As winter fastens its grip across the Northern United States, travelers and adventurers alike begin to break out skis and snowboards, books and wool socks. Until about mid-February, this is great. But pretty soon we begin to crave dust on bare legs, sun on our shoulders and a sweat that isn’t just at the gym.

Winter is the perfect season to explore national and state parks that would be unbearably warm during the summer, and far more populated. Winter sheds an entirely different light on many parks – offering different experiences altogether, and usually much quieter. In 2015, the National Park Service celebrates its 100th year anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than setting foot in a few? A little extra vitamin D doesn’t hurt, either.

Arizona

A trip to Arizona means that a trip to the Grand Canyon is necessary – if only for a little while to battle the mass herds of other tourists. Fly into Phoenix, and take one of many shuttles to the Grand Canyon (or rent a car, your choice). The South Rim is the most heavily visited, but the North Rim is another five hours away from there. Shuttles are available from the North and South Rims daily. Services like Arizona Shuttle can take you from Phoenix to Flagstaff to The Grand Canyon for about $70, and includes park entry fee. Saguaro National Park isn’t far from Phoenix either, it’s under 10 miles and makes a great day trip, and once you buy a pass it’s good for seven days. If you’re staying in the city, a quick trip back to the park for a hike doesn’t cost you each day.

Texas

Headed to Austin for South by Southwest Festival in March? Just outside of Austin is Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, 30,428 acres of rolling vegetation and a couple really interesting hikes, animals, and pools. Hike out to Hamilton Pool, a natural waterhole that was formed when a dome that covered an underground river collapsed. The pool gets busy on weekends and is limited to a certain amount of people, try and plan your trip for a weekday. Tom Hughes Park is nearby Austin also, located on Lake Travis and offers more steep challenging hikes, with a lakeview.

California

California might be hogging all the best national parks. Maybe not all the best, but they’ve sure got a handful of gems. A California national park trip would surely take a bite out of winter, and could take up a significant amount of time.

While the tallest trees in Redwood National Park might be a bit cold this time of year, seeing the biggest trees by volume is a humbling and necessary experience. Sequioa National Park shares a portion of the John Muir trail, and order to really see what you came for, a hike is in store. It’s located only about 140 miles south of Yosemite, or about a three-hour drive, and a perfect addition to any trip to either park. In the winter temperatures can get down to freezing, but the lack of crowds makes it worth it, and a good hike will keep you warm, anyways.

Sitting quietly on the ocean, only a few miles from the chaos of Los Angeles lies Channel Islands National Park, a string of islands that have maintained their habitat while the mainland close by continues to develop. Getting to the islands is an event in itself, you have the option to take a boat, or a private plane. Island Packers leaves out of Ventura, and also offers kayaks. There are no bikes or transportation allowed on the islands, and the park itself is one of the least visited in the country – which allows for a secluded visit, a different experience from many other national parks. There are visitors centers on the mainland in Ventura, and Santa Barbara for those who would rather look at the islands from afar.

From the mountains to the sea and now into the desert. Joshua Tree National Park looms on the southwestern side of California, awaiting travelers with dust clouds and massive trees that stand as a test to the dry climate in the area. The park was named after these trees, and is another climbing hot spot. Late fall or early summer is the best time to visit the park – the summers in the Mojave Desert can reach temperatures in the triple digits and don’t make hiking any easier. The park is also known for its amazing skies at night. With very little light pollution, it’s the perfect spot to watch a meteor shower.

Utah

While parts of Utah will still be on the colder side during the winter months, exploring during the winter can put a whole new spin on a familiar location. Zion National Park offers several hiking options, camping, and sightseeing during the cold. The canyons however, are not open to the public due to heavy snow. There are still plenty of beautiful views that can be easily appreciated from afar, temperatures never get too bitter, and the crowds that populate the magnificent rock faces in the summer are nowhere to be found.

Arches National Park is also totally accessible during the winter. The area gets very little snow, and warms up during the day so the risk of ice is lessened – but still possible. All the hiking that can be done in the summer can for the most part be done in the winter, without the possibility of being caught behind a slow group on a trail. Camping is still available in the park, but temperatures can get down to the single digits on certain nights, and unless you’re prepared with a slew of the right gear – rent a place to stay in the charming little town of Moab nearby.

Florida

A winter guide wouldn’t be complete without a mention to the popular winter escape route. It doesn’t all have to be beaches, although a fair amount can be enjoyable. Everglades National Park offers miles and miles of interesting animals and plants, and is only a quick jaunt from nearby Miami. Also close to Miami is Biscayne National Park, which is 95 percent water and chock-full of snorkeling, fishing, diving, kayaking and camping options.