Winter has a way of transforming familiar trails into something extraordinary, with snow-covered forests, frozen waterfalls, and mountain peaks stretching across the horizon. From the Swiss Alps to the Himalayas and America’s national parks, these winter hikes show why some outdoor enthusiasts prefer exploring when temperatures drop. As the National Park Service explains, hiking in colder weather requires extra preparation, but the scenery can make the effort worthwhile. Here are 16 photos shared by Reddit users that capture the beauty of hiking in winter.
A Bucket-List Winter Hike in Torres del Paine, Chile
Reddit user Pchabs shared photos from an eight-day adventure along the roughly 80-mile O Circuit in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, a bucket-list trek they completed during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter. The journey took them past rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, and sweeping Patagonian landscapes. Reddit user dontletmedaytrade commented, “I did the W just before covid hit and it was one of the best weeks of my life. I’m getting this indescribable feeling of being taken back there with these photos.”
A Winter Week Exploring Utah and Arizona
Reddit user Admirable-Variety-46 shared photos from a winter hiking trip through Utah and Arizona, capturing snow-covered red rock formations, towering sandstone cliffs, and dramatic desert landscapes. The photos included scenery from Arches and Bryce Canyon national parks, where fresh snow created a striking contrast against the colorful rock formations. Reddit user capuccino commented, “That second photo is my favorite. Snow is such a nice stark contrast to the Southwest’s sandstone.”
A Snowy Winter Hike Through Bavaria, Germany
Reddit user guytakingpictures shared photos from a winter hike between Tegernsee and Schliersee in Bavaria, Germany, capturing snow-covered mountain peaks, frosty trails, and signs coated in delicate formations of windblown snow. The scenery looked straight out of a winter postcard, with the snow transforming the Bavarian landscape into something especially memorable. Reddit user Caribbestar summed up the atmosphere perfectly, commenting, “A white winter fairy tale.”
Snow Season on Roxy Ann Peak, Oregon
A Reddit hiker shared a beautiful early-morning scene from Roxy Ann Peak near Medford, Oregon, where fresh snow gave the familiar trails a peaceful winter atmosphere. The photo was taken about 30 minutes after sunrise, capturing the quiet beauty of the Rogue Valley as the day began. The peak is a favorite among local hikers, offering scenic trails and views of the surrounding landscape. One Reddit user commented, “This is about a mile from my house. Easily the best hike in the valley!”
Winter Hiking in the Colorado Foothills
Reddit user bikefried shared a photo from a December hike near Waterton Canyon in Littleton, Colorado, just outside Denver. The outing was a reminder that winter hiking doesn’t always require a trip deep into the Rocky Mountains, with scenic foothill trails available closer to the city. The post also sparked a lighthearted debate about the exact location. Reddit user hawkeyedude1989 commented, “Yea OP, gotta be more specific cause folks need to recognize that rock behind you on hikes.”
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Winter Hiking at Minnewaska State Park, New York
Reddit user NetworkLanky shared photos from a snowy hike through Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New York, exploring the trails around Awosting Falls and Lake Minnewaska. The park gets so crowded in summer that, according to the hiker, its parking lot can fill within half an hour of opening. Winter, however, brings a quieter atmosphere, with snow adding another layer of beauty to the waterfalls and surrounding landscape. Reddit user thenoweeknder commented, “Winter hikes are definitely different. During the warmer months, this place is swamped with people and that was before COVID. All the snow and such looks nice though!”
A Snowy Walk Among Giant Sequoias in Kings Canyon, California
A Reddit hiker shared photos from a December visit to Big Stump Grove in California’s Kings Canyon National Park, where snow adds a beautiful winter backdrop to the towering sequoias and enormous stumps left behind by historic logging. The grove tells a story of both destruction and resilience, with younger trees growing among the remains of ancient giants. One Reddit user commented, “Looks amazing! I was actually there for the first snowfall of the season this past november, it was amazing seeing the change from one day to the next.”
A Winter Hike Along the Shores of Tobermory, Ontario
Reddit user hikingquestionsacc shared photos from a winter hike through Bruce Peninsula National Park near Tobermory, Ontario, capturing the rugged limestone shoreline overlooking Georgian Bay, part of Lake Huron. The photos included views from Head Cove, where the rocky coastline and cold winter landscape made for a beautiful scene. The hiker also stayed in one of the park’s yurts, adding an overnight adventure to the trip. Reddit user No-Balance-7156 commented, “Beautiful photos. Is that a along one of the Great Lakes?”
