When you think of Sedona, vibrant red rocks glowing in the desert sun might come to mind. But for a few rare days each year, Sedona transforms into "Snowdona," a magical winter wonderland. I had the incredible fortune of experiencing this rare phenomenon last year in mid-February, with three consecutive days of heavy, wet snow.

First Impressions: A Dream Come True

From the moment I arrived, it felt like stepping into a dream. The red rock formations, dusted with snow, created a surreal contrast against the winter skies. This was a sight that only happens a couple of times a year, and I felt unbelievably lucky to witness it. I knew February would give me the best shot at snow, but I still relied on a lot of luck. A week before my trip, the forecast called for rain, and I hoped the temperatures would dip just enough to turn it into snow—and they did!

Highlights of the Journey

Day 1: Overcast Beginnings at the Seven Sacred Pools

I began my trip at the Fairy Pools, where the morning was overcast and eventually gave way to rain. It set the perfect tone for what was to come. A heads-up for those planning to visit the Soldier Pass trailhead: the small parking lot doesn’t open until after sunset. To make it in time for sunrise, you’ll need to start from the Sugerloaf trailhead. While it’s a longer hike, the views along the way are absolutely stunning, making the extra miles well worth it.

Day 2: A Snowy Adventure

It was still dark when I arrived at the trailhead for the Birthing Cave the next morning, and I had to double-check my surroundings to ensure I was in the right place. The air was crisp, and the snow was already starting to accumulate in thick layers, making the landscape feel eerily quiet and still. As I started down the trail, I quickly realized the conditions were more challenging than I’d expected. The trail was muddy in some spots, and I found myself constantly dodging puddles that had collected in the low points. The real difficulty, however, came from the fresh blanket of snow that had coated everything. It made it hard to distinguish between the actual trail and the surrounding terrain, and I had to stop every so often to make sure I was still heading in the right direction.

The further I went, the more the trail seemed to disappear under the snow. By the time I was nearing the Birthing Cave, the path became less and less discernible. The snow had covered the markers, and in places, there was no obvious trail at all — just a sea of white stretching in every direction. It felt like I was venturing into the unknown, and I had to rely on trusty AllTrails to guide me. Every step felt more like an adventure, and despite the uncertainty, I couldn't help but be swept up in the magic of the moment.

The snow transformed the landscape in a way that words can hardly capture. There was something otherworldly about it, with the world blanketed in pristine white, softening the edges of the rocks and trees. The air smelled fresh and pure, and the silence was profound, broken only by the crunch of snow beneath my boots. Even though the hike had become a little more difficult, there was an undeniable sense of peace and wonder. The further I went, the more I felt like I was stepping into a dreamscape.

Reaching the Birthing Cave itself was a reward in itself. Surrounded by the stillness and beauty of the snow-covered landscape, the cave seemed even more sacred and mysterious, as if it had been waiting for the right moment to reveal itself. The adventure may have been a little more challenging than I anticipated, but the experience — the magic of the snow, the quiet solitude, and the sense of discovery — made it all worth it.

Later, I drove down Boynton Pass and ventured to the Subway Cave. While the trail was incredibly wet, the snow lingering around the cave added a mystical touch. Climbing up to the cave, however, was nerve-wracking—the slick snow made it treacherous, so caution is key in these conditions.

Keyhole Cave: A Wild Transformation

Keyhole Cave was perhaps the most unforgettable experience of the trip. My friend Kellie and I started our hike in light rain, but as we walked, it quickly turned to snow. By the time we reached the cave, everything was blanketed in white. On our return, we found 3–4 inches of snow covering our cars.

Hiking up to the cave was trickier than I expected, with the trail slick from wet, muddy clay beneath the freshly fallen snow. Every step was a gamble — I slipped a few times (okay, more than a few, if we’re being honest), but the laughter that followed each tumble only added to the joy of the moment. The combination of snow and mud made for an unpredictable, yet exhilarating hike. With each slip, we found ourselves grinning, getting more excited as we pushed on toward the cave.

