The Owner’s Guide SERIES Volume 6

winter

wonderlandsPresented by the National Park Foundation www.nationalparks.org Yellowstone National Park winter

Imagine having a national park virtually all to wonderlandsyourself. Visitation to national parks dips across the board during winter, so it’s almost possible in this season. You’re alone. Or so you think, until you spot an elk in the snowy distance at Rocky Mountain, or catch a brook trout in Great Smoky. In winter, you can often experience the wilderness, the landscape, and satisfy your yearning for adventure with a little more solitude and fewer distractions.

In this guide, we’ve gathered top winter activities at 15 national parks. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are common themes, but there’s also ice fishing in Acadia, stargazing in Bryce Canyon, contra dancing at Cuyahoga, sledding in Great Sand Dunes, and enjoying a Renaissance-themed holiday dinner at Yosemite.

A common challenge with winter travel is just getting there, so we’ve also included general

About the Author: Kelly Smith Trimble information about facility and road closures, but writes about the outdoors from her home in Knoxville, Tennessee, near the weather forecasts and conditions change regularly, Great Smoky Mountains. She’s been snowshoeing in Lassen Volcanic and hiked so always be prepared. And most of all, enjoy. These across glaciers in Rocky Mountain and Glacier, but she’s never been ice fishing. aren’t parks to get away from the season. These are places to be immersed in all the joy that winter Copyright 2015 National Park Foundation 1110 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 200 offers. These are winter wonderlands. Washington DC 20005 www.nationalparks.org 2 | nationalparks.org 3 COVER: My G oo d I m a ge s/shutt er st oc k Acadia bryce canyon

Acadia National Park While inland Maine is known for long, While hiking trails can get icy in winter, The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival, held waterproof boots or snow boots with Bryce Canyon National Park Maine hard winters, temperatures on the coast and unpaved park roads are open to each year in February over Presidents’ good traction. And check for possible Utah are generally milder, making Acadia snowmobiles, Acadia has 40 miles of Day weekend, offers immersion in trail closures as rock falls do occur Top Winter Activities Top Winter Activities National Park a great destination for carriage trails (originally built by John everything that winter offers here, during this season. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country Stargazing and astronomy lessons, those looking for a little reprieve without D. Rockefeller) perfect for cross-country including snow-covered hoodoos and skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, scenic Where to stay? While Sunset snowshoeing, winter hiking and traveling far. But don’t get us wrong, skiing and snowshoeing. Pick up a incredible views. A focus on the sky, driving, photography Campground closes for winter, North backpacking, cross-country skiing there’s still snow here in winter — and carriage trail map and head out from though, really differentiates this winter Campground maintains at least one loop Getting There plenty of opportunity to get out and play the visitor center. The trails also reach wonderland experience from all others. Getting There of campsites open year-round. Staying The drive from Boston to Acadia takes after the fall leaf-peeping crowds have ponds and lakes that may be suitable Bryce Canyon embraces astronomy as a The north entrance to Bryce Canyon at the popular Ruby’s Inn, just outside about 4.5 hours, or you may find a subsided. for ice fishing; Eagle Lake is one great major part of its interpretive experience, National Park is about 270 miles south of the north entrance to the park, may be temptingly low-priced flight from Boston spot, but ask at the visitor center for the so you can expect ranger-led night Salt Lake City and northeast of Las Vegas. a better option for many travelers. The to Bangor, Maine, an hour from the Many facilities are closed in winter but best current options. programs to come with a telescope. Many park travelers like to combine a trip inn, complete with hotel, RV park, and park. Find the Winter Visitor Center 3 you can still access the Winter Visitor Plan in advance; you’ll need reservations here with a visit to Zion National Park, campground, actively participates in the miles west of Bar Harbor. For an ocean- Center at park headquarters, as well as for many Winter Festival events. 130 miles to the southwest; this is a great view drive, access a plowed section of popular sites along Ocean Drive and at Winter Festival with activities of its own option in summer and fall, but be sure Park Loop Road just one mile south of Jordan Pond. Blackwoods Campground November through March, ranger-led ranging from yoga and art classes to ski to check the latest road conditions and Bar Harbor; stay in the right lane, as remains open, but as walk-in/pack- full moon snowshoe hikes are a real archery competitions. closures first in winter months. snowmobiles will be using the unplowed out camping by permit only. Nearby treat, snowshoes and poles provided. left lane. Bar Harbor may be your better bet for Snowshoeing is allowed throughout the comfortable lodging, and you’ll find park and most hiking trails remain open equipment rentals there as well. during winter — just be sure to wear A R K S ERVICE

