Arizona isn’t all Saguaros and blistering heat. The northern half of the state experiences all four seasons, receiving as much as 100 inches of snow annually (in Flagstaff, the snowiest town in Arizona.) Certain places in the Grand Canyon State, such as Watson Lake and the Grand Canyon, aren’t commonly seen as winter destinations, but we believe they’re even more magical this time of year. Check out six of the best winter day trips in Arizona to add to your bucket list for this season… just be sure to come prepared with your coziest winter travel essentials!
- Watson Lake (Prescott)
Flickr/Michael Wilson If you love Watson Lake in the summer, just wait until you see how cool (pun intended) it is in the winter. Either hike around the water or put your sea legs to use on a paddling trip for a magical adventure. Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
- Grand Canyon National Park
Flickr/Al_HikesAZ Although the North Rim is closed from October until May, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon remains open year-round (and winter is the least crowded season, as you might expect.) You’ll need special gear if you want to tackle a hike, but the experience is well worth a bit of extra preparation. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
- Sedona
Flickr/Mitch Heider Sedona is abuzz with tourists during the summer months, so if you’re looking to find your inner peace amid the town’s iconic red rocks, winter is a much better time to visit. Nothing clears your head quite like strolling on a snow-covered path with nobody else in sight. Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
- Arizona Snowbowl (Flagstaff)
Facebook/Arizona Snowbowl For those unfamiliar with the landscape of northern Arizona, hearing that our state has not just one, but several ski resorts is simply unbelievable. Hitting the slopes at the Arizona Snowbowl, located in the snowiest town in the state, is a bucket list worthy winter experience. If a more low-key adventure better suits you, the Snowbowl also offers scenic chairlift rides that showcase the fairytale landscape. Snowbowl Drive, Snowbowl Dr, Arizona 86004, USA
- Saguaro National Park (Tucson)
Flickr/Doug Greenberg For a less traditional winter day trip, it’s hard to beat Saguaro National Park in Tucson. This world-renowned destination boasts almost two million Saguaro cacti, and the temperatures are much more bearable outside of summer. The park has trails for all skill levels, so take your pick and enjoy a leisurely hike. Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA
- Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory (Mt. Lemmon)
Facebook/Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter It hardly ever snows in Tucson proper, but head just 30 miles north to the summit of Mt. Lemmon, and it’s an entirely different story. Here, you’ll find the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory, which offers two of the largest telescopes in the Southwest available for public outreach. From day tours on which guests can view the Sun through special solar telescopes to nighttime stargazing parties, there’s always something out of this world going on here. Please note that reservations are required to attend any of the programs at the observatory. Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory, 9800 E Ski Run Rd, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA
How many of these winter day trips have you taken? What are some of your favorite winter destinations in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another place that proves winter in Arizona is magical.
Flickr/Michael Wilson
If you love Watson Lake in the summer, just wait until you see how cool (pun intended) it is in the winter. Either hike around the water or put your sea legs to use on a paddling trip for a magical adventure.
Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
Flickr/Al_HikesAZ
Although the North Rim is closed from October until May, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon remains open year-round (and winter is the least crowded season, as you might expect.) You’ll need special gear if you want to tackle a hike, but the experience is well worth a bit of extra preparation.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Flickr/Mitch Heider
Sedona is abuzz with tourists during the summer months, so if you’re looking to find your inner peace amid the town’s iconic red rocks, winter is a much better time to visit. Nothing clears your head quite like strolling on a snow-covered path with nobody else in sight.
Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Facebook/Arizona Snowbowl
For those unfamiliar with the landscape of northern Arizona, hearing that our state has not just one, but several ski resorts is simply unbelievable. Hitting the slopes at the Arizona Snowbowl, located in the snowiest town in the state, is a bucket list worthy winter experience. If a more low-key adventure better suits you, the Snowbowl also offers scenic chairlift rides that showcase the fairytale landscape.
Snowbowl Drive, Snowbowl Dr, Arizona 86004, USA
Flickr/Doug Greenberg
For a less traditional winter day trip, it’s hard to beat Saguaro National Park in Tucson. This world-renowned destination boasts almost two million Saguaro cacti, and the temperatures are much more bearable outside of summer. The park has trails for all skill levels, so take your pick and enjoy a leisurely hike.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA
Facebook/Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter
It hardly ever snows in Tucson proper, but head just 30 miles north to the summit of Mt. Lemmon, and it’s an entirely different story. Here, you’ll find the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory, which offers two of the largest telescopes in the Southwest available for public outreach. From day tours on which guests can view the Sun through special solar telescopes to nighttime stargazing parties, there’s always something out of this world going on here. Please note that reservations are required to attend any of the programs at the observatory.
Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory, 9800 E Ski Run Rd, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA
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