Winter can be an ideal time to explore America’s open roads. Cruising through a landscape blanketed with a fresh coat of snow is a dreamy way to travel during what, for many destinations, is the off-season. The fact that winter usually sees fewer tourists on the road certainly doesn’t hurt.
Of course, winter driving comes with its own set of precautions. Snow makes the scenery pop, but it also makes the roads slick. And slick roads are challenging to navigate when you’re in unfamiliar territory. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends stocking your ride with a basic winter survival kit containing an ice scraper, jumper cables, and road flares, a flashlight, batteries, snacks, water, and a first-aid kit. (Tire chains couldn’t hurt either.) Always confirm that your vehicle is up to date on maintenance before embarking on a winter drive.
Table of Contents
- 1 Arches National Park Road, Utah
- 2 Seward Highway, Alaska
- 3 Yosemite Valley Loop, California
- 4 Covered Bridge Circuit Through Parke County, Indiana
- 5 Skyline Drive Through Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- 6 Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
- 7 Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee to Asheville, North Carolina
- 8 Route 100, Vermont
- 9 High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, New Mexico
- 10 Highway 57 in Door County North, Wisconsin
- 11 Lake Tahoe Loop, California and Nevada
- 12 Lakes to Locks Passage, New York
- 13 Interstate 95 to U.S. 1, Florida
Arches National Park Road, Utah
Starting point: Arches National Park entrance
The route: 36 miles round trip on the park’s scenic drive
What to expect: Beautiful any time of year, Arches National Park‘s natural sandstone sculptures assume an ethereal quality when covered in a layer of snow and bathed in soft winter light — much to the delight of desert photographers. The National Park Service keeps the scenic drive plowed, though the process could take several hours right after a snowfall.
The paved Arches National Park Road, an out-and-back route, provides easy access to park attractions like the historic cabin Wolfe Ranch; the Windows Section, home to some of the park’s largest arches; and the Delicate Arch viewpoint, the best-known attraction in the park.
Where to stop: Park in the Windows Section to stretch your legs on a half-hour stroll beneath North Window or Double Arch. About four miles further on the drive, stop at Wolfe Ranch and pretend you’ve traveled back to the 1800s. From here, you can hike a mile and a half uphill to Delicate Arch, but beware of ice on the trail.
Seward Highway, Alaska
Starting point: Anchorage, Alaska
The route: About 50 miles on the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Portage
What to expect: Find the epitome of beautiful winter scenery among the snowcapped peaks of Chugach National Forest as you travel along Alaska’s Seward Highway. Finish the journey at the ghost town of Portage or steel your nerves — and make sure you have chains — for the remainder of the drive all the way to Seward, another 80 miles past Portage.
Although Alaska is known for its cold and snowy climate, the Seward Highway is a highly trafficked route that stays relatively clear through the winter. The drive from Anchorage to Portage takes only about an hour — two and a half hours if you go all the way to Seward — so it can absolutely be done in a day.
Where to stop: The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center provides a close-up view of native fauna — like reindeer, lynx, moose, and grizzlies — that have been injured and can no longer survive in the wild. The tiny settlement of Whittier (about halfway between Anchorage and Seward) is known as “the town under one roof” because most of its residents live in the same 14-story building (which also houses the post office, police station, convenience store, and health clinic). Its remoteness and notably small population (of about 250 people) have turned it into a tourist attraction.
Yosemite Valley Loop, California
The route: CA-120/Big Oak Flat Road from Groveland to El Portal Road in Yosemite, then El Portal Road to Southside Drive, looping around to Northside Drive and ending back at El Portal Road, about 45 miles
What to expect: Driving through Yosemite Valley in the off-season reveals an awe-strikingly silent winter wonderland. Snowfalls coat its granite monoliths, and cold temperatures turn parts of Yosemite Falls to ice. The park has many annual winter road closures, but Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year. Specifically, Wawona Road (Highway 41), El Portal Road (Highway 140), Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 from the west), and Hetch Hetchy Road are open year-round but subject to weather-related closures.
Where to stop: The adventurous set can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing at Badger Pass Ski Area, accessible from mid-December through early April. The road to get to it is maintained, but tire chains are often required. Besides that, make sure to stop under El Capitan in the Valley and admire its grandeur.
