Written by the TripOutside team, who have personally snowshoed and skied in many U.S. National Parks. For parks our team hasn’t yet visited in winter, each experience has been personally evaluated through direct conversations with local guides and outfitters, and carefully curated based on firsthand insight, permits, and winter expertise.
Winter in America’s National Parks feels like an entirely different world. Trails that are crowded in summer become hushed and peaceful under a blanket of snow. Wildlife is easier to spot against a white backdrop. Steam rises from rivers and geyser basins. Fresh snowfall covers the landscape in light-reflecting sparkle.
After visiting multiple U.S. National Parks in winter – from snowshoeing beneath the jagged Tetons to exploring frozen alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park – we’ve found the off-season offers the most intimate way to experience these landscapes. If you’re looking for solitude, beauty, and slow and intentional exploration, the colder months are one of the most rewarding times to go.
Winter Travel Note: Winter conditions change fast in national parks. Road closures, avalanche risk, and weather can affect access. Always check official park updates and consider guided tours for safe, responsible winter travel.
Grand Teton National Park – Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
Snowshoeing tours in Grand Teton National Park give you front-row access to the stillness and stunning winter landscapes that define the season in the Park. If you’ve ever passed beneath the Tetons, you know the iconic view of the peaks towering above, but seeing them fully blanketed in snow with white, twinkling meadows all around is a completely different experience.
Within the park, forested trails weave through cottonwoods and open up into hidden groves and meadows. You move quietly through the snow while looking for moose, fox, elk, or the occasional trumpeter swan. Guided half day and full day snowshoe adventures led by expert local naturalists are fantastic options for families, beginners and those with experience. As you explore the winter backcountry, your guide will share insights about the park’s winter ecology, geology, and animal tracking. For a more active adventure at a moderate to aerobic pace, these customized private snowshoe tours will raise your heart rate while you learn about animal tracking.
For a winter experience that goes beyond a standard snowshoe outing, we highly recommend a Wildlife Safari and Snowshoe Tour with Igloo Lunch or Dinner. One of the most unique winter adventures offered in the Tetons, these adventures combine wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and a fireside meal (lunch or dinner) at a private winter camp on a local ranch. The tour includes snowshoeing through peaceful winter terrain in Grand Teton National Park, looking for elk, moose, raptors and other wildlife in the snowy valley, then settling in for a delicious meal in a glowing igloo shelter beneath the Tetons. It’s an intimate, private outing perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting an unforgettable winter experience in Grand Teton National Park.
If you prefer to explore on skis, Grand Teton is also home to an exceptional 14-mile Nordic trail network. These custom Grand Teton National Park cross-country ski tours are offered for every type of group and ability level! A half-day cross-country ski tour is ideal for first-time visitors, while a private full-day cross-country ski tour lets you customize the pacing, mileage, and destinations based on interest.
Expert Guide Insight: Many winter snowshoe tours here are led by local naturalists with years of experience tracking wildlife in deep snow – knowing where moose bed down, where elk migrate, and how wind scours the valleys. The best conditions are typically January–March, when snow coverage is reliable and wildlife movement is easiest to spot.
Yellowstone National Park in Winter
Yellowstone in winter is quiet, wild, and otherworldly. Geysers send plumes of steam into icy air, bison stand frosted in hoarfrost, and rivers carve warm channels through snowbanks. Winter access in Yellowstone is limited, which makes guided travel especially valuable. Entering via Gardiner, Montana allows for legally permitted winter access without oversnow vehicles, making snowshoeing one of the safest and quietest ways to explore the park in winter.
Yellowstone winter tours guided by local experts allow you to experience this landscape in these quiet months, taking in the views and looking for wildlife while enjoying crowd-free trails. Guided adventures give you the chance to learn about winter ecology, track animals through fresh snow, and explore remote terrain with an expert. Gardiner, Montana is one of the few year-round access points allowing for guided snowshoe tours into the park, making winter travel surprisingly accessible.
