The 8 best offbeat winter trips in the USA

22.01.2025 - 16:37 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 21, 2025 • 6 min read

Winter is a marvelous time to travel in the USA. Across the country, ski slopes open, cabin fireplaces roar into life, twinkly holiday lights go up and storybook vibes abound. Few places in the world do "winter wonder" quite like the United States!

While a handful of places get most of the press – Telluride, Vermont, New York City, we’re looking at you – this enormous country delivers dozens of incredible winter destinations that serve up a dash of the unexpected.

Here’s our pick of the best offbeat winter destinations in the US, whether you’re looking for powdery snowdrifts or winter sun and crisp, starry nights.

Best for frosty scenery and stargazing

While Colorado’s mountainous spine gets most of the traffic when it comes to winter travel, we recommend going west to Grand Junction for a truly unique cold-weather experience in the state’s red rock country. Hike through the striking Colorado National Monument while it's dusted with snow and take advantage of the crisp, clear skies for some truly impressive stargazing.

On the other side of Grand Junction, head up to the top of Grand Mesa – the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. The plateau receives more than 250 inches of snowfall each year, and you can snowmobile and cross-country ski through the Grand Mesa National Forest, a spectacular 800-sq-mile protected area whose perfectly snow-flocked evergreens will make you feel like you’re inside a giant snowglobe.

When you’re ready for a cozy winter warmer, make your way to the adorable yurt behind Grand Junction's Highlands Distillery for some festive cocktails.

Best for Appalachian winter vibes

Named for the gorgeous Daniel Boone National Forest – and the American pioneer's role in the state's history – Kentucky's Boone Country has long been lauded for its outdoor beauty. Mountains, forests and natural sandstone arches abound, and the whole region takes on a delightfully peaceful quality in winter.

If you’re driving east from Lexington, stop in characterful Berea, the gateway to Appalachia and Kentucky’s official "Folk Arts and Craft Capital." To sample it, visit the Kentucky Artisan Center, wander the city's art studios or book a workshop or class taught by local artisans.

Keep heading east and you’ll hit the marvelous Red River Gorge, where winter provides an opportunity to hike among giant icicles dangling from the area’s distinctive cliffs and tunnels. After a day on the trails, bunk down in a forest cabin, splurge on a stay at a designer treehouse, or turn south and book yourself a retreat at Snug Hollow in Irvine. 

Best for a cold-weather spa break

Winter is the perfect time to explore one of the country’s most unusual national parks, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas.