You Won’t Want To Miss Hiking These 7 Arizona Desert Trails This Winter
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.
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
2. Arizona Hot Springs via White Rock Canyon (Lake Mead National Recreation Area)
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
3. Bridal Wreath Falls Loop (Saguaro National Park)
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.
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.
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.
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
7. Waterfall Trail (White Tank Mountain Regional Park)
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!
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.
Address: Superstition Mountains, AZ 85119, USA
Address: Picacho Peak, Arizona 85141, USA
Address: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Address: White Tank Mountain Regional Park Family Campground, 13073-20685 W Valley Vista Dr, Waddell, AZ 85355, USA
Address: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 10 Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321, USA
Address: 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA
Address: Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA
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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:
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
