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

"Straddling the Colorado and Mojave deserts, this boulder- and bush-dotted landscape becomes a serene winter escape from Los Angeles (130 miles) and Las Vegas (230 miles). Winter is a mecca for rock climbers who take advantage of cool granite for bouldering; plan ahead for first-come, first-served campsites, and if you stay the night, you’ll be rewarded with some of the West Coast’s best stargazing." - 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