Determining the very best winter road trips in USA is no easy task. With the nation being so large and having such a diverse array of cultures, it’s hard to narrow down the top options for everyone at the best of times. Things get even more difficult around the holidays, as you have to factor in things like traditions, festive events, and winter weather conditions. This is all before we even get to the different climates that each region offers.
Some routes and destinations are better than others, though. Whether it's because of where you’re going, the stops along the way, or the look and feel of the route in winter, some road trips are simply superior to others at this time of year. We’ve narrowed the list down to the 13 best US winter road trips.
Whether you’re seeking legendary ski resorts, unique winter sports, jaunts to warmer weather, a picturesque winter wonderland, or to see what the nation has to offer in winter, our guide to the 13 best US road trips in Winter has you covered.
The 13 Best Winter Road Trips In USA
Best Winter Road Trip To Yellowstone National Park
Road Trip From San Francisco To Yellowstone National Park (San Francisco-Lake Tahoe-Salt Lake City-Jackson Hole-Yellowstone National Park)
A road trip from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park is perhaps the overall best winter road trip USA, as it offers a little bit of everything the season is known for.
San Francisco is a unique Christmas destination with attractions like a giant gingerbread house at the Fairmont Hotel and Macy’s Christmas events. The festive season officially starts with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Union Square. Once you hit the road, a stop in Sacramento offers the Theater Of Lights, a live-action Christmas production.
Lake Tahoe features various ski resorts: Heavenly Mountain Resort offers beautiful views and access to South Lake Tahoe; Palisades Tahoe caters to a vibrant skiing community; Kirkwood is known for rugged terrain; Northstar California is family-friendly; and Mt. Rose, near Reno, provides a secluded skiing option.
Near Salt Lake City, resorts like Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Park City Mountain, and Deer Valley offer diverse skiing experiences. In Jackson Hole, resorts such as Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (near Grand Teton National Park), Snow King Mountain, and Grand Targhee Resort provide more varied skiing landscapes.
Yellowstone Expeditions even offers cross-country skiing (and snowshoe tours and rentals) in Yellowstone National Park, allowing you to combine skiing with seeing the park’s legendary wildlife and geothermal features at a more serene time of year, when you won’t be surrounded by tourists. Other winter sports in Yellowstone NP include snowmobile and snow-coach tours.
Our San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park road trip route covers 1,040 miles and takes 16 hours to drive. Our detailed guide on the route and all its attractions can be found here. We also have a helpful Yellowstone National Park guide.
The Best Road Trips From Chicago In Winter
Road Trip From Chicago To New York City (Best Winter Road Trip For Christmas In The USA)
A road trip from Chicago to New York City is a quintessential Christmas experience in the U.S., as both cities are known for their festive celebrations.
Chicago offers guaranteed snowfall, dazzling decorations, and events like the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and the Christkindlmarket, a German-themed market with various stalls and holiday treats.
In New York City, the Christmas season begins with the Rockefeller Center tree lighting. It features spectacular displays at Saks Fifth Avenue and Central Park, where visitors can enjoy ice skating and horse-drawn carriage rides, all contributing to the vibrant city-wide holiday spirit.
In between, attractions and destinations like Lake Michigan, Gary, Indiana, Indiana Dunes National Park, South Bend, Indiana, Toledo, Ohio, Lake Erie, Cleveland, Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Tuscarora State Forest, Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Amish Country), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Newark, New Jersey, make it a more than worthwhile adventure.
Our suggested winter route for a road trip from Chicago to New York City spans 855 miles and takes 13 hours and 45 minutes to drive. A full guide can be found here.
Chicago To Yellowstone Road Trip (Best Winter Road Trip From Chicago)
We’ve already explained why Chicago and Yellowstone National Park are so great in the winter, so it should come as no surprise that a Chicago to Yellowstone road trip is another candidate for the title of the best winter road trip USA.
Beyond the “Windy City” festivities, Jackson Hole’s ski resorts, and Yellowstone’s outdoor activities, the route lets you experience winter and the holiday season across the Midwest. It is also bursting with attractions like Badlands National Park, Wall Drug, Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Deadwood, South Dakota, Devils Tower National Monument, and Cody, Wyoming.
At 1,400 miles long and with 21 hours of driving time, this is a truly epic winter adventure. Our guide to a perfect Chicago to Yellowstone road trip itinerary will guide you every step of the way.
