With low season costs, thinner crowds, and the change of seasons, winter is one in every of my favourite occasions for outside journey within the US. Whether or not you’re a winter lover and wish to hit the slopes on a snowy trip or are searching for heat climate and sunshine, there are many winter locations the place the season and climate will match the invoice. On this weblog submit, we’ve rounded up the perfect winter holidays within the US for outside journey.
Greatest Snowy Winter Trip Locations
Go to Crested Butte, Colorado
A number of years in the past, I had the chance to discover Crested Butte, Colorado within the winter for the primary time and I cherished attending to know this little Rocky Mountain city.
Positioned a 4-5 hour scenic drive from Denver, it’s a winter wonderland that ought to undoubtedly be in your checklist of snowy winter locations.
With unbelievable snowboarding, fats biking, snowshoeing, winter mountain climbing, and cross-country snowboarding, I share all the pieces that you must find out about planning your go to on this Crested Butte Winter Journey Information.
Discover Montana’s snowy landscapes
When most individuals consider Montana, they image Glacier Nationwide Park’s colourful valleys and excessive alpine lakes or bison roaming by way of the wildflowers of Yellowstone Nationwide Park.
However have you ever ever considered visiting Montana within the winter? Not solely can you discover solitude in a few of Montana’s most scenic locations all through winter, however Montana additionally provides a wealth of distinctive winter actions, a few of that are discovered nowhere else.
Positive there’s epic resort snowboarding at Huge Sky and Bridger Bowl, however you can even strive mountaineering, snowshoeing, or skijoring, and finish your day soaking your muscle tissue in some very inviting scorching springs.
>> Try 8 thrilling issues to do in Montana this winter
Uncover Idaho’s plentiful winter actions
With extra pure scorching springs than another state, uncrowded ski resorts, and unpretentious mountain cities, Idaho ought to be in your winter trip radar. It makes the highest of my favourite snowy winter trip spots for outside journey, for certain.
Vacationers can both fly into Boise, lease a automotive and head as much as McCall or fly direct into Solar Valley. You possibly can’t go mistaken with both – the snowboarding, scorching springs, views, and scrumptious meals are plentiful in each.
Try the next weblog posts for assist planning your snowy winter trip to Idaho:
View the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska
Heading to Alaska throughout the winter provides you the perfect probability to see the unbelievable aurora borealis, also called the “Northern Lights” — a real bucket checklist winter trip. Past the Northern Lights, there are tons of fantastic issues to do in Fairbanks in winter, together with scorching springs, canine mushing, ice sculpture parks, and extra.
The Alaskan Railroad operates year-round and connects Anchorage to Fairbanks all winter, with Fairbanks usually thought of the perfect viewing space for the Northern Lights as a result of it’s near the Arctic Circle.
Simply be sure you gown appropriately for frigid temperatures and ranging climate situations.
Head to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
Colorado is without doubt one of the hottest snowy winter trip locations within the US, however most individuals keep on with the ski slopes. Skip the crowds and head to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park – positioned simply two hours from Denver – to get pleasure from snowshoeing, cross-country snowboarding, mountain climbing, wildlife watching, and extra. Try our full Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park Winter Information, together with the place to remain, outside actions, & what to pack to plan to plan your winter journey.
Take A Mountain Collective Ski Move Highway Journey
A number of years again, I obtained my first Mountain Collective Move which offers 2 days of carry tickets at every of 25 companion resorts for a complete of fifty days of carry entry. I put collectively an superior highway journey itinerary and spent per week visiting Snowbird (Salt Lake), Solar Valley (Idaho), and Jackson Gap (Wyoming).
Different choices for combining Mountain Collective resorts into the final word ski trip are:
- Mammoth & Squaw Valley (California)
- Revelstoke & Lake Louise (Canada)
- Aspen & Telluride (Colorado)
- Alta, Snowbird & Snowbasin (Utah)
The Mountain Collective Move is a superb deal and you actually solely want to go to 2 or 3 of the resorts in a winter to make the cross value it.
