12 U.S. Mountain Drives for Late Winter With Snowy Pullouts and Easy Picnic Spots
Looking for a serene winter road trip? Explore some of the most scenic mountain drives across the U.S. that offer breathtaking snowy landscapes, accessible pullouts, and perfect picnic spots. From frosted peaks to icy lakes, these high-elevation routes provide a peaceful retreat with stunning vistas and easy access to rest areas. Whether you’re seeking solitude in the snow or a picturesque place to enjoy a winter picnic, these drives offer an unforgettable winter experience.
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Colorado Million Dollar Highway (Silverton to Ouray)
The Million Dollar Highway, stretching between Silverton and Ouray in Colorado, offers one of the most breathtaking late-winter drives in the U.S. This high-altitude route is nestled in the San Juan Mountains and is flanked by towering cliffs and stunning mountain views, which become even more dramatic under a blanket of snow. The road itself is carved through rugged terrain, and in winter, snow-covered slopes and frosted trees line the way. The wide, well-maintained pullouts along the highway provide perfect stops to take in the winter wonderland.
Each pullout offers a serene place to stop and marvel at sweeping vistas of snow-dusted peaks and frozen valleys. At some overlooks, the view extends across the Animas River and up to Mount Abrams, with ice clinging to the rocks and trees below. These stops also offer great picnic spots where you can enjoy a quiet meal in solitude, surrounded by the majestic silence of winter. The air is crisp, and the landscape is pure magic, with sparkling white snow stretching as far as the eye can see.
Virginia Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park)
Skyline Drive is a scenic gem that runs through Shenandoah National Park, offering a peaceful winter escape in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In late winter, the mountains are blanketed in snow, with only the occasional patch of greenery peeking through. The drive follows the spine of the Blue Ridge, with continuous views of the valley below, and the road itself offers several well-maintained pullouts where visitors can stop and take in the scenery. The trees, stripped of their leaves, provide a striking silhouette against the backdrop of distant snow-capped mountains.
Along the drive, you’ll find plenty of picnic areas that are perfect for enjoying the winter landscape. At higher elevations, the trees are covered in frost, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged mountain ridges. These pullouts provide peaceful places to relax and take in the stunning winter panoramas, where mist rises from the valleys, and the quiet is broken only by the occasional call of a bird or the sound of a distant breeze. Snow-covered meadows and rolling hills are visible from most picnic spots, offering a sense of solitude and tranquility perfect for a winter break.
Yellowstone National Park North Entrance Road (Gardiner to Mammoth Hot Springs)
The North Entrance Road to Yellowstone, accessible from Gardiner, Montana, is one of the most scenic routes to experience the park in winter. This stretch of highway climbs through snowy meadows, offering views of frosted landscapes, icy rivers, and snow-capped peaks. The road follows the Yellowstone River and provides access to several picturesque pullouts, each offering unique views of the park’s winter beauty. The steam rising from the hot springs adds an ethereal quality to the otherwise frozen landscape, making this an unforgettable winter experience.
The pullouts along this route are ideal for a picnic, offering a peaceful place to enjoy your meal while surrounded by nature’s wintry embrace. From many spots, you can see the Lamar Valley, a vast, snow-covered expanse that looks like a scene from a painting. At these stops, you’ll have the opportunity to witness herds of bison grazing in the snow, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of wolves tracking their prey. The combination of winter wildlife and snow-covered vistas makes this drive a must for anyone seeking serenity in a snow-covered wonderland.
Utah Scenic Byway 12 (Boulder to Torrey)
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is a striking route that winds through the high desert and reaches into the snow-capped peaks of the Dixie National Forest. In late winter, the barren, red rock desert of the lower elevations contrasts sharply with the snow-covered peaks of the Boulder Mountain Range. The road rises from the dry, sandy landscape to the high, snow-dusted forests, offering dramatic vistas at every turn. The pullouts along the route allow you to stop and admire the expansive views of the snow-covered canyons, ridgelines, and the occasional ice-covered creek.