Road Trip From Chicago To Salt Lake City (Best Winter Road Trip For Skiing In The USA: Chicago-Denver-Aspen-Salt Lake City)
Another of the best US winter road trips begins in Chicago; that’s a road trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City, Utah. This route is ideal for skiers, passing by several iconic ski resorts.
Near Denver, the Colorado Rockies host many legendary ski resorts, notably in White River National Forest, with Vail, Aspen Snowmass, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Copper Mountain catering to diverse preferences.
Then, as we saw earlier, when travellers approach Salt Lake City through the Rocky Mountains, they will encounter more world-class resorts known for powder and diverse terrain, including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Park City Mountain, and Deer Valley, each offering unique features for skiers.
Add in additional attractions like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, two of Utah’s Mighty 5, and there is plenty to enjoy for the whole family.
Our guide to the best road trip from Chicago to Salt Lake City, Utah, explains the route in detail and outlines everything there is to see. It also works as a guide for anyone planning another of the best US road trips in winter: a Denver to Aspen road trip. Our Chicago to Salt Lake City road trip rakes 22 hours and covers 1,530 miles.
If you’re travelling from Chicago but haven’t seen your ideal route above, we also have a separate guide to all the best road trips from Chicago in Winter that should have you covered.
The Best Winter Road Trip From Denver
Denver To Las Vegas Road Trip (The Best Utah Winter Road Trip: Denver – Aspen – Zion National Park – Las Vegas)
We just saw all of the world-class ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains near Denver, such as Vail, Aspen Snowmass, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Carbondale, Keystone, and Copper Mountain, meaning a winter road trip from the “Mile High City” is always a great choice. However, several stops make a Denver to Las Vegas road trip particularly appealing at this time of year.
First is Zion National Park. Another of Utah’s Mighty 5 (all of which are visited on this trip and can be examined in greater detail here), Zion provides a serene, uniquely atmospheric experience in winter, when the majestic red-and-white cliffs are blanketed in snow, and visitor numbers fall noticeably. December to February is ideal for scenic drives, photography, and hiking trails such as the Pa’rus Trail, Watchman Trail, Riverside Walk, and Canyon Overlook.
Visitors should be aware that ice can impact some trails, and appropriate footwear is essential during this season. The park is open year-round, but lighter crowds during winter make exploring Zion Canyon particularly rewarding. During the Christmas and New Year season, seasonal shuttle services typically run, allowing guests to navigate the canyon without personal vehicles. The nearby town of Springdale enhances the experience with festive Christmas lights, seasonal decorations, holiday events, and welcoming restaurants and shops.
Then, when you arrive in Las Vegas, you’ll be greeted by one of the most unique winter experiences on Earth. An unexpectedly vibrant winter and Christmas destination, Las Vegas offers a unique blend of mild desert conditions and impressive holiday decorations and festivities.
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens showcases intricate seasonal floral arrangements. The Ethel M Chocolates Cactus Garden in nearby Henderson transforms into a breathtaking Christmas spectacle adorned with over a million lights. Families can also explore Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a stunning drive-through exhibit, or visit Enchant at the Las Vegas Ballpark, where a large light maze, ice skating, and a Christmas village await.
Additional “Sin City” seasonal highlights include rooftop ice skating at The Cosmopolitan, festive performances like The Nutcracker at The Smith Center, an iconic Christmas tree, and the city’s extravagant New Year’s Eve festivities. Winter also opens up opportunities for skiing at Lee Canyon, which is only a 45-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Additionally, December hosts the National Finals Rodeo along with its extensive Cowboy Christmas shopping event, bringing a unique Western touch to the holiday season.
For the best route and all it has to offer, check out our ultimate Denver to Las Vegas road trip itinerary. Our guides to the best areas to stay in Las Vegas, the best things to do in Las Vegas, and how to enjoy Las Vegas on a budget will be helpful too. The best road trip from Denver to Las Vegas route covers 800 miles and takes 13.5 hours to drive.
The Best Winter Road Trips In New England
Vermont Winter Road Trip
Vermont is an exceptional winter destination for road trippers, featuring numerous prominent ski resorts situated along or near the main routes. Among these, Killington stands out as one of the state's top resorts and is typically one of the first to open for the season. Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen are popular choices for skiing in the picturesque Mad River Valley, while Okemo Mountain Resort caters to Ludlow, and Mount Snow is conveniently located near Wilmington.
