You can tell when it’s winter in Arizona, especially in the state’s deserts. The day temperatures are cooler and the sun’s harsh rays feel less intense than the rest of the year. If you’re looking for some of the best hikes in Arizona this winter, then you’ll want to check out these hiking trails in our deserts. Without a doubt, they offer some of the best winter hiking in Arizona.

  1. Arch Canyon (Organ Pipe National Monument)

J Brew/Flickr Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a secluded, beautiful location where you’ll find more than just cactus lining hiking trails. Creosote bushes, small juniper trees, seasonal wildflowers, and even wildlife might distract you from the slightly strenuous trek up the mountain. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 10 Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321, USA

  1. Arizona Hot Springs via White Rock Canyon (Lake Mead National Recreation Area)

Jeanne/Flickr How does a winter hike to some hidden hot springs in Arizona sound? This 6.7-mile hike will show you just how secluded and underestimated Arizona’s northwest region can be. Hike through a rugged canyon and past the Colorado River to the hot springs that averages 111 degrees. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA

  1. Bridal Wreath Falls Loop (Saguaro National Park)

bob/Flickr The Rincon Mountains sit on the east side of Tucson and this hike, which is nestled within Saguaro National Park, is a great way to see the desert environment here. Overall, the hike is a moderate one that will ensure you get some exercise in for the day, so be prepared for a steady incline during most of the hike. If you want to spot the seasonal waterfall, hit the trail a day or so after it rains. Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA

  1. Garden Valley Loop (Superstition Mountains)

Chris J/Flickr This is a fairly easy trail that will allow you to see the beautiful desert scenery that surrounds the Superstition Mountains. If you time it just right, you might even be able to see the wildflowers bloom in late winter. Superstition Mountains, AZ 85119, USA

  1. Holbert Trail (South Mountain Park)

Chris J/Flickr You’ll find around 30 trails going up and down South Mountain, each offering a great opportunity for exercise along with excellent views. Of all the trails, though, the Holbert Trail remains a favorite. Easily one of the best hikes in Arizona, the trek not only offers a spectacular end view of Phoenix but features some historic rock art at the beginning of the trail, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled. If you’re looking for a quieter hike, be sure to head out here on a weekday. 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA

  1. Sunset Vista Trail (Picacho Peak State Park)

bob/Flickr Ready for a challenge? This hike at Picacho Peak State Park, which leads up the park’s towering namesake peak, is a bit of a doozy since parts of it feel like you’re going straight up and cables are installed to help make the trek up just a tiny bit easier. The views from the top, however, make the effort well worth it. Picacho Peak, Arizona 85141, USA

  1. Waterfall Trail (White Tank Mountain Regional Park)

marksontok/Flickr If a short and scenic trail is more your style, then you’ll like this one on the western edge of Phoenix within White Tank Mountain Regional Park. If you head out here a day or two after a good rain storm, you’ll not only see the desert come alive but you might also get a chance to see a natural waterfall! White Tank Mountain Regional Park Family Campground, 13073-20685 W Valley Vista Dr, Waddell, AZ 85355, USA

So, what do you think? Do the treks above offer some of the best winter hiking in Arizona or what? Would you say they are among the best hikes in Arizona? Know of any other places to enjoy winter in Arizona? Whatever it is, tell us!

J Brew/Flickr

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a secluded, beautiful location where you’ll find more than just cactus lining hiking trails. Creosote bushes, small juniper trees, seasonal wildflowers, and even wildlife might distract you from the slightly strenuous trek up the mountain.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 10 Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321, USA

Jeanne/Flickr

How does a winter hike to some hidden hot springs in Arizona sound? This 6.7-mile hike will show you just how secluded and underestimated Arizona’s northwest region can be. Hike through a rugged canyon and past the Colorado River to the hot springs that averages 111 degrees.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA

bob/Flickr

The Rincon Mountains sit on the east side of Tucson and this hike, which is nestled within Saguaro National Park, is a great way to see the desert environment here. Overall, the hike is a moderate one that will ensure you get some exercise in for the day, so be prepared for a steady incline during most of the hike. If you want to spot the seasonal waterfall, hit the trail a day or so after it rains.

Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA

Chris J/Flickr

This is a fairly easy trail that will allow you to see the beautiful desert scenery that surrounds the Superstition Mountains. If you time it just right, you might even be able to see the wildflowers bloom in late winter.

Superstition Mountains, AZ 85119, USA

You’ll find around 30 trails going up and down South Mountain, each offering a great opportunity for exercise along with excellent views. Of all the trails, though, the Holbert Trail remains a favorite. Easily one of the best hikes in Arizona, the trek not only offers a spectacular end view of Phoenix but features some historic rock art at the beginning of the trail, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled. If you’re looking for a quieter hike, be sure to head out here on a weekday.

10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA

Ready for a challenge? This hike at Picacho Peak State Park, which leads up the park’s towering namesake peak, is a bit of a doozy since parts of it feel like you’re going straight up and cables are installed to help make the trek up just a tiny bit easier. The views from the top, however, make the effort well worth it.

Picacho Peak, Arizona 85141, USA

marksontok/Flickr

If a short and scenic trail is more your style, then you’ll like this one on the western edge of Phoenix within White Tank Mountain Regional Park. If you head out here a day or two after a good rain storm, you’ll not only see the desert come alive but you might also get a chance to see a natural waterfall!

White Tank Mountain Regional Park Family Campground, 13073-20685 W Valley Vista Dr, Waddell, AZ 85355, USA

Looking for a few more places to do some winter hiking in Arizona? You’re in luck! There are lots of spots perfect for a seasonal stroll during winter in Arizona.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter Hiking In Arizona November 23, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What are the best hikes in Arizona? There are lots of great hiking trails in Arizona. Here are some of the best hikes in Arizona:

Woods Canyon Trail #93 Cathedral Wash in Marble Canyon West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 in Sedona Peavine National Recreation Trail Aspen Trail and Marshall Gulch Trail

  What are some ways to enjoy winter in Arizona? There seems to be no shortage of ways to enjoy winter in Arizona. Here are a few fun things to do in Arizona in the winter:

ZooLights in Phoenix Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix Glendale Glitters in Glendale Explore the Grand Canyon Take a sleigh ride at Snowy Mountain Stables in Whiteriver Go ice skating at London Bridge in Lake Havasu City

  Where can I do some winter backpacking in Arizona? There are quite a few places to go winter backpacking in Arizona, including:

Havasupai Reservation Grand Canyon National Park Horton Springs Superstition Wilderness

The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter Hiking In Arizona

November 23, 2022

Daniella DiRienzo

What are the best hikes in Arizona? There are lots of great hiking trails in Arizona. Here are some of the best hikes in Arizona:

Woods Canyon Trail #93 Cathedral Wash in Marble Canyon West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 in Sedona Peavine National Recreation Trail Aspen Trail and Marshall Gulch Trail

  What are some ways to enjoy winter in Arizona? There seems to be no shortage of ways to enjoy winter in Arizona. Here are a few fun things to do in Arizona in the winter:

ZooLights in Phoenix Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix Glendale Glitters in Glendale Explore the Grand Canyon Take a sleigh ride at Snowy Mountain Stables in Whiteriver Go ice skating at London Bridge in Lake Havasu City

  Where can I do some winter backpacking in Arizona? There are quite a few places to go winter backpacking in Arizona, including:

Havasupai Reservation Grand Canyon National Park Horton Springs Superstition Wilderness

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are lots of great hiking trails in Arizona. Here are some of the best hikes in Arizona:

  • Woods Canyon Trail #93
  • Cathedral Wash in Marble Canyon
  • West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 in Sedona
  • Peavine National Recreation Trail
  • Aspen Trail and Marshall Gulch Trail

 

What are some ways to enjoy winter in Arizona?

There seems to be no shortage of ways to enjoy winter in Arizona. Here are a few fun things to do in Arizona in the winter:

  • ZooLights in Phoenix
  • Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
  • Glendale Glitters in Glendale
  • Explore the Grand Canyon
  • Take a sleigh ride at Snowy Mountain Stables in Whiteriver
  • Go ice skating at London Bridge in Lake Havasu City

Where can I do some winter backpacking in Arizona?

There are quite a few places to go winter backpacking in Arizona, including:

  • Havasupai Reservation
  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Horton Springs
  • Superstition Wilderness