It might be obvious that hiking in the winter is different than the summer, but I’m going to point it out anyway. Winter hiking requires you to pack your bag differently and think twice about which trails you hike.
Here are 5 tips for having a great experience hiking during the cold months.
Leave a trip itinerary with a friend who knows who to call if you are late in returning
It gets dark earlier. Plan to hike earlier in the day and always bring a headlamp.
Wear layers and proper footwear. Invest in waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Plan ahead and know whether you might need snowshoes or yaktrax. Dressing in layers makes it possible to shed layers (to avoid sweating) when hiking and add layers when stopping to rest.
Eat and drink frequently. Dehydration hastens the onset of hypothermia. Do not underestimate the amount of food and water that you’ll need. Snowshoeing, for example, burns about 600 calories an hour.
Check avalanche conditions at https://utahavalanchecenter.org/ The trails you do regularly in the summer are different in the winter. The direction the slope is facing, the type of snow pack, wind etc are all conditions that affect avalanches. Always check the website before you go.
Get Out There Girl was created to offer women the opportunity to connect with one another through adventure and feel compassion for themselves as a result. Hiking has become a valuable tool in helping accomplish that goal. In June we hiked the Richards Hollow trail in Blacksmith Canyon above Logan, Utah. The trail follows the path of a creek and 1.5 miles in reaches a waterfall that cascades down a rocky cliff.
We began the hike near a campground, and though it was popular that day, it was serene nonetheless. The sound of the water trickling down the mountain, the wildflowers bending in the breeze, and the tall trees shading us was exactly what we needed to truly enjoy the outdoors. The trail is narrow in some places but often wide enough for two of us to walk together and enjoy the company of a new friend.
As we climbed the mountain towards the waterfall we crossed the creek multiple times and enjoyed the cool water on our feet. Walking on fallen tree trunks and hopping rocks brought a bit of childish excitement to the hike. When women let go of the worry of looking silly and enjoying the moment we can be who we really are. Those carefree moments are imperative in connecting with other women as this too allows them to do the same.
Richard’s Hollow Hike is the perfect place to get out and enjoy nature. The trail is rigorous enough to give you the feeling of accomplishment but easy enough to make it enjoyable for hikers of all levels. Plus taking pictures in a tepee and eating lunch at the bottom of a waterfall is the perfect way to enjoy a hot summer day.
If you like slot canyons you need to plan a trip to Grand Staircase National Monument. Peek-a-boo and Spooky canyons are spectacular. The route for those two canyons is 6.3 miles round-trip. While you are there I also recommend visiting Devil’s Garden, the Betty Caves and Lower Calf Creek Falls. There is so much to do in Escalante. You will love it!
The trail for Peek-a-boo and Spooky canyons has been recently renovated. The road to the trailhead is very accessible, brand new bathrooms have been installed, and the trail is groomed and marked with small hoodoos showing the way.
Before you go I have a few recommendations:
Check the weather before you plan. Slot canyons can be deadly in flash flood circumstances.
Pack enough water.
Plan your route before you go. Download maps on your phone because you won’t get internet in the canyons. I suggest using the AllTrails app. You can follow me on Alltrails and see the hikes I’ve done along with my reviews.
The entry for Peek-a-boo Canyon
There are only two places that require significant scrambling. Both are doable without ropes or technical gear. One is the entrance to Peek-a-boo (pictured above), the other spot is in Spooky canyon.
Peek-a-boo is breathtakingly beautiful. The rock formations and unique nature of the canyon make it memorable. Spooky canyon is narrow the majority of the canyon. I had to take off my pack for a large part of it. It’s thrilling to squeeze though and see the curves of the walls.
Spooky Canyon is a tight fit the majority of the way
Overall, I can’t say enough about how beautiful and fascinating these canyons are. The trail to enter the canyons has been well groomed and marked making the canyons very accessible. These canyons can bring so much joy and wonder to you but please be responsible when hiking. Know the weather, pack enough water and be smart.
