How to experience national parks in the shoulder and off seasons
National parks are perfect spots for family vacations, solo escapes, weekend getaways, and week-long adventures. However, it’s not just you that love these beautiful and important places—during the high season of visitation for any park, you may experience crowded trails, fully booked campgrounds, or difficulty reserving tours or permits. This is especially true in some of America’s most popular national park destinations such as Zion National Park or Yosemite.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to experience a national park with fewer people, better weather, cheaper lodging, and more opportunities to see wildlife and attend park events. By visiting lesser-known park sites during the shoulder and off seasons, you can experience these landscapes in a different way—and may even have some of the most popular areas to yourself.
Let’s look at the benefits of traveling to a national park during periods of low visitation, and what you need to know when planning your trip.
When are the peak, off, and shoulder seasons for visiting national parks?
Peak season, or high season, is when a park has the highest number of visitors. For many parks in the United States, peak season tends to be in the summer or winter months. The off season is when the park receives the lowest number of visitors, and tends to be the opposite of peak season. For example, parks who have a summer peak season will be in the off season in the winter.
Shoulder seasons are the time periods in between the peak and off seasons. For many parks, these times overlap with spring and fall.
Peak season doesn’t mean that time is the “best” time of year to visit a park. For example, the peak season for Zion National Park is in the summer–but this is the hottest time of the year to visit, and makes for uncomfortable hiking temperatures and lots of crowds. For many parks, visiting during the off or shoulder seasons means you can enjoy all the park has to offer, with better weather and fewer people!
Benefits of shoulder and off-season travel in national parks
Have you ever seen a bristlecone pine forest lit up by a full winter moon? Or a saguaro cactus silhouetted against an autumn sunset? Or a herd of elk in a snowy landscape? These scenes may not be the first that you think of when visiting a national park, but they are certainly just as beautiful. Visiting a national park during the shoulder and off-seasons are a way to experience the landscapes in a new way, making for a truly unique trip. And there are many other advantages.
Fewer crowds and discounted lodging
One of the best reasons to visit a national park during the off-peak times is fewer people. This means quieter experiences on hiking trails, not having to wait in line to use park facilities, less competition for permits, campground or event reservations, and many others. If you want your park trip to be more about peace and quiet than trying to snag a selfie on a crowded overlook, visit during the shoulder or off-seasons.
With fewer crowds, comes discounted lodging. Parks and gateway communities with tourist-based economies tend to have higher lodging prices during the peak seasons, because they charge more during periods of high demand. You could score a deal as many hospitality vendors offer lower prices during off-peak times. However, there may be fewer lodging options available, as campgrounds or hotels may be closed.
Suggestions for shoulder and off-season national park trips
Springtime adventures in high-elevation parks
As the snow melts, the first wildflowers emerge at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, offering bursts of color you can experience before the summer time crowds arrive. Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in March and April and hike the dunes, as daytime sand temperatures are considerably lower in spring.
Wildlife watching in California
Channel Islands National Park receives most of its visitors in the summer months, but winter time is the best time to see the grey whale migration. Desert tortoises in Mojave National Preserve are elusive during the summer and winter, but emerge during the spring rains.
Fall colors in the South
Places like Big Thicket National Preserve and Chickasaw National Recreation Area are crowded in the summer as everyone wants to go for a swim. But in late October and November, you can experience fall colors in these biologically diverse parks.
Underground adventures year-round
Caves maintain a constant cool temperature year-round, no matter what season it is outside. If your park destination includes a cave, such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park, you may be able to visit in the off or shoulder seasons. Keep in mind that some caves are only accessible via a ranger-led tour, which means visitation may be limited.
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Better opportunities for wildlife watching
If you are looking to see or photograph wildlife during your national park trip, visiting during the shoulder or off-seasons may be your best bet. Many animals are shy and may not appear when there are many other visitors in the park. Quieter trails and camping areas mean that you are more likely to see animals.
Spring and fall—common times for many animals to migrate or mate—may be in the shoulder season window for the park you are looking to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to spot a migratory bird species at a top birding destination, or want the chance the photograph elk during rut, visiting during off-peak times may be your best bet.
In winter, many species hibernate or are less active. However, with few leaves on the trees and the possibility of snow, it means that the animals that are out and about are much more visible. Try looking for owls during a full moon winter night hike, or photographing deer, bison, or other large mammals against a backdrop of snow.
A chance to try a new outdoor activity
Looking to experience the outdoors in a different way? Shoulder and off-seasons in the parks may have milder temperatures, fewer insects, or the less likelihood of summer thunderstorms, which can mean a more comfortable hiking or backpacking experience. Less crowded, or nearly empty, trails and campgrounds means that finding a spot to sleep under the stars at your favorite national park may be much easier than in the high season. Keep in mind that some campgrounds may not be open during the off-season, and backcountry permit availability may change based on the season. Always check with the park for details and make sure to do your research to bring the gear you will need to camp in off-season conditions.
More ideas for off-season national park trips
Winter in the high desert
Colder daytime temperatures and the chance to see snow on the peaks of Guadalupe Mountains National Park or in the canyons of Navajo National Monument can create a truly unique experience. Just be aware of park closures for severe weather.
Winter beach escape
Experience winter a little differently when you enjoy surf and sand at Padre Island National Seashore. Enjoy 70 miles of pristine beaches, drive down island and camp on the shore, and go birding.
Winter sports in national parks
Go cross-country skiing in Bandelier National Monument, snowshoeing at Great Basin National Park, or ice fishing at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
Summer nights in the Southwest
It’s too hot during the day to go hiking at many Southwest parks in summer, but nighttime opens a whole different world. Experience the beauty of dark skies at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Saguaro National Park for a different kind of summer national park trip.
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Tips for planning your shoulder and off-season national park trip
When getting ready for your trip to a national park trip, it is important to keep in mind that fewer crowds may require more trip planning ahead of time. Be sure to do your research before you make reservations, and check which amenities, including visitor centers, campgrounds, or tours which may not be available. Some trails or activities may also be inaccessible due to snow, especially if you are visiting in winter.
Finally, keep in mind that some–but not all–destinations may require that you be more self-sufficient and prepared if you are traveling outside of the peak season. For example, winter camping requires specialized gear. You may also need to be prepared for more inclement weather.
If you can’t take the summer off to travel, or are looking for a calmer atmosphere, it’s a good idea to think outside the box and plan your journey to a national park outside of the peak season. It’s just one way to experience the beauty of our national parks year-round.
By Nikki Stavile
