Mention a national park vacation, and many of us imagine a family loading up the minivan for a multiweek adventure over the summer holidays. And while summer may be a lovely time to explore many of these national treasures, there are some parks that hold another sort of promise during winter. Parks with climates that are less than ideal in summer--such as the Everglades or Death Valley--are still warm enough in winter to cure cold-weather blues. Others plagued by high-season crowds, like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, transform into sparsely populated wonderlands for outdoor activity. Here are two of Mother Nature's choicest winter hideaways--Death Valley and Yosemite, both in California. (For other great national parks to visit in winter, click on the following links: Hawaii's Volcanoes, Arizona's Grand Canyon, Wyoming's Yellowstone, New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns, Florida's Everglades, and St. Thomas and St. John's US Virgin Islands.)

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK: The hottest, driest place in North America is downright inhospitable in summer, so winter is the time of year to explore this fascinating desert environment. From a cracked, dry floor 282 feet below sea level to 11,049-foot Telescope Peak, Death Valley boasts abundant plant and animal life, ore-streaked hills, sand dunes, a historic borax mine and museum, hiking trails, a Spanish-style castle (tours cost extra) and lush, spring-fed oases. For lodging, there's the storied Furnace Creek Inn, possibly the most elegant luxury hotel in the park system. (Elegance comes at a price--rooms are around $250 to $400 per night.) Furnace Creek Ranch Resort, just next door, is a better bet for families (about $125 to $175 per night, with cabins available). The two share a golf course, and both have a swimming pool and tennis courts. Three other moderately priced hotels and campgrounds are also available within park boundaries. Park entry is $10 per car. Call 760-786-2331.

Daytime temperatures: 55 to 75 degrees.
Best bet for family fun: Horseback riding at Furnace Creek Ranch.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: A few hours east of San Francisco, Yosemite is one of the nation's most accessible parks year-round. In winter, you'll skip out on crowds but not on fun: Ranger-led walks, ice-skating, cross-country skiing and hiking are still in full swing (there is no snowmobiling allowed). Snow sports are clustered at the south end of the park, near the ski area of Badger Pass. Inside the valley, you can hike, watch herds of deer and check out the winter light on Yosemite's massive granite peaks and domes. In early spring, it's worth a visit just to see the waterfalls at their peak. Winter lodging in the valley includes the posh Ahwahnee Hotel and the more moderate Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village. This year, for the first time, the beautiful, stately Wawona Hotel, just inside the park's south entrance, will be open year-round. Look for winter packages at the hotels (559-252-4848). Park entry is $20 per car. Call 209-372-1000.

Daytime temperatures: 20s to 40s.
Best bet for family fun: Free, ranger-led snowshoe walks.

Rani M. Arbo is a frequent contributor to FAMILYFUN.

For more information on these and other national parks, click here.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.