Covered Bridge Circuit Through Parke County, Indiana
The route: Bridgeton Road from Rockville to Bridgeton, High Banks and Rosedale roads to Rosedale, Coxville Road to Mecca, then Mecca Road and U.S. Highway 41 back to Rockville, totaling about 45 miles
What to expect: With 31 historic covered bridges, Parke County is known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World,” and perhaps the best time to see them is after it snows. The bridges, many of them built in the 1800s and still in use, cross icy rivers and streams, contrasting gorgeously with meadows blanketed in white. There are many different routes you can take, but this loop showcases eight bridges and takes about an hour and a half.
Where to stop: Along the route, pause to admire the McAllister Covered Bridge, built in 1914; Neet Covered Bridge; Bridgeton Covered Bridge; Roseville Covered Bridge, the longest of the eight; Mecca Bridge, the oldest (completed in 1873); Phillip’s Bridge, the shortest; Sim Smith Bridge, supposedly haunted; and Melcher Bridge. If you fancy a snack midway, stop in Rosedale for biscuits and gravy or a slice of pie at Comar’s Cafe.
Skyline Drive Through Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Starting point: Front Royal or Rockfish Gap, Virginia
The route: 105 miles between Front Royal and Rockfish Gap on Skyline Drive
What to expect: The Blue Ridge Mountains are arguably the prettiest peaks in the eastern United States, and Skyline Drive carries travelers right along their crest. It’s the only public road through Shenandoah National Park (though portions may close during inclement weather). In the winter, many of Shenandoah’s 500-plus miles of trails remain open for snowshoe and ski enthusiasts keen to see crystallized waterfalls and other iced-over sites.
Where to stop: Stick to the 35-mph speed limit and pick any of the 75 overlooks along the drive for sprawling views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the Piedmont Mountains to the east. Watch for wildlife, too — though many animals hibernate, foxes and bobcats remain active all winter.
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Starting point: Ouray or Silverton, Colorado
The route: 24 miles on U.S. 550 between Ouray and Silverton
What to expect: Is this Colorado road called the Million Dollar Highway for its million-dollar views? Or because an early traveler was so spooked by the route’s steep climbs and hairpin turns that he claimed he would never travel it again, not even for a million dollars? Perhaps it’s because the road reportedly cost a million dollars a mile to build. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying the dramatic drive – part of the San Juan Skyway, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway – offers priceless mountain vistas.
Keep in mind that the highway, or sections of it, can close due to snow. During the winter, snow chains are recommended as it’s a mountainous route with many steep cliffs and sharp turns.
Where to stop: Pull over at any of the designated viewpoints to take in natural wonders like Bear Creek Falls and the iron-rich peaks of Red Mountain. If you plan to stick around for more exploring, make the historic town of Silverton your basecamp. A bit off the route but still worth a visit is the ghost town and former mining hub of Animas Forks.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee to Asheville, North Carolina
Starting point: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The route: About 120 miles on U.S. Highway 441 and the Blue Ridge Parkway
What to expect: This drive takes you through the stunning alpine wilderness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest. From Gatlinburg, stop along U.S. 441 at Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome for panoramic views, then hop on the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Stretch your legs on a winter hike to the Devil’s Courthouse summit before continuing the journey to Asheville.
Where to stop: Play for a day at Ober Mountain, a mountainside amusement park with skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and more — the 2.1-mile Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to the top is a scenic treat in itself. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll get your pick of more than 50 scenic pullouts with mountain views. On the other side, in Asheville, a tour of the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate is a must.
Route 100, Vermont
Starting point: Stowe, Vermont
The route: 142 miles on VT-100
What to expect: Most roads that traverse this beautiful state are scenic, but Vermont Route 100 (VT-100) is arguably the best of the lot. It puts road-trippers in the perfect position for exploring the charming villages of Wilmington and Weston and touring the Mad River Valley and Moss Glen Falls. Winter is an excellent time to visit this part of Vermont, big on skiing and winter sports. Even if you aren’t in the mood for outdoor adventure, the atmosphere is cozy and lively as ever.
Where to stop: Almost every village on the route offers a quaint country store, but Weston’s old-timey Vermont Country Store is the ultimate pit stop for practical souvenirs and unique regional treats. And it may be winter, but the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury is nevertheless a must-visit.
