Most of the country experiences winter indoors, with people typically spending their days inside with their blankets and warm clothes. However, in parts of Arizona, such as the desert, winter brings mild temperatures, and it can reach 70 degrees in January and February.
Although there are plenty of activities in the state, such as skiing and snowboarding, winter is a great time to get outside and explore the desert. For hikers, this is the perfect time to get active. There are a variety of winter hiking trails in Arizona that are ideal for people looking to get away from it all.
Saguaro National Park: Hugh Norris Trail
The Hugh Norris Trail is located in the western section of the park and can be reached from various locations. For hikers, the trail starts on a bajada and gradually moves toward Wasson Peak. After a couple of miles, you’ll see the summit of Wasson, about 4,700 feet above the ground. This area offers some of the best views in Tucson.
Lake Havasu City: Crack-in-the-Mountain
The trail goes through a slot canyon hidden away in SARA Park. The trail follows a sandy wash, and after a couple of miles, the wash bends to the left. This natural feature features a beautiful blend of rocks and lava, which flows through a channel covered in pearl-colored stone walls. A 7-foot waterfall can be found in the middle of the tunnel, and a sweet little slide can be found in the wash.
The canyon widens to a distance of 1.4 miles. After a couple of miles, you’ll be able to reach a quiet cove and the banks of Lake Havasu. Follow the Blue Trail to return to the starting point.
Scottsdale: Granite Mountain Loop
Various trails lead through a unique mountain in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s northern section. The first trail part of this loop is called the Bootlegger Trail, which follows a rocky shoreline. After a couple of miles, you’ll be able to see the beauty of the desert through a series of large stone slabs.
Before you reach the junction of the two trails, make a short jog on the saddlehorn. The trail then moves toward the mountain’s lower slopes, where it meets a forest of cacti. This area is filled with details and textures.
Follow the trail along the western side of the mountain. After a couple of miles, you’ll be able to reach the Balanced Rock Trail. This is only a short distance away from the namesake formation. Follow this trail to finish the loop and connect with the saddlehorn.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: Victoria Mine Trail
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a remote and biologically diverse region of the Sonoran Desert. This area can be visited from the south side of the park’s campground. The trail that you’ll be following is a 2.2-mile-long walk
The trail follows a route filled with cactus species that the park protects. It then passes through the Victoria Mine, founded in the 1890s and produced enough silver and gold to keep miners working for decades. The ruins of the company store that used to be in this area remain intact. If you want to continue following the trail you came from, follow the other trails connected to this region.
Lake Pleasant: Yavapai Point Trail
The beauty of the desert and the water combine to create a welcoming environment for wildlife and people. The Yavapai Point Trail offers some of the best views of the park.
Follow the Pipeline Canyon Trail to start, and then follow the Yavapai Point trail. This route takes you through a rocky area before reaching a point filled with cactus. The views from this area get even better as you go up the hill.
After a couple of miles, you’ll be able to gain 400 feet in elevation. The views from this area will be even better as you go through the lake, which features coves, islands, and a vast desert. The Bradshaw Mountains are also visible from the trail.