected loops through gently rolling wooded dunes ranging from less than a mile to nearly 15 miles. The trail system can be accessed from either the Glenwood Dunes Trails parking lot or the Calumet Dunes Trail parking lot.

Tolleston Dunes Trail

This 2.9 mile trail winds amid varied habitats ranging from oak savanna to wetlands and is a good choice for advanced skiers. There are some difficult hills that can be tricky to navigate.

Hikers and visitors using snowshoes are asked to walk to the right of the cross-country ski tracks whenever possible. Sledding is allowed just southwest of the West Beach picnic shelters on the east-facing slope of the West Beach Trails. Sledding is prohibited on marram grass and is only permitted when adequate snow cover is present.

Snowmobiling is not allowed anywhere in the park.

Another popular winter activity at Indiana Dunes is admiring the shelf ice that often forms along the edge of Lake Michigan during periods of cold weather. But don't be fooled. Despite its appearance, the shelf ice is not solid. In fact, due to the way it is formed, the shelf ice has numerous air pockets. It can be difficult to tell where the ice ends and the beach begins.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Backcountry skiers flock to Lassen because of its wide expanses of terrain on and around Lassen Peak. More than half of the year Lassen is blanketed in snow. Although the park highway closes to through traffic during the winter months, the Southwest and Manzanita Lake areas remain accessible year-round. Visit the park's year-round Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (see hours) and enjoy the steep slopes in the Southwest Area or explore the gentler terrain in the Manzanita Lake area.

The old Lassen Ski Area, located above the present-day Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, closed in 1994. The area is still used by backcountry skier and snowboarders.

The snow-covered park highway is best for beginner to intermediate cross-country skiers and can be accessed from the park's northwest and southwest entrances. View oversnow routes in the Manzanita Lake Area (beginner/intermediate) or Southwest Area (intermediate/advanced). Just south of the park, the McGowan Cross-Country Ski Area in Lassen National Forest also provides additional routes; pets are permitted on Forest Service trails and routes.

If you’re looking for sledding fun at Lassen, the steep slopes in the Southwest Area of the park, near the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, are popular with experienced sledders. Be sure to choose a slope that is right for your group and the conditions because sledding is the No. 1 cause of visitor injury in the winter season. Each winter rangers treat and evacuate sledders with head and spine injuries, lacerations, and broken bones. Icy snow creates very fast sledding conditions and trees and rocks abound in this area.

The Sulphur Works hydrothermal area is accessible via a two-mile roundtrip route along the snow-covered park highway. The hydrothermal features are visible year-round due to the high temperatures of steam vents, mudpots and boiling springs. Visitors are encouraged to visit these special areas during the winter season, but are reminded that traveling too close to these areas has resulted in severe injuries for previous visitors. The snow surrounding hydrothermal features can look solid but may actually be a weak snow layer hiding poles of acidic boiling water. Reduce your risk of injury by maintaining a safe distance.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Site, Vermont

This park near Woodstock, Vermont, has 20 miles of trails and carriage roads that, come winter and snowfall, are used only for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The carriage roads date to the late 1800s when Frederick Billings oversaw their construction through the pastures and woodlots on the property. Those woodlots, by the way, now host some 400-year-old hemlocks. The average winter snow fall here is 80 inches, and the trails are usually in good condition for skiing between January and March, according to park officials. 

The Woodstock Resort Corporation holds an easement on all of the park's carriage roads and trails for winter use. The Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center maintains and grooms over 20 kilometers/12 miles of park trails as part of its larger Nordic trail network. To use these trails for skiing and snowshoeing you must have a valid Day ticket or Season pass. Passes can be purchased at the Nordic Center on Rte 106. For more information visit: Woodstock Nordic Center | The Woodstock Inn and Resort or call (802) 457-6674.

You can check trail conditions at this site.

Approximately 4 miles of trail along the main carriage road corridors have been designated as ‘Multi-Use Trails’ in winter – walkers are permitted to use these trails free of charge (without purchasing a pass from the Nordic Center) provided they do not walk in the ski tracks, keep dogs on leash at all times, and respect the skiing-and snowshoeing-only trails. 

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

When there’s enough snow, the park grooms several trails for snowshoeing and skiing.

Cross-country Ski Trails

The following trails will be groomed for classic and skate skiing as conditions allow:

Morefield Trails (map): Park at the Morefield Campground Store for access to the following trails. The groomed trail begins between the store and the laundry mat, look for the trailhead register.

