Mountain Road Trips for Every Season

Story by Patricia Corrigan
Patricia is a journalist, photographer and book author based in San Francisco.
Drive scenic routes to snowy slopes and popular peaks.
Towering snow-capped peaks. Sun-dappled lakes. Wind whispering through the trees. Sure, beaches lure some people, but when the mountains call, many of us must go.
Some head to the mountains for leisurely drives under blue skies in spring or summer, others seek out spectacular mountainside displays of autumn foliage and some prefer the stillness of white winter landscapes. Whether you’re traveling with family members or on your own, be inspired by these 18 journeys that celebrate the majesty of mountains and the joy of being in their presence.
Driving Scenic Mountain Roads
Fly fishing, wildflower watching and camping all are part of a summer road trip along the Snowy Range Byway in the Medicine Bow Mountains of Wyoming. The drive winds through dense forests and alpine tundra, with beautiful views of crystal-clear lakes below.
Canada’s Sea to Sky Highway begins in Vancouver, British Columbia, and stretches 101 miles north to Pemberton, taking drivers through towering temperate rainforests and snowcapped peaks.
The San Juan Skyway in southwest Colorado, designated an All-American Road, winds over four mountain passes and through two national forests.
The Eastern Sierra in California provides the backdrop for a photographer who is seeking closure after a personal loss.
Exploring National Parks
A road trip through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and along a nearby parkway in Tennessee and North Carolina offers stunning views of the Smoky and the Blue Ridge mountains, ranges within the Appalachians, the oldest mountains in North America.
On a spring road trip from Denver, a couple visits three national parks —Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier — and they find themselves especially enchanted with the storied Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park in Montana.
A solo traveler heads to Glacier National Park in winter. He recommends cross-country skis or snowshoes — or at least a pair of sturdy boots — for a stroll along a famous road.
Eager to avoid crowds on his solo journey to the mountains, a traveler heads to Olympic National Park in October. It rains, but that does not deter his joyous exploration of the park.
Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park makes a great family outing. The 9-year-old declares, “This feels really weird, in a really good way!” Soon, he and his younger brother adapt to the new footwear.
Skiing in Paradise
A former mining town that now enjoys a reputation as a winter athlete’s paradise, Park City, Utah, is just a 45-minute drive from the airport in Salt Lake City, so skiers can be on the slopes within an hour.
An extended family with a long history of skiing gathers in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Their destinations of choice include Loon Mountain, Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain, all close to Lincoln.
An avid skier dedicates a weeklong road trip to staying in small mom-and-pop lodges in Montana. He skis in near-solitude and then bonds with locals over nachos supreme.
Mountaineering, Glamping and More
One family shares a quest to climb all 58 1,400-foot-high peaks in Colorado. An avid climber from the family lists his favorite peaks and shares why each is special.
An introductory mountaineering course on the ice fields in the Canadian Rocky Mountains finds a woman eating lunch while hanging 15 feet down a crevasse as she waits for students practicing rescue missions. Don’t try this at home — but the adventurer does recommend the course, especially in retrospect.
Dog sledding in Montana’s mountainous Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is exhilarating and makes for great stories later around a fireplace.
In a quest to connect with nature, one couple opts for glamping in upstate New York’s Catskill and Adirondack mountains. Sturdy tents, geodesic domes and even treehouses are available lodgings.
Hikers are guaranteed scenic views in New York’s Catskill Mountains, but the vistas are available to drivers as well. The 700,000-acre retreat is just two hours northwest of New York City.
The Great River Road: Missouri to Louisiana
A drive south along the Mississippi River leads to memorable music.
The Great River Road: Minnesota to Missouri
This iconic drive along the Mississippi River doesn’t miss a beat.
Day Trips from Madison, Wisconsin
There’s plenty to see and do in Madison, but if you have an extra day or two you might want to explore the surrounding area by car.
7 Worthy Road Trips in New England
The Northeast features memorable destinations for your next vacation.
The Loneliest Road in America
The 409-mile drive across Nevada features sand dunes, hot springs and plenty of social distancing.
Weekend Getaway to Half Moon Bay
Cozy beach town is a short drive — and a world away — from San Francisco.
The Gullah Series: An Introduction to South Carolina Soul Food
The Sea Islands of South Carolina offer exciting coastal cuisine, including Gullah soul food.
Rhode Island Road Trip Reveals Many Charms
Count on ocean views, stately mansions and signature dishes.
Family Fun Along California’s Majestic Mountain Loop
Three national parks in three days makes a great getaway.
Road Trip to Montana’s Independently Owned Ski Areas
Mom-and-pop lodges offer affordability and community.
Drive to Mexico’s Río Secreto, an Underground River
The secret is out at this hidden cave system near Cancun.
Cruising Washington’s Scenic Cascade Loop
The 440-mile drive pays homage to the state’s diverse landscape.
A Bayou Writer Goes Maple Sugaring in New England
From New Orleans to the Northeast, one foodie sets out to explore the sweet beyond.
Northeast Farm Tours Let Visitors Connect With the Land
People are discovering the origins of their food.
Road Trip from New Orleans to Memphis
From po’boys and jazz to barbecue and blues, take a food-driven road trip between America’s Southern sister cities.
Food Road Trips from Madison, Wisconsin
A road trip through the Badger State reveals culinary gems for everyday folks.
A Traveler's Tribute to Trees
The drive from Olympic National Park to San Francisco features spectacular views of towering forests.
Castello di Amorosa: A Tuscan-Style Castle in California
You’ll feel like royalty at this unique winery in Napa Valley.
