Arizona isn’t all Saguaros and blistering heat. The northern half of the state experiences all four seasons, receiving as much as 100 inches of snow annually (in Flagstaff, the snowiest town in Arizona.) Certain places in the Grand Canyon State, such as Watson Lake and the Grand Canyon, aren’t commonly seen as winter destinations, but we believe they’re even more magical this time of year. Check out six of the best winter day trips in Arizona to add to your bucket list for this season… just be sure to come prepared with your coziest winter travel essentials!

 

1. Watson Lake (Prescott)

Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
Flickr/Kevin Dooley
If you love Watson Lake in the summer, just wait until you see how cool (pun intended) it is in the winter. Either hike around the water or put your sea legs to use on a paddling trip for a magical adventure.

2. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, Arizona 86052, USA
Flickr/eGuide Travel
Although the North Rim is closed from October until May, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon remains open year-round (and winter is the least crowded season, as you might expect.) You'll need special gear if you want to tackle a hike, but the experience is well worth a bit of extra preparation.

3. Sedona

Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Flickr/Mitch Heider
Sedona is abuzz with tourists during the summer months, so if you're looking to find your inner peace amid the town's iconic red rocks, winter is a much better time to visit. Nothing clears your head quite like strolling on a snow-covered path with nobody else in sight.

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4. Arizona Snowbowl (Flagstaff)

Snowbowl Drive, Snowbowl Dr, Arizona 86004, USA
Facebook/Arizona Snowbowl
For those unfamiliar with the landscape of northern Arizona, hearing that our state has not just one, but several ski resorts is simply unbelievable. Hitting the slopes at the Arizona Snowbowl, located in the snowiest town in the state, is a bucket list-worthy winter experience. If a more low-key adventure better suits you, the Snowbowl also offers scenic chairlift rides that showcase the fairytale landscape.

5. Saguaro National Park (Tucson)

Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA
Flickr/kinglear55
For a less traditional winter day trip, it's hard to beat Saguaro National Park in Tucson. This world-renowned destination boasts almost two million Saguaro cacti, and the temperatures are much more bearable outside of summer. The park has trails for all skill levels, so take your pick and enjoy a leisurely hike.

6. Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory (Mt. Lemmon)

Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory, 9800 E Ski Run Rd, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA
Facebook/Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter
It hardly ever snows in Tucson proper, but head just 30 miles north to the summit of Mt. Lemmon, and it's an entirely different story. Here, you'll find the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory, which offers two of the largest telescopes in the Southwest available for public outreach. From day tours on which guests can view the sun through special solar telescopes to nighttime stargazing parties, there's always something out of this world going on here. Please note that reservations are required to attend any of the programs at the observatory.

How many of these winter day trips have you taken? What are some of your favorite things to do in Arizona in the winter? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another place that proves winter in Arizona is magical.

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More to Explore

Natural Beauty In Arizona

Sara Dager | November 30, 2023

Are there any natural wonders in Arizona that I can visit? 

There are a ton of natural wonders in Arizona that make for the perfect outings, check out a few of the best:

  • Visiting Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour as the area can still flood, but these stunning sandstone formations are a favorite among photographers and feel positively otherworldly.
  • Kartchner Caves were recently discovered and are the current home to a lot of bats, but the formations inside these caves are so uniquely beautiful.
  • Meteor Crater, AKA Barringer Crater is exactly what it sounds like, a massive crater left behind when a meteor fell to Earth. It's remarkably well preserved due to the climate of the area.

What are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Arizona that I need to see? 

If you want to see some of the most jaw-dropping natural beauty that the Copper State has to offer, visiting some of these stunning waterfalls in Arizona is a great start:

  • Havasupai Falls is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, so much so that you will need to obtain a permit to hike to it and camp in the area! But the effort is well worth it.
  • Mooney Falls requires quite a challenging hike to reach, but you will be rewarded with crystal blue waters careening down through red rocks.
  • Beaver Falls is a series of cascading falls that are filled with stunning turquoise waters. These falls may not be too tall but they are breathtaking nevertheless.

Which road trips through Arizona should I go on?

Pack up the car with all of the essentials, fill up the tank, and hit the road for one of these exciting road trips through Arizona. They are so much fun solo or with the whole crew:

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