There are numerous picnic spots nestled in the pines, where you can enjoy your lunch while surrounded by the towering cliffs and frosty landscape. At these high elevations, the temperature drops and the snow clings to the branches of the towering evergreens, creating a magical atmosphere. Each stop offers a moment of tranquility, allowing you to appreciate the raw beauty of the snow-dusted terrain that changes from red rock to white-capped mountains, all within a few miles.
New Mexico Enchanted Circle (Taos to Eagle Nest)
New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle is a scenic loop that takes you through the northern part of the state, where snowy mountain passes and pristine lakes are common sights in late winter. This drive takes you through valleys covered in snow and up into the high elevations of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where snow and ice create an otherworldly landscape. Along the route, the pullouts provide an excellent opportunity to stop and enjoy the view of frozen lakes, frosted forests, and snowy peaks stretching to the horizon.
Picnic spots are plentiful and offer a serene setting to take in the sights of winter. Whether you’re perched beside a quiet lake covered in a thin layer of ice or stopping at a viewpoint overlooking a valley filled with untouched snow, the Enchanted Circle offers plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the beauty of late winter in the mountains. The road itself is carefully maintained, making it easy to access these high-elevation spots without much difficulty, and the snow-covered surroundings create a perfect backdrop for a peaceful meal in nature.
California Tioga Pass Road (Yosemite National Park)
The Tioga Pass Road, which cuts through Yosemite National Park, offers some of the most stunning mountain vistas in California, especially in late winter when the road is still open at higher elevations. This high-elevation route takes you past icy lakes, snow-covered granite cliffs, and valleys that seem to disappear into the horizon. The pullouts along this road offer panoramic views of Yosemite’s iconic peaks and provide accessible spots for winter picnics. The snow-clad trees and rocky outcrops create a contrast that is both striking and serene.
There are several places to stop along the route, including those with sweeping views of Tuolumne Meadows, where the snow sits quietly on the ground, and the mountain slopes are blanketed with fresh powder. These spots offer not only a breathtaking place to eat but also a moment of quiet reflection. The surrounding snow-covered terrain and distant peaks add to the sense of solitude and peace that defines the Tioga Pass Road in winter.
Montana Beartooth Highway (Red Lodge to Cooke City)
The Beartooth Highway, often considered one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., takes you through the Beartooth Mountains in Montana and Wyoming. In late winter, the route is framed by snow-dusted ridges, with high-altitude meadows blanketed in white and snowdrifts piling up along the edges of the road. The highway, which reaches up to 10,000 feet, offers breathtaking pullouts with views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The winter landscapes are a mix of icy lakes, towering granite peaks, and alpine tundra that feels untouched by time.
Picnic areas along this stretch of road offer perfect opportunities to stop and take in the grandeur of the Beartooth Mountains. From these spots, you can enjoy views of frosted hillsides, snow-covered meadows, and distant valleys where wildlife like bighorn sheep and elk can sometimes be spotted. These snow-clad vistas offer a serene, winter-perfect environment, making this one of the best mountain drives for winter picnics.
Idaho Sawtooth Scenic Byway (Sun Valley to Stanley)
The Sawtooth Scenic Byway is a hidden gem in Idaho, offering an incredibly picturesque winter drive. This 115-mile route takes you from the vibrant town of Sun Valley to the rugged wilderness around Stanley, showcasing Idaho’s signature snow-covered peaks and tranquil valleys. Late winter transforms the landscape into a serene snowy paradise, with towering mountains blanketed in fresh snow and reflective lakes covered with a thin layer of ice. Along the way, the pullouts provide access to some of the most breathtaking views in the state, where the snow-covered Sawtooth Mountains rise sharply against the crisp blue sky.
Picnic areas along this scenic byway are an ideal place to stop and take in the beauty of the snow-covered terrain. The quiet nature of the drive means you’ll experience solitude at these stops, allowing for a peaceful lunch surrounded by towering trees and snow-laden meadows. Some spots overlook the tranquil Stanley Basin, where frosted trees reflect in icy waters, while others offer sweeping views of jagged mountain ridges. The sense of isolation and peace here is unmatched, making it a perfect location to enjoy the winter landscape.