4 | nationalparks.org 5 ION A L P N AT j im k r u ger / i st oc cuyahoga valley Glacier

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Nature may slow down in winter, but Hospitality reigns here, especially at two While winter weather causes many For those less sure-footed on snow, Glacier National Park Ohio this park keeps hopping, giving local lodging options open year-round: Inn at planned closings in Glacier (and many ranger-led snowshoe walks also leave Montana residents and visitors alike a reason to Brandywine Falls and Stanford House. unplanned ones, too), the park service from the Agpar Visitor Center (where Top Winter Activities Top Winter Activities get out of the house and commune with Make reservations in advance to stay at maintains 10 miles of Going-to-the- you can rent snowshoes) every Saturday Train rides, bird watching, hiking, Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, plants, animals, and fellow humans. one of these historic homes; rooms are Sun Road, from park headquarters in and Sunday from January through snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, photography Robust cultural programming here quaint and cozy, but few. West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge, March; this way, you’ll get instruction on sledding, lodging, nature lecture series, includes educational speakers, regular throughout the season. This gives local flora and fauna as well as on how music and art series Getting There concerts, contra dances, and art hearty visitors a chance to see some to snowshoe. In the northwest corner of Montana on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Getting There workshops throughout the season. of the iconic mountain views for which the border with Canada, this park is very The railroad operates through the On the eastern side of the park, St. Mary This park runs along the Cuyahoga River Glacier is known. remote, especially in winter. The west winter and offers special rides Valley between Cleveland and Akron, If you’d still rather bundle up and be Campground stays open year-round entrance is 30 miles from Kalispell, 150 Ohio (about a half hour from each), and outdoors, head to the Kendall Lake you won’t want to miss, like the Consult ski/snowshoe trail maps to (primitive, but free, in winter). From here, from Missoula; the east entrance is close it’s an easy escape from many other Shelter’s Winter Sports Center to learn a beer-tasting and wine-tasting find your favorite route. One option for you can explore several trail loops near to Browning and about 125 miles from eastern cities: Columbus, Cincinnati, sport like snowshoeing or cross-country trains, dinner trains, and a holiday beginners is to park at Lake McDonald St. Mary Lake. You may also be able to Great Falls. Rather than driving, consider Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and Chicago. skiing with certified instructors. Hiking season journey to the “North Pole.” Lodge (closed in winter) and continue find non-camping lodging in the town of riding the rails; Amtrak services both the trails are also open throughout the park; Board trains from either the Akron traveling Going-to-the-Sun on foot to St. Mary. east and west entrances, reservations just be prepared to hike in a little snow. Northside Station or the Rockside Avalanche Picnic Area. You can also required. You can also join a ranger-led walk, Station to the south. Check the make camp at Agpar Picnic Area (free including full moon hikes and off-trail train schedule for the latest info; in winter) at the West Glacier entrance adventures. reservations required in advance for and explore various trails around Lake most specialty rides. McDonald in this more populated area. A R K S ERVICE

6 | nationalparks.org 7 ION A L P N AT s/ i st oc k Jo h n Alve grand canyon grand teton

