Mark A Paulda/Getty Images
Winter can be an ideal time to explore America’s open roads.
The fact that winter usually sees fewer tourists on the road certainly doesn’t hurt.
Of course, winter driving comes with its own set of precautions.
A crisp winter day on Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway.Credit:Mark A Paulda/Getty Images
Snow makes the scenery pop, but it also makes the roads slick.
And slick roads are challenging to navigate when you’re in unfamiliar territory.
(Tire chains couldn’t hurt either.)
The drive through Arches National Park.iStockphoto/Getty Images
Always confirm that your vehicle is up to date on maintenance before embarking on a winter drive.
Ready to hit the road?
Read on for 13 of the most beautiful winter drives in the U.S., from Florida to Alaska.
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Its remoteness and notably small population (of about 350 people) have turned it into a tourist attraction.
Snowfalls coat its granite monoliths, and cold temperatures turn parts of Yosemite Falls to ice.
The park has many annualwinter road closures, but Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year.
El Capitan seen during a snowy day in Yosemite National Park.Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The road to get to it is maintained, but tire chains are often required.
Besides that, double-check to stop under El Capitan in the Valley and admire its grandeur.
It’s the only public road throughShenandoah National Park(though portions may close during inclement weather).
A covered bridge in Indiana, under snow.Kenneth Keifer/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Watch for wildlife, too though many animals hibernate, foxes and bobcats remain active all winter.
Perhaps it’s because the road reportedly cost a million dollars a mile to build.
Keep in mind that the highway, or sections of it, can close due to snow.
The drive through Shenandoah National Park, in Virginia.Karen BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images
If you plan to stick around for more exploring, make the historic town of Silverton your basecamp.
And it may be winter, but theBen & Jerry’s factoryin Waterbury is nevertheless a must-visit.
Start atNambe Pueblo, a centuries-old Indigenous community just south of Chimayo, for a dose of history.
A snowy Million Dollar Highway - also known as highway 550 - in Colorado.iStockphoto/Getty Images
Closer to Taos,San Francisco de Asis Mission Churchdates back more than 200 years.
After passing through a handful of small, historic towns, you’ll land at the top.
Where to stop:Take every opportunity to stop and soak in the sites of Lake Michigan.
An aerial view of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, in winter.iStockphoto/Getty Images
Newport is also a designatedDark Sky Park, and long winter nights are great for stargazing.
More into birds than fish?
Where to stop:Enjoy views of the Hudson River and the Champlain Canal along the drive.
Winter in Stowe, Vermont.Don Landwehrle/iStockphoto/Getty Images
It’s where the wedding of Hamilton and General Schuyler’s daughter Elizabeth took place in 1780.
Skip chilly temperatures and enjoy Florida’s glorious take on winter.
The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway, in New Mexico.Diana Robinson/Getty Images
A winding road in Gills Rock, Wisconsin.iStockphoto/Getty Images
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A late fall drive through the Saratoga Historic Park.Getty Images
The Seven Mile Bridge, in the Florida Keys.Getty Images
