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Discover The 12 National Parks That Partially Close Every Winter
Visiting national parks is all about exploring the great outdoors, but sometimes winter decides to complicate things. With snowdrifts taller than your car and conditions that make even the hardiest adventurer think twice, some of these parks just shut certain areas down for the season.
And honestly, who can blame them? Between icy trails, avalanche risks, and roads that turn into snow-covered slip ’n slides, it’s not exactly the season for casual sightseeing. Plus, let’s face it…snowplowing a mountain pass isn’t a job anyone’s signing up for.
But don’t worry, these closures aren’t just to cramp your plans – they’re there to keep you in one piece and to protect the parks themselves. So, if you’re planning a winter park trip, prep for some detours and closures because nature just doesn’t do convenience.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Ever picture yourself driving through Yellowstone in winter? Too bad. Most roads in the park are closed to regular traffic from early November to mid-April. That’s right; you’ll need a snowmobile or a snow coach to explore like a pro…or you can just wait for spring like the rest of us.
The park does, however, offer stunning winter recreation, so you can still snowshoe, ski, or shiver while taking in the bizarre fact that bison don’t even seem to notice sub-zero temps.
Yosemite National Park, California
Love a scenic drive? Not on the Tioga Pass or Glacier Point roads in winter. Both iconic routes shut down from November through late May or June due to snow. But don’t worry – Yosemite is still breathtakingly beautiful in winter.
Think snowy landscapes so gorgeous they’ll make you forget your car is stuck in the visitor center parking lot. On a positive note: the closed roads become playgrounds for skiers and snowshoers. But bring layers. Lots and lots of layers.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Trail Ridge Road, the park’s superstar, transforms into a no-go zone by mid-October. Ascending over 12,000 feet, it turns out not even your car is that committed. And it stays locked down until June most years thanks to snowdrifts taller than some houses…plus the whole avalanche thing.
Fear not, though. For those willing to hike around on snowy trails, winter wildlife sightings and panoramic views are still up for grabs. Just don’t trip on an ice patch – these elk will definitely judge you.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Would you like to visit Sunrise, the highest point in Mount Rainier accessible by car? Too bad; that area “closes for the season” by late September or early October, staying shut until late June or July.
Translation? You’ll just have to settle for Rainier’s cozy winter vibes closer to sea level. Snowshoe to your heart’s content, but make peace with the fact you’re no longer on top of the world.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Rim Drive and the North Entrance wave the white flag by November and hibernate until July. That’s what happens when snow here piles up like it’s trying to set a world record.
But hey, don’t sulk – you can still enjoy snowmobiling or cross-country skiing while marveling at the bluest lake you’ve ever seen. Just maybe don’t try to drive up Rim Drive on “the off chance it’s open”…it’s not.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Mineral King sounds like some sort of mystical treasure trove, right? Well, not in winter, it doesn’t. Once late October hits, the roads here throw in the towel, and the area shuts down until late May.
That said, nothing screams “winter getaway” like walking among massive sequoias while wondering how many bears are currently hibernating around you. Pro tip? Chains and 4WD are probably not optional.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Picture this – or don’t; I’m not one to judge – because sections of Lassen Volcanic are buried under snow from November through May. The main park road shuts down, along with multiple facilities, because turning into an ice rink wasn’t in the operational manual.
Still, winter means fewer crowds, so break out your snowshoes or skis and feel smug while enjoying its geothermal wonders in penguin-level peace.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Excited to see Hurricane Ridge? Well, good luck. This road is subject to fickle winter closures and operates only Friday through Sunday depending on snow conditions.
But when it’s open, you’re treated to epic mountain views and bald eagles casually soaring overhead. Just make sure to check the road status before heading up…or risk turning your family outing into an impromptu snow chain tutorial.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive has its moment during the warmer months, but when winter rolls in – it politely nopes out past the Upper Lehman Creek Campground.
Snow makes further travel impossible, creating a winter wonderland only accessible to those on foot (or skis if you’re fancy like that). But the sparkling snow-covered peaks might just make you forget the discomfort of winter hiking…but probably not.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Think you’re driving down Park Loop Road in December? Hardly. It’s closed from December 1 to April 14. Why? Well, coastal Maine winters aren’t for the faint of heart, so Acadia takes a pause while snow and icy winds take center stage.
On the happier note, cross-country skiing here is magical. And by magical, I mean absurdly cold but ridiculously beautiful.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Winter in North Cascades means the highway is a no-go. Specifically, the iconic North Cascades Highway shuts down because “avalanche risk” and “do you want to survive?” are very real concerns here.
But don’t worry – the park’s breathtaking snow-capped peaks are still yours to explore by other means. Bring a camera, though; every snowy view here practically demands to be photographed…not that your fingers will work in these temps.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Teton Park Road waves goodbye to cars on November 1 and stays closed until mid-May. But before you throw your beanie in frustration, take note – you can still wander this snowy utopia on cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Quiet trails, pristine snow, and a backdrop worthy of a cozy winter movie might even make you forget about the whole road-closure thing.
Bonus: Isle Royale National Park, Michigan (Totally Closed)
Here’s a fun one for your winter travel plans…it’s not happening. Isle Royale completely shuts down in winter with zero visitation allowed.
Why? Oh, just the small matters of heavy snow, extreme cold, and the logistical gymnastics required to get there when it’s an island in Michigan. It’s almost like the island itself is saying, “Can we have some me-time here?” Fair enough.
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