Grand Canyon National Park While the North Rim of the Grand Hikers will embrace the opportunity to Just south of Yellowstone is a smaller, Less experienced winter adventurers Grand Teton National Park Arizona Canyon is closed in winter (actually from experience the popular Bright Angel but no less magnificent, national can try their hand (or, well, feet) with a Wyoming October 15 to May 15 each year), the Trail and Phantom Ranch or Bright park that preserves some of the most ranger-guided snowshoe walk, leaving Top Winter Activities Top Winter Activities: South Rim stays open year-round. And Angel Campground during the less- majestic mountains in the country. from the Taggart Lake Trailhead when Photography, hiking, train rides, historic Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, as if the Grand Canyon weren’t dramatic busy season; just be prepared for icy While most amenities and services at weather conditions permit from tours, camping photography, wildlife viewing, limited enough in other seasons, winter brings trail conditions and quickly changing Grand Teton shut down for the winter December to March. A ranger naturalist snowmobiling (similar to Yellowstone) Getting There a new sense of the spectacular, as the winter weather. Others may prefer to season, the park remains open for will help you get comfortable walking For a really fun and historically accurate canyon’s intense earthy colors contrast stay above the rim to explore the rich exploration, and lodging is available in in snowshoes and explain what’s going Getting There: way to get around, take the train. The brilliantly with fresh white snow. cultural history available at spots like nearby Jackson, Wyoming. on beneath the snowy surface as plants Snow plows keep the outer park road Grand Canyon Railway, a mainstay since El Tovar Historic Hotel, Hopi House, and animals within the park continue to (Highway 26/89/191), heading north from Whether you’re looking for a physical The inner Grand Teton Road is closed 1901, travels 130 miles round trip daily and the Yavapai Museum of Geology. survive and thrive. Call ahead to reserve Jackson, Wyoming, clear through winter; challenge or a chance to slow down and to motorized traffic in winter from between the South Rim and Williams, There, in addition to learning about the your spot. use this road to skirt along the eastern rest, winter allows visitors a chance to Taggart Lake Trailhead for 15 miles Arizona, a town 30 miles west of Flagstaff. canyon’s deep secrets, you can get an section of the park and north along On the 2-hour, 15-minute train ride, sit enjoy this park without the hustle and incredible panoramic view of the winter north to Signal Mountain Lodge. While Jackson Lake and the Snake River and back and soak in the landscape just bustle — and let’s just be honest, the landscape from inside a warm and cozy this limits access to many of the park’s to the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial as early guests to the national park sizable crowds — of other seasons. You building. favorite sites and trailheads, it gives Parkway toward Yellowstone. Jackson is did. Otherwise, the South Rim is about can also take advantage of lower winter cross-country skiers and snowshoers approximately 550 miles north of Denver a 4-hour drive (230 miles) north from rates at the various lodges on the South a near-private tour. Many other trails and 300 miles north of Salt Lake City. In Phoenix. Rim and have a better chance of getting throughout the park offer similar Jackson, stop in the Jackson Hole and a campsite. opportunities; check a ski/snowshoe Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, open trail map to plan your excursion. year-round (except for Christmas and Thanksgiving).

8 | nationalparks.org 9 S u nDevilS t ormin / i st oc k I DAK /shutt er st oc k great sand dunes great smoky mountains

