Winter Road Trips to Beat the Blues

Once the holidays are over and family has returned home, January hangs out, cold and dark. This month is often pinned as the most depressing time of year, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Road trips in the western United States can bring some new perspectives and a refreshing vitality to your January plans.

Nevada and Arizona

What better way to beat off winter blues then to start your travels in Las Vegas? Wind your way down to Arizona along the I-40. Visit the Grand Canyon with a dusting of snow on the ground and the vivid colors going down to the canyon floor. The South Rim is open year-round and offers some of the most breathtaking views known to man. Finish off a beautiful Southwest trip in the mild warmth of Sedona’s Red Rock State Park. From Sedona you can drive south to Tucson, Ariz., or east towards Santa Fe, N.M.

California 101

If you live in a snow-packed area, you can probably hear the faint voice of California calling you to its warm, Pacific shore. Start off in Los Angeles or Santa Barbara and wind your way up north on the 101 to some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. You can either end in the bustling city of San Francisco or continue up to the Oregon coast. There are plenty of foodie treats along the way for those who get a bit peckish in the car, too.

Yellowstone National Park

For those who are more adventurous during the winter months, there is nothing like the open wilderness in the hush of the snow. Yellowstone only has about 100,000 visitors during the winter months, which means you get the place all to yourself. Fly into Boise and take a meandering drive over to Yellowstone where you can watch Old Faithful spit up with only a tour guide by your side. Continue on to Jackson Hole, Wyo., for a stunning Western road trip.