Stowe, often referred to as the “Ski Capital of the East,” is home to Stowe Mountain Resort and is approximately 40 minutes away from Burlington. Burlington serves as an appealing base, offering a mix of Lake Champlain, waterfront parks, Church Street Marketplace, dining options, breweries, and arts and music, while providing easy access to the Green Mountains.
During the Christmas holiday season, the city is celebrated for its festive events and seasonal spirit, making it an ideal starting point for a New England winter road trip that blends holiday attractions with skiing and picturesque snowy landscapes.
Vermont Route 100, known as the “Skier’s Highway”, guides you through some of Vermont’s most scenic areas, ticking off all of the resorts and attractions above while blending them with staples of the region, such as charming New England towns, covered bridges and mountain landscapes.
Our Vermont road trip guide explains everything we mentioned above in great detail, while offering up plenty of additional highlights. The best Vermont road trip covers 460 miles and takes 10 hours and 15 minutes to drive.
New Hampshire Winter Road Trip
Much like its neighbour, Vermont, New Hampshire is a state brimming with delightful winter attractions and destinations.
Jackson and North Conway are great locations for a White Mountains winter escape. Jackson’s charming, nostalgic ambience, snowy streets, and quaint covered bridges are idyllic. Opportunities for activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides are abundant, while Black Mountain is in the vicinity and offers downhill skiing options. North Conway is a bustling winter destination known for its excellent shopping, dining, and convenient access to Cranmore Mountain Resort and various ski areas. The town's historic train station marks the beginning of seasonal journeys on the Conway Scenic Railroad, and its festive shops and holiday decorations contribute to a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
For a more serene, classic New Hampshire Christmas experience, Whitefield, Bethlehem, and Jefferson are appealing choices.
Whitefield is located near Bretton Woods, one of the state's top ski resorts, providing a solid base for skiing, snowshoeing, and exploring the snowy Presidential Range. Bethlehem blends winter sports with small-town charm, offering local cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, along with proximity to Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain, while also featuring Christmas tree farms for a traditional festive feel. Jefferson is widely recognised for Santa's Village, where special holiday events showcase millions of lights, festive rides, and Christmas music throughout the season.
Contrastingly, Portsmouth offers a distinct yet equally enticing Christmas and winter retreat, highlighted by its historic downtown filled with independent shops, restaurants, and waterfront streets that come alive with holiday decorations. A standout event is Vintage Christmas, a month-long celebration that includes a Christmas parade and tree lighting, the Gingerbread House Exhibition, and lively performances at the Music Hall. Additionally, at Strawbery Banke Museum, the yearly Candlelight Stroll illuminates the historical neighbourhood with candlelight, decorations, music, costumed interpreters, and Christmas skaters.
Our New Hampshire fall foliage road trip guide runs through or near all of the aforementioned destinations, so it is ideal for mapping out your route and discovering what else is in the region. The best New Hampshire road trip covers 265 miles and takes 4 hours and 45 minutes to drive.
The Best Winter Road Trips From California
LA To Grand Canyon Road Trip (Best Winter Road Trip From Los Angeles, Best Winter Road Trip To The Grand Canyon & Best Warm-Weather Winter Road Trip In The USA: Los Angeles-Las Vegas-Grand Canyon National Park)
An LA to Grand Canyon road trip is something most will think of as a summer adventure, and they wouldn’t be totally wrong. However, the route also has plenty to make it an ideal winter road trip for those who enjoy slightly warmer weather.
In Los Angeles, you have the Hollywood Christmas Parade on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving, festive events like Grinchmas at Universal Studios and L.A. Zoo Lights, interactive light displays at The Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens, a Bavarian-themed Christmas fair in Torrance, a top-rated German market and a Swedish Christmas Fair in Huntington Beach, an 80-foot snowman, ice skating, and a puppet show on Santa Monica Pier, iconic holiday decorations on Rodeo Drive, seasonal cocktails at Here & Now, and outdoor ice skating at Pershing Square.
As we saw above, Las Vegas offers seasonal floral arrangements, legendary light displays, light mazes, ice skating, rooftop ice skating, performances like The Nutcracker, an iconic Christmas tree, nearby winter sports, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and more.
In Arizona, the Santa Claus ghost town features remnants of its formerly lively decorations and Christmas-themed buildings.
