Best Winter Hikes in North America

Every season is the perfect time for adventure, and we’re bringing you the best winter hikes in North America. MT Sobek got its start with epic hiking around the world, so we hardly take a season off when adventure comes calling! Discover what popular winter hikes we’re warming up for and how you can be a part of our upcoming trips.

Why You Should Hike in the Winter

If you’re like most travelers, you’ve already stowed away your hiking boots and day packs to await warmer months. But the truly intrepid know that winter is one of the best seasons for hiking! A few reasons why we love winter hikes are:

• Fewer crowds on trails
• Cooler weather
• Unique scenery

Not all winter hikes involve snow-covered trails and battling frigid wind gusts atop mountain summits. North America’s diverse landscape means you can also find dry trails and warmer climates even in the middle of the winter.

Excited yet? Check out a few of our favorite winter hikes in North America we’re gearing up for.

Easy Winter Hikes in North America

1. Mastodon Peak Trail in Joshua Tree National Park, California

• Length: 2.4 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

Winter is the best time to summit Mastodon Peak. There’s no shade en route to the top, so you’ll appreciate the cooler temperatures compared to the summer.

This mammoth-sized peak offers one of the best views in Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll pass the abandoned Mastadon gold mine, but the real treasure is the panoramic view at the summit, where you’ll see the Salton Sea and rugged Mojave Desert landscape. Wear shoes with good traction because you might encounter loose rock scrambles on the trek. This hike is one of the many exciting excursions on our California Joshua Tree & Death Valley Hiking Tour.

2. Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park, California

• Length: 2.9 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

They say, “All that glitters is not gold,” but the ancient walls of the Golden Canyon live to tell a different tale. Embark on a journey on the Golden Canyon Trail through one of the richest parts of Death Valley National Park. It’s a maze of towering canyon walls that build up anticipation over the breathtaking views at the top.

Set this as your destination for hiking in the winter, where the cool canyon floor keeps you cool in the California sun. You’ll instantly recognize landmarks like the Red Cathedral and the Red Theater. Experience even more Death Valley adventures on this popular hiking tour.

3. Santa Elena Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park, Texas

• Length: 1.6 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

Need a short hike to keep your muscles active during the winter season? It only takes an hour to complete the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, but the memories of the views and experience will last a lifetime!

Let the sounds of canyon wrens guide you through the limestone canyon cliffs and up the paved stairs to the overlook at the Rio Grande River. Bring waterproof shows because you’ll first need to cross the small Terlingua Creek. Discover other exciting routes in Texas Big Bend National Park on this hiking tour.

4. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail in Death Valley National Park

• Length: 2.3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

You don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to experience otherworldly landscapes. The Mesquite Flat San Dunes hiking trails take you through landscapes used in Star Wars films.

The Force is always with you while embarking on this easy trail. Wind-swept dunes cover the tracks of explorers before you, so you’ll set your own course through this sandy playground. Kick off your shoes, sink your feet into the warm sand, and ascend dunes rising more than 600 feet tall. Plan a private tour of this Death Valley hiking tour to maximize your time on the dunes.

5. Boquillas Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park, Texas

• Length: 1.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

The Boquillas Canyon Trails feels like a leisurely walk on the banks of the Rio Grande River—something you typically wouldn’t expect in the winter! Temperatures are always warm while exploring this section of the Big Bend National Park.

We organize a special hiking tour that immerses you further into the region’s beauty by crossing over the river into Mexico. You’ll have a chance to experience the rich Mexican Heritage in Boquillas del Carmen after your hike.

Moderate Winter Hikes in North America

6. Mosaic Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park, California

• Length: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Weave through the narrow Mosaic Canyon on one of the popular day-hike locations in Death Valley National Park. Winter is especially beautiful, with snow lining the marbled canyon walls stretching 30 feet overhead. Dress warm because the walls block the sun for most of the trek.

While navigating the trail, look for the Mosaic Canyon Brecca—colorful rock fragments that shimmer in the right light. They’re easily mistaken for ice, but it’s one of the magical parts of this hike. This winter hike takes you directly through this dazzling winterized canyon.

7. Snowshoeing Badger Pass to Dewey Point in Yosemite National Park, CA

• Length: 7.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

The snowshoe hike from Badger Pass to Dewey Point is a classic Yosemite winter adventure. This relatively flat route follows the iconic Glacier Point Road, which is closed to vehicle traffic in winter, winding through a serene snow-covered forest of red firs. The quiet of the winter woods creates a peaceful, meditative experience.

While the journey is beautiful, the destination is absolutely breathtaking. From the dramatic cliffs of Dewey Point, you’re rewarded with a panoramic vista of Yosemite Valley with dramatic landmarks like El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and Cloud’s Rest, offering a unique, snow-dusted perspective of Yosemite that few get to see. Join us for a Yosemite winter hiking adventure and all the snowshoeing gear you’ll need is provided.

8. Kelso Dunes Trail in Mojave National Preserve, California

• Length: 2.9 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Looking for a winter hike in North America that doesn’t feel like winter? Trade in snowy terrain for a sandy desert landscape on the Kelso Dunes Trail.

We take hikers through the Mojave National Preserve on this trek, where you’ll encounter dunes reaching heights of 650-feet. Leave your snowshoes behind because you’ll step through soft sand en route to the peak of the dunes. Listen up as the singing dunes provide the soundtrack to your epic winter hiking adventure.

9. Tom’s Thumb Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Arizona

• Length: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Snow in Arizona? With a summit elevation of over 1,200 feet, you’ll be as surprised as everyone else on this popular trail. But that doesn’t stop hikers from giving this route two thumbs up for one of the best winter hikes in North America!

Trek past stunning desert fauna and up gravel-covered switchbacks following the footsteps of Tom Kreuser from the Arizona Mountaineering Club who the landmark rock formation is named after. At the top, you’ll gaze over the McDowell Mountains and even see the Phoenix skyline. Be sure to take it slow on the downhill route and keep a sharp eye out for rattlesnakes. Explore more of the US Southwest on this private adventure tour.

10. Fairyland Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

• Length: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

After the peak fall season has ended, the Fairyland Loop at Bryce Canyon’s sees the iconic hoodoos and otherworldly landscape here transformed into a surreal winter wonderland. The brilliant white snow blankets the ground and caps the intricate orange and pink spires, creating a breathtaking visual contrast.

Each crunch of the snow underfoot echoes in the quiet of the canyon as you navigate the gently undulating trail. At every turn, you’re rewarded with stunning, ever-changing perspectives of the vast Bryce amphitheater, including imposing Boat Mesa and the appropriately-named Sinking Ship formation. The silence and otherworldly scenery here make this journey feel like a ramble through a truly magical landscape. Join us for a one-of-a-kind winter hiking adventure in Zion and Bryce and all the snowshoeing gear you’ll need is provided.

11. Seven Falls Trail in Catalina National Forest, Arizona

• Length: 8.4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking the Seven Falls Trail during different seasons gives completely different experiences. During the summer, it’s famous for seeing the Seven Falls at the trail’s end. However, during the winter, you can enjoy the views by climbing the rocks that form the falls.

Winter is the dry season, which makes reaching the best views much easier. While navigating the Sabino Canyon, you’ll pass giant saguaro cacti and reach sights overlooking the Sonoran Desert. Conserve your energy for the hike by taking the electric shuttle from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Visitor Center to the trailhead.

Challenging Winter Hikes in North America

11. Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

• Length: 17.5 miles
• Difficulty: Challenging

Hiking to Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. Beginning on the South Kaibab Trail, descend through dramatic geological layers to the canyon floor. The oasis of Phantom Ranch provides a welcome rest and exceptionally unique place to recharge before the arduous ascent on the iconic Bright Angel Trail tests your endurance, with steep switchbacks revealing stunning views of the canyon throughout.

Winter is an ideal time to tackle this multi-day trek, swapping the scorching heat of summer in exchange for mild inner canyon temperatures and trading peak season crowds at the South Rim for the silence and solitude of the Grand Canyon dusted in winter snow. This unparalleled perspective on the canyon’s immense scale offers a profound sense of accomplishment. MT Sobek handles all the details and difficult reservation management for you on our selection of guided Phantom Ranch adventures with winter hiking gear provided.

Winter Travel Safety Tips

Hiking safety is most important regardless of which season you are trekking. If it’s your first time hiking during the winter, you’ll encounter a few unique challenges that you should be prepared for. Here are a few tips:

• Bring the right gear – know the trail you’re planning to hike and equip yourself with the right gear. Bringing snowshoes or crampons for snowy or icy trails. Also, wear layered, insulated clothing.
• Check the weather – trail conditions can be unpredictable during the winter due to precipitation and climate change. Check before heading out to ensure it’s safe to navigate.
• Bring food and water – you should always have snacks for energy, especially on longer hikes.
• Inform family/friends where you’re going – most trails don’t have wifi service, so you should let someone know your hiking plans and when you plan to be back. That way, it’s easier to locate you if there is any unforeseen trouble.
• Know your limit – you’ll encounter other hikers on popular trails, and many trails have extended routes. Don’t attempt anything you’re uncertain of and be mindful at all times of where you’re stepping.

Winter hikes in North America aren’t the only outdoor adventures you can enjoy this season. Check out our list of winter adventures and request your free MT Sobek catalog to start planning your next adventure!

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Further reads…

• Best Adventure Travel Gadgets to Buy
• Best Places to See the Northern Lights
• Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures for Active Travelers