6 Must-Visit Desert Destinations to Explore in Winter
When we picture our North American deserts, we typically imagine intense sun and soaring temperatures - places that are too scorching to even enjoy during the summer months. These destinations are the busiest in fall and spring when temperatures are moderate and the crowds disappear as the chill of winter settles in, especially at higher elevations. The days may be short and temperatures low but winter tops our list of best seasons to visit the deserts - an enchanting experience that rewards visitors with quiet, solitude, snow-dusted cacti, powdered canyon walls and the striking contrast of snow on fiery rock. The peace of the canyons, red rocks, arches and hoodoos draped in white and silence is like no other time of year. Scarce crowds, stunning snowscapes and less expensive travel - what more could you ask for?
We are sharing how to make the most of your winter trip to our 6 must-visit desert destinations - don’t let the winter weather keep you away!
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is a unique destination any time of year with its amphitheaters of red rock hoodoos, rock windows and arches. In the winter, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland with a coat of snow painting the red rock. Bryce Canyon sits at a high elevation and receives enough snow each winter that you can count on seeing the park in its winter coat if you are visiting in the winter.
The main park road stays open throughout the winter but the southern portion of the road beyond mile marker three closes temporarily after big storms for plowing (closures last a day or two). When the southern portion of the road is closed there is still access to many incredible view points and hikes overlooking the Bryce Amphitheater. Fairyland Point Road and the road leading to Paria View close for the entire winter season.
If you prefer to explore from the warmth of a car, drive through the park and stop at each of the different overlooks along the way. There are 14 overlooks and each provides a unique view of the amphitheaters, valleys and hoodoos. Don’t miss Natural Bridge, Farview Point, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point and Inspiration Point.
To explore the hoodoos up close, choose one of the following hikes for an otherworldly experience: Rim Trail, Queen’s Garden Trail, Navajo Loop, Peek-a-Boo Loop or Fairyland Loop Trail. If seeking a more adventurous journey, request a permit to winter backpack along the Under-the-Rim Trail. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing can also be enjoyed in the park. Snowshoeing is allowed on all trails in the winter so choose a route from the hikes listed above. Cross country skiing is only allowed above the rim (cannot ski off the rim into the canyon) and a few good options include the Rim Trail, Paria Ski Loop and to Paria View and Fairyland Point road.
For accommodation, stay in the nearby towns of Bryce, Hatch or Tropic. For winter camping, there are first-come first-served sites on Loop A of the North Campground which remains open year round.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Winter is considered the Grand Canyon’s secret season. In the deep winter months of December through February, the temperatures are much cooler, the skies are clearer and the crowds are fewer. A blanket of fresh snow enhances the beauty of this world wonder, contrasting the color of the rock and highlighting the textures. It makes for a dramatic and magnificent backdrop that should not be missed.
The North Rim closes entirely during winter months as it receives significantly more snowfall. The South Rim stays open year round offering exceptional hiking and panoramic vistas in the wintertime. For a leisurely adventure, explore all the viewpoints the South Rim has to offer along Grand Canyon Village, Hermit Road and Desert View Road by car or walk a section of the flat Rim Trail that winds along the canyon edge. Don’t miss experiencing sunrise or sunset from the canyon rim, the colors are vivid and ever-changing. For a more challenging adventure, hike to Ooh Aah Point on the South Kaibab Trail or all the way to the canyon floor on either South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trail. This is a good time of year to score a reservation at the elusive Phantom Ranch which is otherwise very difficult to obtain. A winter trip down to the canyon floor is a unique experience with surprisingly moderate temperatures once in the inner canyon. Be prepared for snowy or icy conditions on trails, especially at higher elevations when descending into the canyon.
Stay in Grand Canyon Village or nearby Tusayan for accommodation. The only campground open on the South Rim in the winter is Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village - registration is first come first serve at the entrance to the campground and campsites are $15/night.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is one of the most-visited national parks in the country and primetime seasons in the park are overwhelmingly crowded. For those seeking solitude, winter is a great time to explore the canyon especially when the red rock is laced with white snow.
Zion’s roads are maintained in winter with the exception of Kolob Canyons Road which is not plowed during inclement weather. A lovely perk of visiting Zion in the winter is the Zion Scenic Drive opening to private vehicles meaning visitors do not need to use park shuttles for transportation. It is a wonderful experience to explore the park on a scenic drive along the canyon floor with towering rock above for miles and miles.
Most trails remain open during the winter months but icy conditions may exist especially at higher elevations or in shaded areas. Moderate hike recommendations include Canyon Overlook Trail, Taylor Creek Trail, Timber Creek Overlook Trail, Kloob Canyons Viewpoint, Pa ‘Rus Trail, Watchman Trail and Grotto Trail. For a more advanced winter hike try Cable Mountain or Observation Point which provides spectacular views of the canyon. We recommended hiking, snow shoeing or skiing to Observation Point from the Ponderosa Ranch area to avoid hiking up from the canyon floor which can be treacherous in winter. Hiking the Narrows can still be enjoyed in winter just be sure to rent a drysuit to stay warm in the icy waters.
