HikeArizona.COM

My wife and kids have requested for the New Year's extended weekend that we make a daytrip to somewhere so they can experience their annual snow. Does anyone have any info on if there's still any snow left on the Rim? I would imagine there is but I'd like to get some confirmation before I make the trip. I saw some on the Pinals last Monday, but who knows if that will still be there by this next Monday. Any info that anyone can provide for recent conditions is greatly appreciated.

There's more on the east side/Forest Lakes. Over 2 feet. As you get closer to Flagstaff it dwindles to only about 6 inches, with some clear patches in open areas.

Perhaps a hike along the Rim Lakes Vista trail? Don't know if they have the effort to get to Woods Canyon Lake, but that is usually a nice spot. Perhaps Willow Springs or Black Canyon Lakes for an easier journey?

i'm not sure that they'll really even want to hike much at all. maybe just a drive to play in the snow some. I'll try to convince them to do a short hike somewhere.

Which Willow Springs? There's about 8 of them in the TrailDex. Never heard of Black Canyon Lakes.

Snow on the RIM!!? Arizona, with the central highlands and the Rim are about the only place in the west that have done well this December and have good to higher than normal snow fall. Just look at the snowtels: http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snotel/Ari ... izona.html
Those are actually better in depth and water content than places in the San Juans in Colorado. I guess the La Nina will fix that, but "enjoy" it, while you can.

@chumley
That Willow Spring Lake might be the ticket. Saw some nice little trails from the one TH to the Lake and some roads there. Bit of a drive, but most of it's on higher speed limit roads. Thx.

Note the roads into the lake are gated closed due to snow, but you can park adjacent to hwy 260 and hike in through the campground. The lake is ice-covered. There's usually some snowmobile traffic that has packed down the trails a bit.

Both Willow Springs Lake and Black Canyon Lakes are really sweet little lakes up on the rim. I would usually hit them when escaping the heat from below. They are not as crowded as Woods Canyon, which made them much more peaceful, and the fishing was better....I think the only people you see on them are the "locals" and people who have "discovered' them in the past.

Don't let your kids out on the iced-over lakes, might not be safe.

the forecast in that area has had highs in the upper 50s. I'm not expecting to see much ice on the lake. wondering about the snow also at this point, but keeping my hopes up. any new info on this area is appreciated. leaving in the am tomorrow about 8-9.

There's still 2 feet of snow there. Once iced over those lakes stay frozen until spring. Should be a really nice day to be up there tomorrow