Winter Hikes, Mountaineering & Desert Adventures

Winter turns trails into magical, snow-dusted landscapes—and the season isn’t just about alpine peaks. On this page, you’ll find my personal winter trip reports across multiple states, from quiet desert hikes to snowy mountaineering routes and ice climbing adventures. While many low-elevation SoCal hikes are perfect for winter, I left most of them off this list (there are just too many!) and focused on higher-altitude options instead which may require technical skills. Whether you’re chasing crisp desert hikes or alpine challenges, these reports will help you plan your next cold-weather adventure.

Before heading out, please read my Snow Hiking Basic Safety Guidelines and Must-Have Gear list. Winter hiking is completely different from other seasons—colder temps, unpredictable weather, and variable snow levels all add serious risk. Do your homework, research conditions in depth, and always go at your own risk. When done safely, though, winter can feel like a magical wonderland—and the adventures don’t have to stop when the snow falls.

If you want extra guidance for planning a winter trip—including mountaineering or ice climbing—I offer custom itinerary planning and consultation calls—you can schedule one with me here. Or follow me on Instagram @followtiffsjourney for me trip inspo and ideas.

California Winter Hikes

Colorado Winter Adventures

Arizona Winter Trips

Nevada Winter Trips

Utah Winter Trips

New Mexico Winter Trips

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