Looking for some outdoor adventures this winter? Find out the best places for winter hikes in the USA worth doing.
This list of amazing places for winter hikes in the USA was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Winter can be cold, but for those who don’t mind a little discomfort, it can also be an incredibly rewarding opportunity to hit a hiking trail or two. This will be a great experience if you know the best winter hikes in the USA.
While cozying up with a cup of cocoa in hand and a good book sounds super enticing, there’s something special about getting out of your comfort zone and braving nature when you least want to.
Plus, spending time in nature and moving your body has been proven to help beat the winter blues, so there’s that!
From the deserts of Utah to the alpine beauty of Colorado, these gorgeous winter hiking destinations are a must on your travel bucket list if you want to get outside this winter season!
Amazing Places for Winter Hikes in the USA
1. Arches National Park, Utah
Home to over two thousand natural archways, otherwordly-looking rock formations, and enormous red rock mesas, a hike through Utah’s desert dreamland will make you feel as though you skyrocketed your way into Mars.
Despite the chilly temperatures, a winter trip to Arches National Park is an absolute treat. A snowy, red rock desert wonderland treat you won’t soon forget. It’s one of the best national parks for hiking.
With temperatures of summer reaching the hundreds and the crowds of fall and spring jamming many trails, a visit to Arches in winter means getting to experience the best of both worlds: seeing a truly unique side to the park and getting to have some of the best viewpoints pretty much all to yourself.
Recommended hike in Arches National Park: The Devil’s Garden Loop is the longest trail in the park (7.8 miles) and a must-do if you want to cover as much ground as possible during your visit.
While hiking, you’ll get to see a few of the most iconic arches in the national park, as well as insane-looking landscapes you won’t believe belong on this planet!
2. Telluride, Colorado
Telluride may be famed for its winter snow, but it remains mysteriously sunny for around 300 days of the year.
This picturesque mountain town in Colorado boasts jagged peaks, lush alpine valleys, and some of the best winter hikes in the world.
While some hiking trails close due to avalanche danger in severe winter weather, a few are deemed safe enough to enjoy even during the colder weather during the snowy season.
Plus, once you’re done hiking, you can soak in the beauty of Telluride’s downtown, hit the slopes on a ski adventure, or relax your muscles at the many hot springs that surround the area!
Recommended hike in Telluride: The Jud Wiebe Trail, a three-mile-long hiking trail that’s close enough to town to get a bird’s eye view of its quintessential beauty!
3. Rocky Mountain National Park
While Rocky Mountain may be an extremely popular summer destination, there’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t visit this enchanting national park during the winter months.
The layers of winter snow add an extra touch of beauty to its alpine goodness, and the colder temps mean fewer crowds.
Just make sure to pack lots of layers, snowshoes, microspikes, and trekking poles, and check the avalanche forecast before hitting the winter trails. You’ll be all set for an epic winter hiking adventure!
Recommended hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Emerald Lake Hike is an easy, relatively short (3 miles) round trip hike that will have you touching base at three of the most iconic lakes in the park: Emerald Lake, Nymph Lake, and Dream Lake.
While the hike is super popular any other time of the year and is generally crowded, you’re very likely to get the vistas all to yourself during the winter season. Plus, the winter snow and frozen lakes make for an astonishingly beautiful view.
4. Death Valley National Park, California
With temperatures surpassing the hundreds during the warmer months, going for a hike in Death Valley isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Come winter, though, the weather cools off, making it the ideal time to experience the desert trails of this epic national park in California.
Despite its somewhat morbid name, Death Valley brims with life and colors, and hitting its desert trails means stumbling across eerie-looking trees, hills and rocks splashed with colors, and enormous salt flats are far as the eye can see.
Recommended hike in Death Valley: The Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop is a classic for first-timers who want to get an introduction to this unique place.
As you hike through the golden sandstone canyon, you’ll stumble across the badlands of the Amargosa Mountains, tight canyon walls, and landscapes so special you’ll have to double-check you’re actually on planet Earth!
5. Sequoia National Park, California
Located on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, Sequoia National Park is known for being the home to most of the world’s sequoias, the biggest trees in the world.
While visiting this gem of a park is astounding year-round, there’s something insanely beautiful about seeing the contrast of the snow against the bright red sequoia barks.
Recommended hike in Sequoia National Park: The Big Tree Trail, which is a relatively short 1.3-mile loop that will mesmerize you with views of enormous sequoia trees dusted in fluffy white snow.
Another must-do is snowshoeing the Congress Trail, where you’ll get to see the third-largest tree in the world as well as a massive grove of sequoias called The Senate (this is an epic spot for photos!)
Tips for the Best Hiking Destination Experience
Winter hiking is amazing, but it’s essential to stay safe and be prepared. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up from my own winter hiking adventures that will help make your trip both enjoyable and safe:
- Check the Weather: Before heading out, always check the winter conditions. Whether you’re hiking in a national park or on a shorter, popular trail, winter weather can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on the forecast for snow, cold temperatures, and potential closures due to avalanche risks.
- Pack the Right Gear: You can’t overestimate the importance of proper gear for a winter hike. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip, trekking poles for stability, and an extra layer for warmth are a must. Don’t forget to pack a hat, gloves, and sunglasses to protect against the glare of the winter sun.
- Know the Trail: Not all trails are suitable for hiking in the winter, so make sure to research and choose the ones that remain open and safe. Trails like the ones in national parks are often maintained, but it’s crucial to know which are accessible.
- Stay Hydrated and Fueled: Cold weather can trick you into thinking you’re not thirsty, but staying hydrated is just as important as in the summer. Pack enough water and high-energy snacks to keep you fueled for the full day.
- Leave No Trace: This is especially important in the winter season when ecosystems are more fragile. Stick to the designated paths, pack out all your trash, and be mindful of your impact on the environment.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your winter hikes while staying safe and respecting nature. Trust me, it’s all about being prepared and enjoying the serenity of the snow-covered trails!
Winter Hikes in the USA Wrap-Up
Winter hiking is seriously one of my favorite ways to explore the great outdoors and the best part? You get to experience national parks in a totally different light—sometimes with fewer crowds and way more snow-covered trails. Whether it’s the towering sequoias in Sequoia National Park, the magical red rocks of Arches, or the desert magic of Death Valley, winter is hands down the ideal time to hit the trails.
Packing the right gear, such as hiking boots, trekking poles, and an extra layer, can make all the difference, especially in colder weather. And hey, don’t forget to embrace the beauty of winter. There’s something incredibly peaceful about a quiet hike in the snow, especially with those panoramic views all to yourself.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to hike this winter season, give these spots a try. You might just fall in love with hiking in the winter like I did! So, grab your pack, and let’s hit the trails. Let me know your favorite spots, too—I’m always down for new adventures!