5 Best Winter Hiking Spots In The USA For Every Snow Lover
While the cold and snow may turn the average hiker away from an outdoor excursion, the true explorer bundles and braves the weather for an unforgettable adventure. Walking through snow-dusted trees past frozen rivers and streams is an incredibly rewarding experience for those up to the challenge.
So don’t put away those hiking boots just yet because we’ve compiled a list with some of America’s best winter hiking spots to check out. Done safely, these locations offer some of the most spectacular winter landscapes that will make for a memorable and unforgettable experience.
Reading this in summer? Be sure to check out our list of summer hiking spots for the warm weather months. And don’t forget to read our post on 9 Winter Hiking Essentials to keep you safe out on the trail.
1. Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
There’s just something about wintertime in the desert that evokes wonder and amazement. The captivating combination of red and orange rocks with pristine white snow creates a beautiful and mesmerizing contrast.
A stunning and natural formation created by the gradual erosion of sandstone over millions of years, Delicate Arch is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks of Arches National Park.
Interestingly, the arch wasn’t originally a part of the park during its 1929 designation. It took until 1938 for Delicate Arch to be added as a monument when the parks boundaries were expanded.
For those looking to explore this sandstone wonder, a moderate 3-mile one-way trail takes hikers along the slick rock path right to the arch. When hiking in wintertime conditions, be sure to wear boots with excellent grip as some of the areas are a bit exposed.
2. Big Trees Trail, Sequoia National Park, California
Soaring hundreds of feet into the air, the giant sequoia trees of California look incredible any time of the year. But for a truly breathtaking experience, walking through these ancient bark towers on a snowy day in nothing short of magical.
The Big Trees Trail is excellent for any skill-level hiker as it’s a raised boardwalk maintained by the NPS. This 0.75 mile pathway takes explorers from the Giant Forest Museum around a loop through the massive sequoias of the park.
Unlike the other trails in the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park such as the General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail, Big Trees Trail is less popular for visitors and a great place to find quiet and solitude. Hikers are able to experience the peace and serenity that comes from an uncrowded area of the park.
3. Gorham Mountain Trail, Acadia National Park, Maine
The northeastern region of the United States can be a winter wonderland for those brave enough to withstand the snow and cold. Acadia National Park in Maine is no exception.
For the truly adventurous, the Gorham Mountain Trail offers visitors an incredible hike with rocky coastline, mountain views, and spectacular ocean vistas. During Maine’s cold winter months, the trail is nearly void of tourists and crowds.
This 3.5-mile loop is great for winter hikers looking to snowshoe or cross-country ski through spruce forests and across snow covered granite. While the hike generally takes between 1-3 hours, those looking to soak in all of the areas scenery may need to stay a little longer.
Gorham Mountain is also an incredible place to watch a sunrise or sunset. Just be sure to bring along headlamps for the portions of the trail that will be hiked in the dark.
4. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
As one of America’s most recognizable and iconic landmarks, the Grand Canyon in Arizona shows the power of time, water, and erosion. Formed over millions of years, the mighty Colorado River carved out the many channels and crevasses that make up the canyon today.
Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park amassing thousands of visitors each year. Following the trail down through the canyon, hikers are walking in the footsteps of the Native Americans who once occupied the area as well as the pioneers and miners who came many years later.
For those visiting the canyon during winter, they’ll be met with a much less crowded and slower paced environment than during the busy summer months. Some may even be lucky enough to enjoy the desert scenery blanketed in snow and ice.
When hiking the Bright Angel Trail in winter, hikers will face a cold start at the top but temperatures will warm as they head further down into the canyon. Traction devices may be necessary as the trail could be icy.
One important note is to remember that the further down you hike, the more you will have to climb on the way back. Don’t hike more than you can handle as the walk back is steep and strenuous.
5. Cascade Mountain, Adirondacks, New York
The serenity and beauty of Upstate New York is worth visiting anytime of year. But when the snowflakes fall, the area is transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland.
Cascade Mountain stands tall over the Lake Placid region, not coincidentally the choice for the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. The mountain is a popular spot, even in the winter, for those looking to undertake a snowy adventure.
Because of the high volume of traffic Cascade receives, the trail is often packed down quickly and doesn’t require snowshoes or skis. The trail is strenuous however, so extra caution should be taken before attempting as weather conditions can change rapidly.
For those brave enough for the challenge, the Cascade Mountain trail offers hikers some of the most spectacular and rewarding winter views of the surrounding region. It’s a 4.8-mile hike that gains about 2,000 feet in elevation and will take at least 4 hours to complete.
Conclusion
Just because the snow starts to fall doesn’t mean the hiking gear needs to go into hibernation. Winter is a great time to take a hike so long as it’s done with plenty of preparation and safety.
The rewarding feeling of summiting a trail with snow on your brow and your breath in the air is unlike any other feeling. So get out there this winter and experience it for yourself!
