February is a month of quiet magic in the national parks. The winter landscapes have settled in, creating a peaceful and stunning backdrop for adventure, long before the summer crowds arrive. It's a time not for escaping the season, but for embracing the unique experiences it offers.
From hiking in perfect desert weather to paddling through a subtropical wilderness, February is packed with opportunities for exploration. We've picked five incredible parks that are primed for adventure this month, each offering a chance to create lasting memories.
5 Adventures for February
1. The Adventure: Desert Hiking in Death Valley National Park, California
Why it's a great adventure: February offers the perfect window for exploring Death Valley on foot. With daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s, you can comfortably hike for hours. It's your chance to explore badlands, walk on vast salt flats, and discover hidden canyons in the largest national park outside of Alaska.
What to See: Walk the iconic salt flats of Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Catch a sunrise at Zabriskie Point to see the badlands painted in shades of pink and gold. Drive the nine-mile, one-way loop of Artist's Drive to see the colorful mineral deposits of the Artist's Palette.
Pro Tip: Nights are still cold, so pack layers. The park is huge, so plan your days geographically to minimize driving time. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for exploring any of the park's more remote dirt roads.
2. The Adventure: Wildlife Spotting in Everglades National Park, Florida
Why it's a great adventure: February is the heart of the dry season, which means wildlife viewing is at its absolute peak. As water levels recede, animals gather around the remaining water sources, offering almost guaranteed sightings of alligators, turtles, and countless species of wading birds.
What to See: Rent a kayak and paddle through the mangrove tunnels of the Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail for an up-close experience. Walk the famous Anhinga Trail, a boardwalk path where you can safely observe an incredible density of wildlife. Take an airboat tour in the surrounding area to cover more ground.
Pro Tip: The Shark Valley Tram Tour is a fantastic way to see a lot of the park and its wildlife with an expert guide. Book your tickets in advance, as they can sell out, especially on weekends.
3. The Adventure: Canyon Exploration in Big Bend National Park, Texas
Why it's a great adventure: The mild weather in Big Bend makes February the perfect time for rugged exploration. You can hike through dramatic river canyons, soak in natural hot springs, and explore a vast, remote landscape of mountains and desert without the intense heat of other seasons.
What to See: Hike the stunning Santa Elena Canyon, where the Rio Grande carves a dramatic path through towering limestone cliffs. Soak in the historic Hot Springs on the edge of the river. Drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive for breathtaking vistas of the Chisos Mountains and the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert.
Pro Tip: Big Bend is one of the least-visited national parks due to its remote location. Services are limited, so fill up on gas and stock up on supplies in one of the towns outside the park, like Terlingua or Marathon.
4. The Adventure: Desert Photography in Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Why it's a great adventure: The low-angled winter sun in February creates the perfect light for photography. The iconic saguaro cacti, standing like silent sentinels, are at their most photogenic, and the cool, clear days are ideal for hiking and finding the perfect shot.
What to See: The park is split into two districts. In the west (Tucson Mountain District), drive the scenic Bajada Loop Drive and hike to see ancient petroglyphs at Signal Hill. In the east (Rincon Mountain District), the Cactus Forest Drive is a paved loop with numerous trailheads and pullouts offering incredible views.
Pro Tip: The best light for photography is during the "golden hour"—the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. The low-angled sun makes the saguaros and the surrounding mountains glow.
5. The Adventure: Forest Bathing in Redwood National and State Parks, California
Why it's a great adventure: The winter rains have left the forest floor lush and vibrant, and the misty, moody atmosphere is truly magical. With the summer crowds gone, you can experience the profound quiet and awe of walking among the tallest trees on Earth in peaceful solitude.
What to See: Walk the short, flat, and incredibly scenic Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. Drive the Newton B. Drury Parkway, a ten-mile scenic alternative to Highway 101 that winds through the heart of an old-growth redwood forest. Look for the resident herds of Roosevelt elk, often seen grazing in the park's prairies.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers and be prepared for rain. A good waterproof jacket and boots are essential. Don't let a little drizzle deter you; the forest is often at its most beautiful and atmospheric in the wet weather.
Final Thoughts
February is a month for doing, seeing, and experiencing. It's a time to embrace the unique character of the season and find your own adventure. Grab your America the Beautiful Pass, pick a park, and make some memories.
