Six of the most scenic winter drives in the US
Highway 89A near Sedona, Arizona, was transformed by a blanket of snow on Dec. 2, into a breathtaking sight.
The United States boasts a myriad of diverse terrains and topographical features. These scenic natural settings become a winter wonderland when the cold temperatures and precipitation make their presence. One of the best ways to take this winter splendor is with a scenic drive. What better way to gaze at snow-capped peaks and blankets of white than from the warmth of your own vehicle? Here are six of the best scenic winter drives to consider for your next road trip adventure:
Photo by Joshua Reddekopp
Million Dollar Highway - Colorado
As one would expect, there is no shortage of amazing winter drives in Colorado. However, because so many of these roads are located at a high altitude, many of them close for the winter season, making it more challenging to find an accessible road to traverse. The Million Dollar Highway is generally able to remain open throughout the season, giving you the chance to experience Colorado in all of its winter glory. This road starts on and ends in Ouray, delivering a host of fabulous views over the Rocky Mountains.
Arches National Park Scenic Drive - Utah
While this high desert paradise draws extreme crowds in the summer, people disperse in the colder winter months, giving you loads of opportunities to experience the beauty of this national park. The park's official 36-mile scenic route will take you past the famous Delicate Arch and other popular sites. The paved road is easy to navigate, with the snow tending to melt quickly. This desert landscape covered in snow is a sight that you will not soon forget.
Seward Highway - Alaska
As a designated National Scenic Byway, it is no surprise that this route is rich in beauty. This route winds through mountainous roads between Anchorage to Seward. Along the way, you will enjoy vistas of the Chugach National Forest, the towering Kenai Mountains, and vast swaths of the Alaskan wilderness. This route can get sketchy when you approach Seward, making it important to check the weather before your departure.
Cape Cod - Massachusetts
There are few places in the nation where you can glimpse snow gathered on the beach. This unique sight makes a drive along Massachusetts Highway 6A worth your time. While the entire 60-mile route is gorgeous, the one-mile stretch between Truro and Provincetown provides the most stunning vistas. Start your journey in Hyannis, and be sure to make time to check out this charming coastal town before you head out on your drive.
Great Smoky National Park - North Carolina and Tennessee
Travel along US 321 and I-40E, and you will see some of the park's most magnificent features covered in soft blankets of snow and glistening ice. A stop to view the impressive 4,928-foot Mount Cammerer is a highlight of this 81-mile drive that begins in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and continues to Asheville, North Carolina.
Photo by Morgan Alicia
Yosemite National Park - California
Like Arches National Park, Yosemite enjoys a quiet respite from the crowds during the winter months. Taking a drive through this peaceful oasis is one of the best ways to experience the magic of winter. For the best views, take California Route 120 to the Yosemite Valley. You will be met with views of some of the most photographed areas of the park. Seeing Yosemite Falls frozen solid gives a new perspective to this iconic landscape. As a bonus, this is also an ideal time to view the various types of wildlife that call Yosemite home.
Before You Head Out
While the beauty of a winter drive cannot be denied, it also comes with a host of inherent risks with dangerous road conditions. For this reason, you must check the weather forecast before heading out on your leisurely drive. You do not want to get caught up in inclement weather while trying to enjoy your ride.
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