When we finally reached Keyhole Cave, the view was more than worth the effort. The cave itself was a brilliant contrast to the snow-covered landscape. Inside, the warm orange hues of the rock walls seemed to glow against the bright white of the snow outside, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly scene. Kellie and I couldn’t contain our excitement — we were both in awe of how the light filtered through the narrow opening, casting an ethereal glow that made the whole experience feel magical. The weather, the snow, the unique beauty of the cave — it all felt like something out of a dream.

As we took it all in, we couldn't help but smile, the weight of the hike forgotten in the wonder of the moment. Every step, every slip in the mud, had led us to this breathtaking place, and it felt like a reward far beyond what we could have imagined. The stillness of the cave contrasted with the excitement we shared, and the whole scene was simply unforgettable. It was, hands down, my favorite part of the trip.

Day 3: A Winter Wonderland at Devil’s Bridge

The following morning, my friends Justin and Mike joined me for a hike to Devil’s Bridge. We started our hike in the dark, the sky still a deep, star-filled navy as we made our way along the trail. The crisp winter air wrapped around us, and the faint crunch of snow under our boots was the only sound in the stillness. With the early start, the world around us felt completely quiet and untouched, like we were the first ones to see the day begin.

As we hiked in the darkness, we were treated to an incredible winter scene — the valley below was blanketed in fresh snow, transforming the landscape into a white wonderland. The rugged red rocks, usually so vibrant under the sun, now appeared muted, softened by the snow and the shadows of early morning. The silence of the desert, combined with the cold air, gave everything an ethereal quality, like we were walking through a dream.

By the time we reached Devil’s Bridge, the sky had started to lighten, the first soft shades of pink and lavender appearing on the horizon. We arrived just before the sunrise, and the sight of the valley below — blanketed in snow and bathed in the early light — was absolutely breathtaking. The pink clouds above added a dreamy touch, casting a gentle glow over everything. There was a peacefulness to the scene, as if the world was still waking up around us.

The best part was that by starting early, we managed to avoid the crowds that typically flock to Devil’s Bridge later in the morning. We had the place all to ourselves, standing in awe as we watched the sun rise over the snowy valley. The bridge itself, an impressive arch of red rock, stood out even more against the blanket of snow surrounding it, creating a stunning contrast. It was a perfect moment of solitude and serenity.

We took our time to soak in the view, knowing how rare it was to experience such beauty without the usual hustle and bustle of tourists. As we began our hike back, the sun had fully risen, and the world felt transformed. The landscape seemed even more vivid in the morning light, the reds of the rocks now vibrant against the pure white snow. But there was something about that still, quiet time before the crowds arrived that made the experience unforgettable. We had witnessed Devil’s Bridge at its most peaceful, and the memory of that morning will stay with me for a long time.

Other Highlights

Slickrock Trail: Low clouds rolled through Cathedral Rock, creating moody, dramatic scenes.
L’Auberge Stay: Staying at L’Auberge de Sedona was a luxurious retreat during the gloomy weather. My private cabin, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, was the perfect cozy spot to unwind after snowy adventures.

Practical Tips for Snowy Sedona

Gear Up: Trails can be icy and wet, so waterproof boots, warm socks, and waterproof outerwear are essential.
Plan Ahead: Some areas, like Oak Creek Canyon, may close due to snow. Be flexible with your plans.
Timing is Key: Sunrise and sunset offer stunning light, especially on days with gaps in the clouds.
Stay Safe: Snow makes slick rock even slicker. Be cautious on steep climbs and bring trekking poles if needed.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Sedona in the snow was one of the most surreal and rewarding adventures I’ve ever experienced. The snow softens the harsh desert landscape, creating scenes that feel straight out of a fairytale. If you’re lucky enough to catch "Snowdona," you’re in for an unforgettable treat.

Have you visited Sedona in the snow? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear about your own snowy adventures!