Celebrate the Seasons at Yosemite National Park
From roaring waterfalls to colorful trees, the park is a year-round spectacle.
Drive to Napa Valley for the “Other Harvest” — Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fans of “liquid gold” can set up tasting tours at wineries and shops.
Summer Road Trip on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway
The route through the Medicine Bow Mountains features fly-fishing, camping and more.
Prince Edward Island Beckons Lighthouse Lovers
Canada’s smallest province has the largest concentration of lighthouses.
A Two-Day Driving Tour of the San Juan Skyway
Soak in the hot springs, ride the narrow-gauge railroad or stay in a cozy lodge during this road trip.
Canyon de Chelly: A Drive to the Home of the Navajo
Native American land inspired an iconic art form.
Road Trip from Denver to Glacier National Park
A trip from Denver to Montana shows off the vast and varied scenery in the U.S.
Adventures on Maine’s Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway
Hike, swim or just enjoy the views on this rural road trip.
The Beautiful Beaches of the Florida Panhandle
Relax, dine and play in the area’s charming coastal towns.
Road Trip to New Mexico’s White Sands National Park
Visit the Southwest’s most otherworldly natural attraction.
Napa’s Calistoga Specializes in Stress Reduction and Small-Town Charm
A dozen spas pamper guests with mud baths, massages and mineral pools.
Nostalgic Route 66 Road Trip: Albuquerque to St. Louis
Choosing the “old road” opens up a world of appealing characters and beauty along the “Main Street of America.”
Road Trip to Roswell, New Mexico, in Seach of Alien Life
Town embraces its connection to UFOs and little green people.
New Mexico Casts an Enchanting Spell on a Road Trip Adventure
The most underrated state in the U.S. deserves our attention.
Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway - Washington and Oregon
Traveler’s long-awaited road trip starts in Seattle and winds through the Northwest.
Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway - California
Road trip continues through the northern California redwoods and on to sunny SoCal beaches.
Nostalgic Route 66 Road Trip: St. Louis to Chicago
A weekend road trip through Illinois farmland leads to classic diners, drive-ins and big city splendor.
Learning to Love Wyoming’s Interstate 80
If you’re willing to stop and take some time, you’ll find gems along this infamous highway.
Take a Leisurely Drive Down to Key West
A road trip on the Overseas Highway brings visitors to the homes of sea turtles, endangered deer and Ernest Hemingway.
Traveling the Crooked Road
This road trip takes you on a musical journey through southwest Virginia.
Nostalgic Route 66 Road Trip: Santa Monica to Albuquerque
On the “Mother Road,” you’ll find welcoming smiles and the guardian angel of the trail.
Driving California’s Majestic Mountain Loop
Two Californians explore three national parks in their home state.
Cabot Trail Drive is a Quest for the Best
Rich culture, great seafood and lively music distinguish this Nova Scotia journey from all others.
A Mother-Daughter Road Trip on the Pacific Marine Circle Route
A world traveler explores southern Vancouver Island and looks for a place to call home.
Winter Wonderlands: 7 Road Trips in Our National Parks
From A (Acadia) to Z (Zion), national parks offer ideal destinations for a weekend trip or longer vacation.
9 Epic Winter Road Trip Destinations to Escape the Cold
Pack your shorts, T-shirts and sandals and head for somewhere warm that you can cruise with the top down.
Beaches Lure Travelers to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula
A rental car takes you to less-crowded stretches of sand.
Explore Mexico’s Historic San Miguel de Allende
A short road trip from Mexico City provides a perfect weekend getaway.
Road Trip Along the Extraterrestrial Highway
Open-minded Nevada residents tell tales of aliens, ghosts and Sasquatch.
Fall Foliage Road Trip in Arkansas
Scenic drives in the Ozark Mountains showcase autumn’s rich colors.
Utah's Scenic Byway 12 is a Masterpiece
The All-American road traverses slickrock and features a petrified forest, a beautiful waterfall and gourmet dining.
On the Road — and the Beaches — in Maui with Friends
The Hawaiian island’s tropical embrace offers a memorable vacation in paradise.
Day Trips from San Juan, Puerto Rico
See more of the island’s natural beauty at Rincón, Culebra and Vieques.
Pier Fishing Along Florida’s Gulf Coast
Even if you don’t catch a thing, you can still savor the experience.
A Road Trip Through the Great Smoky Mountains
A national park and nearby parkway offer stunning views of the ancient Appalachians.
San Francisco: A Gateway to Yosemite National Park
An easy road trip takes you from a world-class city to a top national park.
Road Trip to Death Valley National Park
Beginning in Las Vegas, the ‘Death Valley Rally’ includes beautiful vistas and unique stops.
Friends Reconnect on a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Once stricken by grief, a world traveler returns the gift of kindness on the way to Big Sur.
Searching for Surf and Self Along the West Coast
Riding waves renews joy and restores confidence after a bad mountain fall.
California Coast Inspires a Love for the Ocean
During a road trip up the coast, five residents share their passion for the Pacific.
Rediscovering California’s Eastern Sierra
A photographic journey along an iconic mountain range on the West Coast brings healing and much more.
A Multigenerational Trip to San Diego Creates Lifelong Memories
Parents and grandparents help nurture children’s interests on their family vacation.
Colorado's Haunted Places Provide Chills, Thrills and Laughter
On road trips, she joyfully embraces the paranormal; he’s a skittish believer.
Explore California's Redwood Coast
This scenic region runs north from San Francisco through Redwoods National and State Parks along Highway 101.
The Phenomenal Bay of Fundy
New Brunswick’s coastal communities live with the pulse of the ocean, which provides an unforgettable experience.

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