Best Snowy Places in California for a Winter Road Trip
Looking for a winter road trip destination where you can walk through a real life winter wonderland? California is a great place to go! With its many snowy mountain ranges, there are plenty of places to explore.
Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy the snow, whether you're hitting the slopes or simply playing in the snow. Snowboarding and skiing are great ways to get out and enjoy the winter weather. Sledding and snowman-building are fun activities for families with young children. There's something about being in the snow that just makes people feel happy, and there's nothing quite like relaxing in a cozy cabin after a long day of playing in the snow. If you're looking for a reason to love winter, start with snow travel. It's an experience you'll never forget.
In this blog post, we will outline and give the highlights to some of the best snowy destinations in California. Whether you're looking for a place to ski or just enjoy the scenery, we have you covered. Keep reading to plan your trip to some of the best winter road trip destinations in the Golden State!
California’s Diverse Landscapes
Us California natives have a deep love for our home state, and the extremely diverse landscapes is just one of the reasons we are so proud. You can experience white winter snow, exotic deserts, redwood forests, fall foliage and of course warm sandy beaches, all without ever having to cross over state lines. From the snow-capped mountains to the sunny beaches, there’s something for everyone in the great state of California.
Top 10 Amazing Winter Destinations in California
Lake Tahoe
There's something magical about Lake Tahoe in the winter. The air is crisp and clean, and the snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding to sledding and snowball fights. Or they can just cozy up by the fire with a hot chocolate and enjoy the quiet beauty of the winter landscape. Lake Tahoe is truly a special place in the wintertime.
Top snow parks in Lake Tahoe are Blackwood Canyon, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, North Tahoe Regional Park, Washoe Tribal Cultural Center Sno Park and Hansen's Snow Tube & Saucer Hill.
My husband and I stayed at Basecamp in South Lake Tahoe for our babymoon before my first baby was born. I loved the camp style decor and fun details.
Truckee
Truckee is in Nevada County, which is still inside the California state line and located just north of Lake Tahoe. As the snow falls, the small mountain town comes to life, with its shops and restaurants lit up in the evenings and a festive atmosphere in the air. The historic Old Town Truckee has vintage western style buildings with shops and restaurants.
The nearby ski resort Northstar is world-renowned, and for good reason - the skiing is superb, and there are plenty of amenities for visitors to enjoy. It’s also a hotel with cozy and modern cabin themed rooms.
But even if you're not a skier or snowboarder, there's plenty to do in the area, from snowshoeing and sledding to simply soaking up the breathtaking scenery. Whether you're looking for an action-packed vacation or a cozy mountain getaway, Truckee is sure to delight.
Northstar is a very large and family-friendly resort with pools, spas, a video arcade and more. You’ll find plenty of cabin cozy vibes in the decor and even fireplaces.
Big Bear
Big Bear is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts from all over Southern California. The area is home to two ski resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, as well as a variety of other outdoor activities. In the winter months, the average temperature in Big Bear is around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for both skiing and snowboarding.
The area receives an average of 60 inches of snow each year, so there is usually plenty of powder to enjoy. In addition to the ski resorts, Big Bear also has a number of toboggan slides and ice skating rinks that are open to the public. Whether you're looking to hit the slopes or just enjoy some winter fun, Big Bear is the perfect place to do it.
The Lakewood Cabins are cute as can be and each of them have a little kitchen for cooking meals. The location is excellent, very close to big attractions in Big Bear.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is one of America's most popular national parks, and for good reason. The park is home to towering sequoia trees, mighty waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife. In the winter, the landscape is transformed by a blanket of snow, making it a truly magical place to visit.
There are a variety of winter activities to enjoy in Yosemite, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to sledding and ice skating. The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as walks and talks about the local wildlife. With so much to see and do, Yosemite is a great winter destination for the whole family.
See my complete guide to bringing your dog to Yosemite here.
During our winter trip to Yosemite we stayed at the Tenaya Lodge. We spent our daytime inside Yosemite park and evenings ice skating at the hotel.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth. Located in the Mojave Desert, this national park is known for its surreal landscape of rocky canyons, Joshua trees, and desert plants.
In the winter, the Joshua trees are especially beautiful, as they are covered in a layer of frost. It's important to note that it does not snow every year in Joshua Tree, so it's an even more rare and precious site when you get to experience a snow covered desert.
Because there's no nearby city lights, the dark skies make for perfect stargazing conditions. Visitors can hike through the canyons, go rock climbing, or take a scenic drive through the park.
You can opt to plan a day trip to Joshua Tree from the nearby Palm Springs, or go camping overnight inside the park.
AutoCamp can be best described as a campsite with fully furnished airstreams for guests to rent. They have multiple locations including Joshua Tree, Yosemite and California Wine Country.