Oregon Highway 138 (Umpqua National Forest to Crater Lake)
Highway 138 in Oregon is a scenic route that winds through the Umpqua National Forest and offers access to Crater Lake National Park, one of the most iconic snowy destinations in the state. In late winter, the road becomes an enchanting journey through forests of towering pine and fir trees, all dusted with snow. The route reaches higher elevations, where the snow is deep, and the quiet beauty of the landscape is enhanced by snow-covered lakes and distant peaks. The pullouts along the highway offer various scenic stops where you can take in expansive views of the surrounding snow-dusted forests and icy waters.
This route features several picturesque picnic spots, with some areas offering clear views of Crater Lake’s bright blue water surrounded by towering cliffs. The snow-covered ground and icy forests make for a tranquil, serene picnic experience. These stops provide perfect opportunities to enjoy a packed lunch while immersed in a peaceful, wintry environment. Whether you stop near Diamond Lake or at one of the many viewpoints that lead into the park, the stunning winter landscapes will leave you feeling refreshed and at peace.
Washington Highway 20 (North Cascades Scenic Byway)
Highway 20, the North Cascades Scenic Byway, takes you through the heart of the Cascades, offering views of some of the highest snow-capped peaks in the Pacific Northwest. In late winter, the road is often bordered by large snowdrifts and icy rivers, and the route climbs to high elevations where the snow is thick and the air is crisp. The numerous pullouts along the byway offer fantastic places to stop and admire the grandeur of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The snow-covered terrain and frozen lakes beneath the peaks provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a quiet winter getaway.
Picnic areas along the drive are designed to take advantage of the stunning surroundings. Many of the turnouts overlook snow-covered valleys or offer views of frosted peaks in the distance. These stops allow for a peaceful lunch break surrounded by nature, where the stillness of winter makes every moment feel tranquil. The nearby rivers and ice-covered lakes also add to the winter ambiance, making this drive a perfect spot for those seeking a calm and scenic winter picnic.
California Highway 1 (Big Sur)
Big Sur, along California’s iconic Highway 1, is known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning ocean views, and wild landscapes. In late winter, the drive offers a unique combination of snow-dusted mountains in the distance and coastal views of the Pacific Ocean. The towering redwoods and evergreens, blanketed in frost, create an extraordinary contrast against the deep blue ocean below. Pullouts along the highway provide plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the stunning panoramas of snow-covered cliffs and peaceful beaches.
The picnic areas along Highway 1 offer some of the most serene settings for a winter lunch, with the sound of the ocean waves mingling with the crisp, cool air. Many of the scenic turnouts are perched above rocky coves, where you can take in the beauty of the coastline and the snow-capped ridges. The stillness of winter combined with the wild beauty of the Pacific coastline makes this a truly unique winter driving experience. Here, visitors can enjoy a quiet meal with views of the crashing surf below and the snow-covered hills in the distance.
Colorado Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Trail Ridge Road, located in Rocky Mountain National Park, is one of the highest paved roads in the United States, reaching elevations of over 12,000 feet. In late winter, this scenic drive offers a breathtaking view of snow-covered valleys, rugged mountain peaks, and icy alpine lakes. The road climbs through dense forests and alpine meadows, with pullouts offering spectacular views of the surrounding snow-covered landscape. With the snow settled deeply in the park, visitors can experience the raw beauty of the Rockies in winter, with panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The pullouts along the route are perfect for a winter picnic, offering opportunities to sit and enjoy the quiet, snow-covered wilderness. Many of these stops are situated near high-altitude lakes or provide sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. The crisp air, the peaceful surroundings, and the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains make for a memorable winter picnic. Whether you’re stopping near the Continental Divide or on one of the numerous scenic overlooks, the beauty of Trail Ridge Road in winter will leave you awe-struck.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.