Hiking isn't just a warm-weather activity! In fact, when you live in a state like Arizona, the cooler months of the year are actually the best times to be outdoors. These best winter hikes in Arizona range from the Saguaro-studded hills of Tucson to the snowcapped red rocks of Sedona, and the views are absolutely stunning.
1. Yuma East Wetlands, Yuma
Yuma is almost unlivable in the summer - after all, it is the sunniest place on Earth! Wintertime is much more pleasant in this far southwestern Arizona town, making it the ideal time for a hike at Yuma East Wetlands. This three-mile, unpaved trail begins at the iconic Gateway Park, leading through a verdant landscape filled with cottonwood and willow trees.
2. Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop, Sedona
Nothing quite compares to seeing Sedona's signature red rocks covered in snow, and the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop offers some of the best views. Clocking in at just under four miles long, this moderate hike leads around two of the city's most famous rock formations, and the contrast between the glistening white snow and maroon sandstone is truly remarkable to behold.
3. Thumb Butte Trail 33, Prescott
Prescott is simply beautiful in the winter, and Thumb Butte Trail 33 is among the most scenic ways to experience its splendor. A 2.5-mile loop, the trail takes hikers through the dense Prescott National Forest on an unforgettable trek through the snowy Rim Country landscape.
4. Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail, Phoenix
Considering how much rock scrambling is required to summit the tallest mountain in the Valley, it makes much more sense to tackle the challenging hike when it's cooler outside. The Echo Canyon Trail is only 2.5 miles long, but don't let that fool you - in that short distance, you'll ascend nearly 1,500 feet as you dare to push past your perceived limits.
5. Lynx Lake Loop Trail, Prescott
Bodies of water encourage deep reflection and contemplation, as does the invigorating nature of the winter air. Lynx Lake Loop Trail is a short and easy stroll around Prescott's Lynx Lake, and the distant mountain views and snow-covered ground will lull you into a state of utter peace and tranquility.
6. Lava Flow Trail, Flagstaff
Oh, Flagstaff. Your winter resplendence never ceases to amaze us. The 0.8-mile Lava Flow Trail is located at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, which protects the youngest in a group of volcanoes related to the San Francisco Peaks. This brief trek (part paved, part unpaved) offers a rare view of the normally-ashen landscape blanketed in a layer of pearly white snow, and your jaw will drop to the floor at the otherworldly sight.
7. Hugh Norris Trail, Tucson
Tucson summers are no joke, so we recommend visiting Saguaro National Park in the winter to fully appreciate its magnificence (without wiping sweat from your forehead every second). The Hugh Norris Trail is one of our favorites, meandering through the western half of the park for just under nine miles. It takes you up to Wasson Peak and features hundreds of Saguaro cacti - the quintessential symbol of the Arizona desert - all along the way.
Have you ever taken any of these best winter hikes in Arizona? If so, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for a scenic drive that showcases Sunset Crater as you've never seen it before.
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