>> Learn Subsequent: What To Put on Snowboarding
Go Snowshoeing in Washington
Western Washington is residence to among the deepest annual snowpacks on the earth, with Mount Rainier and Mount Baker averaging greater than 650 inches of snowfall a 12 months. Due to this, Washington is a superb winter vacation spot, particularly for snowshoeing. Try our favourite Washington snowshoeing routes, and if you happen to’ve by no means tried snowshoeing, our weblog submit on newbie snowshoeing ideas & gear.
Not in Washington? See a full roundup of the greatest locations to go snowshoeing within the Western US.
Shack up in a Rustic Backcountry Hut
Backcountry huts aren’t only for skiers (though they’re nice for that, too). Slap on a pair of snowshoes, cross-country skis, or a backcountry set-up, and head to one in every of these cozy backcountry huts.
You’ll discover solitude, untracked snow, and unbelievable mountain surroundings. After a memorable day trip in a winter wonderland, you’ll be able to heat up round your wood-burning range, get pleasure from some scorching drinks, and make a scrumptious meal.
Go to Utah’s Mighty 5 Nationwide Parks
Keep away from the sweltering summer season warmth (and the crowds) in Utah by visiting within the winter throughout the low season! Southern Utah can get hit with just a little little bit of snow, particularly at greater elevations in Bryce Canyon, however extra doubtless you’ll find yourself with nice daytime temps and quiet trails.
Our week-long Utah highway journey itinerary covers Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Choose one park on the itinerary to discover, or you probably have the time, hit all of them. Simply be sure you pack appropriately for the chilly temps and word that some campgrounds are closed within the winter.
Try this weblog submit for extra Nationwide Parks to go to in winter.
Go Scorching Springs Hopping in Nevada
Nevada is without doubt one of the most underrated journey locations within the US, and also you’re assured to seek out solitude throughout the winter. Nonetheless, we love visiting Nevada within the winter as a result of it’s prime scorching springs season! Brush up in your scorching springs etiquette and take a look at 21 of the perfect scorching springs in Nevada.
Hit The Greatest Slopes within the US
I took up snowboarding on the age of 31 and it’s completely reworked how I spend my winters. Snowboarding isn’t just a solution to get exterior within the winter, nevertheless it’s an superior sport that’s difficult, social, and a ton of enjoyable. Whereas I really like my residence resort of Alta in Salt Lake, there’s tons of fantastic ski resorts throughout the US that make the proper winter trip:
Greatest Heat Climate Winter Trip Locations
Go Backpacking in Southern California
If you happen to’re searching for unbelievable winter backpacking journeys in not-so-wintery environments, try our path stories of the Trans-Catalina Path (Catalina Island and the California Mountain climbing and Driving Path (Joshua Tree Nationwide Park). These two Southern California trails will preserve your backpacking legs in form this winter.
The Trans-Catalina Path provides the chance to witness psychedelic sunsets, cross paths with the island’s resident bison, and camp proper on the sand.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to tick off one other Nationwide Park on the Mountain climbing and Driving Path in Joshua Tree the place you’ll weave by way of huge boulder formations, iconic desert vegetation, and sleep underneath among the darkest skies in California.
Head to Hawaii
Hawaii is all the time a sensible choice for outside journey within the winter. Huge swells arrive on elements of the islands this time of 12 months, so try Honolii Seashore Park or Kahaluu Seashore on the Huge Island of Hawaii for surf motion. If you wish to be a spectator, a few of Hawaii’s largest surf competitions are held throughout the winter months on the North Shore of Oahu.
Hawaii has extra to supply than simply surf although. There are limitless methods to benefit from the heat climate whether or not it’s snorkeling with sea turtles, kayaking, watching humpbacks breach offshore, swimming, mountain climbing, or stand-up paddling.
The Hawaiian islands are additionally residence to 2 Nationwide Parks, together with Volcanoes Nationwide Park the place you’ll be able to expertise exploding lava stream into the ocean at night time and Haleakala Nationwide Park the place you’ll be able to catch an unbelievable dawn or sundown.
