Special Desert Winter Hiking Considerations

 

Over-Preparing is Better than Under-Preparing 

Turns out it's cold and icy in the Southwest in February. With that, the recurring theme in hiking reviews were Microspikes, Microspikes, Microspikes. I had never used them before, and got a pair. Want to feel nearly invincible as you crush into the ice with your feet with some very impressive sound effects? Get you some Microspikes! I could not have done Angel's Landing without them. It's also really nice to have the security even on slightly easier trails of not falling and breaking your tailbone, because that'll put a damper on your vacation pretty quickly. The brand I got was Kahtoola and they fit in a tiny pouch, slip on your boots very easily, and let you crunch through the ice like it's no problem. Big fan, let me tell you. 

Also, again, It's cold there (like in the 30s-40s F). My trusty ride or die Camelbak hydration system with the water reservoir and hose I can mindlessly drink from as I walk stayed at home, because the tube would freeze if it was too cold, and then I would have no water. So, I elected to bring my Hydroflasks, one with water and one with Liquid IV, and had to use my hands to drink like a peasant. It was SO DRY and I went through a lot of water (and chap stick, and hand lotion, and face lotion), even though it was cold. So, I always kept a gallon of water or two in my car, and filled the bottles up between hikes. 

For a third time, It's cold there. I wore a ton of layers. It was not so cold I found myself needing my heaviest coat, which I started with on the first day and promptly stuffed it into my backpack after the first set of switchbacks. I went with my lighter, more stuffable coat the next few days to save space. Daily, I wore a tank top, my blue Columbia Omniheat pullover that I am far too emotionally attached to, a North Face fleece, then my coat. I wore fleece lined leggings (cheap ones from Amazon) and either ski pants (probably excessive) or what one of my friends calls Adventure Pants over them (also Columbia Omniheat because I like what I like). I had thick wool socks everyday because they're cozy and comfortable and I like to be able to feel my toes. I had thin North Face gloves that I would put other gloves over if my fingers got cold, a beanie, and a buff all within easy reach for when it was windy or my face got cold. I spent SO much time taking layers off and putting them back on, but I was always comfortable. And, I am a wimp in the cold. 

Baby Got Back(Pack)

Doing shorter day hikes with a 36L backpack may seem a bit much. But, given the amount of clothing I was taking on and off at all times, all of my snacks, first aid kits, head lamp, rain gear for just in case, etc. that I had with me at all times, it was nice to have a large pack to stuff it in. Ultimately it wasn't heavy, just bulky, and being able to distribute some of the weight with my hip belt made it very comfortable to carry for lots of long days. I was also hiking alone, and if something were to happen and I would need to hunker down somewhere, I had lots to keep me warm if I had to stop moving. So despite walking around looking like a professional over-packer (which, trust me, I am), the space came in useful, and the just-in-case items were there for peace of mind. I also has my little Osprey Daylite for the really short hikes/days when I'd be returning to the car more often, like the Petrified Forest. 

Would I Do It Over in the Winter? ABSOLUTELY. 

The desert in the winter was even more magical. The orange rocks with the contrast of the blue skies and white snow was mesmerizing. Plus, there were a fraction of the people as there are in the warmer months, and I am a huge fan of fewer humans. With a little extra prep, this trip was possibly even more special in the winter as it would have been in the summer. 

Here's a related post about how I ended up planning this trip: Southwest Winter Road Trip- How I Planned It, and extra things to consider when Going Solo