Can You Hike In Santa Fe In Winter?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Winter is a beautiful time to discover Santa Fe’s spectacular mountain areas. With Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing,

you can hike or snowshoe the Santa Fe wilderness with one of their expert guides

.

Is Santa Fe nice in winter?


Winter is an excellent season to spend in Santa Fe

. It’s the off-season for tourists, but the attractions, shopping and dining are still at their best! Although most people don’t think of New Mexico when they think of winter sports, the ski hills near Santa Fe are some of the most exciting around!

Is it safe to hike in the winter?

Winter can be a dangerous time to hike or camp in the backcountry, but

with planning and proper preparation, a winter hike can be a safe and enjoyable experience

. Please keep the following in mind when planning an outing: For safety, never hike alone in winter. The potential consequences are simply too high.

Can you hike the flatirons in the winter?

First and Second Flatiron

You’ll see plenty of other hikers in winter, too, especially on warm days, but

it’s a good time to get out on these popular trails while there are fewer crowds

. Plus there’s nothing prettier than the Flatirons with a dusting of snow on their ridges.

How is winter in New Mexico?

Winter is

the driest season in New Mexico except for the portion west of the Continental Divide

. This dryness is most noticeable in the Central Valley and on eastern slopes of the mountains. Much of the winter precipitation falls as snow in the mountain areas, but it may occur as either rain or snow in the valleys.

What is there to do in Santa Fe New Mexico in March?

  1. Go on a Hike. Cool spring temperatures means the perfect hiking weather! …
  2. Visit a Winery. We love visiting wineries during the spring because it’s one of the best times to be outdoors. …
  3. Indulge in Local Cuisine.

Is it bad to hike in cold weather?

Two of the biggest risks of hiking in extremely cold weather are

frostbite and hypothermia

. Both conditions happen in cold temperatures. The colder the weather, the faster the signs and symptoms will appear. Hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops too far below normal.

What you need for a winter hike?

  1. Beanie or headband.
  2. Neck gaiter.
  3. Polarized sunglasses.
  4. Gloves or mittens.
  5. Synthetic underwear/sports bra.
  6. Base layer top: wool or synthetic.
  7. Base layer bottoms: wool or synthetic.
  8. Insulating mid-layer: down or synthetic jacket or fleece.

Should you hike in cold weather?

As long as you’re healthy to begin with, dressed properly, and not hiking somewhere like Antarctica,

it is safe to hike in most cold weather conditions

according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

What is the coldest month in Santa Fe New Mexico?

The coldest month of the year in Santa Fe is

January

, with an average low of 19°F and high of 41°F.

What is Santa Fe like in January?


Daily high temperatures increase by 3°F, from 39°F to 43°F, rarely falling below 29°F or exceeding 53°F.

Daily low temperatures increase by 2°F, from 18°F to 20°F, rarely falling below 7°F or exceeding 29°F.

How cold does it get in Santa Fe in the winter?

Winter temps average

43 degrees F during the day, but dip into the upper teens at night

. Because Santa Fe enjoys an average of 283 sunny days a year, winter snow accumulation is often short-lived in the city—all but the occasional icy patch melts shortly after it falls.

Can you hike Colorado in winter?

Whether you’re planning on snowshoeing through fresh powder, walking to a frozen waterfall or just want a break from skiing,

the best winter hikes in Colorado are a great way to keep you moving during the long cold season here

.

Why are they called Flatirons?

Although we know them today as “the Flatirons,” in the early 1900s they were called the “Chautauqua Slabs” or “The Crags.”

When pioneer women said they thought the rocks looked like flat, metal irons used to iron their clothes

, the name “Flatirons” stuck.

Can you hike to the top of the Flatirons?


The out-and-back trail is 2.6 miles round-trip with a 1,400-ft elevation gain

– a pretty moderate hike! The hike to the 1st Flatiron is a little over a mile and passes by the 2nd Flatiron along the way. Although short, the steep incline of the trail and scrambling over rocks can really wear you out.

Does it snow in Santa Fe NM?

Santa Fe averages only 14 inches of rain annually.

Snow season occurs from November through April, with an average of 32 inches of snow in town and up to 300 inches in the ski areas

.

What is the coldest place in New Mexico?


Eagle Nest

holds numerous low temperature records for New Mexico, including the coldest temperatures ever recorded in the state during January, March, April, May, July, and November.

Is New Mexico a good place to winter?

While New Mexico’s unique landscape and geology can prove a bit difficult to take in during summer’s scorching desert heat,

the winter is an ideal time to travel, with reliably balmy temperatures

.

Is there snow in March in Santa Fe New Mexico?

The average sliding 31-day snowfall during March in Santa Fe is gradually decreasing, starting the month at 1.8 inches, when it rarely exceeds 4.6 inches or falls below -0.0 inches, and ending the month at 1.2 inches, when it rarely exceeds 3.3 inches or falls below -0.0 inches.

What is the best month to visit Santa Fe?

The best time to visit Santa Fe is between

September and November

. During this time, temperatures range from the high 20s to high 70s. One can argue that springtime has a similar climate with similar hotel rates, but the festivals make fall the clear winner.

How many days do you need in Santa Fe?

Three days isn’t enough time to get the full experience of this area. If you’re thinking of coming to Santa Fe, I would recommend trying to schedule in

at least four or five days

so that you can enjoy an easy pace and have a wider variety of experiences.

Is it safe to hike in December?

That’s because winter weather carries dangers that casual summer hikers may not be familiar with, including more difficult trail conditions and health risks like frostbite. Even when the weather is unseasonably warm,

hikers should still exercise caution because it gets dark earlier

, explained Kelly.

Can you hike in 30 degree weather?

Don’t worry,

you can still go hiking

. You just need a bit of preparation. When hiking in 30-degree weather, you should wear at least 3 layers.

What is winter hiking?

Often, winter hiking might just mean “

cold hiking

”. The trails are free of snow and ice and the path can be easily discerned. You just need to make sure you have the appropriate layers to keep yourself warm and dry. It’s still a good idea to pack microspikes in case you encounter some patches of snow or ice.

How do you stay warm in winter hiking?
  1. Warm Up Inside. Before you start off, give yourself a warming head start with a hot, healthy breakfast. …
  2. Layer Up. …
  3. Pack Some Heat. …
  4. Pack a Snack. …
  5. Carry Extras. …
  6. Stuff Your Socks. …
  7. Stay on the Sunny Side. …
  8. Stay on the Move.

What pants should I wear for winter hiking?

If it’s wet, windy, or extra cold, you’ll want to layer a second pair of pants on top of your next-to-skin base layer bottoms. You can choose a pair of

soft-shell pants that are water and wind-resistant or use rain pants if you’re on a budget

.

Can you wear jeans hiking?


If you’re hiking in mild 50-80 degree weather, jeans will be totally fine

. Jeans DO dry out, just like any item of clothing–but cotton is especially prone to retaining moisture for long periods of time.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.