California is one of the best states for winter hiking, study says. Here’s why
Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean the outdoor fun has to stop.
Some might even prefer the chance to hike through a whimsical winter wonderland, according to a new study by Hut to Hut Hiking Dolomites.
“Winter may be a time when many Americans retreat indoors, but for a growing share of outdoor enthusiasts, colder weather marks the beginning of peak hiking season,” the hiking tour company said in a Nov. 21 news release, noting that “searches for winter hiking tips, gear lists, and destinations have increased steadily in recent years.”
“Winter landscapes offer quieter trails, crisp air and scenery that looks nothing like the summer experience,” Hut to Hut Hiking Dolomites said. “For many hikers, the colder months are simply the best time of year to get outside.”
The hiking tour company credited the increasing popularity of winter hiking to “social media, expanding trail infrastructure and the rising popularity of cold weather fitness trends.”
Hut to Hut Hiking Dolomites recently ranked the best U.S. states for winter hiking — and California landed near the top of the list.
Here’s where the Golden State ranked, and why:
What is the No. 1 state for winter hiking?
Colorado claimed the No. 1 spot on Hut to Hut Hiking Dolomites’ list of top winter hiking destinations in the United States, thanks to its “unmatched trail density, outstanding elevation gains and more than 11,000 miles of designated trails.”
Why is California one of best states for winter hikes?
California came in second place on the hiking tour company’s list, offering “mild temperatures, vast trail networks and strong trail review scores from hikers nationwide,” the company said.
The Golden State scored slightly higher than Colorado in the study in terms of maximum elevation gain, greenery, air quality and trail density and length.
However, Colorado scored major points for its 19.1 inches of average annual snowfall — compared to zero in California.
Colorado also has about 10,000 more reviews per trail than California, the study found.
California boasts “enormous trail mileage, the highest in the nation, combined with mild winter temperatures, minimal snowfall in many regions, and strong ‘greenery’ scores,” Hut to Hut Hiking Dolomites said. “With places like Yosemite, Big Sur and the Sierra (Nevada) foothills offering year-round access, California’s wide variety of winter landscapes gives it a unique advantage.”
This isn’t the first time the Golden State has been recognized for its outdoor offerings.
Outdoor apparel brand Kühl crowned California as the No. 1 hiking destination in the nation — dubbing it “a hiker’s paradise” with mild weather, varied landscapes and an abundance of trails, The Sacramento Bee previously reported.
Where are top 10 US states for cold weather hiking?
According to Hut to Hut Hiking Dolomites, these were the top 10 destinations for winter hiking in the United States:
- 1. Colorado
- 2. California
- 3. Arizona
- 4. Hawaii
- 5. Washington
- 6. Oregon
- 7. Nevada
- 8. Montana
- 9. Utah
- 10. Massachusetts
How did study rank top destinations for winter hikes?
To determine the best states for winter hiking, Hut to Hut Hiking Dolomites said it “analyzed nine major environmental and trail-related factors” that can “influence winter hiking safety, accessibility and enjoyment” from sources including AllTrails, Destination Hikers, AirNow, and Thrillist.
Those factors were:
- Trail density
- Average winter precipitation
- Average winter temperature
- Average annual snowfall
- Air quality Index
- Total trail length
- Maximum elevation gain
- Reviews per trail
- Greenest state score
The company then scaled, weighted and combined the factors to come up with the final statewide scores.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "California is one of the best states for winter hiking, study says. Here’s why."
