Explore the most breathtaking national parks where winter transforms landscapes into frozen playgrounds. This list highlights premier destinations offering exceptional opportunities for snowshoeing through pristine forests and ice climbing on majestic frozen waterfalls, catering to adventurers seeking cold-weather thrills.
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Known as the American Alps, this park offers world-class ice climbing on thousands of frozen waterfalls, including the famous Cascade Crest. Snowshoers can traverse rugged, snow-covered trails surrounded by jagged peaks and glacial valleys in Washington State.
A winter wonderland where the Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed, leaving pristine snow for backcountry snowshoeing and ski tours. Climbers can tackle steep ice formations in areas like Two Medicine and St. Mary Valley, experiencing true alpine isolation and beauty.
Famous for El Capitan's frozen face, Yosemite provides challenging ice climbing routes in Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. Snowshoers enjoy the serene, snow-blanketed meadows and the unique experience of seeing iconic granite domes against a crisp winter backdrop.
While known for desert hiking, Canyonlands offers stark, beautiful snowshoeing across its mesas and canyons in winter. The cold, clear air provides excellent visibility for ice climbing on frozen slots and icefalls in the Needles District, offering a unique high-desert adventure.
Combines rainforest snowshoeing with mountain ice climbing in a single park. Visitors can hike through Hoh Rainforest in snow and climb ice formations in the alpine zones of Hurricane Ridge, experiencing diverse ecosystems and weather conditions simultaneously.
The Teton Range provides spectacular views for snowshoers trekking across Jackson Hole and the Snake River flats. Ice climbers can challenge themselves on the frozen waterfalls surrounding Jenny Lake, with the majestic peaks providing a stunning scenic backdrop.
Home to some of the most iconic ice climbing in the Pacific Northwest, with routes on Paradise and Carbon Glacier areas. Snowshoers can explore the snow-covered meadows and subalpine forests, enjoying the imposing presence of the massive stratovolcano.
Trail Ridge Road remains open for scenic winter drives, while lower elevations offer excellent snowshoeing through pine forests. Climbers can find technical ice routes in the park's cirques, with clear skies often providing stunning views of the Continental Divide.
The deepest lake in the US freezes over, creating a unique platform for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing tours. While ice climbing is limited, the frozen caldera offers a surreal, otherworldly landscape for winter exploration and photography amidst deep snowdrifts.
Accessible primarily by boat, this park offers guided snowshoe tours on the temperate rainforests of the inner bay. Winter visitors can experience pristine, snow-covered landscapes and observe marine life, with rare opportunities for ice climbing on coastal glaciers.
A popular destination for accessible snowshoeing around Gatlinburg and Townsend, with historic buildings covered in snow. Ice climbing is less common but can be found on smaller frozen cascades, offering a milder, forested winter adventure in the East.
Skyline Drive provides access to snow-covered ridges and valleys, ideal for snowshoeing with panoramic views. While ice climbing is niche, frozen waterfalls in areas like Dark Hollow Falls offer small, technical challenges for local climbers in Virginia.
Though known for gypsum dunes, winter brings snow that transforms the white sands into a unique playground. Snowshoeing here is a rare and visually striking experience, offering solitude and contrast against the stark, colorful desert landscape under snow.
The Narrows and other slots can be explored via snowshoe in winter, with crowds significantly reduced. While ice climbing is limited due to the park's geology, frozen waterfalls on the park's cliffs provide challenging routes for experienced climbers seeking a desert ice experience.
Rocky coastal paths become serene snowshoe trails with views of the Atlantic Ocean and frozen waterfalls like Jordan Pond. Ice climbing is available on the park's unique coastal cliffs and ledges, offering a distinct maritime winter climbing experience in Maine.
Winter is the prime season for snowshoeing in Chisos Mountains, where snow occasionally dusts the peaks. Ice climbing is rare but possible on small frozen seeps, offering a rare combination of high desert scenery and cold-weather exploration in Texas.
Known as the Land of Water, this park transforms into a frozen highway of trails for snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The frozen lakes and rivers provide a unique backdrop for winter exploration, with opportunities for ice fishing and guided winter wildlife tours.
Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, this isolated park offers pristine snowshoeing across its forested islands. Winter solitude is unmatched, with wolf and moose tracking being popular activities, though ice climbing is limited by the lack of vertical ice formations.
Rare snowfalls transform the desert landscape, offering unique snowshoeing opportunities among giant saguaro cacti. While ice climbing is virtually non-existent due to the arid climate, the visual contrast of snow on cacti makes for a memorable winter visit in Arizona.
Offers a unique combination of snowshoeing in Ouachita Mountain forests and relaxation in historic bathhouses. Winter visits provide a quiet, atmospheric experience with steam rising from pools against a backdrop of snow-dusted trees and historic architecture.