If interested in camping, the Watchman campground remains open year-round and Loop A and Loop B (RV only) are first-come first-served sites. The funky town of Springdale is located just outside Zion and has plenty of accommodation for those not interested in camping. Note that many of Springdale’s businesses close or have reduced hours in the winter season.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona only receives a handful snowstorms each year and it is rare that the snow sticks around for long. If you’re lucky enough to catch one of these storms during a visit, the scenery becomes even more breath-taking than usual - a dreamy dusting of powder on the vibrant red rocks. It is truly magnificent to see the stark white snow against the rock and greenery.
Many of Sedona’s destinations that are too blistering to visit in other seasons become the perfect outdoor adventure in the winter season and there is a wide variety of activities to enjoy. There is something for everyone between the jeep tours, hot air ballooning, horse back riding, golf and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails.
A few favorite winter hikes include Soldier Pass Trail, Bear Mountain, Boynton Canyon Trail, Long Canyon and the Birthing Cave and Bell Rock Loop. We also recommend Cathedral Rock but do not be fooled by the short distance, it is a steep scramble that can be very slippery and dangerous in winter conditions. Devil’s Bridge is another popular hike that can be extremely slippery in the winter. Wait until the snow and ice has melted to attempt these hikes.
The best way to spend a chilly Sedona evening is curled up next to a crackling fire drinking a hot beverage at your campsite or accommodations. While you cannot camp in the city of Sedona itself, there are three forest service campgrounds just north of the city and plenty of free dispersed camping south of the city along Highway 89A toward Cottonwood. Sedona is home to plenty of short-term vacation rentals and world-class hotels if you’re not interested in camping.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is a unique park where the Mojave and Colorado desert converge and the geology is jumbled. Winter in Joshua Tree means moderate temperatures, sunshine, less crowds and occasional snowfall. Consider yourself lucky if visiting during a desert snowfall as it sweeps a sense of stillness and peace over the entire park.
There are a variety of ways to spend a dreamy desert day including scenic park drives, bouldering and rock climbing lessons, hiking trails and stargazing after sunset. Spend some time visiting Joshua Tree’s famous rock formations - Arch Rock, Skull Rock and Heart Rock and check out the Cholla Cactus Garden which is especially beautiful in the soft light of sunrise or sunset. Start a day catching sunrise at Key’s View Lookout and enjoy hikes along the Hidden Valley Trail, Panorama Trail or up Ryan Mountain.
Winter can be a great time to camp in Joshua Tree if you’re ready to brave cold overnight temperatures. There are plenty of campgrounds that remain open year-round and a mix of first-come first-served and advance reservations. It is smart to book an advanced reservation for late winter as the park starts to get busier. Recommended campgrounds include Indian Cove Campground, Jumbo Rocks Campground and Hidden Valley Campground. For non-camping accommodation, the towns of Joshua Tree and Twenty Nine Palms have an abundance of desert styled stays.
Arches National Park, Utah
The cooler months are the ideal time to explore Arches National Park when visitors can enjoy the beauty of the 2,000 stone arches and rock formations without the intense sun and nearly triple digit temperatures. During the busiest months of the year, there are often large crowds and line-ups of visitors waiting to get their photo taken at each of the famous landmarks. The chill of winter keeps these crowds at bay and the fiery red arches with a soft dusting of snow are an unbeatable view.
Roads and trails remain open in the park year-round but popular trails can become quite icy and slippery as they become packed down.
A wonderful way to explore the park is to take a scenic drive and enjoy all of the landmarks and viewpoints along the journey. Be sure to check out the following famous arches and rocks - Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Double O Arch, Landscape Arch and Sand Dunes Arch and Balanced Rock. Is it also worth visiting La Sal Mountains Viewpoint and Park Avenue Viewpoint for their incredible views.
If hoping to camp, the Devils Garden Campground is open year-round. There are a mix of first-come first-served campsites and advanced reservations - reservations are recommended even in winter. If not camping, the nearby town of Moab is a great home base to explore from.
It is important to remember that snow levels, trail conditions and avalanche risk are always changing in the winter - even in desert landscapes. All of these destinations are prone to variable weather and unforgiving conditions and some of these locations are even prone to avalanches. Always read the avalanche forecast, review trail condition reports and connect with a ranger before setting off on winter adventures in a national park, forest or wilderness area. Come prepared for potential dangers - explore with a buddy, dress appropriately, pack extra layers, carry lots of food and water, bring avalanche gear if needed and ensure you have the proper education and training required for the conditions and your itinerary.