Pro Tip: Some of the best Yellowstone winter tours are privately guided tours. With hotel pickup and drop-off, an itinerary tailored to you and your group, and options for all ages, private tours make for a seamless experience. Plus, traveling with a smaller group increases your chance of spotting wildlife, which is one of the best parts of exploring Yellowstone in winter!
Big Sky (Northern Yellowstone) Snowshoeing Tours in Winter
If you’re staying farther north, you don’t have to make the long drive to experience Yellowstone. This private Big Sky snowshoeing tour allows your group to explore the quieter corners of Yellowstone’s northern boundary, including forested drainages, sweeping meadows, and the wildlife-rich Gallatin River Canyon. The tour takes place within the Yellowstone National Park boundary, but no park pass is required. With a private guide, the pace is entirely your own, making it perfect for families, beginners, and travelers looking for an accessible snowshoe adventure that explores a lesser-traveled side of Yellowstone.
These tours operate within permitted areas of the Yellowstone boundary, following National Park Service winter-use regulations – so travelers can explore confidently without navigating access rules themselves.
Glacier National Park Winter Activities
Visiting Glacier National Park in winter offers big-mountain drama without the crowds. Although sections of the park are closed in the off-season, we’ve found that visiting in the quieter months opens up access to places that you wouldn’t normally be able to enjoy thoroughly. Lake McDonald, which is normally wall-to-wall cars and people, feels like it’s your personal oasis, while popular hikes like Avalanche Lake see a fraction of the people. Snow settles deep in cedar forests, moose move across the alpine wonderland, and the quiet is almost absolute.
Snowshoeing in Glacier National Park is ideal for those who want space, reflection, and slow travel. Your guide can tailor the route to wildlife activity, weather, and your preferred level of adventure. Routes are selected based on snowpack stability, recent avalanche activity, and daily weather—making guided trips especially valuable in Glacier’s deep-snow winters.
Glacier Park Snowshoe & Cross Country Ski Spots
There are many fantastic areas in Glacier to explore in winter by snowshoe or on cross-country skis. Whether you choose a private snowshoeing tour or a guided cross-country ski tour in Glacier National Park your guide can customize the tour based on your preferred scenery, wildlife sightings, or level of adventure, making each outing unique. These 3.5–5 hour outings are beginner-friendly, include all gear, hot drinks, lunch, and even national park entry, making them an effortless way to explore Glacier’s snowy landscape. With hotel pickup available from Whitefish, Kalispell, and Columbia Falls, plus small group sizes and flexible routes based on conditions, it’s a relaxed, scenic, and super accessible winter adventure for families, couples, and first-timers looking to experience Glacier in its most serene season.
Here are some of the spots you may visit on a guided tour. Local guides choose routes that offer scenic terrain while avoiding known avalanche paths, steep start zones, and complex navigation.
- Autumn Creek (Marias Pass) – Located on Glacier’s southern border at Marias Pass, this snowshoe route rolls through wide-open meadows tucked beneath the Continental Divide. It’s mellow, scenic terrain with dramatic ridgelines and killer photography light, especially at sunrise and sunset. A great low-avalanche-risk zone for beginners and casual explorers.
- Fish Creek & Rocky Point – On the west side of Glacier near the Fish Creek Campground, this gentle trail winds through quiet forest to Rocky Point overlooking Lake McDonald. It’s a super chill snowshoe with big lake views toward Stanton Mountain and the Livingston Range. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone wanting scenery without heavy climbing.
- McDonald Creek (Going-to-the-Sun Road) – This route follows McDonald Creek just east of Apgar along the closed winter section of Going-to-the-Sun Road. You get serene winter vibes, turquoise creek pools, and tons of wildlife tracks along mostly flat terrain. It’s one of the easiest and most peaceful mid-winter outings in the park.
- Snyder Basin – Starting near Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side, the trail climbs steadily into Snyder Basin. It weaves through old-growth forest before opening to vistas of the McDonald Valley and surrounding peaks. A great moderate option for snowshoers wanting more adventure without stepping into avalanche terrain.
