Winter transforms the outdoors into a world of serene beauty and adventure.
Crisp air, glistening snow, and smaller crowds make this the perfect season to explore some of the most magical destinations in the United States.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or someone simply looking for tranquility, we’ve got you covered with 13 unforgettable outdoor winter getaways:
East Coast
Mount Washington Valley, New Hampshire
Mount Washington Valley in New Hampshire is a haven of winter sports and amazing winterscape views.
If you’re into skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing than the gorgeous hills of New Hampshire are a spot you should consider.
For the most adventurous in your crew, Mount Washington Valley offers incredible winter snowcat tours with Mount Washington Auto Road SnowCoach Tours.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid in New York offers all of the classic winter activities we know and love – skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and much more!
The coolest part about Lake Placid? This location has hosted the Winter Olympics more than once, so it has the best setup for all the activities you can dream of at their Olympic Sports Complex.
If you want to stretch beyond your typical snow sports, you can even try your hand at bobsledding!
With a professional brakeman and driver as your teammates, you’ll be able to whoosh all the way down to an Olympic finish line.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
If you’re looking for incredible winter hiking paths, check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
You’ll be able to explore the hundreds of trails and roads throughout the park without all of the crowds getting in your way.
For the best views, our advice is to check out Clingmans Dome by following the Appalachian trail from the Newfound Gap to the top of the trail.
The lengthy hike will pay off (it’s about 15 miles as we’ve recommended it) with an incredible view of the Smokies from the tallest peak in the park!
Read:Â Hiking In Snow 101 & Winter Hiking Guide
Mid-West
Door County, Wisconsin
This charming lakeside region offers snowshoeing, ice fishing, and scenic coastal hikes along Lake Michigan.
This location is known for its incredible snow-covered landscapes, as well as its nature- and bird-watching opportunities.
Throughout the winter season, Door County hosts a variety of quirky and cozy winter festivals, including Winterfest, the Fire and Ice Festival, the Winter and Fish Derby, and Bailey’s Harbor Winter Market.
You won’t want to miss them!
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Situated on one of the gateways to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Grand Marais is a charming winter escape for anyone looking to explore the outdoors in the midwestern states.
This town is surrounded by hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails.
You can even try your hand at dogsledding before cozying up in one of the many warming cafes and shops in the town itself.
This far north, you’ll also have a good shot of seeing the Northern Lights (especially with the recent solar activity), so make sure you plan ahead and check with local guides before you go!
Mountain West
Yellowstone National Park, West Entrance
When you visit Yellowstone National Park in the winter, you get to avoid the summer crowds and check out the coolest geothermal wonders in the world against a gorgeous snowy backdrop.
The snow highlights the park’s steamy geysers and snow-covered landscapes, and makes it even easier to see bison, wolves, and elk in their natural habitats.
During the winter season, we recommend checking out the snowmobile tours, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and wildlife-watching opportunities at the park’s West Entrance.
Not only will you get to go on amazing adventures, you’ll also get to warm up in the West Entrance’s cute shops and restaurants.
Also see:Â 10 Best Compact Binoculars for Hiking (Top Picks)
Aspen, Colorado
If you’re looking to get bougie, Aspen is your spot.
Home to great ski hills, renowned art galleries, and fine dining, Aspen is a great spot to spend a winter getaway if you’re willing to shell out some cash.
Engaging in Apres-Ski drinks and cocktails is a cherished routine in the mountain ski town.
It’s not uncommon to be greeted at the bottom of the ski hill by bumping music and plenty of drinks.
Looking to dip your toe in? Check out Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro, Ajax Tavern, or the Aspen Brewing Company for some of Aspen’s best Apres-Ski spots!
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Bryce Canyon is stunning year-round, but winter offers something truly special—peaceful trails and breathtaking views without the crowds
If you’re a fan of winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, this is the perfect spot for you.
Take the opportunity to take in this national park’s red rocks and gorgeous views – all at 8,000 feet!
Before you go, make sure to check the park’s website for winter road closures, so you don’t get sidetracked on your winter adventures.\
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches is home to breathtaking geological formations that look like arches and other unique shapes.
In the winter, the landscape is peaceful – and the park is nearly empty from other visitors.
Check out Arches if you have any geology nerds in your crew, or if you’re into winter camping and hiking.
Temperatures can range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to far below freezing during the coldest months, so make sure you come prepared with extra layers.
Read:Â Winter Camping Checklist (w/ Printable PDF)
Southwest
Taos, New Mexico
Known for its blend of Native American and Spanish culture, Taos Ski Valley offers skiing with views of adobe architecture and colorful landscapes.
If skiing isn’t your jam, you can also take in the amazing scenery on the mountain town’s many snowshoeing trails in Carson National Forest.
One of the most widely recommended trails is Wheeler Peak Trail, which will take you all the way up to the state’s tallest summit.
Once you’re done with your winter activities, check out Taos’ beautiful natural hot springs.
Stagecoach Hot Springs (just 13 miles northwest of Toas) boasts 100 degree Fahrenheit water. There’s a reason it’s so popular on cold winter nights!
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of our favorite spots in the Southwest during any month, but especially during the winter months.
With a daily average temperature of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and gorgeous views of their famous red rocks, this is a perfect place to visit during the winter months.
This city is practically made for outdoor enthusiasts! It’s surrounded by nearly 2 million acres of national forest, four wilderness areas, and two state parks.
You’ll be able to take advantage of the many hiking trails (on foot or on bikes), take a horseback ride, a jeep tour, or check out the views in a hot air balloon.
During the winter months, Sedona also hosts a variety of holiday-themed festivities making it a perfect choice for the holiday season!
Read:Â Best Time to Go Camping (For EVERY State)
West Coast
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
This National Park was originally formed when a volcanic eruption collapsed a tall peak, creating a beautiful deep blue lake and the surrounding wilderness.
This is a fantastic park for a variety of winter activities, including backcountry camping, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, skiing, and more.
The park even offers Ranger-Guided Snowshoe Walks, where you can go off-trail with a Park Ranger to learn about the incredible ways plants, animals, and people survive the harsh winter conditions of Oregon.
Read:Â The 11 Best Winter Tents for 4-Season Cold Weather Camping (Buyers Guide)
Joshua Tree Park, California
Looking for a warmer getaway during the winter season? With daytime temperatures averaging around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, Joshua Tree National Park will be perfect for you.
This park has stunning views and native high-desert fauna that is sure to take your breath away.
If you’re looking for a few great hikes, check out Discovery Trail (easy), Lost Horse Mine (moderate), or Panorama Loop (difficult).
As is true with any high-desert climate, always be sure to pack extra layers. When the sun goes down, Joshua Tree Park has been known to reach freezing temperatures!
Also see: Winter Layering Guide: How to Layer for Cold Weather
Don’t let the cold weather get you down!
Getting outside in the winter can be a fantastic opportunity to beat some crowds, see some amazing wildlife, and get active in beautiful, snowy landscapes!
We hope we’ve given you a couple of good ideas for your next cold-weather trip.
Let us know how it goes in the comments, and feel free to recommend any other spots you think we should check out.