A great scenic drive is about more than just the view from the windshield. It's about the moments you get out of the car—the short walk to a hidden viewpoint, the quick scramble over some rocks for a better photo, the quiet minute you take to read a historical marker. The drive is the thread that connects the small adventures.
We've picked five scenic drives that are fantastic in winter, but this time, we're adding a twist: for each drive, we're highlighting one essential, must-do stop that turns a passive drive into an active exploration. Let's hit the road.
5 Drives and Their Must-Do Stops
1. The Drive: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Zion National Park, Utah
The Experience: This road takes you through the heart of Zion Canyon, with towering sandstone cliffs on either side. In winter, you can drive your own car (no shuttle needed), making it a peaceful, personal journey.
The Stop: The Riverside Walk. At the very end of the scenic drive, park your car and take a stroll on this paved, 2.2-mile roundtrip path. It follows the Virgin River into the mouth of The Narrows. The towering canyon walls, the sound of the river, and the hanging gardens make it one of the most beautiful and rewarding easy walks in the entire park system.
Pro Tip: Go early in the morning. The light filtering into the canyon is magical, and you'll have the path almost to yourself.
2. The Drive: Generals Highway, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California
The Experience: Winding through the Sierra Nevada, this highway connects the two parks and offers access to the world's largest trees. Driving through a forest of giant sequoias draped in snow is a humbling, awe-inspiring experience.
The Stop: The General Sherman Tree Trail. This isn't just a stop; it's a pilgrimage. A short, half-mile paved trail descends into a grove containing the General Sherman Tree, the largest living thing on Earth by volume. Standing at its base, surrounded by other giants, is a moment that truly puts life in perspective.
Pro Tip: While the trail is paved, it can be snowy or icy. Wear shoes with good grip. The walk back up is uphill, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.
3. The Drive: Badwater Road, Death Valley National Park, California
The Experience: This road drops you from the rolling hills of the desert down to the lowest point in North America. The landscape is stark, vast, and beautiful, changing from golden canyons to surreal salt flats.
The Stop: The first half-mile of Golden Canyon. Park at the Golden Canyon trailhead and walk as far as you feel comfortable. Even just 15-20 minutes of walking will immerse you in a narrow, winding canyon of golden-colored rock. It feels like stepping onto another planet.
Pro Tip: The best light is in the morning or late afternoon when the sun makes the canyon walls glow. You don't need to do the full, strenuous loop to get the full, breathtaking effect.
4. The Drive: Cades Cove Loop Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The Experience: This 11-mile, one-way loop circles a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains. It's one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing, especially white-tailed deer.
The Stop: The John Oliver Cabin. About halfway through the loop, pull over and take the short, flat walk to one of the oldest log cabins in the park. Stepping inside this preserved homestead from the 1820s is like stepping back in time. It connects you to the human history of the mountains in a powerful way.
Pro Tip: The loop can get very busy, even in winter. To avoid the traffic, go on a weekday or get there right when the road opens.
5. The Drive: Scenic Loop Drive, Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
The Experience: This short but spectacular drive winds through a landscape of brilliant red Aztec sandstone. Every turn reveals a new, jaw-dropping rock formation, especially in the soft light of a winter afternoon.
The Stop: The Fire Wave Trail. This is a must-do. It's a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike over sand and slickrock to a stunning formation where stripes of red and white sandstone swirl together like a wave. It's one of the most unique and photogenic spots in the Southwest.
Pro Tip: The trail can be sandy, so wear appropriate shoes. The winter months are the only time this hike is truly pleasant; in summer, the heat is dangerously intense.
Final Thoughts
This winter, don't just drive through the parks—stop in them. The smallest walk can lead to the biggest memories. Grab your America the Beautiful Pass and start exploring.
What's your favorite stop on a scenic drive? Share it with us!