Backcountry Trails: These trails are not regularly groomed and provide for more solitude and self-sufficiency.

Cliff Palace Loop Trail (map): Park at the north end of the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum parking lot. Follow the groomed trail to the Mesa Top Road and Cliff Palace Road intersection. Cross the Mesa Top Road and follow the Cliff Palace Loop road which will eventually loop back to the Mesa Top Road and Cliff Palace Road intersection. Lastly, follow the groomed trail back to the museum parking lot. Due to its distance this trail is rated as moderate but the terrain is relatively flat. Numerous cliff dwelling viewpoints are available along the way. Total roundtrip distance is 6.5 miles.

Prater Canyon: CLOSED

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Winter access to Paradise is scheduled to occur Fridays through Mondays. The popular sledding area at Paradise once again will not be open, and there are no other areas in the park where sledding is allowed.

Paradise is accessible by foot when the road is closed by using the existing trail system. The Wonderland Trail connects Longmire to Narada Falls and the unplowed Paradise Valley Road. Consider this to be a true wilderness outing, as it requires trail-breaking, navigating avalanche terrain, fording icy rivers, and camping overnight. It is critical to have a high level of skill with winter terrain and navigation.

Do not walk or ski in the roadway—use the trails. Use caution when crossing the road. Vehicles, including snowplows, could be present at any time and cannot stop quickly in winter conditions.

The Longmire area also has a number of trails perfect for snowshoeing once the snowpack builds. According to the Park Service, on heavy snow years there could be as much as 5 feet of snow on the ground around Longmire.

Though the roads are closed to vehicles, the east side entrances of SR 410 in the northeast and SR 123 in the southeast are open to recreation such as snowshoeing.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Hurricane Ridge is the focal point for snow and winter recreation, with opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Weather permitting, Hurricane Ridge Road opens Friday through Sunday during the winter season, but storms or avalanche hazards can lead to road closures at any time.

With its easy access and 15 to 20 miles of routes, Hurricane Ridge is the focus of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Olympic National Park. Though winter explorers of all abilities can enjoy the area, flat, easy, beginner ski terrain is limited to the meadows above the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Backcountry skiers can explore several slopes and bowls in the area. No trails are groomed or marked, however two routes use unplowed roads, which can usually be navigated.

The park staff provides the following tips on where to ski or snowshoe:

Easiest Terrain

The Meadows

The meadows above the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center offer gentle, easy terrain for everyone and excellent views in fair weather. Because the meadows are exposed to the sun and wind, they can be icy or wind packed.

More Difficult

Hurricane Hill Road 1.3 mi/2.1 km one way
Beginning just west of the visitor center, this trail first descends steeply, then follows the rolling, moderate ridgeline along the unplowed Hurricane Hill Road. Experienced skiers can use this trail to reach the Hurricane Hill Route (see Most Difficult), as well as several bowls for backcountry skiing. In clear weather there are good views to the north and south, especially at the trail/road terminus at the Hurricane Hill trailhead. Much of this ridgetop trail is sheltered by a subalpine forest, making it a good choice in windy, inclement weather or when there is elevated avalanche hazard.

Wolf Creek Trail 8 mi/12.9 km one way to Whiskey Bend
This route begins 0.6 miles west of the visitor center along the unplowed Hurricane Hill Road and descends through meadows and forests into the Elwha Valley. There are several south-facing slopes near the beginning, which are good for backcountry skiing. The Wolf Creek Trail is seldom snow-covered at lower elevations. Users generally descend just a few miles through forest and several meadows, with views to the south, then return the same way.

Obstruction Point Road: To Waterhole 3.4 mi/5.5 km one way
Rather than descend the exposed, steep, often drifted and icy route of the summer Obstruction Point Road, the winter route starts at the sharp curve along the Hurricane Ridge Road, 0.5 miles below the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Park in the pull-off below the curve, cross to the east side of the road and walk the snow bank back uphill to the curve. After descending a steep but short meadow, the route intersects and follows the unplowed Obstruction Point Road. Except for the initial descent, the first 1.5 miles are relatively easy and sheltered by forest. After a steep climb, the route crosses below Steeple Rock and continues onto a short section of exposed slopes, which can be drifted, icy and difficult to traverse. After that, the trail flattens and meanders through sheltered subalpine forest. Beyond Waterhole, it climbs steeply.