Great Sand Dunes A national monument since 1932, They’re magical, and they’re a whole Winter is a great time to stop by one Even in winter, the fish are still biting Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Perserve Great Sand Dunes was redesignated lot of fun. While special (but easy-to- of America’s most-visited parks, as this in Great Smoky, and the park enjoys a National Park Colorado a national park in 2000, and at the get) sand sledding and sand boarding is the least busy season. Even when year-round fishing season (state license Tennessee and North Carolina same time, 42,000 acres on the west equipment is needed during warm higher elevations at Great Smoky are required). Try popular trout fishing Top Winter Activities Top Winter Activities covered in snow and roads through streams at lower elevations, especially Sand/snow sledding and snow boarding, and south sides of the park became months, regular snow sleds and snow Hiking, camping, fly fishing, touring cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, national preserve, forming Great Sand boards will work when the dunes are mountain passes close, many trails and when the water is above 45 degrees, to historic sites, outdoor education backpacking, hunting Dunes National Park and Preserve. covered in snow. So bring the kids and roads in the foothills are accessible. catch rainbows, browns, and the prized The two sections, while both managed get ready to ride. brook trout. Getting There Cades Cove and Smokemont camp- Getting There by the National Park Service, offer Great Smoky Mountains has three park grounds remain open year-round, first- Anyone who visits this park leaves To reach Great Sand Dunes, drive distinct ecosystems and opportunities Expect winter days to be clear and chilly entrances: Gatlinburg and Townsend come, first-served; backcountry sites wanting more. To truly immerse yourself approximately 245 miles north from for visitors. For example, while hunting and the view of snow-covered dunes on in Tennessee, and Cherokee in North and shelters, including those along the in the Smokies experience, sign up Albuquerque or 167 miles south from is not permitted in the park, licensed a Sangre de Cristo Mountains backdrop Carolina. Knoxville, about an hour away Appalachian National Scenic Trail (also for a workshop, ranging from winter Colorado Springs. The closest non- hunters may hunt in the preserve during to be unmatched. While camping and from the Tennessee entrances, has camping lodging is in Alamosa, 35 miles part of the National Park System), are photography to lichen identification, the closest airport. The park is about designated legal seasons (including backpacking are allowed in winter, south of the park entrance. available by reservation with a permit. through the Great Smoky Mountains a 4-hour drive from Atlanta. Tremont early winter). options are limited. The popular Piñon Flats Campground closes for the season, Hikers, including backpackers, should Institute at Tremont, which operates is closest to the park entrance near The central figure at this park is, of but you can find other campground plan carefully; check road closures year-round. Tremont is a self-contained Townsend. course, the sand dunes — the tallest options in surrounding federal land, or and make sure you can access desired campus within the park, with a dorm, in North America formed by erosion of get a free permit from the visitor center trailheads. Remember that trails dining hall, library and more. the San Juan Mountains and Sangre de to backpack in or at the perimeter of the covered in fallen leaves may be slick, Cristo Mountains in the San Luis Valley. dunefield. and ice can form quickly.

10 | nationalparks.org 11 Ale x e y K a men sk i y/ st oc k An dyd i dyk/ iS t oc k p h o lassen volcanic Olympic