- Mount Brown Lookout – Also beginning near Lake McDonald Lodge, this is one of Glacier’s toughest winter climbs. The steep switchbacks lead to a historic fire lookout with massive views across Lake McDonald and the high peaks of the Livingston Range. It’s a big-effort, big-reward objective for strong snowshoers.
- Walton / Ole Creek – Located near Walton Ranger Station on Glacier’s quieter southern edge, this mellow trail follows Ole Creek through peaceful lodgepole forest. It’s flat, sheltered, and great for spotting winter wildlife tracks. Ideal for beginners, families, and anyone craving a quiet snow-day escape.
Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter
With zero crowds, snow-dusted peaks, and quiet forests, Rocky Mountain National Park turns into a dreamscape in the winter. Some of our favorite areas are the Bear Lake Loop & Dream Lake; in summer these areas can be extremely crowded with congestion on the roads, but having visited in the off-season, we highly recommend checking out these trails in winter. You’ll find that RMNP is a truly serene place, and there’s no better way to experience it than on a guided snowshoe tour. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced snowshoer, guided snowshoe tours in Rocky Mountain National Park will tailor the trek to your pace, interests, and sense of adventure.
Popular Snowshoe Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Sprague Lake Loop – A short and easy ~0.8-mile loop with big mountain views, perfect for beginners, families, or a relaxed winter stroll.
- Bear Lake Loop – A scenic and accessible ~0.6-mile loop around Bear Lake with iconic views of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide.
- Nymph Lake – An easy to moderate ~1-mile roundtrip snowshoe with a gentle climb from Bear Lake to a small, frozen lake surrounded by trees.
- Dream Lake – A classic moderate ~2-mile roundtrip snowshoe past Nymph Lake to Dream Lake, set beneath Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.
- Emerald Lake – A popular moderate ~3.2-mile roundtrip route continuing beyond Dream Lake to a dramatic alpine cirque.
- Lake Haiyaha – A quieter moderate ~4-mile roundtrip snowshoe branching off near Dream Lake, offering a more rugged feel and fewer crowds.
- Hidden Valley – An easy, flexible ~1–3-mile roundtrip snowshoe across a former ski area with wide-open terrain, ideal for first-timers.
- Glacier Gorge (Mills Lake & The Loch) – Longer moderate to strenuous ~5–6.2-mile roundtrip snowshoe routes with steady elevation gain and dramatic scenery.
When choosing a snowshoe tour, you’ll get to explore the best trails that highlight the park’s sweeping mountain views, frozen streams, and peaceful alpine scenery. Along the way, watch for wildlife such as elk, deer, and coyotes, and pause to capture the stunning winter landscapes. Winter wildlife sightings in RMNP often include elk herds at lower elevations, coyotes crossing frozen meadows, and bighorn sheep near wind-scoured ridges – another reason guides tailor routes based on conditions and seasonal movement.
Snowshoe tours are private or small-group, ensuring a personalized experience and plenty of space to enjoy the stillness of winter. Perfect for families, friends, or solo adventurers, these guided snowshoe tours offer a unique way to experience Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter, beyond the summer crowds.
Pro Tip: Plan a private snowshoe tour during a full moon for a truly magical, intimate moonlit experience.
Crater Lake National Park Snowshoeing Tours
Crater Lake National Park winter is raw, brilliant, and unforgettable. With deep blue water contrasted against steep snow-covered caldera walls, the scenery is unlike anywhere else in the country—especially when storms stack snow by the foot. The juxtaposition of the bright blue lake against the stark white is completely jaw-dropping. Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to explore the rim during this season, offering 360-degree views, silent forests coated in powder, and a chance to wander beyond the typical summer viewpoints.
Guided Crater Lake snowshoeing tours typically follow quiet routes along the rim, where you’ll experience panoramic views of Wizard Island and the lake’s volcanic basin. Local guides share geology, volcanic history, and insights into winter ecology; plus they handle route-finding, avalanche awareness, and winter navigation so you can simply enjoy the walk. Deep snow and winter weather mean independent travel can be challenging, but that’s part of what makes guided trips so special here. You’ll see Crater Lake in its quietest season, crossing fresh snowfields, moving at a relaxed pace, and experiencing a side of the park most visitors never witness. Crater Lake averages over 500 inches of snow annually, which is why guided snowshoeing is the safest and most practical way to experience the rim in winter.
