In search of the most effective nationwide parks to go to in November? You need to begin by visiting these parks.
November is a perfect month to go to the numerous Nationwide Parks which are silly sizzling in the course of the summer time. Plus, it’s sometimes quieter in case you keep away from the vacations and leaf-peeping season.
Final Up to date: September 4, 2023
Earlier than we get into it, we need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Depart no Hint Ideas. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, decrease campfire affect, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
In regards to the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place collectively this checklist, we’ve mixed our private experiences and ideas we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal points of interest like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place within the space. We additionally took into consideration any distinctive adventures solely provided at sure instances of the yr to search out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was so much!
It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was fully price having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, try our full checklist of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park items that embody soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embody the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and U.S. territories on this sequence.
Nationwide Parks By Month: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Could | Jun | Jul
Is November a Good Time to Go to Nationwide Parks?
Sure! It’s the most effective month for a lot of nationwide parks which are sometimes too sizzling to go to in the course of the summer time.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Decide up an America the Stunning annual cross to economize (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you might be serving to assist the Parks that all the time want funding.
11 Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in November
1. Dying Valley Nationwide Park, California →
36.4799715,-118.1707461, map
Common Temperatures: 77°F / 48°F
Why Go to: I received’t even contact Dying Valley Valley Nationwide Park till November. It’s among the best instances to go to, with heat temperatures in the course of the day to your lengthy hikes. At evening, temperatures drop considerably, but it surely’s not as freezing like December and January. It’s nonetheless a good suggestion to pack layers, particularly in case you run chilly like me.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Hikers, Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: The park is large, so pad in loads of journey time to go from one spot to the subsequent.
See Extra: 15 Unimaginable Issues to Do in Dying Valley Nationwide Park
2. Everglades Nationwide Park, Florida
40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, map
Common Temperatures: 82°F / 64°F
Why Go to: November is the beginning of the dry season in Everglades Nationwide Park. Not solely are the temperatures cooler, however there are fewer mosquitos and wildlife can be extra energetic and plentiful.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Boating, Tenting, Kayaking, Bicycling, Fishing, Mountaineering, Excursions
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Shark Valley, Anhinga Path, Eco Pond, Snake Bight, 9 Mile Pond
- Wildlife – Alligators, Raccoons, Opossums, Bobcats, Grey Fox, Leopard Frogs, Roseate Spoonbill, Manatee
- What number of days do you want? 2-3
Professional Tip: Since visiting in the course of the dry season is in style, make superior reservations for tenting, lodging, and excursions.
See Extra: Your Listing of All Nationwide Parks within the US
3. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California →
6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, map
Common Temperatures: 72°F / 44°F
Why Go to: It’s lastly climbing season once more! That’s why we love Joshua Tree in November. For these of you who don’t climb, it will not be probably the most enjoyable or scenic nationwide park, but it surely’s nonetheless a good time to see Joshua timber, rock piles, and epic sunsets. The solar is heat in the course of the day, and the temps drop at evening, making it enjoyable to cozy up subsequent to a campfire.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Backpacking, Stargazing, Tenting, Scenic Drives, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Backyard, Halls of Horror, Cranium Rock
- Wildlife – Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Grey Fox, Desert Equipment Fox, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Desert Cottontail
- What number of days do you want? 1 or 2-3 in case you climb
Professional Tip: The park will get busier in the course of the cooler seasons, so in case you’re hoping to camp, ebook your web site early.
See Extra: 11 Superb Issues to Do in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
4. Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park, Kentucky
37.1879181,-86.1028107, map
Common Temperatures: 59°F / 38°F
Why Go to: November is on the tail finish of fall colours, however you continue to would possibly catch some! Because it’s later within the season, the leaf-peeping crowds ought to have thinned already so the park can be quieter. Fall can also be the driest season within the park.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Bicycling, Cave Excursions, Kayaking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Cave, Doyel Valley Overlook, Sundown Level, Inexperienced River
- Wildlife – Bats, White-Tailed Deer, Coyote, Black Bear
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: They provide fewer cave excursions throughout shoulder season so examine their present schedule when planning.
