8 Winter Hikes to Experience in North America

Winter doesn’t have to mean your hiking boots go into storage. While the winter months mean shorter days, colder weather, and harsher conditions, it also means uncrowded hikes, snow-covered vistas, and clear, panoramic shots you might not see at any other time throughout the year. Still not convinced? Let us take you through eight incredible winter hikes in North America that promise to help you get some of the most and best mileage out of your hiking boots.

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Where Can I Hike in Winter in the USA?
8 Unforgettable Places to Go Hiking in the Winter
Is Winter Hiking Worth It?
Experience the Beauty of Winter with Next Vacay

Where Can I Hike in Winter in the USA?

You can find great hiking spots all over the country, many of them smack dab in the middle of a national park. Many national and state parks are open to the public year-round and are perfectly enchanting in winter, with landscapes ranging from sandy deserts that never see snow to frozen lakes, ice-covered trees, and snow-dusted rock formations.

8 Unforgettable Places to Go Hiking in the Winter

Winter hikes can be mesmerizing and exhilarating. From snowshoeing through forests to trekking through ice caves, the beauty of winter never ceases to amaze. So, zip up your jackets, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to head out on these eight awesome treks.

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Located just over an hour from Denver is the beautiful Garden of the Gods. This park is just as fantastical as its name suggests, with incredible sandstone structures and lovely trails perfect for a winter hike. Snow turns what is already a beautiful park into a breathtaking wonder, with popular spots like Cathedral Spires and Three Graces, famous for their reddish sandstone, dusted in a white winter coat. Remarkable trails are practically a dime a dozen, all rich with fauna, flora, and eye-catching rock formations. Everywhere you look, stunning sights will make you stop in your tracks to take it all in.

For an easy trail, head to the Susan G. Bretag Trail and Palmer Trail Loop, which winds hikers through many of the park’s popular attractions, like Kissing Camels, North Gateway Rock, and White Rock. For those seeking a little solitude, take a winter hike through the Gateway Trail to Palmer Trail and Scotsman Trail Loop, where you can hike through Gambel Oaks, an oak grove hundreds of years old. During the winter solstice, the park puts on a winter solstice hike, taking visitors through the park and teaching them about the winter skies and solstice. The Garden of the Gods is a must for winter splendor and some of the best winter hiking in the US.

Lakeshore Trail, Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

As far as winter hikes go, the Apostle Islands are a feast for the eyes. Touted as one of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin. The Apostle Islands boast windswept beaches, sandstone cliffs, and sea caves. These views draw in visitors year after year, and those views are just as marvelous in the winter.

Lakeshore Trail is the perfect winter hike to appreciate the beauty of the Apostle Islands in winter. The trail is six miles long and split into three parts. The first part cuts through dense forests, streams, steep ravines, and caves with dangling icicles. The second part of the trail kisses the edge of sandstone cliffs and is dotted with several incredible overlooks that offer views of the snowy landscapes, stands of red pines, and the caves below. During the third and final section, the lakes fade away as conifer and hardwood forests take over the view until hikers arrive at the camp. And because Lakeshore Trail is not a loop, hikers will see the beauty all over again on their trek back.

French Canyon, Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Starved Rock State Park can get pretty crowded throughout the year, with native Chicagoans and travelers packing the park to enjoy spring blooms, summer hikes, and fall foliage. But winter sees those same crowds thinning out come the colder months to show off a quieter, more peaceful side of Starved Rock State Park that’s just as stunning and adventurous as any other season. With its many landscapes—from deep canyons to craggy cliffs—covered in snow, it’s an absolute must for winter hiking.

Head to French Canyon to start your winter hike with frost-covered canyons and a waterfall frozen over the stone steps of the cliffside. Continue on a 4.5-mile trail loop that takes you past several other canyons. Wildcat Canyon is small but dramatic, with an 80-foot cataract that will have you posing for pictures in front of the frozen mass. The trail to LaSalle Canyon whisks hikers through frosted inlets and past views of the Illinois River before culminating in a frozen waterfall of icy blue and green that hikers can walk behind and view from the other side. Last but not least is Tonti Canyon, connected to LaSalle, which has narrow stone cliffs covered in ice and snow. With so much beauty to explore, these trails will surely earn a spot on your list of best winter hikes.

Eben Ice Caves, Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan

Michigan’s often-overlooked Upper Peninsula has its fair share of hidden gems, including the Eben Ice Caves. The caves form from snow and water drips that freeze into giant icicles, some up to 20 feet long. The sight of the caves is breathtaking, with hanging ice that ranges from large sheets to thick columns and even jagged spears.

