5 Easy winter adventures to beat cabin fever
Winter can make the world feel smaller. We stay inside longer, move a little less, and start counting the days until spring. But across the American West, winter is often the best season to step outside—cooler, quieter, and unexpectedly inviting.
These five easy winter adventures don’t require technical skills or major gear upgrades—just curiosity, a light jacket, and the willingness to enjoy the parks in a quieter time.
1. Warm-weather desert walks
Winter is prime time at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, the Sonoran Desert is calm, and the iconic saguaros stand like quiet companions along easy trails.
Short loop hikes make it simple to get outside without committing to a long trek. Sunlight, open views, and wide skies will be sure to lift your winter mood. And no snow boots are required.
2. A walk through a white winter landscape
At White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico, winter brings crisp air and fewer crowds to the shimmering gypsum dunes. The terrain is gentle, and wandering is encouraged—there’s no single path you must follow.
The contrast of white sand and blue sky feels almost meditative, making this an ideal place to slow down, stretch your legs, and reset after too much time indoors.
3. Peak hiking without the summer crowds
Winter reveals a quieter side of Pinnacles National Park in California. Cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable, and many trails remain accessible throughout the season.
Even short hikes deliver big scenery—rock formations, open valleys, and wide views that feel earned without being exhausting. Hikers with more time can enjoy the park’s many looped trails.
4. Forest trails and boardwalk wanders
In southeast Texas, Big Thicket National Preserve offers a completely different winter experience. Cooler months are ideal for exploring forest trails and boardwalks that weave through wetlands and towering trees.
Winter brings fewer insects and a quieter soundscape—perfect for an unhurried walk that feels immersive without being demanding. Sometimes the best cure for cabin fever is simply green space and fresh air.
5. Urban nature, open year-round
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in southern California blends trails with sweeping views of mountains and the Pacific Ocean. And it's located right next to cities like Santa Monica and Los Angeles, which makes it extremely accessible and an excellent pairing with an urban adventure.
Winter temperatures are ideal for hiking, and even short outings offer a sense of escape. It’s proof that you don’t have to go far—or stay out long—to feel refreshed. Bonus! The grey whales are observable in the winter months, so keep a look out.
Let winter work in your favor
Cabin fever thrives when we wait for "better" conditions. The hidden gem national parks remind us that winter already offers its own version of better: quieter trails, gentler temperatures, and space to breathe. Sometimes, the easiest winter adventure is simply choosing not to stay in.
Western National Parks connects travelers to these lesser known, deeply rewarding places—parks that invite you to step outside, even briefly, and rediscover how wide the season can feel.
