February is the last great month for the desert parks before spring-break crowds, and the first hint of wildflower season in the lowest valleys. Snow brings out a rare side of the red-rock parks.
Temperatures are close to perfect for the long trails: Emory Peak and the South Rim are comfortable, and the desert floor rarely tops the 70s. In wet years, bluebonnets can start blooming along the river roads by late February.
Hikes to do: South Rim, Emory Peak, Boquillas Canyon, Grapevine Hills (Balanced Rock)
Don't miss: South Rim views into Mexico, Boquillas Canyon, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Castolon
Tip: Spring break (March) books up the Chisos Basin. February is the calmer window.
This is peak climbing and bouldering season, with sunny 60-degree days among the monzogranite piles. In wet winters, low-elevation wildflowers start near Cottonwood toward month's end.
Hikes to do: Ryan Mountain, Barker Dam Loop, Lost Palms Oasis, Hidden Valley
Don't miss: Hidden Valley and Barker Dam, where water may pool after winter rains, Cholla Cactus Garden in soft late-day light, Keys View over the Coachella Valley
Tip: Weekends are busy and campgrounds fill. Reserve ahead or arrive midweek.
Still cool enough for the long canyon hikes. In a wet winter, late February is when desert gold and other annuals begin to carpet the southern valley.
Hikes to do: Golden Canyon–Gower Gulch Loop, Ubehebe Crater Loop, Darwin Falls, Mesquite Flat Dunes
Don't miss: Artists Drive and Artist's Palette, Dante's View, 5,000 ft above Badwater, Ubehebe Crater
Tip: Wildflower displays depend on fall and winter rain. Check the park's alerts before planning around them.
February continues the dry season, which concentrates wildlife. Wading bird nesting ramps up and gators bask along the canals on cool mornings.
Hikes to do: Anhinga Trail, Mahogany Hammock, West Lake Trail, Snake Bight Trail
Don't miss: Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm, Shark Valley observation tower, Paddling the Nine Mile Pond or West Lake canoe trails
Tip: Bring binoculars. Birding here is at its best from now through March.
Mild winter weather and calm bay days make this a good month to get out on the water to Boca Chita and Elliott Key. Summer's heat and storm risk are months away.
Hikes to do: Boca Chita Lighthouse Loop, Elliott Key Loop, Jetty Trail
Don't miss: Boca Chita Key lighthouse, Elliott Key, Snorkeling the Maritime Heritage Trail shipwrecks on calm days
Tip: Nearly all of the park is water. Book a boat tour or plan your own boat access ahead.
Snow on the orange hoodoos is Bryce's rarest and most photographed look. At 8,000 ft the rim trails become snowshoe routes, and the park is nearly empty.
Hikes to do: Rim Trail, Queen's Garden, Mossy Cave
Don't miss: Sunrise Point and Inspiration Point with snow-frosted amphitheaters, Snowshoeing the Rim Trail, Stargazing, when some of the darkest skies in the country are also the coldest
Tip: Trails into the amphitheater can be icy. Traction devices (microspikes) are strongly recommended.
Another sunny, mild month in the Sonoran Desert, before spring crowds. It's ideal for the long climbs to Wasson Peak or up the Rincons.
Hikes to do: Hugh Norris Trail, Wasson Peak, Douglas Spring, Freeman Homestead
Don't miss: Hugh Norris Trail ridgeline, Freeman Homestead, Mica View picnic area
Tip: Carry more water than you think you need, even in winter. Desert air is very dry.