Top Winter Road Trips
Winter means less tourists and traffic in many popular US destinations, which can make it the ideal season to explore America’s open roads. Add in cruising through a sparkly white winter wonderland, this is the perfect activity to set the mood for the winter season!
Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean traveling has to stop! Your friends at Beacon have put together a list of America’s top winter road trips. Before we begin though, we want to provide you with a couple of winter travel tips:
Stock your car with a basic winter survival kit containing flashlights, batteries, blankets, snacks, water, gloves, boots, and a first-aid kit.
Make sure your car is stocked with winter roadside necessities such as tire chains, an ice scraper, jumper cables, and road flares.
Confirm that your vehicle’s maintenance is up-to-date before embarking on a winter trip.
Download Beacon to share real time travel updates with your family, so you never have to leave them guessing where you may be.
With the necessities out of the way, let’s get started on finding your next adventure!
Arches National Park, Utah
Starting Point: Moab, Utah
The Route: 36 miles on the park’s Scenic Drive
What to Expect: While the Arches are beautiful at any time of year, they are even more spectacular bathed in a layer of snow and soft winter light. The pave scenic drive provides access to all the park attractions like Wolfe Ranch, the Windows Section, and the Delicate Arch.
Yosemite National Park, California
Starting Point: Groveland, California
The Route: 46 miles on CA-120 from Groveland to Yosemite Valley
What to Expect: Searching for the perfect winter wonderland? Visit Yosemite in the off-season to take in the striking views. The cold weather transforms the cascades of Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls into frozen sheaths of ice, while snowfall coats the granite monoliths. While the park does have winter road closures, the Yosemite Valley and Wawona passes remain accessible by car all year long.
Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Starting Point: Front Royal or Rockfish Gap, Virginia
The Route: 105 miles between Front Royal and Rockfish Gap
What to Expect: Skyline Drive carries travelers right along the crest of arguably the most regal peaks in the eastern United States, the Blue Ridge Mountains. Offering panoramic views over the frosty valleys below, Skyline Drive is the perfect winter adventure. While some of the parts of Skyline Drive may close due to inclement weather conditions, many of the 500-plus miles of trails in Shenandoah National Park remain open for snowshoe and ski enthusiasts.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Starting Point: Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park
The Route: 47 miles form Mammoth Hot Springs to the northeast entrance on the Grand Loop Road or 28 mile son the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway from Cody, WY, to Yellowstone.
What to Expect: In the winter, Yellowstone’s typical summertime traffic jams thin out in the winter. While most park roads close to regular traffic during the winter, don’t let that stop your adventures! Visit Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and other hotspots during the winter via guided snowmobile or snowcoach tours.