Top 5: Parks in December

Rocky Mountain National Park

The Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is picturesque any time of year, but with more than 60 snow-covered mountaintops, December is a great time to go. The park offers cold-weather activities to keep visitors enjoying the beauty, from snowshoeing to more adventurous ice climbing, skiing and trail hiking.

Yosemite National Park © Pcivello | Dreamstime

Yosemite National Park

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, Yosemite will have a range of landscapes to explore. Known for the giant cliffs and ancient Sequoia trees, Yosemite will have milder temperatures while still offering an idyllic winter landscape.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah © Minyun Zhou | Dreamstime

Bryce Canyon National Park

The bright rust and red rocks of Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park will be dramatically juxtaposed against the stark white snow in December. The park is known for its unique beauty all year-round, but the winter months make the landscape even more surreal.

Death Valley National Park © Katrina Brown | Dreamstime

Death Valley National Park

California’s typically scorching Death Valley National Park will be an ideal destination in December. This is the park’s busiest season, but for good reason — The eclectic landscape mixed with sand dunes, expansive desert, snow-capped peaks and unique foliage. Trekking the expansive park will be much more tolerable in the 70-degree weather during December.

© Pamela Peters | Dreamstime

Grand Canyon

The traffic to the most0visited national park. The Grand Canyon, slows down in the winter months. This will be good for travelers to the Arizona destination for scenic views with less tourist congestion. Visitors should be prepared for ice, snow and breathtaking views.