America’s 20 prettiest national parks in winter

Bryce Canyon in winter - © Dave Webb

wilderness.org has an interesting article with this intriguing title:

America’s 20 prettiest national parks in winter

Which parks would you put on your list? I was a bit surprised by the article's suggestions. I expected some of our Mighty 5 parks are in the ranking - but was surprised to see Arches top the list. Yes, Arches is very beautiful when frosted with snow. But is it more beautiful than Bryce? (Bryce is more famous as a winter destination, with its annual snow festival.)

Here's their list, with excerpts:

1. Arches National Park, Utah - ...white snow contrasts with the red rocks and blue skies to create some stunning sights.

2. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah - While it may be hard to imagine, Bryce Canyon's earthly spires are even more spectacular when icy.

4. Yosemite National Park, California

5. Denali National Park, Alaska

6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

7. Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming

8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

9. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

10. Zion National Park, Utah - Zion National Park's majestic rocks appear all the more dramatic when cloaked in white.

11. Acadia National Park, Maine

12. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

13. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

14. Glacier National Park, Montana

15. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

16. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

17. Olympic National Park, Washington

18. Joshua Tree National Park, California

19. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska

20. Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada