Experiencing Snow In Sedona
Best Time To See Snowfall In Sedona
As someone who has explored, hiked, and fly-fished in Sedona hundreds of times over the last 30 years one of my favorite times to visit is during or right after a rare snow storm. At approximately 4,500 feet in elevation, the high desert town of Sedona generally does not see a lot of heavy snow accumulations- maybe a few inches here and there with the occasional bigger storm dropping 4 to 6 inches. Im guessing on average it snows maybe 3 to 5 times a year during the winter season which is typically December to early March in my experience. Although I have seen snow dustings in higher elevations as early as late October some years. So, December, January, and February are typically the best months to see snow in Sedona in my experience.
What I can absolutely assure you is that when It does starting snowing in Sedona it can be a magical and surreal experience. The high contrast of the white stuff with the colorful red rock formations and green forested landscape that surrounds the town can produce a truly striking transformation. It also slows the pace down and the amount of visitors in this busy and very popular Southwest tourist destination which is always welcomed in my view.
Its All About Elevation:
The town of Sedona sits at approximately 4500 feet in elevation and snow generally does not stick around long after a storm in this high desert environment. However, the surrounding eroded plateau of the Mogollon rim and prominent Mountains like Wilson Mountain crest over 7,000 feet in elevation making it much more likely to capture and hold snow for extended periods of time. If you arrive a few days after a decent snow storm this is most likely the red rock landscape features you see that are still snow covered because of the cooler climate of the higher elevations. On average, every 1,000 feet in elevation gain the temps should decrease by 3.5 to 4 degrees.
Best Hiking Trails & Locations To See Snow In Sedona
If you want to see snow while hiking on one of Sedona’s many great trails your best bet is look for a trail that’s in a canyon where the temps are already generally cooler and the direct sunlight is diminished in the winter months allowing snow to hold much longer. I have found Canyon trails like Boynton Canyon to be nearly 10 degrees cooler in the inner canyon section than the trailhead parking lot. The West Fork trail in upper Oak creek canyon is another good choice to find snow holding longer after a storm.
In general, because of its higher elevation and cooler canyon micro climate, Oak Creek canyon is one of the more reliable, scenic, and drivable locations to see snow falling in Sedona during the Winter months. There are several pullouts and organized picnic areas where you safely park- if they are not closed. However, I would not advise just pulling over as highway 89A is a very narrow 2 lanes and it can be a treacherous driving during a winter storm with snow, ice, snow banks from plowing, and even rockfalls from the canyon wall. In addition, trailheads like the West Fork in the Call of the canyon recreation area may not even be open with a significant snow storm in the forecast. Trying to park along the highway here during a snow storm is not recommend as its very tight and you could also get plowed in and stuck.
With just a few hundred feet in elevation gain sometimes being the difference being between snow and rain there are also numerous other trails in the system where with a little effort and caution you can experience falling snow in Sedona.
Tips On Being Prepared:
If you are going to do any type of winter hiking in Sedona with snow or not, I highly recommend you bring trekking poles and have ice cleats on or in your backpack. Trails like the West Fork and Boynton canyon can sometimes be extremely icy in the winter months and I have seen many people struggle and even fall and get injured. Keep in mind on the West Fork trail you will need to cross the gentle flowing creek multiple times if you want to hike in 2 or 3 miles and it can be extra slippery and hazardous during winter. Having and wearing ice cleats for extra traction when winter hiking on these trails is the best tip I can share. You can buy inexpensive ice cleats on Amazon for as little as $20 bucks and they will make a huge difference in keeping you safe and allowing you to enjoy your winter hike in Red Rock country.
Sedona Snow Photos & Videos:
Below are a number photos and short video clips I have captured over the years in Sedona and Oak Creek canyon during or right after a snow storm. Please contact me if you have any questions or feel free to comment below. Many of these images and video clips are available for sale. © Ray Redstone Photography
Very short Oak Creek Canyon snow scenery compilation. A link to another longer video hosted on Youtube is below.
A snow dusted Court House Butte in the Village of Oak Creek February 2022
An early morning snow dusting on the Bell Rock pathway in the Village of Oak Creek.
View of a snow dusted Thunder mountain winter of 2022.
Here is a short video I created featuring a number of snow scenes in Oak Creek canyon winter 2024.
Heavy snow falling in Oak Creek Canyon February 2024. This canyon’s higher elevation and cooler micro climate makes it a more likely place to see snow in Sedona.
A snow covered bridge over the famous Oak Creek in Oak Creek canyon January 2024.
Heavy snow falling near a historic building at the beginning of the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon.
A snow blasted canyon wall overhang along the West Fork Trail and creek.
Icy and snowy conditions on the West Fork of Oak creek that parallels the West Fork Trail. Ice cleats should be in your backpack when winter hiking in Sedona’s canyon trails.
Snow covered boulders surround A pool along Oak Creek in upper Oak Creek Canyon.
Heavy snow and towering canyon walls as the trail enters the narrow West Fork canyon section.
Very early morning and snowy view of a forest service building at the entrance of the parking lot at the Call Of The Canyon recreation area in Oak Creek Canyon. Those are my footprints.
Ray having a “snow beer” at a designated picnic area in Oak Creek Canyon. These picnic areas are your safest bet to pull over and enjoy the falling snow scenery in Oak Creek Canyon.