High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, New Mexico
Starting point: Chimayo, New Mexico
The route: 49 miles through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Chimayo and Taos on NM-76, aka the High Road
What to expect: An hour-long journey into the high desert will reward you with sights of snow-dusted junipers and piñon pines as you travel past the wood-carving village of Cordova, marveling at the snow-capped Truchas Peak rising 13,102 feet high in the distance. Start at Nambé Pueblo, a centuries-old Indigenous community just south of Chimayo, for a dose of history.
Where to stop: Santuario de Chimayo, near the starting point of this drive, stands on what some consider sacred ground with miraculous healing powers. San José de Gracia de Las Trampas is a National Historic Landmark along the High Road. Closer to Taos, San Francisco de Asís Mission Church dates back more than 200 years.
Highway 57 in Door County North, Wisconsin
Starting point: Green Bay, Wisconsin
The route: 85 miles on Wisconsin Highway 57 from Green Bay to Gills Rock
What to expect: Door County North provides the Upper Midwest with its own Cape Cod experience: Think coastal towns, local shops, and family-owned restaurants that invite a heartwarming winter escape. The popular hour, 45-minute winter drive between Green Bay and Gills Rock ping-pongs between the eastern and western shores of the peninsula. After passing through a handful of small, historic towns, you’ll land at the top.
Where to stop: Take every opportunity to stop and soak in the sites of Lake Michigan. On the eastern shore, you’ll find the tallest dunes in Wisconsin at Whitefish Dunes State Park and some extraordinary cliffside ice formations at the nearby Cave Point County Park. At Newport State Park, on Lake Michigan near Gills Rock, you can cross-country ski on more than 26 miles of trails. Newport is also a designated Dark Sky Park, and long winter nights are great for stargazing.
Lake Tahoe Loop, California and Nevada
Starting point: Incline Village, Nevada, or South Lake Tahoe, California
The route: 72 miles around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe on NV-28, U.S. 50, and CA-89
What to expect: Sierra Nevada peaks are reflected in one of the deepest lakes in North America, casting breathtaking scenes on its glassy surface — an especially resplendent sight in winter. It takes about two hours to drive the perimeter of Lake Tahoe without stopping, but plan extra time for whatever beauty captures your attention along the way. The route on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe (in Nevada) is a National Scenic Byway, considered one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S.
Where to stop: Sand Harbor, part of the 14,300-acre Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, is an ideal place to dip your toes into the icy lake (it never freezes) before hitting the trails for a winter walk, snowshoe, or ski. Additionally, stop near the state line closest to South Lake Tahoe for a scenic gondola ride to Heavenly Ski Resort, home to a viewing platform offering epic bird’s-eye views of the lake along with tubing and ice skating.
Lakes to Locks Passage, New York
Starting point: Waterford or Whitehall, New York
The route: 60 miles on U.S. 4 between Waterford and Whitehall
What to expect: This National Scenic Byway travels north–south for 190 miles through northeastern New York State, but the stretch between Waterford and Whitehall is especially beautiful. When the temperature drops below freezing, the lakes and ponds along this National Scenic Byway turn into ice-fishing destinations.
More into birds than fish? This winter drive passes through the Atlantic Flyway, so keep an eye out for overwintering dark-eyed juncos, evening grosbeaks, and purple finches.
Where to stop: Enjoy views of the Hudson River and the Champlain Canal along the drive. At Saratoga National Historical Park, stop at the Schuyler Estate, built in 1777 as the home of General Philip Schuyler, Alexander Hamilton’s father-in-law. It’s where the wedding of Hamilton and General Schuyler’s daughter Elizabeth took place in 1780.
Interstate 95 to U.S. 1, Florida
Starting point: St. Augustine, Florida
The route: About 470 miles; take I-95 from St. Augustine to Miami before switching to U.S. 1 from Miami to Key West
What to expect: Not up to battling winter road hazards? Skip chilly temperatures and enjoy Florida’s glorious take on winter. For a scenic drive that showcases the best of the Sunshine State, head south along its Atlantic coast from St. Augustine — the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States — all the way to Key West, the southernmost point of the continental U.S. You’ll find sand in place of snow and palms instead of pines.
Where to stop: Explore must-see highlights like historic St. Augustine, including the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fortification in the continental U.S. The route passes by the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Miami (make sure to stop for a cortadito in Little Havana for a perfect behind-the-wheel pick-me-up), and the Florida Keys, where you’ll cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge on your way to Key West.