Do you ever wish you could go hiking more during the winter months, even though it’s a long time away? Do your favorite places become inaccessible due to snow and unpredictable weather? Do you dream of avoiding crowds by going on an epic backpacking adventure during the cold months? If so, consider a backcountry adventure in the American Southwest!
Visiting the desert in winter is highly recommended due to various reasons. There is an abundance of sunshine and minimal rainfall to be concerned about. The temperatures are ideal for hiking, numerous plants are flourishing, and, once again, you can steer clear of the crowds during spring and fall.
Furthermore, regardless of the season you choose to visit, the desert possesses its own distinctive beauty with its exceptional flora, rock formations that are difficult to come across in other parts of the world, and incredible fauna that have acclimated to the unforgiving desert weather. Additionally, you may stumble upon unexpected wonders in the form of concealed hot springs and waterfalls. Lastly, the scenic sunsets over the far-off mountains are unbeatable.
Don’t just take our word for it. Take a look at some of the best desert hikes available in the U.S. and begin planning your next exciting adventure!
Which of these ultimate hikes will you explore next?
Pacific Crest Trail in Pasayten Wilderness, Washington
The “P.C.T.” is a highly significant national trail in America that spans the entire West coast from Mexico to Canada. It is possible to complete a thru-hike during the entire snow-free season, which lasts for five months. If you prefer a shorter experience, you can choose to hike the northernmost part of the trail through the Pasayten region, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of North Cascades National Park. For those with experience in backcountry travel, it might be worth considering the adjacent Pacific Northwest Trail for your trek. A popular day hike within this wilderness is Buckskin Ridge.
Dosewallips to Lake Quinault in Olympic National Park, Washington
In the wildlife-rich southern section of the park, this 30-mile route takes you through stunning temperate rainforests and alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers. Due to coastal weather conditions, careful planning is required, and permits are necessary for exploring the wilderness. Olympic, with 95% of its lands designated as wilderness, also offers numerous remarkable day hikes.
John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park, California
Running in conjunction with part of the PCT is a trail that is considered one of the best in the world. One end of this trail is located at Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Park, while the other end is located in Yosemite Valley. The magnificent landscapes of Yosemite Valley have been under protection for half a century. While exploring Yosemite, you will have the opportunity to witness the stunning Nevada Falls and the majestic spires of the Cathedral Range. If you are seeking an extraordinary experience, you can opt to take a detour to witness the full moon illuminating the famous half-dome. For a more extensive journey through this area, it is recommended to consider the Grand Traverse, which starts from Post Peak Pass and concludes at Tuolumne Meadows.
Sierra High Route in Ansel Adams Wilderness, California
If you want to avoid the crowds that John Muir attracts, you can opt for a more challenging trail that is less maintained and marked. This alternative route provides additional scenic views of the stunning Sierras and spans across 195 miles, passing through some of the top destinations in the state, such as Kings Canyon National Park, John Muir Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Devils Postpile National Monument, Yosemite National Park, and Hoover Wilderness.
Rim to Rim Trails in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
This gem offers more awe than just a few places in the U.S. By taking this route, you can peer deeply into the ancient times embedded in colorful layers of rock as you travel from one rim to another. If you choose to venture back and forth, you will experience a week’s worth of sunsets and dark starry skies as you cross the cool waters of the Colorado River twice. However, even if you choose a shorter route, any part of these trails will provide stunning panoramas. The dirt path from Maricopa Point to Hermits Rest, in particular, feels wild yet easy going.
White Rock Springs in the Superstition Mountains
This 23-mile trail in the Superstition Wilderness Area of Tonto National Forest in Arizona is a scenic figure-eight loop. It is rated as a moderate trail with some challenging sections of loose rock on steep inclines. Along the way, you will encounter various species of cacti, including jumping cholla and towering 100-year old Saguaros, as well as interesting rock formations like Weaver’s Needle, Bluff Saddle, and Black Mesa. One of the highlights of the trail is the opportunity to leave your gear at camp on the second day and explore one of the loops at your own pace with just a day pack. Additionally, there is a reliable water source located a short distance from your camp.
Gila Middle Fork Loop
Our next hike will lead us to the very first designated wilderness area in the world: The Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. This area showcases a diverse range of landscapes, ranging from pure desert terrain to almost alpine tundra, as the famous Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs through it. The Middle Fork Loop trail is a 18.5-mile route that involves ascending a ridgeline and reaching the trail’s highest point at 6,300ft, before descending into Little Bear Canyon. Within these rolling mountains, you’ll encounter towering canyon walls and enjoy panoramic views of the taller mountains in the distance. Additionally, along this well-loved, easy to moderate trail, you’ll have the opportunity to discover some hot springs.
Outer Mountain Loop
If you’re up for a challenge, consider heading to Big Bend National Park in Texas and taking on the Outer Mountain Loop. This trail will require you to gain 5,700 feet of elevation throughout the entirety of the hike, and it is essential to cache water for this 3-day journey. While the Outer Mountain Loop will show you the unforgiving nature of the desert, particularly on your second day, you will also have the opportunity to explore the diverse range of plant and animal life in the area, including the Chihuahuan Desert, desert grasslands, juniper woodlands, and deep canyons.
Canyonlands-Needles District
For those looking for a slower-paced hike and wanting to have more time for exploration without the pressure of reaching designated campsites by a set time, consider visiting another stunning national park in the southwest: Canyonlands in Utah. This area offers numerous trail choices, and we have a 32-mile route available for you to explore by clicking the aforementioned name. If you appreciate impressive rock formations, you will be delighted with the abundance of pillars, free-standing arches, and red and orange canyons that await you.
Halls Creek Narrows
Another popular desert park, Capitol Reef NP, is located directly west of Canyonlands. The park offers plenty of day-hike and backpacking trails. However, for those seeking true remoteness, the 22-mile Halls Creek Narrows Trail at the southern end is worth exploring. After walking several miles in the scorching sun of the open desert, the shade of the towering Grand Gulch is a welcomed relief. This backcountry adventure requires good navigation/way-finding skills and typically takes 3-4 days.