Lassen Volcanic National Park Just because the Lassen Volcanic gain earned these trails their more With distinct zones — mountains, snow melts quickly here. Check tide Olympic National Park California Highway leading through this northern advanced status, so be prepared and forests, coast — Olympic is like three schedules and plan a walk at low tide. Washington California park is closed in winter don’t overdo it. parks in one, and all are accessible in Campgrounds at Mora Rialto Beach, Top Winter Activities Top Winter Activities doesn’t mean you can’t explore. As winter (with a little extra prep, of course). Ozette Lake, and Kalaloch are open Sledding, skiing, snowshoeing Snowshoeing, cross-country and soon as the highway closes to vehicles, Looking for less strenuous activity? year-round; during some parts of the Bring a sled and simply spend some For true winter sports, Hurricane Ridge downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, Getting There it opens to cross-country skiers and year, the popular Kalaloch campground beachcombing, hiking, camping, lodging is the favorite. This mountainous area Access Manzanita Lake from the snowshoers. So grab your gear and head time playing in the snow, or learn requires reservations, but in winter, it’s receives plenty of snow for snowshoeing northwest park entrance, 50 miles east out into miles of wilderness completely how to snowshoe from a park ranger first-come, first-served, or you can stay Getting There and cross-country skiing. For an all-ages of Redding, California, and 180 miles west unfettered by auto traffic from around during a guided walk. Check the at the lovely Kalaloch Lodge with a Traveling from Olympia, Highway 101 excursion, schedule a snowshoe walk of Reno, Nevada. Reach the southwest mid-November to late March each year. park’s event calendar from January to prime view of the Pacific Ocean. circles the park, providing access to entrance, 45 miles east of Red Bluff, March to find such ranger-led jaunts with a ranger, available mid-December all areas and entry points. You’ll find California, or 160 miles west of Reno. The Manzanita Lake area in the northwest where snowshoes and expert advice through March with park-provided Olympic’s forests always feel other- Hurricane Ridge 17 miles south of Port Angeles in the north, complete with Remember that once you reach either corner of the park offers several options on snowshoeing, winter survival, and gear. It’s a great way for inexperienced worldly, like a trip back in time, and a warm and cozy visitor center and entrance in winter, the main road will be for winter sports. Beginners can try ecology are provided free of charge. snowshoers to experience the snow. in late winter after a snow melt, this rental shop for winter gear. Coastal closed but the park remains open. snowshoeing the 1.6-mile Manzanita Avalanches can occur in the Olympic effect is heightened. A hike in the Hoh destinations are on the west side and Lake Snowshoe Loop and skiing the Mountains, so be sure to heed all signs or Quinault rainforests awakens the forests on the south to southwest. 1.5-mile Manzanita Campground Loop, and warnings about avalanche-prone senses in preparation for spring. The while more experienced skiers can head areas. Hoh campground is open year-round, up Manzanita Creek or Nobles Emigrant and you can also find lodging in nearby If you’d rather escape the snow than Trail, and snowshoers can try Chaos Forks. embrace it, head for the coast instead. Crags Trail. Rocky terrain and elevation While temperatures will still be cold,

12 | nationalparks.org 13 Jorg H a c k em nn /shutt er st oc Max im K az i t ov /shutt er st oc k rocky mountain sequoia & kings canyon

Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain is a tale of two parks: Opportunities to see wildlife, especially You may be tempted to breeze through get you acquainted with winter outdoor Sequoia & Kings Canyon Colorado the east side and the west side. In large mammals, peak during the winter this smaller park, and indeed you can activities like snowshoeing, skiing, and National Parks winter, the east side may have less snow season, when human traffic slows and experience a lot in a few hours that winter camping. California Top Winter Activities at lower points, but at higher elevations, elk, moose, deer, and sheep come out in will make for a great day trip. For most Sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country Top Winter Activities it’s an arctic scene often with blizzard search of food and water. You’re likely to visitors, it’s all about big trees — see The Association also helps manage skiing, wildlife watching the Pear Lake Winter Hut, a historic Skiing, snowshoeing, giant sequoia conditions. The west side receives more spot moose along the Colorado River on giant sequoias dusted with snow in spotting, ski-in lodging Getting There snow, but it’s generally calm and clear. the west side and the elusive bighorn the Giant Forest Grove, including the cabin that’s available to the public While the middle, highest-elevation portion Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing sheep along the Fall River on the east largest living tree on earth: the General from December through April. Getting There of Trail Ridge Road closes in winter, making are possible on either side, or you can side. As you drive, look for elk and mule Sherman Tree. Near Giant Forest at Advanced skiers and snowshoers Reach the northern entrance about 60 it difficult to travel from one side of the try sledding in the one spot allowed deer in meadow areas. Wuksachi Village, you can rent snowplay who are experienced with the snowy miles from Fresno, or 4-5 hours from San park to the other, you can still enter the inside the park: Hidden Valley, a former gear and attempt a sledding run or backcountry can begin the 6-mile, Francisco, Sacramento, or San Jose; the west side from near Grand Lake and the ski area on the east side near Estes two. And on the Kings Canyon side, 2,000-foot ascent at Wolverton to southern entrance is roughly 4 hours east side from Estes Park. Both towns offer Park. Find equipment either in Estes visit Grant Grove to meet the nation’s reach this cozy ski hut in the woods. from Los Angeles. It takes about 3 hours plenty of amenities — restaurants, lodging, Park or Grand Lake. Christmas tree: the General Grant Tree. Reservations are required and spots are to drive the Generals Highway, the only equipment rentals — and can serve as filled by a lottery that occurs each year major thru-park route open in winter, from outposts for the park. The only park However, if you have the time, a in early November. entrance to entrance. This road is not campground open year-round is Moraine longer stay will reveal more of what open to vehicles over 22 feet; all others Park on the east side; you may find a spot Sequoia and Kings Canyon bring to must carry tire chains and be prepared on limited loops, first-come, first-served. the table. The Sequoia Natural History for driving mountain roads in winter Both Grand Lake and Estes Park are about Association’s Sequoia Field Institute conditions. 2 hours from Denver; check the latest road offers programs throughout winter to conditions to plan your route.

