11 Late Winter Road Trips in the U.S. With Scenic Overlooks and Short Walks

Late winter road trips combine the quiet beauty of the season with stunning views and easy walks. The roads are less traveled, giving you a peaceful experience as you explore scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a mountain retreat or coastal sights, there is no shortage of places to discover. It is a time to enjoy nature’s calm, with opportunities to step out and stretch your legs along picturesque trails.

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Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a favorite for anyone looking for an escape into nature, especially during the late winter months. As the temperatures cool, the mountain views become even more striking, with mist often hanging over the valleys. Scenic overlooks dot the parkway, offering spots to stop and enjoy the surrounding beauty. Short walks, such as those around Linville Falls, allow you to stretch your legs and take in the winter landscape.

While the road can be snowy and chilly, this area is still perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. The winter months offer a unique experience, with fewer visitors allowing for a tranquil journey. The nearby Pisgah National Forest provides additional hiking opportunities. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer and wild turkeys as you explore.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway is a beautiful route, especially during the quieter months of late winter. The sweeping ocean views are complemented by picturesque cliffs and rolling hills. Make stops at overlooks, such as those near Big Sur, where you can take in both the vast Pacific Ocean and rugged coastal landscapes. The short walk to McWay Falls is one of the highlights, where you can see a waterfall cascading directly into the ocean.

The weather along this stretch may be chilly, but it also allows for more comfortable exploring without the crowds of peak season. While some beaches may be too cold for swimming, the scenic coastal towns are full of charm. Whether you are looking to hike or simply soak in the views, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a winter road trip you will not soon forget. It’s a great place to reconnect with nature and enjoy breathtaking sights.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Utah

Zion National Park is famous for its towering red rock formations and stunning canyons, making it a must-see for any road trip. Late winter offers a quieter time to experience the park, with fewer visitors crowding the popular trails. The scenic drive itself is filled with overlooks that give you panoramic views of the sandstone cliffs. The short walk to the Canyon Overlook Trail is a perfect way to stretch your legs while taking in the sweeping views.

With cooler temperatures, the park’s famous hikes, such as Angels Landing, become more manageable. The contrast of the snow-covered rocks against the clear blue sky adds to the beauty of the park during this time. Zion’s famous slot canyons, while often too cold to explore fully, still present a captivating sight in the winter months. This is a perfect time to experience the grandeur of Zion with peace and solitude.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the best views of late winter in the U.S. The fog that often settles in the valleys during the cooler months adds an ethereal quality to the towering mountain peaks. The scenic overlooks along Newfound Gap Road provide spectacular views of the park, while the Clingmans Dome observation tower offers an unparalleled 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. Short walks like the Laurel Falls Trail are perfect for winter exploration, offering access to the park’s beauty without the large crowds.

Winter is a quieter time in the park, providing a sense of solitude that cannot be found during the peak seasons. Snow may blanket the trails, adding a layer of magic to the park’s already stunning scenery. The crisp air makes hiking comfortable, and with the park being open year-round, there is no shortage of exploration opportunities. Keep an eye out for winter wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, that are more active during this time.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Mount Rainier National Park is known for its snow-capped peaks, and late winter only enhances this beauty. The drive along Stevens Canyon Road offers some of the best views of the mountain, with several scenic overlooks that provide expansive views of the surrounding valleys. The short walk to Reflection Lakes is especially beautiful, offering a view of Mount Rainier mirrored in the still waters. As the weather can be cold and snowy, make sure to dress warmly, but the serenity of the park is well worth the chill.

Winter at Mount Rainier is quieter, making it an ideal time for those who want to experience the mountain without the summer crowds. The park offers several trails suitable for winter hikes, with lower elevation paths often accessible even in the cooler months. For snow sports enthusiasts, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Regardless of your pace, Mount Rainier remains a majestic winter wonderland.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially in the late winter when the trees are bare and the landscape is strikingly clear. The Skyline Drive, which runs the length of the park, is lined with scenic overlooks that offer sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. The short walk to Dark Hollow Falls is particularly stunning in winter, with the frozen waterfall adding a magical element to the hike. The quiet atmosphere makes this a peaceful destination to explore during the colder months.

