Grab the Handwarmers for this Hike In Arizona that’s 100% Worth Braving the Cold

Winter in Arizona may bring shorter days and colder temperatures, but you can’t stay indoors all season long. Don’t let those winter blues consume you! When I find myself succumbing to seasonal depression, I always find the time to go outdoors. There are plenty of incredible winter hikes in Arizona that are just waiting for you—just make sure you’re prepared. I’m one of those “always cold” folks, so hand warmers are one winter accessory that’s non-negotiable. 

I’ve used both disposable hand warmers and rechargeable hand warmers, and I like both for different reasons. The disposable hand warmers will keep your hands nice and toasty for up to ten hours—which is way longer than I plan on hiking. If I’m traveling, I prefer the rechargeable ones, even though that means I’ll have to remember to charge them. Regretfully, I do not have a great track record of remembering to charge them.

Enough about the hand warmers—let’s talk about this glorious winter hike in Arizona.

The Aspen Nature Loop is a fun little loop trail near Flagstaff that’s just shy of two miles. Spring and summer are the more popular times to tackle this trail because of the wildflowers, but I’d argue that winter brings out the hidden beauty of this area. Seeing these aspens in the fall is also a stunning sight.

The trail can be slippery in winter, so a solid pair of boots and maybe some traction cleats wouldn’t hurt. You might not need them, but they’re so easy to toss in your backpack—I bring them on all of my hikes. It’s a creature comfort thing. 

The views along this trail are simply breathtaking! The trail is easy to follow and you’ll most likely see others along the trail—but an Alltrails + account is always a good idea. I just love seeing everything covered in snow and hearing the crunchy sounds of walking through snow--it's one of my favorite sounds!

Dogs are welcome to join in on the fun, just make sure to keep them on a leash and clean up after them. Check out the trail on Alltrails and share this article with someone you want to tackle this winter hike in Arizona with!

Ready for more? Check out some of the best trails in Arizona for more outdoor adventure. We've got trails of all lengths and difficulty, so you're sure to find your new favorite trail.