Most Difficult

Hurricane Hill Route 1.6 mi/2.6 km one way
This route starts at the end of the Hurricane Hill Road route and climbs 700 feet to the summit of Hurricane Hill. There are several very steep sidehills if users follow the summer trail route, so use extreme caution under icy or elevated avalanche hazard conditions. As an alternative, skiers and snowshoers can follow the ridgeline, which has fewer steep sections. Be careful to stay off cornices that build up along the lee side of the ridge. Under good conditions, advanced skiers or snowshoers will find this a rewarding trip with good views and some nice slopes.

Obstruction Point Road: Waterhole to end 4.3 mi/6.9 km one way (Obstruction Point Road is 7.8 mi/12.5 km one way)
This route begins midway out the unplowed Obstruction Point Road (see description above for the first 3.4 miles to Waterhole). After Waterhole, the route gains 900 feet, climbing steadily for 0.5 miles to open slopes on Eagle Point. In clear weather, views can be spectacular but steep sidehills and exposure to storms make this a difficult route. It is recommended only under good conditions for experienced skiers. Travelers beyond Obstruction Point should expect steep terrain with high avalanche potential.

Sunrise Ridge 2.1 mi/3.4 km one way
Begin this route by crossing below the intermediate rope tow and tube park, then climbing to the right of the ski hill (stay right of the trees). After crossing under the top of the ski area’s intermediate rope tow, this route follows a narrow ridge toward the south side of Mount Angeles. There are several avalanche prone areas along the way, so check conditions and use caution under unstable conditions. Be especially careful to stay off cornices that form along the ridge and side ridges. Several scenic slopes on the east side descend to the Hurricane Ridge Road.

Depending on the snow level, other roads and trails in the park and in Olympic National Forest may be snow-covered. Check at the visitor center for current snow levels. For example, the Deer Park Road may provide skiing or snowshoeing opportunities. If the snow level is low enough, the road may be skiable from the boundary, but users usually need to hike several miles before reaching snow.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

More than 20 miles of cross-country trails crisscross the lakeshore (and ice climbing is another highly popular outlet at the lakeshore). The Sand Point Snowshoe Trail is a 1.5 mile-long-loop trail beginning on Sand Point Road at the Sand Point Marsh Trailhead just a quarter-mile south of the park’s headquarters.

Other snowshoe treks at Pictured Rocks include the 5.6-mile round trip into Miners Falls from the “end of plowing” on the Miners Castle Road, the 6.5-mile round trip to Miners Castle from the “end of plowing” on the Miners Castle Road, the 6-mile round trip into Beaver Lake from H-58 via the summer access road, and the 10-mile trip to Chapel Falls from H-58 via the summer access road.

You can pick up the North Country National Scenic Trail near the Munising Falls parking lot or the Grand Sable Visitor Center parking lot and follow it for many miles.

Trails are marked with blue diamonds. Maps are located at trailheads and at trail intersections. Watch and listen for grooming equipment when you ski. Some Munising trail loops feature interpretive wayside exhibits along the route. Be sure to stop at these to learn about the interesting natural and human history of the area.

View and download the Munising Ski Trails map (1.68 MB pdf).
View and download the Grand Marais Ski Trails map (1.98 MB pdf).

Though wildlife is pretty scarce in winter, tracks of otter, red squirrel, American marten, fisher, deer, grouse, raven, and snowshoe hare are often seen.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is 415 square miles of wonderful winter wilderness. You can backcountry ski steep slopes, kick-and-glide Nordic trails, snowshoe into the high country, and on occasion even find dry ground for hiking if you don’t have the gear for snowy pursuits.

Most park trails can be explored with snowshoes. A few pieces of equipment are essential: you will need a pair of snowshoes and waterproof boots. Poles are helpful for maintaining balance, but optional. Waterproof pants or gaiters help keep you warm and dry.

Cross-country skiers might want to focus on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, as the terrain and generally deeper snows make for better for ski conditions. On either side of the divide, you can snowshoe on most park hiking trails. Cross-country skiing works well on Trail Ridge Road once it’s snow-covered.

For climbers, Hidden Falls, Jewel Lake, All Mixed Up, Petite Grepon and Grace Falls are all popular ice-climbing destinations. 