14 | nationalparks.org 15 I DAK /shutt er st oc k V ivi dus/b ig st oc k voyageurs yellowstone

Voyageurs National Park In the summer, visitors explore the Oberholtzer Trail. You can also head for Winter use has been a constant topic winter activities. Beginners should stick Yellowstone National Park Minnesota interconnected watery trails of this park the Rainy Lake Ice Road (when open) of discussion at America’s first national to developed areas, or opt for a guided Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho in the heart of North America just as to drive across the frozen water; very park since its founding in 1872. With the trip, but those experienced in winter Top Winter Activities Top Winter Activities early French explorers did hundreds of specific auto size and speed limits delicate Yellowstone ecosystem at its survival and adventure can explore the Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, years ago and American Indians did for apply. most fragile in winter, burgeoning use backcountry. Permits are required for snowmobiling, ice fishing geyser viewing, wildlife spotting, limited thousands of years. But in the winter, of OSVs (over-snow vehicles) brought overnight camping trips. snowmobiling, lodging Getting There these waterways — and this entire park For some anglers, an icehouse on a questions of environmental impact into Find Rainy Lake Visitor Center on the — become a frozen paradise. While other frozen lake in winter’s quiet and stillness the forefront in the 1990s and 2000s. You can also opt for a little more luxury. Getting There northern side of the park, 11 miles east of facilities in the park are closed from late sounds like utopia. Many locals set up Now, OSV use is allowed with approved, Two Yellowstone lodges stay open in Call or check the park website for road International Falls, Minnesota. Call ahead September to late May (winters are long icehouses here for the season; fishing permitted commercial guides or on winter: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and statuses in winter; most roads are or check the weekly winter report on the here), the Rainy Lake Visitor Center licenses and icehouse registration are approved personal vehicles through Cabins at the north entrance and Old closed to wheeled traffic (OSVs only) website for latest conditions — the trail remains open year-round and provides required. Setting up an icehouse may be an annual lottery. So plan ahead for a Faithful Snow Lodge (the newest of the from November through April, though and ice road openings depend solely on an outpost for winter adventure. easier here than finding housing for the guided tour of the park by snowmobile, park’s lodges) near the south entrance, the road from the northern entrance the weather and snow accumulation, so night; look for lodging in International which may be the only way to cover a lot with access to the famed Old Faithful near Gardiner, Montana, to Cooke City later in the winter season is often better. Plan an excursion on snowshoes and Falls or around Rainy Lake outside the of ground in winter. Geyser, which erupts year-round. remains open year-round. A stay at cross-country skis. From Rainy Lake, park. Mammoth Hot Springs and exploration where equipment rentals are available, But if seeing Yellowstone’s winter majesty of the northern section, by vehicle and you can use the Tilson Connector Trail up close is more your speed, skiing and on skis, suits most first-time visitors. To to access the Tilson Creek Ski Trails, snowshoeing are still the best options. access and explore the south section, a 10-mile interconnected network, or Many trails are suitable; consult the trail extensive planning is required. strap on your snowshoes and hit the maps designed specifically for these a r k s ervice

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Our over 400 national parks stand, not only as a remarkable representation of America’s natural and historical legacy, but also as a cherished playground for visitors young and old. Together as Americans, we all own a piece of these majestic places. Whether it’s a national park down the street or across the country, they are yours to explore — so lace up your boots, pack your bag, and set out on a national park adventure uniquely your own!

