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

It's tempting to just stay inside and be comfortable and cozy during the wintertime. However, you know as well as I do that once we motivate and get out there, spending time outdoors in the colder months can also be quite invigorating and immensely rewarding. One way to truly enjoy the great outdoors in the wintertime is to strike out on a winter hike. The natural world looks so beautiful when it's covered in a blanket of snow, and you'll feel great once you're actually out on the trail.

The Adams Canyon Trail is an excellent option at any time of the year, but you'll be especially impressed by its beauty in the winter. This trail is very well-rated by all who have tried it. It's only 3.5 miles in length - out and back, but despite its relatively short length, it's considered to be rather challenging for most. Still, when you reach the 40-foot-high Adams Waterfall, you'll know that your effort was well worth it.

Winter hiking is a far different experience than hiking during spring, summer, or autumn, so be sure that you're prepared for this adventure. You'll want to dress warmly, in layers, so you can add or remove clothing if you get cold or warm along the way. Be sure to wear sturdy boots and you'd be wise to wear spikes and bring trekking poles, too, as this trail can be icy in places. In fact, most winter hikers who have undertaken this hike suggest that it will be almost impossible to complete this trail without them.

Another great thing that you might want to bring along is a HeatBank 6+ Pro Hand Warmer and Power Bank. This high-tech hand warmer is rechargeable and reusable, so once you invest in one, you'll likely use it to keep your hands and other body parts warm on hikes like these for years to come.

And, remember to bring water and snacks! You're sure to get quite thirsty and hungry on this challenging hike, and you won't want to run out of steam partway through it.

This hike begins just outside of Layton and you'll find the trailhead off North Eastside Drive. Because this trail is so close to quite a bit of population, you're likely to encounter other hikers during your adventure - it's one of the most popular trails in Davis County. However, it's also possible to enjoy some solitude along the way if you time your visit right. Start out early and space yourself out from other hikers if you can. Dogs are allowed on this trail too, but they must be on a leash at all times.

This trail begins with some steep and narrow switchbacks, so you may feel a little overwhelmed at first, but keep going! You'll gain 1,430 feet of elevation on your way to the top of this hike, but the switchbacks eventually come to an end and it's much smoother sailing from there. You'll pass through forested areas and open sections, both with incredible, breathtaking winter views.

This hike is not an easy one, but it's a spectacular one in every way. It's easy to reach from Odgen and other surrounding cities and towns, yet you'll feel far from everything as you make your way along the North Fork of Holmes Creek in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This is truly a perfect winter hike with a little bit of everything - you'll be physically challenged, you'll spend time in the forest, you'll see beautiful views, and you'll view a rapidly flowing waterfall. Hopefully, the Adams Canyon Trail will inspire you to do even more cold-weather hiking this winter. Happy trails to you!