Winter Activities

Visitors are welcome to ski, snowshoe, or hike in the park during the winter.

Plan Around Winter Activities

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Winter Activities Details

There are no groomed ski trails in the park, but winter visitors are welcome to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or venture out into the backcountry. On average, only 30 inches of snow falls in the park, and the wind tends to blow it into drifts, leaving other areas with scarce coverage. Snow can fall as early as October and as late as April, with winter temperatures falling into the single digits. Sudden storms and temperature drops may change conditions quickly. Since hiking trails are not maintained during winter, cross-country skiers should stick to the park roads or the frozen Little Missouri River. With the wind always blowing the snow around, the trails can become hazardous, with creek bottoms, gaps, and other obstacles sometimes hidden beneath drifts. Backcountry campers should be well prepared for a winter trip in the park and knowledgable about winter survival. The weather can be unpredictable and change unexpectedly, raising the risk of hypothermia and disorientation. Share your trip plans with others before you head out as a safety precaution.

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Activities