If you’ve endured the months of triple-digit weather in the summer and are ready to cool off, or you just want to experience a temperate winter but still see snow, Arizona can be an underrated Winter Wonderland for RV camping. In fact, did you know northern Arizona receives 75 inches of snow per year?
In the “Grand Canyon State,” you can expect mainly sunny winter days with only chilly nights. But do plan accordingly and don’t underestimate that day-to-night variations can have over a 50-degree difference!
So without further adieu, here are some of the best destinations in Arizona to see snow and enjoy comfortably cool weather.
1. Grand Canyon – South Rim
Bright Angel Trail | Grand Canyon, AZ
Sure, this may be an obvious one but we couldn’t skip it when it comes to the most magical places to see snow in Arizona. In the winter, the national park attracts only one-fifth of the tourism it does the rest of the year, so you can enjoy the less-crowded Bright Angel Trail. Enjoy all nature has to offer as well as its scenic drives paved with snow instead of traffic congestion.
Note: The beginning miles can be icy, but you can expect warmer weather as you descend in elevation in the South Rim. The North Rim is closed during this season.
2. Flagstaff Snow Park
2446 Fort Tuthill Loop | Flagstaff, AZ
Next stop on your itinerary for scoping out snow, in our humble opinion, should be Flagstaff. Did you know this Arizona city is considered one of the snowiest cities in the United States? With an average snowfall of over 100 inches per year, your chances of finding enough snow here are as high as its 7,000-foot above sea level elevation.
Instead of the typical trip to the Arizona Snowbowl, explore what is noted as “the best sledding spot in town”: Flagstaff Snow Park. The site includes restrooms, a large outdoor fire pit, picnic areas, tubes for rent, and a shop for gear, making it the perfect stop for RV goers.
3. Sonoran Desert National Monument
Directions | Maricopa, AZ
This national treasure is picturesque at any time of year, but if you haven’t seen it yet during the snowy season, we highly recommend you take a trip. Located south of Buckeye and east of Gila Bend, the Sonoran Desert National Monument is your best chance at seeing snow-dressed saguaros. Keep in mind, the coldest month it sees is December with an average of 53-degree days.
Read for RV Campsite Recommendation: Top 10 Places for RV Camping in Arizona
4. Saguaro National Park
3693 S. Old Spanish Trail | Tucson, AZ
Head over to this favorite national park during December through February for another rare shot at seeing snow cover the desert landscape. When planning your backcountry camping trip duration, you will need to be prepared for the possibility of snow storms that can actually bring 2-6 feet of snow at the higher elevations.
Read for More RV Camping Information: Top 10 Places for RV Camping in Arizona
5. Lake Mead
Directions | Arizona/Nevada Border
Technically this option is located within the northwest corner of Arizona and southeastern Nevada, but we include it because winter is actually the best time for scuba diving at the lake. This is because visibility under water is improved (20-50 feet) at Lake Mead due to the cooler water reducing algae growth.
If taking that cold plunge is not your thing, you can still experience striped bass fishing and breathtaking photography opportunities – perhaps even witness a bald eagle migrating south.
So, clearly you should never believe the myth that Arizona doesn’t get snow. In addition to the ones listed above, there are plenty of hidden gems where you can see more snowflakes (and likely less people) on your trail while RV camping in the winter.
With that said, when you are ready to store your RV, follow these guidelines to properly winterize your RV to maximize the longevity of your vehicle as much as possible.
Call us at (520) 833-8016, or click here to reserve your spot for storage now!
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for recommendations or services provided by a licensed professional.