2.Seward Highway, Alaska
PHOTO: TAYLOR MCINTYRE/TRAVEL + LEISURE
Starting point: Anchorage, Alaska
The route: About 50 miles on the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Portage
What to expect: Find the epitome of beautiful winter scenery in the Chugach National Forest, Turnagain Arm, and alongside Kenai Lake on Alaska's Seward Highway. Finish the journey at the ghost town of Portage or steel your nerves — and make sure you have chains — for the mountainous remainder of the journey all the way to Seward, another 80 miles past Portage.
Although Alaska is known for its cold and snowy climate, the Seward Highway is a highly trafficked route that stays relatively clear through the winter. The drive from Anchorage to Portage takes only about an hour — two and a half hours if you go all the way to Seward — so it can absolutely be done in a day.
Where to stop: The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center provides a close-up view of native wildlife — like reindeer, lynx, moose, and grizzlies — that have been injured and can no longer survive in the wild. The tiny settlement of Whittier (about halfway between Anchorage and Seward) once went viral as "the city under one roof" because most of its residents live in one 14-story building that also houses the town's post office, police station, convenience store, and health clinic. Its remoteness and notably small population (of about 250 people) have turned it into a tourist attraction.
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3.Yosemite National Park, California
PHOTO: DON SMITH/ALAMY
Starting point: Groveland, California
The route: About 45 miles on CA-120 from Groveland to Yosemite Valley
What to expect: Driving through Yosemite Valley in the off-season reveals an awe-strikingly silent winter wonderland. Snowfalls coat its granite monoliths, and cold temperatures turn parts of Yosemite Falls to ice. The park has many annual winter road closures, but Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year. Specifically, Wawona Road (Highway 41), El Portal Road (Highway 140), Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 from the west), and Hetch Hetchy Road are open year-round but subject to weather-related closures.
Where to stop: The adventurous set can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing at Badger Pass Ski Area, accessible via mid-December through early April. The road to get to it is maintained, but tire chains are often required. Besides that, make sure to stop under El Capitan in the Valley and admire its grandeur.