To help you get started on your next national park adventure, here is a directory of all 15 parks featured in this guide. Happy Planning!

Acadia National PARK Bar Harbor, ME | 207.288.3338 | www.nps.gov/acad

Bryce Canyon National Park Bryce Canyon, UT | 435.834.5322 | www.nps.gov/brca

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Peninsula, OH | 330.657.2752 | www.nps.gov/cuva

Glacier National Park West Glacier, MT | 406.888.7800 | www.nps.gov/glac

Grand Canyon National Park Grand Canyon, AZ | 928.638.7888 | www.nps.gov/grca

Grand Teton National Park Moose, WY | 307.739.3300 | www.nps.gov/grte yosemite Great sand dunes National Park and preserve Mosca, CO | 719.378.6399 | www.nps.gov/grsa

Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the winter holidays, Yosemite Yosemite National Park a winter tradition since the 1930s, Gatlinburg, TN | 865.436.1200 | www.nps.gov/grsm California Valley transforms into a wonderland and tour the Ahwahnee to revel in the of revelry and pageantry steeped Christmas decor. Top Winter Activities: Lassen Volcanic National Park in traditions nearly a century old. Lodging, fine dining, holiday dinner Mineral, CA | 530.595.4480 | www.nps.gov/lavo Since 1927, the annual Bracebridge Like many parks, Yosemite offers theater, ice-skating, downhill skiing, Dinner at the Ahwahnee Lodge has opportunities for athletes to test their Olympic National Park snowboarding, cross-country skiing, been celebrated with a Renaissance- winter skills on skis, snowboards, and Port Angeles, WA | 360.565.3130 | www.nps.gov/olym snowshoeing, hiking inspired seven-course dinner and four- snowshoes. In fact, Yosemite also has Getting There: hour pageant of carols and Medieval one of the few downhill ski areas within Rocky Mountain National Park Yosemite National Park is a short drive entertainment. More than 100 players a national park; Badger Pass, open Estes Park, CO | 970.586.1206 | www.nps.gov/romo from many major cities: roughly 4 hours act in the extravaganza from mid- mid-December through March, is the sequoia and kings canyon National Park from San Francisco or Sacramento, 6 December to Christmas Day. oldest ski area in California. While many National Park Foundation from Los Angeles, 8 from Las Vegas or higher-elevation trails are inaccessible Three Rivers, CA | 559.565.3341 | www.nps.gov/seki San Diego. While the trip southwest from Plan far ahead to get a seat at the due to snow cover and closed roads, We are all owners of 84 million acres of the Reno/Lake Tahoe usually takes 5 hours, Bracebridge table. While it costs $400 you can hike many trails in Yosemite Voyageurs National Park world’s most treasured places – all protected International Falls, MN | 218.283.6600 | www.nps.gov/voya road conditions in winter make it an and up (per person), it‘s an experience Valley. Check at the Valley Visitor Center in America’s more than 400 national parks. 8-hour journey. of a lifetime. In nearby Curry Village, a for current trail conditions. Chartered by Congress, the National Park more economical lodging option, the Yellowstone National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s whole family can also enjoy ice-skating Yellowstone National Park, WY | 307.344.7381 | www.nps.gov/yell from mid-November through March, national parks and nonprofit partner of the Yosemite National Park National Park Service. Together, we can make Yosemite, CA | 209.372.0200 | www.nps.gov/yose a difference – this is your land. Learn more at assa n d c a mer a/ i st oc k www.nationalparks.org. 18 | nationalparks.org 19 comp r / i st oc k; Je ff G o u l d en k Top t o b tt om : oliveromg /shutt er st oc k; J a me s P in ta 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW • Suite 200 • Washington, DC 20005 www.nationalparks.org

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