Flagstaff offers several winter recreation options, including Arizona Nordic Village for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, the Arizona Snowbowl, featuring 55 ski runs and impressive views, and Sunrise Park Resort in the White Mountains, the state’s largest ski resort, with 66 trails. Additionally, the Grand Canyon Railway Depot in Williams provides a festive Polar Express train experience to the South Rim during the holiday season, complete with hot chocolate and Santa.
This is all before you arrive at one of the most scenic destinations in the United States, the Grand Canyon. During winter, Grand Canyon National Park is beautifully blanketed by snow and frequented by far fewer visitors than usual, making for a serene, natural experience.
Our ultimate LA to Grand Canyon road trip itinerary will guide you every step of the way, and our Grand Canyon National Park guide will help you when you arrive. The ultimate LA to Grand Canyon road trip covers 565 miles and takes 8.5 hours.
Road Trip From San Diego To Reno (Best California Winter Road Trip)
A road trip from San Diego to Reno is an adventure that offers plenty of unique California Christmas attractions from start to finish. Before you hit the road, San Diego offers a unique Christmas experience with festive events set against a backdrop of sunshine and beaches.
You have the lights, food, entertainment, and exhibits of Balboa Park December Nights; outdoor ice skating and stunning decorations at Hotel del Coronado; the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration; the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights; and the San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells. The Little Italy Christmas Village features a market and entertainment; Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden showcases illuminated trails; and visitors can enjoy Christmas lights in local neighbourhoods and a production of Dr Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe.
When you reach Kings Canyon National Park, you can see the General Grant Tree. A colossal giant sequoia, it was declared the "Nation’s Christmas Tree" by President Calvin Coolidge in 1926, following a visitor's suggestion in 1924. Since its first Christmas Day ceremony in 1925, the tree's size and age have symbolised American spirit and family values associated with Christmas.
In neighbouring Yosemite National Park, you can attend the Bracebridge Dinner at The Ahwahnee, one of the oldest Christmas traditions in the United States. A tradition originating in 1927, this luxurious seven-course Christmas meal turns the Yosemite hotel's dining area into an opulent 17th-century English mansion with costumed entertainers, carolling, live music, theatrical displays, and classic holiday festivities influenced by Washington Irving.
Skiing enthusiasts will then have plenty of opportunities, with many of California’s best ski resorts in the region, notably around Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, California’s highest ski resort with lift access, spans 3,500 acres and features diverse trails suitable for all skill levels, consistent snowfall, and a lengthy ski season. June Mountain presents 1,500 acres of less crowded skiing opportunities, stunning views of the Eastern Sierra, and a distinctly family-oriented environment.
Around Lake Tahoe, you’ll find Heavenly Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe, Kirkwood, and Northstar California. Even as you near Reno, Mt. Rose provides a secluded skiing option.
This is all before arriving in Reno to discover a vibrant Christmas atmosphere and events like the Holiday Lights Festival, its large tree lighting, illuminated displays, live entertainment, and festive treats; performances of seasonal shows like The Nutcracker; outdoor ice skating at Rink on the River, and the Santa Crawl. Nearby Virginia City, one of the nation’s best remaining Old West towns, also offers unique festivities, such as Christmas on the Comstock, which includes a parade and tree lighting, while Sparks contributes with its own tree lighting and Christmas parade.
Our guides to a road trip from San Diego to Yosemite National Park and a road trip to Reno, Nevada, from Yosemite National Park will have you covered every step of the way. The entire route covers 555 miles and takes 10 hours to complete.
The Best Winter Road Trips From Seattle
Seattle To Banff Road Trip (Best International Winter Road Trip USA)
For those seeking something international but still want a road trip, a Seattle to Banff road trip is a perfect option. Why? Because Banff is one of, if not the best, skiing destinations in North America.
Seattle is an appealing winter and Christmas destination itself. It features various festive events and attractions. Highlights include Winterfest at Seattle Center, with its model trains and live entertainment; the Seattle Christmas Market, which mimics a European holiday market; and holiday festivities at Pike Place Market. The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival offers a boat cruise with carols, Woodland Park Zoo showcases a winter light display, and visitors can enjoy performances like The Nutcracker, Gingerbread Village displays, and New Year's celebrations near the Space Needle.
