Cool Trails, Cozy Views: Hiking Picks for December 2025

Winter doesn’t mean your hiking boots have to hibernate! From the sun-soaked deserts of Joshua Tree to the snow-dusted hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, December offers some of the most magical trails of the year. Whether you’re chasing panoramic canyon views, trekking through alpine lakes, or wandering hidden canyons, we’ve rounded up five hikes that are perfect for a crisp winter adventure. Grab your layers, lace up your boots, and step into nature—because the trails are calling, and winter never looked so good.

Joshua Tree National Park – Lost Horse Mine Trail

• Distance: ~4 miles loop

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Historic gold mine ruins, desert vistas, cooler winter temps make this a perfect winter desert hike.

 Sequoia National Park – Congress Loop Trail

• Distance: ~2 miles loop

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: Stroll among giant sequoias, see snow-dusted forest scenes, short and magical winter walk.

 Big Sur – Ewoldsen Trail

• Distance: ~4.5 miles loop

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Coastal redwoods, sweeping Pacific views, lush green scenery—winter rains make the waterfalls flow.

 Mount Tamalpais (Bay Area) – Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop

• Distance: ~7 miles loop

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Redwoods, creeks, ocean vistas, and a mix of forest and coastal trails; crisp December air makes it refreshing.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park – Borrego Palm Canyon Trail

• Distance: ~3 miles roundtrip

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: Desert palms, bighorn sheep sightings, winter makes this a comfortable desert trek.