Hidden Valley is the one place in Rocky Mountain where sledding is allowed. No tows are provided, and you must provide your own plastic sled (sleds with metal runners are NOT allowed), saucer, or tube (if you don't bring your own they may be rented in Estes Park at most any outdoor shop). You walk your sled/saucer/tube up the hill and slide down. It's a pretty gentle hill, being the bottom of the bunny slope of the former Hidden Valley Ski Area.

Wildlife still call the park home in winter—elk and bighorn can be found, and birding for colorful Pine Grosbeaks, raucous Gray Jays, and the hard-to-spot White-tailed ptarmagins can consume all the daylight hours.

Look for moose along the Colorado River on the park's west side. Elk and mule deer are most active at dusk and dawn, and are usually seen in meadow areas. Look for bighorn sheep along the Highway 34/Fall River corridor on the park's east side. Coyotes may be seen any time of day.

Members of the Jay family, including Steller's jays, with their striking blue bodies and crested heads, gray jays, Clark's nutcrackers, and the iridescent, long-tailed black-billed magpies are commonly seen in the park.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Is there a more sublime snow experience than skiing or snowshoeing through the giant trees found in these two parks? Trails can be found in both the Giant Forest of Sequoia and Grant Grove in Kings Canyon.

According to park staff, many trails are suitable for snowshoeing when there's enough snow. You can rent snowshoes at the Grant Grove Market or bring your own. Purchase a map of ski trails at any visitor center and look for reflective markers on trees that show popular paths. When snowshoeing, stay clear of ski tracks. Check the park newspaper's winter safety tips.

Rangers lead snowshoe hikes when conditions allow. The park provides the snowshoes; you bring warm layered clothing, waterproof boots, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and a snack. The walks are moderately strenuous. Children who participate in ranger-led snowshoe walks must be 10 years and up (due to the size of the snowshoes and the moderately strenuous conditions). Waterproof shoes are required (no tennis shoes please). Walks last 1½ - 2 hours and are range from 1.5 - 2 miles in length.

Snowshoe walks typically begin as soon as there's enough snow on the ground, and end as snow conditions deteriorate. If snow conditions are poor, rangers may offer a guided hike instead of a snowshoe walk. For these hikes, the park staff recommends traction devices (cleats) for your boots.

Snowshoe walks may be cancelled if there's not enough snow or due to poor weather conditions. Snowshoes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Check with a local visitor center, or visit the park's Calendar of Events to see when and where snowshoe walks or other programs are being offered.

On your own, check out the 2-mile long Sunset Rock beginner trail in the Giant Forest to the 6.2-mile Alta Trail that takes you from Wolverton to the Giant Forest. All told, there are more than 30 miles to explore in this land of the giants.

If there is sufficient snow, many areas of the park may be accessed by skis. Both Giant Forest and Grant Grove offer ski trails through sequoia groves. 

If you like to ski, test yourself on the Trail of the Sequoias, an advanced intermediate route, or the Pear Lake Trail, recommended for advanced skiers. This 12-mile round-trip takes you to the 9,500-foot summit of “the Hump.”

Both Giant Forest and Grant Grove offer ski trails through sequoia groves. You can purchase a map of ski trails online or at any visitor center. 

For well-prepared and skilled winter travelers, the challenges of exploring park wilderness lands in winter can lead to a rewarding experience. Be familiar with ways to stay safe in cold or snowy weather conditions; be prepared for emergencies, and remember that weather in these mountains can change suddenly. Wilderness permits are required for all overnight trips away from designated campgrounds. Whether you stay at Pear Lake Winter Hut or create your own campsite, enjoy your adventure and be safe.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail that runs 22 miles between Empire and the Bohemia Road is groomed for both classic track and skate skiing. Other ski trails are not groomed but are usually well tracked by previous skiers.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

The park does not groom any trails for cross-country skiing. Skiers blaze their own trails through the snow. The best places to cross-country ski are on the frozen Little Missouri River and on closed park roads.

Skiing on park trails can be somewhat difficult. The trails are narrow and many cross creek bottoms. These creek bottoms are like little canyons and may be too steep for safe skiing. They, and all coulees and draws, may also fill up with blowing snow hiding their true depth.

Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico

There are no groomed trails in the preserve. All unplowed roads and trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Skiers and snowshoers are free to kick-and-glide or tromp through an open valley or deep into a silent forest. In general, terrain and deeper snows on north slopes in the preserve make for better for cross-country skiing.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

The park maintains many miles of cross-country, snowshoe, and even snowmobile trails. The Black Bay Trail System near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center features 7.4 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. These trails include loops for all skill levels: beginner, intermediate, and expert.

