Winter might not be the best-known time to explore the desert, but for some adventurers, it’s the best time of year. For the public-lands lover who enjoys solitude, who likes to plan ahead and actually kind of likes wearing wool base layers, the winter months are the perfect time to give the national parks and monuments some love.
While the Moab region’s parks and monuments are cold in the winter and get regular snow, the middle of the day is often sunny and brisk but pleasant. This month, we’re sharing some of our favorite cold-weather hikes and important tips to stay safe and comfortable during winter recreation. (A good first step is checking out the 10 safety essentials recommended for any desert adventure.)
Keep in mind that most of the parks and monuments are higher in elevation than their nearby towns, so they’re likely colder and windier and will retain snow and ice longer. But there’s something about redrock pinnacles with a dusting of snow that just can’t be beat.
An off-the-beaten-path escape with all-day sun
Hovenweep National Monument easily takes the cake for the least crowded of the four parks and monuments in the Southeast Utah Group of Arches and Canyonlands national parks, and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments.
The small monument within spitting distance of the Four Corners notched just 31,000 visitors in 2024, suggesting a quietude that can otherwise be hard to find at popular Moab-area parks.
Hovenweep’s solitude makes it the perfect getaway for those still, crystal-clear winter days. Another reason it’s suited to winter? The monument’s main trail — the 2-mile Square Tower Loop Trail — traces the rim of a canyon, meaning it’s likely to get good sun all day. Most of the hikes in Arches, Canyonlands, and Natural Bridges couldn’t say the same.
Bring your layers and sunglasses for that surprisingly-piercing winter sun. Traction devices are a good idea, too, as the Square Tower trail does cross the canyon at one point, requiring visitors to navigate stone steps and steep sections. Finally, check the park website to confirm visitor center hours before heading out.
A full-day outing with outstanding views
For jaw-dropping adventures, explorers can’t do better than the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Located just over an hour southwest of Moab, this section of the park is popular in spring and fall for its grand, otherworldly rock features and accessible backpacking.
The winter months, though, are perfect for exploring some of the Needles’ shorter trails without the crowds. Since even the shorter trails are fairly long, start early, bring a map, and know when the sun sets. It never hurts to add a headlamp and extra layers to your pack, either.
Some more reasonable trails include the 9.5-mile Elephant Canyon-Big Spring Canyon loop that starts from the campground, or the 11-mile out-and-back to a spectacular view of the Green and Colorado rivers’ confluence (which starts from the Big Spring Canyon Overlook). You’ll find the Needles’ spectacular spires look even more dramatic in the winter light.
A quick foray for those dreamy dusks
Speaking of winter light, is there anything dreamier than a winter sunset? There’s something especially captivating about the way a solstice-time sun paints the sky in blue and purple, and sets snowy mountains blushing in bright pink.
To catch evening alpenglow with a desert twist, head to Arches National Park. Consider hiking Park Avenue or Delicate Arch in the bright midday sun before heading to the Windows for a spectacular sunset featuring the La Sal Mountains.
Note that traction devices are a good idea for any of those hikes, but especially Delicate Arch — it gets icy! Bring a hot beverage and hand warmers to stay cozy, along with plenty of thick layers and a headlamp.
Not-a-hike-at-all for cold, cozy days
Sometimes, it’s best to take a hint from the natural world and go dormant during the cold months. If you’re like us at Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks, winter is a perfect time to learn more about this region’s stunning wild landscapes (and plot next year’s escapes, too).
To learn the inspiring stories behind the redrock national parks and monuments and their champion, Bates Wilson, you can order a copy of “Blow Sand in His Soul” from our online store.
If you’re raring to get back into — and give back to — the parks, consider filling out our volunteer interest form to find a volunteer program that’s right for you. Volunteers give hands-on support to the national parks during the warmer months, from tackling invasive weeds to stewarding popular trails.
