Best Scenic USA Winter Road Trip: Where To Go In 2024?

Key Takeaways

Best winter routes: Utah’s Mighty 5, Vermont’s Route 100, Florida Keys
Must-visit parks: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains
Hidden spots: McCall (Idaho), Capitol Reef, Hamilton (Montana)
Winter driving tips: Get winter tires, pack emergency kit, check weather
Best views: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive

Why Winter Road Trips Are Special

Hey there! I’m Alex, and I’ve driven across America in every season. Winter is my favorite – the roads are less busy, the views are amazing, and you get to see places in a whole new way. Last winter, I saw Yellowstone without the summer crowds, and it was magical!

Planning Your Winter Route

Let me share three awesome routes I’ve tried:

Utah’s Mighty 5 Loop (7-10 days)
- Start in Salt Lake City
- Visit Zion National Park (2-3 days)
  - Angel’s Landing winter views
  - Emerald Pools Trail
  - Riverside Walk
  - Watchman Trail
- Drive through Bryce Canyon (1-2 days)
  - Sunset Point
  - Navajo Loop Trail
  - Thor’s Hammer viewpoint
  - Inspiration Point
- Stop at Capitol Reef (1-2 days)
  - Hickman Bridge
  - Cassidy Arch
  - Grand Wash
  - Fruita Historic District
- Explore Canyonlands (1-2 days)
  - Island in the Sky
  - Mesa Arch at sunrise
  - Grand View Point
  - White Rim Overlook
- End at Arches National Park (1-2 days)
  - Delicate Arch
  - Double Arch
  - The Windows Section
  - Park Avenue Trail
Vermont’s Snowy Highway (3-5 days)
- Begin in Burlington
  - Church Street Marketplace
  - ECHO Science Center
  - Waterfront Park
- Drive down Route 100
  - Stowe Mountain Resort
  - Ben & Jerry’s Factory
  - Mad River Glen
- Stop at cozy ski towns
  - Waitsfield
  - Warren
  - Killington
- End in Brattleboro
  - Downtown Arts District
  - Farmers’ Market
  - Local breweries
Sunny Florida Keys (4-6 days)
- Start in Miami
  - South Beach
  - Little Havana
  - Wynwood Walls
- Drive the Overseas Highway
  - Card Sound Road
  - Seven Mile Bridge
  - Historic bridges
- Stop at small islands
  - Key Largo
  - Islamorada
  - Marathon
- Finish in Key West
  - Duval Street
  - Sunset at Mallory Square
  - Ernest Hemingway House

Winter Driving Preparation

Before hitting the road, here’s what I always check:

Vehicle Checks

Tire pressure and tread
Battery condition
Antifreeze levels
Brake system
Heating system
Windshield wipers
All lights working
Oil change if needed

Emergency Kit Essentials

Warm blankets (2-3)
Extra warm clothing
Hand warmers
Flashlights with batteries
First aid supplies
Basic tools
Jumper cables
Ice scraper and snow brush
Sand or cat litter for traction
Portable phone charger
Paper maps (yes, really!)

Seasonal Activities Guide

Winter Sports Options

Skiing (downhill and cross-country)
Snowboarding
Snowshoeing
Ice skating
Winter hiking
Snow tubing
Ice fishing
Winter photography

Indoor Activities

Local museums
Art galleries
Historic sites
Shopping districts
Craft breweries
Local theaters
Indoor water parks
Cozy bookstores

Wildlife Watching Tips

Winter is amazing for seeing animals:

Dawn and dusk are best times
Look for tracks in snow
Bring binoculars
Stay quiet and patient
Keep safe distance
Know local wildlife
Take photos from car
Follow ranger advice

Weather Planning

Smart weather strategies I use:

Check multiple forecasts
Download weather apps
Plan flexible schedule
Know road conditions
Watch storm patterns
Have backup routes
Check avalanche risks
Monitor travel alerts

Budget Planning Tips

Save on Accommodations

Book mid-week stays
Use reward points
Try local B&Bs
Look for winter specials
Consider hostels
Use travel apps
Join loyalty programs
Check multiple sites