See Extra: Full Nationwide Parks Listing by State
5. New River Gorge Nationwide Park, West Virginia
162 Customer Middle Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, map
Common Temperatures: 77°F / 48°F
Why Go to: As one of many latest Nationwide Parks, it has shortly earned a spot as among the best parks for fall foliage. It sometimes peaks mid to late October, however you would possibly nonetheless catch it in early November. Even in case you miss it, the cool temps are excellent for climbing and climbing, which is extra our precedence.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Tenting, Whitewater Rafting, Mountaineering, Biking, Climbing, Scenic Drives, Fishing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – New River Gorge Bridge, Grandview, Sandstone Falls, Nuttallburg
- Wildlife – Groundhogs, Coyotes, Purple Foxes, Grey Foxes, Black Bears, Bobcats, White-Tailed Deer
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
6. White Sands Nationwide Park, New Mexico →
19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, map
Common Temperatures: 66°F / 29°F
Why Go to: November is likely one of the quieter months at White Sands Nationwide Park. It’s a good time to discover the dunes with nobody in sight. When you can bear actually chilly climate, you may even camp and benefit from the stars.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Bicycling, Backcountry Tenting, Pictures, Stargazing, Sledding
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Sledding, Dune Life Nature Path, Alkali Flat Path, Playa Path
- Wildlife – American Badger, Apache Pocket Mouse, Black-Tailed Jackrabbit, Bobcat, Coyote, Equipment Fox
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Native Tip: Since you might be climbing on dunes, it’s worthwhile to examine for path markers. It could actually get disorienting in a short time. We received circled when looking for out approach again to our automotive however discovered our approach by wanting on the route of the sundown. Additionally, you may obtain an offline model of google maps of the world.
See Extra: 5 Unimaginable Issues to Do at White Sands Nationwide Park
7. Zion Nationwide Park, Utah →
1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, map
Common Temperatures: 56°F / 30°F
Why Go to: Zion Nationwide Park has exploded in reputation, so late fall is a superb time to go to for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. You’ll be able to usually nonetheless catch fall leaves at decrease elevations too!
Finest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Tenting, Backpacking, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Angels Touchdown, Canyon Overlook Path, Emerald Swimming pools, Remark Level, Riverside Stroll
- Wildlife – Ringtail, Mountain Lion, American Pika, Desert Cottontail, Coyote, Equipment Fox, Bighorn Sheep, Elk
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: The Narrows can be chilly to hike, however you may all the time hire dry fits on the town in case you nonetheless need to test it out.
See Extra: 15 Unimaginable Issues to Do in Zion Nationwide Park
8. Yosemite Nationwide Park, California →
9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map
Common Temperatures: 57°F / 32°F
Why Go to: November is likely one of the quietest instances to go to Yosemite Nationwide Park. You’ll get cool nights and sunny days. Many of the park continues to be open earlier than the upper elevations shut down for winter. Plus chances are you’ll even catch the primary snow of the season making it further magical.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering and Backpacking, Excursions, Pictures, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Taft Level, Glacier Level, Half Dome, Tunnel View
- Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Large Horn Sheep, Nice Grey Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Purple Foxes
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: Keep in mind that elevation varies so much throughout the park, which suggests temperatures fluctuate fairly a bit. Be sure you examine the climate within the areas you intend on visiting.
See Extra: 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Yosemite Nationwide Park
9. Pinnacles Nationwide Park, California
5000 CA-146, Paicines, CA 95043, map
Common Temperatures: 68°F / 34°F
Why Go to: Pinnacles Nationwide Park is far more in style in the course of the cooler months since summer time is so sizzling. November is a superb time to hike, rock climb, and see wildlife, and though it’s a busier time, the general park visitation is manageable because it’s one of many lesser-known Nationwide Parks within the US.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Tenting
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Talus Cave, Bear Guild, Balconies Cave, Rim Path Loop, Excessive Peaks Loop
- Wildlife – Canyon Bats, Mountain Lions, Condors, Feral Pig, Bobcat, Grey Fox, Ringtail
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Pinnacles Nationwide Park has two separate entrances which are removed from one another. Plan accordingly primarily based on what you need to see!
10. Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park, Texas
400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847, map
Common Temperatures: 52°F / 37°F
Why Go to: The park’s busiest time is mid-October to mid-November for good motive. The climate is cool and also you’ll get to benefit from the fall colours. For the reason that park is likely one of the least visited Nationwide Parks, even when it’s crowded, it received’t really feel like Zion or Yellowstone. Plus, it’s a wilderness park so that you’ll need to get on rugged trails to see a number of the finest spots, which suggests no crowds! It’s wonderful how getting off the primary street will deter individuals.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Mountaineering, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Horseback Using
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Smith Spring Path, Satan’s Corridor Path, McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Peak Path
- Wildlife – Coyote, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Badger, Texas Banded Gecko, Bats, Javelinas, Jackrabbits, Rattlesnake
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Be ready to hike; in any other case you’ll miss out on the most effective spots within the park.
See Extra: 15 Least Visited Nationwide Parks You Have to Discover Subsequent
11. Badlands Nationwide park, South Dakota →
25216 SD-240, Inside, SD 57750, map
Common Temperatures: 47°F / 28°F
Why Go to: Fall is likely one of the finest instances to see the park’s wildlife, like bison, prairie canine, and bighorn sheep. In November, you’re often away from any massive snow dumps (though they’ll nonetheless occur, so plan forward).
Finest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Mountaineering
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Badlands Loop Highway, Fossil Preparation Lab, Sage Creek Rim Highway
- Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Canines, Bighorn Sheep, Black-Footed Ferret
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Many of the highlights could be seen from the scenic drives, however hop out for some simple hikes (most are 1.25 miles or much less).
See Extra: 9 Superb Issues to Do in Badlands Nationwide Park
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in November
Need to See Extra Nationwide Parks to Go to in November?
When you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have accomplished most of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in November. Whereas November will not be the highest two months of the yr to go to these parks, it’s additionally not the worst time.
Ideas for Visiting the Finest Nationwide Parks in November
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint ideas. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, decrease campfire affect, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
- Decide up the Nationwide Park Annual Cross in case you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- Need to see the autumn foliage? Local weather change and droughts this yr will make timing extra unpredictable. We sometimes go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by all of the latest posts to see what it’s wanting like. Take into account that individuals put up older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. It’s also possible to depart a remark and ask after they went.
- It’s all the time a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat in the course of the day and funky at evening. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks can be heat on the valley ground and chilly at greater elevations.
- You could want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times examine the park’s web site and Guests Middle for probably the most up-to-date info on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be accustomed to tips on how to work together with animals and the way a lot area you need to have between you and them.
Incessantly Requested Questions
ARE NATIONAL PARKS CROWDED IN NOVEMBER?
For probably the most half, parks are much less crowded in November. Though a number of the parks can be busier throughout this time for fall foliage or at parks which are insufferable in the summertime.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST TO VISIT NATIONAL PARKS?
This will depend on the area, however September and October are usually the most effective instances to go to since most parks are much less crowded. Plus, it’s often cheaper, you might have gentle climate, and the animals are extra energetic.
WHAT IS ZION LIKE IN NOVEMBER?
Temperatures with a excessive of 63 levels Fahrenheit and a low of 37. It’s nice climbing climate, particularly for the uncovered trails like Angels Touchdown.
HOW IS YELLOWSTONE IN NOVEMBER?
Yellowstone in November is chilly and sometimes instances there can be snow. Temperatures are chilly, with common highs round 39 and lows round 20. Southern parts of the park are closed to all site visitors.
WHAT IS YOSEMITE LIKE IN NOVEMBE
The climate is cool and sunny, with a excessive of round 56 and a low of round 33. At greater elevations, temperatures can drop to 17 levels. It’s the final month you may discover the upper elevations earlier than they shut for the season.
IS GLACIER PARK OPEN IN NOVEMBER?
November is the beginning of the wintry season in Glacier Nationwide Park and the customer facilities and lodges are closed. Going-to-the-Solar-Highway and Many Glacier Highway are additionally closed for the season. Because of this, I’d solely go to throughout July and August.
HOW HOT IS GRAND CANYON IN NOVEMBER?
On the South Rim, the highs are often round 52 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 24.
Are you able to consider others that belong on this checklist of finest nationwide parks to go to in November? Which of them are we lacking?
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Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine that journey could be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover regionally. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and at present base themselves in Las Vegas.
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