There is a unique kind of silence that only comes with winter in the high desert. Recently, I set out to capture that stillness at Caprock Canyons State Park, and the experience was a powerful reminder of why I love heading into the backcountry when the temperatures drop.
If you haven’t had a chance to watch the full journey yet, you can catch the video here:
WATCH: Winter Backpacking in Caprock Canyons | Snow, Wind, and Solitude
The Call of the Canyons
I arrived at the park just after a fresh snowfall. Seeing the striking red rock canyons highlighted with bits of white snow was incredible—it felt like stepping into an entirely different world. As a solo hiker, these quiet trips allow me to focus entirely on the environment, prioritizing the atmosphere of the place over everything else.
A Study in Extremes
The sky remained clear for the rest of my trek, which brought its own set of challenges. The overnight temperatures were brutal, hovering right at or below freezing.
When I woke up on the second morning, my primary goal was simply to get moving as quickly as possible. In those conditions, movement is your best heater. However, the desert had another surprise waiting for me: the wind. The gusts on that second morning were surprisingly powerful—at one point, a blast caught me so off-guard it nearly blew me over literally.
Shedding the Layers
One of the most interesting aspects of winter backpacking in this region is the dramatic temperature swing. By the middle of the second day, the biting cold of the morning felt like a distant memory. The sun warmed the canyons considerably, and I went from shivering in my insulation to being genuinely hot and shedding layers just to stay comfortable. It was a classic example of why a versatile layering system is the most important tool in your pack.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are an experienced thru-hiker or someone looking to get into ultralight backpacking, I hope this look at Caprock Canyons inspires you to see the “off-season” as an opportunity. There is a profound peace to be found in the solitude of a winter trail, even when you’re battling the wind to stay upright.
Join the Conversation Have you ever dealt with those massive desert temperature swings? What’s your go-to strategy for staying warm on those freezing mornings? Let me know in the comments of the video!
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