Pro Tip: After your snowshoe tour, be sure to grab a hot chocolate at the Rim Village Cafe. Located next door to the Crater Lake Lodge, the Rim Village Cafe is your go-to spot for food, drinks, and souvenirs while visiting Crater Lake National Park in winter.
Yosemite National Park in Winter
An incredible year-round destination, Yosemite National Park in winter feels completely magical, with granite walls towering above, the Merced River running through, and giant 1000-year-old sequoias all around, creating a deep winter stillness. Guided snowshoeing tours in Yosemite National Park allow you to experience Yosemite at a slower pace without the summer crowds, stopping to admire tree rings, bark textures, and the sheer scale of the landscape.
Shoulder-season or low-snow years are equally stunning; if there isn’t enough snow, opt for a winter hike instead, where the cold, crisp air and foggy forest feels otherworldly. In lower-snow winters, guides often pivot to winter hiking routes, adjusting terrain while still offering access to Yosemite’s iconic granite walls and giant sequoias. You might even crawl through fallen trees and walk through tree tunnels! Snowshoeing and winter hiking in Yosemite are the perfect opportunities to stand among old-growth trees that few visitors see in winter.
Top Spots fo Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing in Yosemite
- Yosemite Falls – One of the most popular winter routes in the park, this trail offers snowy views of North America’s tallest waterfall, often framed by ice formations and mist.
- Bridalveil Fall – A short, accessible winter walk near the valley entrance, Bridalveil Fall is especially dramatic in winter when snow and ice surround the roaring cascade.
- The Cascades – Located along Big Oak Flat Road, this roadside waterfall is a favorite winter stop, offering easy access and impressive icy flows after snowfall.
- Half Dome (Valley Views) – While summiting Half Dome is not a winter objective, it’s iconic from the valley floor, with snowy meadows and river views providing incredible winter photo opportunities.
- Royal Arches – A striking granite formation visible from winter trails in Yosemite Valley, especially beautiful when dusted with snow and glowing in soft winter light.
- Merced River – Flat, scenic riverside trails follow the Merced through Yosemite Valley, making this one of the most popular areas for relaxed winter hiking and snowshoeing.
- El Capitan – A must-see year-round, El Capitan’s sheer granite face towers above winter trails and open meadows, offering dramatic views without any elevation gain.
- Tunnel View – One of Yosemite’s most iconic viewpoints, Tunnel View is frequently accessible in winter and offers sweeping views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome after fresh snowfall.
Pro Tip: Opt for a privately-guided snowshoe tour or winter hike. From adaptive tours to longer, aerobic adventures, your guide will tailor the pace and destinations to you and your group, so you’ll really feel like you have the park to yourself!
Ready to Plan Your Winter Trip?
From snowshoeing beneath the Tetons and tracking wildlife in Yellowstone to skiing through Glacier’s backcountry forests or wandering beneath Yosemite’s ancient winter canopy, the colder months reveal a side of these parks few visitors ever see. Guided winter trips are ideal if you:
- Want fewer crowds and quieter trails
- Prefer guided support for snow travel
- Are new to snowshoeing or winter navigation
- Love photography, wildlife tracking, or slow travel
New to snowshoeing or wondering what to pack? Explore our guides below.
For tips on winter travel, road closures, and special considerations for visiting in the off-season, be sure to check out each National Park’s guide to visiting in winter:
- Grand Teton National Park Winter Resources
- Yellowstone National Park Winter Resources
- Glacier National Park Winter Resources
- Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter
- Crater Lake National Park Winter Resources
- Yosemite National Park Winter Resources
On TripOutside, discover vetted guided tours and expert-led adventures to experience these national parks at their most magical, quiet, and snow-covered season. TripOutside works directly with vetted local outfitters who are permitted, insured, and experienced in winter guiding – so you can focus on the experience while they handle conditions, safety, and logistics.
