Winter beckons in Yosemite National Park. It’s a time of sparse crowds, crisp air, great views, deep snow, and forests of giants. Head out in the morning on your snowshoes and watch for the tracks of snowy denizens of the forest, or take a heart-pounding skate-ski up a road until the valley vista presents itself.

Where in the National Park System might you turn this winter for an incredible journey? The list is long...

Imagine this: you step outside your car and the freezing cold air immediately takes your breath away. You grab your cross-country skis and slowly walk toward the fresh corduroy. The snow crunches beneath your boots. As the bitter cold of January in the Tetons runs through your body, you question why you woke up at the crack of dawn for this.

Since 1966, national scenic and historic trails have been an American priority. They traverse mountains, canyons, forests, and grasslands across the country, crossing creeks and rivers and skirting lakes. These narrow corridors through the wilderness provide recreation and protect historic resources while conserving natural features. There are many physical, emotional, and logistical requirements for these trips, and winter is the perfect season to get in shape and plan for a long walk. Here’s a quick look at a few of these trails to help you plan a trip.