December is a fantastic time to visit national parks, whether you’re looking for snowy landscapes, mild desert climates, or tropical escapes.
Here are 10 of the best national parks to visit in December
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Why Visit Yellowstone National Park in December?
- Fewer crowds and a magical winter landscape
- Opportunity to see wildlife like wolves, bison, and elk in the snow
- Unique winter experiences like geysers steaming in the cold air
Top Activities
- Snowcoach or snowmobile tours to Old Faithful and Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
- Wildlife watching in Lamar Valley
Top Places to Visit
- Old Faithful
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Weather in December
- Cold! Temperatures range from 0°F to 30°F (-18°C to -1°C)
- Heavy snowfall is common
2. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Why Visit Grand Canyon National Park in December?
- Stunning snow-dusted canyon views
- Smaller crowds compared to summer
- Cooler temperatures make hiking more enjoyable
Top Activities
- South Rim hiking (Bright Angel Trail, Rim Trail)
- Scenic drives along Desert View Drive
- Sunrise and sunset viewing at Mather Point
Top Places to Visit
- South Rim (most accessible in winter)
- Desert View Watchtower
- Phantom Ranch (if hiking into the canyon)
Weather in December
- South Rim: 20°F to 45°F (-7°C to 7°C)
- North Rim is closed due to snow
3. Zion National Park (Utah)
Why Visit Zion National Park in December?
- Mild winter weather compared to summer
- Avoid the intense summer crowds
- Beautiful contrast of red rock formations with occasional snow
Top Activities
- Hiking trails like Angels Landing & The Watchman
- Exploring The Narrows (wetsuits recommended)
- Scenic drives along Zion Canyon
Top Places to Visit
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
- Emerald Pools
- Kolob Canyons
Weather in December
- 30°F to 50°F (-1°C to 10°C)
- Light snow possible but trails remain accessible
4. Yosemite National Park (California)
Why Visit Yosemite National Park in December?
- Breathtaking snowy landscapes
- Ice skating at Curry Village
- Less crowded compared to summer
Top Activities
- Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in Badger Pass
- Photographing Yosemite Falls and Half Dome in the snow
- Ice skating at Yosemite Valley Lodge
Top Places to Visit
- Tunnel View (great winter photography spot)
- Yosemite Falls
- Glacier Point (if accessible)
Weather in December
- 28°F to 50°F (-2°C to 10°C)
- Snowfall common, especially in higher elevations
5. Everglades National Park (Florida)
Why Visit Everglades National Park in December?
- Dry season = fewer mosquitoes and more wildlife sightings
- Warm temperatures make exploring more comfortable
- Best time for birdwatching
Top Activities
- Airboat rides through the wetlands
- Wildlife viewing (alligators, manatees, birds)
- Kayaking through mangrove tunnels
Top Places to Visit
- Shark Valley
- Anhinga Trail
- Ten Thousand Islands
Weather in December
- 55°F to 77°F (13°C to 25°C)
- Warm and dry, little rain
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)
Why Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park in December?
- Scenic winter landscapes with occasional snow
- Fewer crowds and peaceful hiking trails
- Holiday festivities in nearby towns like Gatlinburg
Top Activities
- Winter hiking to Alum Cave Trail or Laurel Falls
- Driving along Newfound Gap Road
- Wildlife viewing (elk in Cataloochee Valley)
Top Places to Visit
- Clingmans Dome (highest point)
- Cades Cove (historical cabins & wildlife)
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Weather in December
- 20°F to 50°F (-7°C to 10°C)
- Snow at higher elevations
7. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Why Visit Bryce Canyon National Park in December?
- Hoodoos covered in snow create a stunning landscape
- Great for winter photography
- Fewer tourists compared to summer
Top Activities
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
- Stargazing in the clear winter sky
- Hiking the Queen’s Garden Trail (if safe)
Top Places to Visit
- Bryce Amphitheater
- Inspiration Point
- Sunset and Sunrise Points
Weather in December
- 15°F to 40°F (-9°C to 4°C)
- Snow common, making views more dramatic
8. Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada)
Why Visit Death Valley National Park in December?
- Cooler temperatures make exploring comfortable
- Clear skies for stargazing
- Unique desert landscapes without extreme heat
Top Activities
- Hiking Golden Canyon or Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
- Visiting Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America)
- Driving through Artist’s Palette and Zabriskie Point
Top Places to Visit
- Dante’s View
- Furnace Creek
- Devil’s Golf Course
Weather in December
- 40°F to 65°F (4°C to 18°C)
- Cool and dry, perfect for hiking
9. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Why Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in December?
- Snow-covered mountains create a winter wonderland
- Excellent snowshoeing and winter hiking
- Wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep still active
Top Activities
- Snowshoeing in Bear Lake area
- Cross-country skiing in Hidden Valley
- Scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road (if open)
Top Places to Visit
- Bear Lake
- Sprague Lake
- Moraine Park
Weather in December
- 10°F to 35°F (-12°C to 2°C)
- Heavy snow at higher elevations
10. Big Bend National Park (Texas)
Why Visit Big Bend National Park in December?
- Mild desert temperatures perfect for hiking
- Stunning sunrises and sunsets over the mountains
- Fewer visitors compared to spring
Top Activities
- Hiking in Santa Elena Canyon
- Soaking in the Hot Springs near the Rio Grande
- Scenic drive along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Top Places to Visit
- Chisos Basin
- Boquillas Canyon
- Lost Mine Trail
Weather in December
- 40°F to 65°F (4°C to 18°C)
- Cool, dry, and great for hiking
Tag: Best National Parks to Visit in December, best US national parks to visit in December, best California national park to visit in December, best national park to visit in December