While the Eben Ice Caves are spectacular, the journey there is half the fun, with a trek through canyons, dips, natural ice slides, and hills. The snow and wetness of the area can make the trail slippery, so ice cleats are a must. But don’t let the intense conditions deter you; the trail is lovely. The snow is a pristine white, and on sunny days, the trail glitters like diamonds. The crisp, fresh air offers a welcoming change for city dwellers, and copses of conifers add a vivid green pop to the landscape. And let’s not forget the foxes and snowshoe hares you’re likely to spot darting about through the forest.

Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park is full of natural wonders, so it’s no surprise that some manage to fly under the radar. Kolob Canyon is one such overlooked beauty, but it’s a sight to behold, with towering red rock formations, cascading waterfalls, trickling streams, and unique finger canyons. All this becomes even more eye-catching in winter when the bright red sandstone and brilliant white snow compete for attention.

When it comes to the best winter hikes in Kolob Canyon, visitors will find an abundance of trails, ranging from easy 1-mile hikes to more challenging 14-mile treks. The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is one of those easy trails, leading to a ridge overlooking the park for breathtaking views. It’s even better to go at sunset for truly stunning panoramas. In contrast, Taylor Creek Trail is slightly more challenging. Still, it’s one of the most traveled trails in Kolob Canyon, perhaps because it leads to the beautiful Double Arch Alcove. If you take the north fork route of Taylor Creek, your trek will bring you to the often-photographed Tucupit Point, which rises 138 feet into the sky. Grab your camera and prepare for astounding winter hikes in Kolob Canyon.

Elbow Falls, Alberta, Canada

Located along the Elbow River in Canada, Elbow Falls is a set of waterfalls that are an absolute must-see. While the summer views of crystal clear turquoise waters are marvelous, winter is an entirely different enchantment that brings frozen cascades and snow-covered riverbanks.

Visitors can access Elbow Falls via the Elbow Falls Loop. It’s a short, easy hike with barely any elevation. But if hiking is half the fun for you, don’t worry; there are many trails surrounding Elbow Falls and the nearby area that offer a bit more to see. The Fullerton Loop Trail takes hikers through thick forests and up to a viewpoint overlooking the beautiful Elbow River Valley. A short drive away, Brown-Lowery Provincial Park offers a canopy of conifers that are quite scenic to hike through and an overlook on an open hilltop that provides views of the sweeping landscape and even downtown Calgary in the distance.

Mazama Ridge Snowshoe Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the US and a beauty that continuously delights all who visit. The icy volcano is a major icon of Washington, and with one look, it’s easy to see why. The scenic spot has sparkling rivers, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows, making it one of the best places for a winter hike.

If you’re ready to don your snowshoes, opt for a trek through the snowy landscapes on the Mazama Ridge Snowshoe Trail. Varying between moderate and steep, Mazama Ridge offers hikers unparalleled views of Mount Rainier, the Tatoosh Range, and Lake Louise. The beautiful views are made even more stunning during an early morning hike, when the sun creates a rosy golden glow over the treetops and on the sparkling snow below. If camping, hikers can treat themselves to both sunrise hikes and beautiful night skies. It’s sure to be an unforgettable trek and one of the best winter hikes you experience.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US, and it formed thousands of years ago when a volcano collapsed, creating a caldera. People flock to Crater Lake for fishing, hiking, and scenic sights, but come winter, mist descends alongside buckets of snowfall—the area sees roughly 40 feet of snow a year.

Consequently, when it comes to winter hiking, Crater Lake does not fall short. For an easy hike, trek the Rim Trail for amazing views of Crater Lake and Wizard Island. One of the most popular winter hikes—not to be missed on a trip to Crater Lake—is Garfield Peak Trail, which promises panoramic views of Crater Lake and the Phantom Ship. Finally, for more of a challenge, try the Mount Scott Trail, which entices hikers with breathtaking views from the highest point in the park.

Is Winter Hiking Worth It?

Winter hiking is definitely worth it! Though travelers do run into some cons like shorter days, road closures, and the cold, the pros of little to no crowds, snow-covered landscapes, and stunning vistas more than make up for it. And for those eager for a challenge, winter hiking provides it in spades, with difficult hikes to test your skill and mettle made all the more challenging by the snow. But whether you choose to go it on easy mode or opt for the road less traveled with more formidable treks, the reward is more than worth it, with breathtaking landscapes and glittering scenery making winter hiking a unique and often enchanting experience.

Experience the Beauty of Winter with Next Vacay

Enjoying winter has never been easier than with Next Vacay. If you’d rather spend your time trekking icy lands than dozens of websites for cheap airfare, Next Vacay has your back. With a team of deal hunters scouring the web for the best low airfares to deliver them straight to your inbox, you can focus on what matters most: planning your picture-perfect winter hike. So what are you waiting for? The best winter treks await. Explore them with Next Vacay.

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