When most people think of winter adventure, they picture ski slopes, frozen lakes and snow-covered hiking trails. But there’s a whole world of places that stay open when the temperature drops, if you have the right gear to get there.
Here are five unexpected winter destinations, and why Snowfoot is the perfect tool to explore them.
1. Lava Beds National Monument, California
Why It’s Surprising in Winter: Lava tubes and volcanic rock sound like summer hiking territory, but in winter, snow dusts the rugged landscape and turns the underground caves into magical ice galleries.
Why Snowfoot Wins Here: Lava Beds trails can be a patchwork of packed snow, icy patches and exposed rock. Snowfoot’s compact profile lets you move naturally across mixed terrain, and the crampon-like grip keeps you steady on frozen lava flows without switching to separate traction gear.
2. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
Why It’s Surprising in Winter: In certain cold snaps, ice bridges form along Lake Superior’s shoreline, opening access to the famous sea caves — a sight normally reserved for summer kayaking trips.
Why Snowfoot Wins Here: Traditional snowshoes can feel clumsy on the icy approach and narrow cave paths. Snowfoot’s surefooted traction makes crossing slick ice safe and smooth, while moderate flotation helps you navigate the snowy shoreline without sinking.
3. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Why It’s Surprising in Winter: This desert park is famous for its fiery red sandstone formations, but winter brings a quiet beauty, which means fewer crowds, cooler temps and sometimes a rare dusting of snow against the red rock.
Why Snowfoot Wins Here: The trails here are a mix of sand, rock and the occasional snowy section. With Snowfoot, you can walk comfortably on hard surfaces and still get grip on icy or frozen patches in shaded canyons, without carrying bulky snowshoes you’ll barely use. It’s an entirely new way to experience the backcountry.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Why It’s Surprising in Winter: Known for its lush greenery in summer, the Smokies transform into a peaceful winter wonderland. Snow reveals long-hidden stone walls, old homesteads and open mountain views usually hidden by foliage.
Why Snowfoot Wins Here: The park’s winter trails are often a mix of packed snow, ice and mud. Snowfoot’s compact frame gives you stability without catching on roots or rocks, and the traction lets you descend icy switchbacks confidently.
5. Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Why It’s Surprising in Winter: Yes, you can visit the Cape in winter. And it’s spectacular. Snow-covered dunes, frozen tidal pools and empty beaches feel like another planet compared to summer’s hustle.
Why Snowfoot Wins Here: Beaches in winter can be slippery with frozen sand and patches of ice. Snowfoot grips these surfaces while still letting you walk naturally, which is perfect for exploring snowy dunes without sinking or slipping.
The Common Thread: Mixed Terrain Mastery
These places all share one thing: unpredictable winter footing. You might be on snow one minute, ice the next and bare ground a few steps later.
Snowfoot’s design solves that problem:
- Compact profile for agility
- Full crampon underside for icy security
- Moderate flotation for snowy sections
- Lightweight build for all-day comfort
With Snowfoot, you’re free to explore without worrying whether your gear can handle the next change in terrain.
So this winter, skip the obvious and head somewhere unexpected. The best adventures happen when you wander into a place you didn’t even realize was better with snow. And with Snowfoot, getting there is half the fun.