For different concepts, try our posts on Kona and Kauai or go to this roundup of superior issues to do on Oahu on Be My Journey Muse’s website.
Drive Down the California Coast
Whereas the mountains are filled with snow, the California coast has delicate temperatures even in winter. You’ll discover cute coastal cities, unbelievable meals (native oysters or clam chowder anybody?), world-class wine, and unbelievable vistas. Choose a coastal vacation spot for an extended weekend or plan a highway journey down your entire 800-mile coast you probably have time.
A few of our favourite coastal cities for in a single day stays are Mendocino, Bodega Bay, Santa Cruz, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Malibu, Encinitas, and Ocean Seashore (San Diego).
There are coastal tenting choices as effectively, and throughout the winter you’ll have a greater probability of snagging a spot.
Try our Central California Coast highway journey itinerary, Huge Sur journey information, or our submit on the Greatest California Highway Journey Stops for simple planning.
Camp in Huge Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
From day hikes, backpacking, and multi-day kayaking journeys to scenic drives and stargazing, there’s something for everybody to get pleasure from in Huge Bend Nationwide Park in Texas and winter is without doubt one of the greatest seasons to get pleasure from all of it.
Common winter highs are within the 60s, and all three campgrounds within the park are open year-round. If you happen to’re searching for one thing just a little cozier, the Chisos Mountain Lodge provides heat rooms and cottages within the coronary heart of the Park.
Highway Journey Florida’s Nationwide Parks
Whereas different elements of the U.S. are bundling up, the climate within the south stays heat all through the winter. Florida is residence to 3 nationwide parks – Florida Keys Nationwide Park, Dry Tortugas, and the Everglades – the place you’ll be able to hike, take boat excursions, snorkel, stroll alongside white sand seashores, and encounter Florida’s large gators.
We put collectively the Final Florida Nationwide Parks highway journey itinerary beginning in Miami, the place you’ll be able to expertise the perfect outside adventures that Florida has to supply.
Discover Arizona’s Desert Landscapes
Arizona is a good looking winter vacation spot that gives a ton of alternatives for outside journey. Winter temperatures common within the mid to excessive sixties in most spots, making it a good time to get on the market and discover whereas avoiding the warmth.
Try the next weblog posts to assist plan a winter journey to Arizona:
Hike in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, simply a few hours east of Los Angeles, is an excellent winter mountain climbing vacation spot. Whereas summer season is unbearably scorching, winter is a snug season for being exterior any time of day so long as you deliver layers (nighttime temperatures within the desert can drop into the teenagers!)
Try a few of our favourite hikes in Joshua Tree whether or not you’re going out for a day journey or plan on staying for a couple of days at one of many campgrounds.
If you happen to’re seeking to do some backpacking, try our information to backpacking the California Mountain climbing and Driving Path, a 35-mile route that runs by way of Joshua Tree.
Expertise Dying Valley Nationwide Park
Dying Valley Nationwide Park could also be one of the distinctive parks in the US and winter is the perfect season to go to as a result of delicate temperatures. It’s residence to the bottom level in North America, Badwater Basin, and solely a brief drive to the bottom of the tallest level within the contiguous United States, Mt. Whitney.
There’s a ton to see in do in Dying Valley from mountain climbing on sand dunes, exploring the badlands close to Zabriskie Level, and taking in a birds-eye view from Dantes Level.
For a 3-day activity-packed itinerary, head over to our Dying Valley Nationwide Park information.
Get Outdoors in New Orleans
The historic, vibrant metropolis of New Orleans is a well-liked winter trip vacation spot within the US with its annual Mardi Gras celebration. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re seeking to see a special facet of New Orleans, there’s tons of out of doors actions across the metropolis and temperatures are delicate within the winter. New Orleans is a lot greater than Bourbon Road – try our information to the greatest New Orleans hikes & nature walks to get essentially the most out of your Louisiana journey.
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