You then get to drive one of the most scenic routes on Earth, through the picturesque, snow-covered Canadian Rockies, before arriving at the legendary Banff National Park. Banff features three exceptional ski resorts, collectively called the SkiBig3, which provide over 7,700 acres of skiing terrain surrounded by stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort caters to seasoned skiers and those seeking powder, high-altitude slopes, remarkable snowfall, and one of Canada’s longest ski seasons. Lake Louise Ski Resort is a versatile option, with over 4,200 acres of diverse terrain ranging from gentle, groomed trails to challenging alpine bowls, making it ideal for families and groups of varying skill levels. Mount Norquay, located just a short drive from Banff, is a fantastic option for beginners and families looking for shorter outings. It also features the only night skiing available in Banff National Park.
For those planning an extended skiing trip, the SkiBig3 lift ticket allows guests to explore all three resorts, each offering a unique skiing experience in the Canadian Rockies. Our Seattle to Banff road trip itinerary will guide you every step of the way, while our Banff to Jasper road trip itinerary doubles as a Banff National Park guide. A Seattle to Banff road trip covers 595 miles (958 km) and takes 10 hours and 15 minutes to drive.
A Seattle To Yellowstone Road Trip (Best Winter Road Trip To Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Includes Leavenworth, Washington)
We’ve just seen what Seattle has to offer in the winter, and we covered the Jackson Hole skiing and Yellowstone National Park winter activities several times above. However, two destinations in between make a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip especially enticing around this time of year.
First is Leavenworth, one of Washington's most enchanting winter and Christmas destinations. Characterised by its Bavarian-style buildings and cosy coffee shops, the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, and the breathtaking Village of Lights: Christmastown, it creates a fairytale setting. Throughout the winter, from Thanksgiving until February, the town sparkles with over half a million Christmas lights each evening. The holiday festivities feature carollers, live music, visits from Santa, gingerbread displays, and activities for children. Visitors can also ski and snowboard at Leavenworth Ski Hill, traverse groomed Nordic trails for cross-country skiing, enjoy snowshoeing, tubing, or sledging, or take part in horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowmobiling.
Additionally, the annual Winter Karneval infuses January weekends with German-themed entertainment, ice carving, and fireworks.
Then there’s Schweitzer, one of Idaho's top winter locations. Its impressive skiing and snowboarding opportunities cover 92 designated trails, all with stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille and the adjacent mountains, night skiing, and a ski-in, ski-out village filled with dining and shopping options. The resort also provides activities for those who don’t ski, including snowshoeing, snow tubing at Hermit’s Hollow, and snowmobiling. During the Christmas season, Schweitzer transforms into a lively holiday destination, offering events such as Ski with Santa and Mrs Claus, Santa sightings on the slopes, and a Christmas Eve balloon parade through the village. The resort's New Year’s Eve festivities feature a family tubing event.
Add in the other attractions listed on our perfect Seattle to Yellowstone road trip itinerary, and it's easily one of the best winter road trips in the northwest United States. The best route for a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip covers 825 miles and takes 13 hours to drive.
The Best Winter Road Trips To Washington DC
Road Trip To Washington, D.C., From Louisville, Kentucky (Best Winter Road Trip To Washington, D.C.)
Washington, D.C. is a popular Christmas destination in the United States, as the National Christmas Tree has sat on the White House Ellipse each year since 1923, with the inaugural lighting by President Calvin Coolidge. The focal point of the city's Christmas festivities, it is surrounded by smaller trees adorned with ornaments that symbolise each state and U.S. territory, along with nightly entertainment. Visitors will also find the DowntownDC Holiday Market, Christmas displays and decorations throughout the city, seasonal performances, the lighting of the National Menorah, and festive events at locations such as the National Zoo and Georgetown.
So, why drive to Washington, D.C., from Louisville, Kentucky, you ask? Well, Louisville is another fabulous city at Christmas, although one that is horrifically overlooked.
Lights Under Louisville is a unique attraction that turns the Louisville Mega Cavern into an enchanting underground spectacle with millions of lights. Fête de Noël in Paristown offers an outdoor ice rink, a holiday market, Santa visits, and diverse festive entertainment. Light Up Louisville features a Christmas parade, tree lighting, and fireworks. You will also see beautifully adorned Victorian houses during the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour and enjoy seasonal shows such as A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.
Nearby Bardstown is an exceptionally delightful small-town Christmas destination. The festive season kicks off with Light Up Bardstown, when the town’s Christmas tree, lampposts, and downtown decorations come alive with lights, all set to music and accompanied by refreshments and Santa. Notable events include the Bardstown Christmas Parade, the Christmas Carnival in the Park and historic holiday tours at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, festive rides on the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, and seasonal activities at local bourbon distilleries and throughout the town's beautifully adorned historic streets.