Mammoth Mountain
If you're looking for a winter wonderland, Mammoth Mountain is the place for you. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Mammoth Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in California. And with an average of 400 inches of snowfall each year, it's no wonder that it's a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
But Mammoth Mountain isn't just a great place to hit the slopes. It's also home to some of the most breathtaking views in all of California. From the top of the mountain, you can see for miles in all directions. So whether you're looking to shred some powder or just take in the scenery, Mammoth Mountain is sure to give you an unforgettable experience.
One of the biggest perks for guests at The Village Lodge is direct access to a gondola and ski elevator to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Which makes your winter sports activities super convenient.
Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but there’s something special about seeing it covered in snow. The mountain is the second-highest peak in the Cascades, and its slopes are popular with skiers and snowboarders. But even if you’re not interested in hitting the slopes, there’s plenty to see and do.
Visitors can go on scenic hikes, explore the town of Mount Shasta, or take a drive down to Lake Siskiyou. And of course, no trip to Mount Shasta would be complete without taking some time to simply enjoy the breathtaking views. So if you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s a little off the beaten path, be sure to add Mount Shasta to your list.
The Mount Shasta Resort is open for all the seasons. Each cabin has a full kitchen, cozy living rooms with TVs and onsite car rentals for guests. There’s also a spa with massage services.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is an otherworldly place, especially in the winter. The snow-covered landscape is eerily beautiful, and the steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots are a fascinating contrast to the frigid temperatures. Visitors can warm up by hiking to the top of Lassen Peak, or by soaking in one of the park's hot springs.
There are also a variety of ranger-led programs offered during the winter months, including snowshoe walks and slide shows. Whether you're looking for an adventurous winter getaway or a chance to see some of California's unique geological features, Lassen Volcanic National Park is definitely worth a visit.
The Lake Almanor Lodge has cute country cabins with kitchens and quilted bedspreads. The location is excellent because it’s right next to Lake Almanor and 30 minutes to Lassen Park.
Mount Whitney
Mount Whitney is located on the boundary of Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest in Central California outside of Fresno. It is famous for being the tallest peak in California and a bucket list hike for very adventurous and experienced hikers. There’s also very advanced mountain skiing for the true daredevils.
But fret not if you’re not up for extreme winter sports, you can enjoy a leisurely snow day at Woolly's Tube Park and Snow Play.
I would like all travelers to be forewarned that hotel accommodations near Mount Whitney are far from fancy, but the Mount Whitney Motel is very close to key snow spots.
Virginia Creek Settlement in Bridgeport, California
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California, and with good reason. The park is home to some of the world's tallest trees, as well as a variety of other plant and animal life. Visitors can explore the park by foot, car, or even horseback. In the winter, the snow-covered landscape is truly a sight to behold.
However, visitors should be aware that snow and ice can make trails and roads slippery, so it is important to take extra care when exploring the park. Winter is also a great time to catch a glimpse of some of the park's more elusive wildlife, such as foxes and coyotes. With its beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, Sequoia National Park is an excellent destination for a winter getaway.
Porterville is a small town outside of the Sequoia National Park. The Holiday Inn is rated Very Good and has modern design and amenities for travelers to enjoy.
Bridgeport & Bodie
My husband and I did a winter road trip to Bridgeport and Bodie on the weekend of Thanksgiving. We explored the incredibly preserved ghost town of Bodie which you can see here. The first few days on the road it was clear skies and sunny, but still very cold with freezing temperatures. During our stay at the Virginia Creek Settlement in Bridgeport, we woke up to a blanket of white snow. Many of the photos in this blog post are from our snow day in Bridgeport.
This is a photo of the exact cabin we stayed in during our snow trip at the Virginia Creek Settlement in Bridgeport. We had just visited the Bodie ghost town the day before.
Top Safety Tips for Driving in the Snow
Driving in the snow can be daunting, but if you follow some basic safety tips, it can be safe and not so stressful. First, make sure you have the correct chains for your tires. Next, 4-wheel drive can be a big help in getting around in the snow, so if you have it, use it. Finally, before you embark on a long drive in the snow, make sure your car is prepared for the journey.
This means checking your fluids, having enough gas, and making sure your insurance is up to date. Confirm that you have solid auto insurance that provides incidental coverage in case you have a breakdown or an accident. For example State Farm has plans with roadside assistance which can be very crucial if you're stuck in the snow.
If you find yourself driving in heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions, err on the side of caution and take a break from the road. Book an affordable overnight stay on a website like MotelMatcher, which can find you California cheap motels last minute. By following these simple tips, you're much more likely to stay safe on the roads all winter long.
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Having warm and insulated winter boots is a key factor in keeping your body temperature from dropping in freezing conditions. Not to mention the fact that cold toes can make a snow miserable pretty quickly.
An extra long and warm winter coat such as this one is perfect for lounging outside next to a fire pit and making s’mores. Just image the snow scene views from your cabin front porch.
Packing the necessary warm winter accessories such as gloves and hats is very important. The North Face makes awesome tech gloves that allows you to still use your phone and devices without having to take them off in cold temperatures.
