12 of the Best U.S. National Parks to Visit During the Winter

"Already awe-inspiring, the canyon turns magical under a fresh layer of snow on fiery sandstone and surrounding evergreens. Visiting the South Rim in the off-season means hikes like the Bright Angel Trail are blissfully quiet and much more comfortable in cool temperatures, and while the park’s free shuttles run fewer routes in winter, plenty still stop at trailheads and Grand Canyon Village viewpoints." - Sarah L. Stewart Sarah L. Stewart ​​Sarah L. Stewart is a Florida-based freelance magazine writer and editor specializing in travel, recreation, science, and health topics. Her work appears in Travel + Leisure, Outside, Backpacker, The Huffington Post, and other national publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines