Breathtaking winter hikes you must do

If you’re an avid hiker, you’re likely always on the lookout for new places to explore on foot. It’s even better when you can find a hike that takes you on an adventure with amazing views. 

Many avid hikers don’t like it when Winter comes around, because the cold, snowy weather keeps you confined to the house a bit more. Winter is actually a very spectacular time to go snow hiking. 

For one, you don’t have to contend with bugs or heat. There are likely fewer people around that you have to navigate around. The peace and quiet of Winter is also something to take note of. If you’re looking for some magical places to do some winter hiking this coming Winter, let’s take a look at the most breathtaking winter hikes that you should add to your list.

Sedona, Arizona’s Bear Mountain Trail

In the summertime, Sedona is known for its incredible heat. When the weather is cooler, this is the perfect time to head out on a gorgeous hike. There are tons of different trails in the Sedona area. A short hike that is extremely difficult, the Bear Mountain Trail is an 1,800 feet incline over the course of 2.5 miles. When you finally get to the top when you're winter hiking, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Mount Humphrey. This is Arizona’s highest point, which is just 30 miles north of Flagstaff.

The Olympic National Forest Along Mount Ellinor Trail in Washington

This is another hike that isn’t exactly the easiest. You climb upwards of 3,300 feet in just 3 miles. The top elevation is at 5,900 feet. Because of its height, you typically won’t deal with too harsh of weather. If you can make the snowshoe trails hike, you’ll see views of Lake Cushman and 360-degree views of Washington from the summit and various trails.

The Big Cypress National Preserve Along the Florida National Scenic Trail

You’ll want to make sure that you have the right footwear for this hike of The Big Cypress National Preserve. It starts in the Everglades along the Florida National Scenic Trail. It goes on for over 1,000 miles northwards to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. In the summer months, this hike can get pretty swampy and mushy. The winter firms the ground up a bit so you can hike it a little easier. This is also an area that usually has a lot of mosquitoes around. You’ll be able to keep them at bay with the lower humidity levels in the Winter.

Bryce Canyon and the Fairyland Loop in Utah

If you’re hiking this area round trip, it’s going to be just under 9 miles. If you plan on going the whole way in the Winter, you’ll need to bring some snowshoes along with you. The location of Bryce Canyon has some of the most beautiful and amazing peaks and valleys in the country. A coat of snow in the Winter makes the view that much better. The rocks are multiple colors, including red, yellow, orange, and purple. You’ll travel up and down in elevation, perusing sculptures and gardens along the way.

Glacier National Park and Red Eagle Lake Trail in Montana

An 8-mile round trip, Glacier National Park and the Red Eagle Lake Trail in Montana requires you to strap on your cross country skis in the winter months. You can hike it on foot, but you’ll be able to enjoy a lot more of the area on skis. You begin your hike at the Saint Mary Campground, traveling through the Eagle and Elk hiking loops. They finally pan out to Red Eagle Lake. You can stop to have lunch at a scenic spot that overlooks Red Eagle Creek.

The South Rim Loop of Big Bend National Park in Texas

Texas generally has a very flat terrain, but Big Bend is an exception to this rule. The South Rim Loop trail gives you access to Boot Canyon, Emory Peak (7,832-feet summit), and the Chihuahuan Desert. This desert is located on top of the U.S. and Mexican border. In the summer, the heat can make this hike almost unbearable for your average hiker. The winter months make it much easier to conquer.

Mount Rainier National Park and Mazama Ridge

Mazama Ridge is an area that is frequented by many people throughout the year. If you bring your snowshoes along in the Winter, you’ll be one of the elite hikers to enjoy the magical snow. You only go up about 900 feet over the course of 3 miles, so it’s not the most challenging hike that you’re going to find on this list. You hike through meadows and deep pockets of snow. Along the way, you’ll have sights on Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh mountain range. It can get pretty windy along this hike, so check your weather forecast ahead of time.

The Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

A 4-mile climb upwards with 1,000 feet of elevation is what you’ll get with the Harding Icefield. This is a slippery area to hike through, but you can get through it with the proper gear and preparation. A fresh coat of snow makes it easier, making it snowshoe trails. The largest field of ice in the United States, The Harding Icefield trail is 700 square miles, and it is part of Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park. It’s a simpler climb in the summer months, but you’ll enjoy what you get to see in the Winter here.

The days are much shorter in the Winter, so take this into account when you’re planning your trip to go on a winter hike. It might be a little harder to get up out of your warm bed in the morning, but it’s worth it. Just make sure that you check the weather forecast before you head out. You want to make sure that you bring the proper gear along with you. It’s always a good idea to wear multiple layers when you’re going to be outside in the cold. It’s much easier to take some layers off to cool down than it is to spend your entire hike feeling cold. If you’re bringing along a backpack, you can pack a few dry layers and an extra pair of socks. If you get wet at some point, you’ll be thankful for the dry layers. Make sure your head is covered with a hat, you’re wearing boots and have a good pair of gloves to keep your hands warm. Because the winter weather can change at any time, make sure that you stick to the trail when you're snow hiking. You should also have your cell phone with you in case anything goes wrong when you're on a winter hike.

Report a Typo