Four Western National Park Driving Destinations For Fall And Winter

The “getaway” has become a challenge beyond what any of us could have imagined a year ago. But as the weather cools and folks start planning Thanksgiving and Christmas and beyond, so do the hordes dwindle at popular national parks. That’s good news for anyone wishing to keep social distance and avoid packed highways while witnessing the many natural treasures the United States offers. Prices can also significantly drop at these locations during the winter months.

Here are four gorgeous, worth-your-while outdoor Western getaways for fall and winter. As always, check beforehand to see what’s up with temporary closures due to Covid-19.

Yellowstone

Putting Yellowstone first on this list is like telling people they really ought to visit that Eiffel Towel next time they go to France. But the fact remains that this sweeping, eye-popping natural wonder is a feast for the eyes, ears, and spirit, decade after decade, and ought to be on anyone’s bucket list no matter the season.

It’s an Instagrammer’s paradise, with some of the best wildlife and geyser-viewing you’ll find in America. But during the height of winter, the snowy landscape provides the sort of contrast that makes animals and thermal features even more dramatic. 

Two classic park lodges — Old Faithful Snow Lodge, open for daytime use only, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, about 50 miles apart — remain open from mid-December to late February to accommodate winter guests.

Website: yellowstonenationalparklodges

Zion

Named for the Hebrew word “refuge,” Zion National Park in Utah is one of the most stunning spots on earth with its seemingly endless, soul-quieting views. Only 166 miles from Las Vegas, the juxtaposition of city verses nature is one of its prime appeals – and a great place to lick your wounds after your trip to Sin City. (Or spend the proceeds if you’re a winner, and congratulations.)

While temperatures and the weather vary, the winter can be a good time to bike the scenic drive, hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe up to Kolob Terrace Road, and view the wildlife. There are also many sunshine-filled days with moderate temperatures throughout the winter.

Xanterra Travel Collection operates the only in-park lodging and is your direct in-park source for activities and lodging in Zion National Park. Try the “winter escape” with the Zion To-Go Package for select dates from Nov. 1, 2020 through March 5, 2021.

Travelers can stay in one of the spacious lodge rooms, or in one of the quaint Western cabins. Have a look: zionlodge.com  

Xanterra Travel Collection manages the lodges and concessions at Yellowstone, and there’s a specially outfitted snowcoach shuttling visitors between Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

Death Valley

With the average high temperature of 68 degrees fahrenheit in January and 75 in February, Death Valley hardly qualifies as a “winter” getaway. But despite the ominous name, you’ll find sweeping landscapes, star-filled skies and a plethora of outdoor activities including a must-play USGA golf course, which also happens to be the lowest elevated golf course on the planet. It’s warm all winter with almost all sunshine and no rain, earth-warmed waters of 85 degrees, massive pools and a resort called The Oasis at Death Valley. It’s legendary not only for its location, but for the movies and movie stars on location (Clark Gable, Ronald Reagan and George Lucas, among others.) 

It’s also far – from everything. It’s 61 miles from the nearest town and sits within Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the Lower 48 States (3.4 million acres).Yet it is still just a two hour drive, 120 miles northwest of Vegas and 275 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

Just off of a $100-million renaissance, The Oasis at Death Valley encompasses two hotels — The AAA Four-Diamond historic Inn at Death Valley  with 66 renovated rooms and 22 new private casitas, each outfitted with a personal golf cart. The family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley features guest rooms open directly to the outdoors as well as spacious lawns a massive spring-fed pool and abundant open green space to relax, behold and refresh. Check it out: oasisatdeathvalley.com 

Grand Canyon South Rim & Grand Canyon Railway

The Grand Canyon is world-famous, of course, but winter is a whole other experience, and a far less crowded one. Mild temperatures, photo-demanding sunrises and sunsets, assorted wildlife and one of America’s great historic train rides are some of the attributes you’ll find here, and the winter crowds thin out to less than 10% of what they are at peak times.

The pace is also far slower in winter and, except for the Christmas holidays, securing lodging within the park is almost assured. Backcountry permits are easier to obtain as well, and and overnight rates and packages tend to be lower. For a limited time, save up to 30% on rooms inside Grand Canyon National Park by visiting grandcanyonlodges.com/offers/.