While Shenandoah may be cooler during winter, it remains a great spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The trails are generally less crowded, allowing for a more personal experience in nature. The chance to see wildlife, such as deer and the occasional fox, adds to the park’s charm. Shenandoah’s beautiful landscapes are accessible year-round, with the winter months offering a unique perspective of the park.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana & Idaho

Yellowstone National Park is a place of iconic beauty, and in late winter, the snow-covered landscape makes it even more breathtaking. The scenic drives, such as the route through Lamar Valley, provide striking views of the snowy hills and wildlife that roam freely. The short walk to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook is a must, offering stunning views of one of Yellowstone’s most colorful geothermal features. The park’s geothermal areas, with their steamy vents and colorful hot springs, create a surreal atmosphere during winter.

With fewer visitors during this time, Yellowstone’s wildlife, such as bison and wolves, are more easily spotted. The winter months are perfect for those looking for solitude and winter photography opportunities. Though some roads may be closed due to snow, the main attractions are still accessible. Yellowstone’s dramatic landscapes, combined with winter’s quiet charm, make it an unforgettable road trip destination.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is a stunning location known for its jagged peaks and vast wilderness, and in the winter, it becomes a quiet, snow-covered paradise. The drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic in the U.S., with several overlooks offering dramatic views of the park’s icy mountains. The short walk to Avalanche Lake is one of the most popular trails in the park, and in winter, the surrounding forest and frozen lake provide an unforgettable scene. Although much of the park is closed during the winter, this is still an ideal time to visit for those seeking adventure and solitude.

The beauty of Glacier in the winter is unmatched, with snow creating a peaceful quiet that makes it easy to disconnect. Winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular here, and the snow-covered terrain offers plenty of challenges for outdoor enthusiasts. The wildlife in the park is still present during the colder months, and you may see signs of animals like wolves and mountain goats. Glacier National Park offers an adventure-filled winter road trip for nature lovers.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park offers towering peaks and alpine lakes, making it one of the most popular spots in Colorado. In late winter, the park’s beauty is heightened by snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes, offering a serene atmosphere. The drive along Trail Ridge Road, though often closed due to snow, provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range. The short walk to Bear Lake offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks, with the frozen lake offering a peaceful setting.

Winter at Rocky Mountain National Park means fewer crowds, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the mountains in solitude. The park’s trails offer opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while its many overlooks provide breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. This is an ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy the quiet, pristine beauty of the mountains during the winter months.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park is known for its iconic desert landscapes and striking rock formations, and in winter, it becomes even more magical. The park’s unique geological features, combined with clear skies and cool temperatures, make for the perfect winter road trip. The drive through the park offers countless overlooks that give you incredible views of the valley below. The short walk to Hidden Valley is particularly scenic, with towering rocks and desert plants creating a surreal landscape.

Late winter in Joshua Tree is ideal for hiking, with cooler temperatures making it more comfortable to explore the trails. The park’s wildlife is also abundant during this time, and it is not uncommon to spot desert animals such as coyotes and bighorn sheep. The peacefulness of the desert in winter offers an unmatched sense of solitude and tranquility, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing road trip.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park offers stunning views of its unique rock formations, known as hoodoos, which look especially striking under a blanket of snow. The scenic drive along the park’s main road offers several opportunities to stop and take in the landscape. A short walk to Sunrise Point offers one of the best views of the canyon’s famous rock spires. The contrast between the red rocks and the winter snow creates a truly magical scene.

Winter is the quietest season at Bryce Canyon, with fewer visitors allowing for an even more intimate experience. The park’s elevation ensures it gets plenty of snow, making it a winter wonderland. The surrounding forest also adds to the beauty, with tall pines dusted in snow. Whether you are hiking or simply enjoying the views, Bryce Canyon is a great place to visit in late winter.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.