There's also a short snowshoe trail there, as well. The Black Bay Beaver Pond Overlook Trail leads one-half mile to an active beaver pond. 

Cross country skis are available at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Adult and child-sized skis, boots and poles are available free-of-charge during regular visitor center hours. Call the Rainy Lake Visitor Center at (218) 286-5258 for availability.

For suggestions on how to spend several winter days at Voyageurs, check out this story from Traveler's archives.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Yellowstone is something of a winter nirvana: It usually offers copious amounts of snow in the interior, there are roads for both snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, and wildlife is easily seen.

But whether you are skiing a groomed trail in a developed area or venturing into the backcountry, just remember that you are traveling in wilderness with all its dangers: unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, hydrothermal areas, deep snow, open streams, and avalanches. Your safety is not guaranteed. Be prepared for any situation and know the limits of your ability.

If you're staying at Old Faithful, stop at the visitor center to pick up maps of cross-country and snowshoe trails. A great morning or afternoon trek leads from Old Faithful down to Lone Star Geyser.

For park visitors who don’t reach Yellowstone’s interior, the road from the north entrance to the northeast entrance is plowed during the winter, making the ski areas around Mammoth, Tower, and the northeast accessible to private vehicles.

At last check, approximately 35 miles of park trails are groomed for cross-country skiers, some on the Grand Loop Road, some on trails that parallel the road, and some that head out from roads across the landscape. That said, all unplowed roads and trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 

Resources:

• https://www.nps.gov/tripideas/yell-trip-ski-area-canyon.htm
• https://www.nps.gov/tripideas/yell-trip-ski-area-mammoth.htm
• https://www.nps.gov/tripideas/yell-trip-ski-area-northeast.htm
• https://www.nps.gov/tripideas/yell-trip-ski-area-tower.htm

Yosemite National Park, California

The impact of snowstorms can be unpredictable at Yosemite, but when things are right, the landscape is gorgeous and captivating. For skiers and snowshoers, there are several marked winter trails available, generally from mid-December through March. But you’ll probably have to leave the valley to enjoy those activities, as the Yosemite Valley usually doesn't have sufficient snow for skiing or snowshoeing.

Head up to the Glacier Point Road and you’ll find 90 miles of marked snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, and 10.5 miles of groomed skating track. From the Badger Pass Ski Area snowshoers can take a short trip out to Dewey Point, with guides from the Yosemite Conservancy, or head out into Aspen Grove for a selfguided snowshoe hike. There are also two overnight huts accessible from the ski area for the more adventurous.

Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available from at the Badger Pass Ski Area Nordic Center. You can also get lessons on classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and telemark through the Nordic Center.

The Crane Flat area is another popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with marked winter routes that range from short scenic out-and-back trips to Crane Flat Lookout (1.5 miles, 2.4 km one way) to a longer tour on the Gin Flat Loop Trail (6.25 mi, 10.1 km, roundtrip). These winter routes are not groomed for skiing.

Crane Flat ski and snowshoe routes start in the Crane Flat area, including from the parking areas for the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of giant sequoias. The trails begin at roughly 6,200 feet (1,900 m). Be sure to check for chain requirements during the winter season.

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is another popular area for cross-country skiers or snowshoers in good snow years. The Washburn Trail winds from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza through the forest up to the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area. While ideal for snowshoers, it could be challenging for inexperienced skiers, especially once the snowshoe track has been established. Fortunately, you can also ski or snowshoe up (and down) the road where there is more space for both skiers and snowshoers.

Access to the parking area for the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza is just north South Entrance. At only about 5,100 feet in elevation (1,500 m), snow is less reliable here than at higher elevations, but will grow deeper as you continue up toward the grove itself.

You can find brochures and maps for skiing and snowshoeing in the park at these sites:

• Badger Pass Ski Area and along the Glacier Point Road
• Crane Flat area

Additional resources from the Traveler archives:

Winter: A “Secret Season” in the South’s Loftiest National Parks

Experience Winter, Minnesota Style, At Voyageurs National Park

A Winter Visit To Sequoia National Park

National Park Turns: The Slides Of March

Mount Rainier, "A Significant Winter Playground"

Otherworldly Winter Weather In The Badlands