Save on Activities

Get national park passes
Look for city passes
Find free events
Use student discounts
Book group tours
Visit free museums
Check local papers
Ask locals for tips

Technology Tips

Must-have tech for winter trips:

Offline GPS maps
Weather radar apps
Road condition apps
Hotel booking apps
Emergency service apps
Photo editing tools
Social media for updates
Battery power banks

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about winter road trips? Check out these helpful resources:

National Park Service Winter Safety Guide – Official tips for visiting national parks in winter
NOAA Winter Travel Safety – Expert weather safety advice for winter travelers
Federal Highway Administration Winter Driving Guide – Complete winter driving safety information

Must-See Winter Stops

Yellowstone National Park

Watch geysers with steam clouds
See bison in the snow
Try snowmobiling
Take winter photos

Great Smoky Mountains

Hike to frozen waterfalls
Spot winter wildlife
Visit cozy mountain towns
See snow-covered peaks

Discover Knoxville winter activities nearby

Hidden Winter Gems

Here are some cool places most people don’t know about:

McCall, Idaho

Small town with big charm
Great hot springs
Amazing winter sports
Friendly locals

Capitol Reef, Utah

Beautiful red rocks with snow
Quiet trails
Star gazing at night
Local fruit pies (yes, even in winter!)

Winter Driving Safety

I learned these tips the hard way:

Get your car checked before leaving
Pack an emergency kit with:
- Warm blankets
- Snacks and water
- Basic tools
- First aid supplies
Keep your gas tank at least half full
Download offline maps

See our complete travel packing guide

Best Roads for Winter Views

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Snow-covered peaks
Frozen lakes
Wildlife spotting
Amazing photos
Special winter tours available
Best photography spots marked
Local guide recommendations
Seasonal road conditions updates

Blue Ridge Parkway

Mountain views
Cozy towns
Winter hiking trails
Historic sites
Scenic overlooks
Local craft shops
Winter festivals
Mountain music venues

Skyline Drive

105 miles of scenic beauty
75 overlooks
Wildlife viewing spots
Historic lodges
Winter hiking options
Photography points
Ranger-led programs
Seasonal events

Where to Stay Warm

I always look for:

Hotels near main roads
Places with winter parking
Rooms with good heating
Friendly staff who know the area

Winter Photography Tips

As a travel photographer, I’ve learned some tricks for capturing winter scenes:

Shoot during golden hour
Use snow for natural reflections
Keep spare batteries warm
Protect your camera from snow
Look for contrasting colors
Capture wildlife tracks
Use local features as frames
Try night photography

Local Food Adventures

Winter road trips are perfect for trying local foods:

Vermont maple treats
Utah’s famous pies
Montana’s bison dishes
Mountain town cafes
Roadside diners
Local winter festivals
Food markets
Cozy coffee shops

Find budget-friendly eating tips

Meeting Local Communities

One of the best parts of winter travel is meeting people:

Small town festivals
Winter craft fairs
Local music venues
Community events
Holiday celebrations
Art galleries
Historical societies
Local museums

What to Pack

Don’t forget:

Warm clothes (layers!)
Good boots
Camera
Snacks
Car supplies

Check our two-week packing guide

Best Times to Drive

From my experience:

Start early morning
Drive during daylight
Check weather reports
Plan shorter daily distances

Money-Saving Tips

Smart ways to save:

Book hotels ahead
Pack your own food
Get a National Parks pass
Fill up in cheaper areas

See our budget travel tips

Winter Activities to Try

Fun stuff I recommend:

Snowshoeing
Hot springs visits
Winter photography
Small town exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I plan for a winter road trip? Plan for extra time – I usually add 2-3 days to my normal schedule for winter weather.

What if I get stuck in snow? Stay with your car, keep warm, and call for help. That’s why an emergency kit is so important!

Can I do this trip in a regular car? Some routes yes, but for mountain roads, you’ll want an SUV or 4-wheel drive.

What’s the best month for a winter road trip? January and February have the most reliable snow, but December has holiday magic!

How much should I budget per day? About $150-200 per day covers gas, food, and a decent hotel in most areas.

Plan your complete travel budget