Winter Camping & Backpacking in Northern Arizona

Winter in Northern Arizona is a beautiful time. While many people understandably flock to Arizona Snowbowl to ski and snowboard at Arizona’s largest ski resort, there is also a unique world of winter camping and backpacking that can be explored. Whether you’re looking to car camp below the ponderosa pines or backpack through the red rock desert, there are many ways to enjoy the varied landscapes that the region has to offer. Snow on the ground or not, there can be something for everyone.

While winter camping has its unique rewards, it also presents specific challenges that make preparation and safety absolutely paramount. If you’re thinking of trading in your skis for a backpack over a long weekend this winter, there are some crucial considerations to keep in mind before you head out.

It is important to note that camping during the winter months can be an inherently dangerous activity, and we are not recommending that you do so if you are a less experienced camper or new backpacker. 

The Challenges of Winter Camping

During the winter months, conditions can change rapidly. In Northern Arizona – even in the deserts outside Flagstaff – snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and icy winds can come in fast and strong – and sometimes unexpectedly. The key to successful winter camping is preparing yourself for the environment you’re entering and taking the necessary precautions to stay safe and warm. Here are some logistical and safety considerations to make your winter camping or backpacking experience both safe and enjoyable:

1. Plan for Shorter Days

Winter means shorter daylight hours, so your window of time for hiking and setting up camp is reduced. Plan your hike so you’re at your campsite well before dark, giving you enough time to set up camp and get comfortable before the cold really sets in. Keep in mind that the temperature will drop rapidly after the sun sets, especially if you’re camping at higher elevations. Conversely, the sun will rise later in the morning – especially so if you are in desert canyons that will block sunlight for longer in the early hours. The coldest part of the day is just before the sun rises, so it is necessary to have the correct sleep and layering systems while camping.

2. Stay Warm with Proper Gear

The most important thing you’ll need for winter camping is warmth. Layering is key – moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a wind and waterproof outer shell will keep you warm and dry. Extra pairs of clean socks and a pair of camp shoes or booties are also key in keeping your feet warm and dry, especially if you are backpacking.

Your sleep system is where things can get tricky. For a comfortable and safe night in the cold conditions – and especially if there is snow on the ground – you’ll need a quality sleeping bag rated for cold weather. You will want a bag or quilt in the 0°F to 20°F range, depending on the conditions and if you are a colder or warmer sleeper. Always remember to research your sleeping bag’s temperature ratings, as the comfort and survival temperature limits are often drastically different. For example, a sleeping bag rated to 20° as its lower limit will not keep you warm at that temperature, but rather simply keep you alive. A sleeping bag rated to 20° as its comfort rating, on the other hand, is far safer and more enjoyable. 

Along with a properly-rated sleeping bag, an insulated sleeping pad with an R-value of at least 5 will provide the extra protection you need from the cold ground. Moreover, because R-values stack, you can pair together multiple sleeping pads to better resist the cold ground and heat loss through your pad(s). 

3. Prepare for Cold Weather Hazards

Winter camping requires an awareness of unique hazards such as hypothermia, frostbite, and snow-related injuries. Always keep a close eye on the weather forecast for the possibility of storms or extreme cold. NEVER head out into conditions you feel unprepared or nervous for, and always make yourself comfortable with bailing on or postponing your trip. If you do head out to camp or backpack, make sure to have a fully charged headlamp, extra batteries or a power bank, fire-starting materials, and a PLB or two-way satellite communicator such as a Garmin inReach. Hypothermia can set in quickly if you get wet, so always carry extra socks, gloves, and a dry set of clothes to change into after your hike.

4. Understand Snow Conditions and Winter Campsite Selection

While beautiful, snow can complicate navigation – whether it is actively falling or just on the ground. In winter, route-finding can be more difficult, and what you think is a safe path could turn out to be a dangerous slope or a patch of unstable snow. It is essential to know the conditions of the area you’re hiking in and be prepared with maps, a compass, or a GPS device. NOTE: if you’re in the backcountry in snowy conditions, extra knowledge, skills, and gear are non-negotiables. Hazards such as cornices and avalanches can pose major threats. NEVER head out into the backcountry in the snow unless you have the proper trainings and certifications and know how to use a shovel, probe, and avalanche transceiver.

When camping in snow, picking the right campsite is crucial. Look for areas sheltered from the wind and avoid places where snow is dee, or where snow could slide off surrounding slopes. Always dig out your tent site to ensure you’re on solid ground and not buried in snowdrifts. Build a snow wall or windbreak around your tent if necessary to block out the wind. Snow stakes are also essential, as regular tent stakes cannot dig into the snow properly to be secure, especially in windy conditions. 

Gearing Up for Winter Camping and Backpacking

At Peace Outfitters, we understand that winter camping requires extra planning and the proper gear. Whether you’re heading out for an overnight winter backpacking trip or just a weekend getaway, we offer high-quality, cold-weather gear and camping rentals to keep you safe, comfortable, and warm.

• Apparel: We carry a wide selection of down jackets, synthetic mid-layers, and insulated and waterproof shells. These pieces are designed to keep you warm even in harsh conditions, helping you to stay comfortable while hiking or relaxing around camp. Winter gloves, beanies, and moisture-wicking merino wool or synthetic socks are in stock as well, constructed to keep your extremities warm where you lose the most heat.
• Camping rentals: We offer camping rentals tailored to cold weather. We offer both 0°F and 20°F sleeping bags for $8 per day, keeping you warm during long winter nights. We also offer thick, inflatable sleeping pads for $8 per day, and if you’re camping during extreme cold we can also provide extra foam sleeping pads to pair underneath those air pads. 

If you’re unsure about what you need or want need advice on how to prepare for your trip, come into Peace Outfitters. Our staff is happy to help you pick out the right gear for purchase or two rent, as well offer inside tips on winter camping considerations or local destinations. See you out there!