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A Stunning Winter Sunset in Bansko, Bulgaria
A Reddit hiker shared breathtaking photos of a winter sunset near Bansko, Bulgaria, where the snow-covered landscape glowed beneath a sky filled with vivid shades of pink and purple. The contrast between the white snow and colorful evening sky made the mountain scenery look almost unreal. The unusual colors caught plenty of attention in the comments, with one Reddit user writing, “Beautiful, very dreamy. Almost doesn’t feel real.” It’s the kind of winter view that makes heading outdoors in freezing temperatures feel worthwhile.
Winter Hiking in the Swiss Alps, Valais, Switzerland
Reddit user ForsakenShake7331 shared photos from a winter hike in the Aletsch Arena in Switzerland’s Valais region, an Alpine destination known for its spectacular mountain scenery and views of the Great Aletsch Glacier. With snow-covered peaks and dramatic high-altitude landscapes, the area offers a beautiful setting for exploring the Swiss Alps in winter. The Aletsch Arena is also popular for skiing, but its winter hiking trails offer another way to experience the mountains.
Winter Hiking and Cozy Camping in the Cold
Reddit user Tinman_2019 shared a photo of their cold-weather camping setup while asking fellow outdoor enthusiasts about winter hiking and hot tenting. Unlike ordinary camping, hot tenting involves using a specially designed tent with a wood-burning stove, offering a warm retreat after spending time outdoors in freezing temperatures. The post sparked a conversation about winter adventures, with Reddit user cleoterra commenting, “Winter hiking for sure.” It’s a reminder that colder weather doesn’t have to mean putting away the hiking boots.
A Winter Solstice Snowshoe Hike in Washington
Reddit user subjectivelyatractiv shared a snowy adventure in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, setting out from the Pratt Lake trailhead on the shortest day of the year. With their dog bundled up in a winter coat, the hiker broke trail through deep snow using snowshoes, eventually turning back before reaching Island Lakes because of steep, slippery conditions. The outing began and ended in darkness, but the peaceful winter scenery made it memorable. Reddit user sodapuppy commented, “Cute pup!”
A Himalayan Winter Dream
Reddit user Dhruv_Plankton97 shared photos from the Chadar Trek in Ladakh, India, taken in January 2020. This extraordinary winter route follows the frozen Zanskar River, surrounded by towering canyon walls and rugged Himalayan scenery. The photos capture the dramatic beauty of the icy landscape, where freezing temperatures make the journey as challenging as it is memorable. Reddit user AlpineInquirer commented, “Looks kinda miserable and foreboding and kinda sublime.” It’s a fitting description of a winter adventure that’s both intimidating and breathtaking.
A Snow Globe Winter in Monte Lussari, Italy
Reddit user hellobela_ shared photos from Monte Lussari near Tarvisio, Italy, where fresh snow blanketed a picturesque Alpine village surrounded by the Julian Alps. With clear blue skies, sunshine, and rooftops buried in white, the scenery looked straight out of a snow globe. The traveler took a cable car to the village, around 5,870 feet above sea level. Reddit user Large-Low5893 commented, “The snow view is so breathtaking! these are the memories one lives for”
Crossing Thorong La Pass in Winter, Nepal
Reddit user lala shared photos from a nine-day trek along Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit in February and March 2024, culminating in a crossing of Thorong La Pass at 17,769 feet. Snow began accumulating two days before the crossing, making the already demanding Himalayan route even more challenging. Several fellow trekkers turned back, but the photographer continued and successfully crossed the pass. Reddit user Yinginapril, who had met the hiker during the journey, commented, “It’s great to learn that you made it to the thorongla pass, even though your teammates didn’t make it. So proud of you!”
A Winter Wonderland in Vancouver, Canada
Reddit user Edward-9 shared a snowy woodland scene while looking for a hiking companion to explore the mountains around Vancouver, British Columbia. Drawn to quiet trails, frosted evergreens, and the solitude of winter, the hiker hoped to begin with the North Shore Mountains before eventually exploring Mount Baker in neighboring Washington. The wintry setting caught the attention of fellow outdoor enthusiasts, with Reddit user Party-Echidna2602 commenting, “The scenery is like a dream, and I believe it will be an amazing adventure.”