Along the route, you will pass countless fantastic destinations. This includes Cincinnati, Ohio, which is renowned as the top location for Christmas markets in the United States, thanks to its deep-rooted German heritage. There are two primary markets: The Christkindlmarkt and the Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt.
The Christkindlmarkt takes place in November and offers Bavarian cuisine, entertainment, and traditional crafts. The Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt, included in the Macy’s Light Up The Square celebration, features live music and fireworks. During November, the Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market also offers more than 300 vendors along with a variety of family-oriented activities.
Our guide to a road trip to Washington, D.C., from Louisville, Kentucky, will help you plan every inch of the trip. It covers 600 miles and takes 9.5 hours to drive.
Nashville To Washington DC (Best Winter Road Trip From Nashville: Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg)
We just saw why Washington, D.C., is such a great Christmas travel destination. The question now is, why drive there from Nashville? Well, it’s because Nashville is another criminally overlooked destination at this time of year. During the Christmas season, Nashville embraces its unique “Music City” identity, merging traditional festivities with country music and dazzling light displays.
One of the main attractions is A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland, where the resort is transformed into a magnificent holiday wonderland filled with millions of lights, activities like ICE!, ice skating, tubing, festive shows, and visits from Santa. You can also visit Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood, which features over a million twinkling lights throughout the gardens, and the Grand Ole Opry has special Christmas concerts and performances.
Furthermore, downtown Nashville is alive with seasonal concerts, vibrant decorations, and various holiday events, making it a vibrant destination for those seeking an engaging American Christmas experience filled with music and entertainment.
Once you’ve hit the road, the neighbouring towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are prominent Christmas destinations in Tennessee, too. The annual Winterfest features millions of lights, plus holiday entertainment and shopping across the two. Pigeon Forge is famous for Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, while Gatlinburg offers attractions like the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade and Anakeesta’s Enchanted Christmas.
Check out our guide to a road trip from Nashville to Washington, D.C., to make the drive yourself. It spans 665 miles and takes around 10 hours to complete. Alternatively, if you want to experience Nashville at Christmas but think a road trip to Washington, D.C., from Louisville is more to your taste, check out our guide to a road trip from Nashville to Louisville and combine the two.
Final Thoughts On The Best Winter Road Trip USA
That concludes our guide to the best winter road trips in USA. You should now have all the information you need to complete each trip yourself, including why you should go, the best route, how long it takes, and what to see along the way. All you have left to do is work out what to take with you and start budgeting and booking everything; then you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself.
A few last things to remember. Travel times are heavily influenced by both traffic and winter weather conditions. Icy roads can be very slippery, so drive with caution. Check weather forecasts for your route and destination before setting off. Pack plenty of emergency essentials.
The Best Winter Road Trips In USA FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Is The Best Month For A Winter Road Trip In The USA?
The best month for a winter road trip in the USA depends on the type of trip. For a Christmas winter road trip, December is obviously the best month. For skiing and winter sports, January and February are the best months for a winter road trip, as they offer more snow, which is better compacted, and longer daylight hours.
Are Winter Road Trips Cheaper Than Summer Road Trips?
In many parts of the United States, winter road trips are significantly cheaper than summer road trips. However, in areas where winter is “peak season”, such as ski resorts, the opposite is true. If being economical is a primary goal for your winter road trip, stick to destinations that don’t require snow.
How Far Should You Drive Each Day On A Winter Road Trip?
Many people feel 4-5 hours is the ideal amount of daily driving on a winter road trip. While you can do more, remember that icy road conditions and reduced daylight can decrease speed limits, dramatically reducing the number of miles you can cover in a day.
Is Yellowstone A Good Winter Road Trip?
Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic winter road trip destination. While road closures, especially in the mountains, can make it harder to reach, fewer crowds mean you can experience the iconic landmarks and wildlife more naturally, while the selection of winter sports and recreational activities offered is unparalleled.
Can You Drive To The Grand Canyon In Winter?
You can drive to some parts of the Grand Canyon in winter, and these offer unique and stunning views. However, the more remote North Rim closes for the season soon after the first snows come around November.
Is Yosemite Worth Visiting In Winter?
Yosemite is worth visiting at any time of year. While spring and summer are its prime months, winter offers some incredible, icy landscapes. This makes winter a particularly good time to visit Yosemite for those who have already seen it in other seasons.
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