Top 18 'Red-Rock-and-Canyon' Scenic Drives to travel to in January 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
There's a quiet magic that settles over the desert in winter. The scorching sun of summer gives way to a low, golden light that sets the red rocks ablaze in fiery hues. The air is crisp, the crowds have thinned, and a profound sense of peace descends upon the vast, sculpted landscapes. While others are hibernating, the savvy traveler knows that January is the secret season for exploring the world's most magnificent canyons and rock formations.
This isn't just about avoiding the crowds; it's about seeing these iconic places in a different, more dramatic light. Imagine a dusting of fresh snow contrasting against deep crimson sandstone, or having a world-famous viewpoint all to yourself at sunrise. In all my years of travel writing, a philosophy I, Goh Ling Yong, have always stood by is that the off-season often provides the most authentic and memorable experience. January in red-rock country is the epitome of this belief.
So, if you're ready to trade slushy city streets for sun-drenched canyons, I've curated the ultimate list for your adventure. Here are the top 18 red-rock and canyon scenic drives to fuel your wanderlust for January 2025. Buckle up—your road trip of a lifetime awaits.
1. Scenic Byway 12, Utah
Often called the "All-American Road," Highway 12 is a journey through time and geology. This 124-mile route connects Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks, winding through a staggering variety of landscapes, from the slickrock desert of the Grand Staircase-Escalante to the high-altitude aspen forests of Boulder Mountain. Every turn reveals a new vista more breathtaking than the last.
January transforms this already epic drive. The higher elevations, particularly over Boulder Mountain, are often blanketed in snow, creating a stunning black-and-white world that gives way to the fiery reds and oranges of the lower canyons. With far fewer RVs on the road, you can truly savor the drive, especially the thrilling "Hogback" section—a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides.
Pro Tip: Always check UDOT for road conditions before you go, as the section over Boulder Mountain can temporarily close after heavy snowfall. Plan a stop at Kiva Koffeehouse for a warm drink with a million-dollar view of the Escalante River Canyon.
2. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Utah
For most of the year, the iconic 6.5-mile drive into the heart of Zion Canyon is closed to private vehicles. But in the quiet months, typically including January, the park often opens the road to everyone. This is your chance to experience this majestic canyon at your own pace, without waiting for a shuttle.
Driving into the canyon in winter is a spiritual experience. The towering Navajo Sandstone cliffs, streaked with black desert varnish, seem even taller under the low winter sun. The Virgin River is calm, and you might spot mule deer grazing peacefully by the roadside. The quiet allows you to hear the subtle sounds of the canyon—the wind whispering through the cottonwoods, the distant call of a canyon wren.
Pro Tip: Arrive early in the morning to catch the first light hitting The Watchman. Popular, short hikes like the Pa'rus Trail and the Riverside Walk are easily accessible and offer a different perspective than you get from the car.
3. Valley of Fire Highway, Nevada
Just an hour from the neon glow of Las Vegas lies a landscape that seems otherworldly. The Valley of Fire Highway is the main artery through Nevada's oldest and largest state park, a wonderland of Aztec Sandstone that has been twisted, uplifted, and eroded into fantastical shapes.
In January, the park enjoys mild, sunny daytime temperatures, perfect for exploring. The road winds past incredible formations like the Beehives, Arch Rock, and the Seven Sisters. The deep red of the rock is so vibrant it looks like the earth is glowing from within, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Pro Tip: Take the short detour to the Fire Wave trail, a relatively easy 1.5-mile round-trip hike that leads to a stunning, undulating rock formation of interweaving red and white sandstone. It's a photographer's dream.
4. Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, Nevada
Another gem just outside Las Vegas, the 13-mile scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a perfect day trip. This one-way loop takes you past the dramatic Wilson Cliffs, a massive wall of red-hued rock that forms the eastern edge of the Spring Mountains.
Winter is the prime season here. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for pulling over and exploring the numerous trailheads that dot the drive. The contrast between the rust-colored Calico Hills and the gray limestone peaks in the distance is particularly striking. January's clear air provides incredible visibility, making the panoramic views from High Point Overlook even more spectacular.
Pro Tip: A timed-entry reservation is required, even in winter, so be sure to book your slot online in advance. The visitor center is excellent and worth a stop to learn about the area's unique geology and history.
5. Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179), Arizona
This is the gateway to Sedona, and what a gateway it is. Officially designated an "All-American Road," this 7.5-mile drive provides your first jaw-dropping views of the iconic red rock formations that make this area famous. As you drive south from I-17, landmarks like Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte rise dramatically from the desert floor.
While Sedona is popular year-round, January offers a more relaxed atmosphere. A light dusting of snow on the red rocks is a truly magical sight, though it usually melts by midday in the valley. The light is softer, making the colors of the landscape even richer and more saturated.
Pro Tip: The byway has numerous pullouts. Use them! Don't try to take photos while driving. The Chapel of the Holy Cross, built directly into the red rocks, is a must-see detour just off the byway.
6. Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (SR 89A), Arizona
Connecting Sedona to Flagstaff, this 14-mile stretch of road is a masterpiece of natural beauty. The drive descends 2,000 feet from the pine forests of the Mogollon Rim into the lush, riparian world of Oak Creek Canyon. The road twists and turns, hugging the canyon walls and crisscrossing the sparkling creek.
In January, the leafless deciduous trees along the creek open up the views, revealing more of the canyon's colorful rock layers. If a winter storm has passed through, you may see snow at the higher elevations near Flagstaff, which gradually gives way to the stunning red rocks as you descend toward Sedona. It's like driving through multiple seasons in just half an hour.
Pro Tip: Stop at the Oak Creek Vista overlook at the top of the canyon for a panoramic view before you begin your descent. Further down, Slide Rock State Park is less crowded in winter and offers beautiful photo opportunities along the creek.
7. Monument Valley Tribal Park Loop, Arizona/Utah
There is perhaps no landscape more synonymous with the American West than Monument Valley. The 17-mile unpaved loop road takes you past the iconic mittens, buttes, and mesas that have starred in countless films. This is sacred land, managed by the Navajo Nation, and its raw beauty is palpable.
A winter visit is for the adventurous soul. It will be cold, but the trade-off is solitude and unparalleled photographic opportunities. A low sun creates long, dramatic shadows that sculpt the landscape. If you're lucky enough to visit after a snowfall, the sight of the snow-dusted red monoliths against a brilliant blue sky is an image you'll never forget.
Pro Tip: The loop road can be rough. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, though sedans can often make it if the road is dry. To explore deeper into the valley and visit areas like Ear of the Wind, you must hire a local Navajo guide.
8. Arches National Park Scenic Drive, Utah
The main paved road in Arches National Park is a 36-mile round trip that provides access to the park's most famous viewpoints and trailheads. You'll drive through a surreal landscape of fins, pinnacles, and, of course, over 2,000 natural stone arches.
January is a fantastic time to visit. The park has implemented a timed-entry system for much of the year, but it's typically not required in the dead of winter, offering more flexibility. The La Sal Mountains, visible from many points in the park, are snow-capped, providing a stunning backdrop to the red-orange arches. The crisp winter air is often crystal clear, perfect for photography.
Pro Tip: The hike to Delicate Arch is challenging in winter and can be icy; bring microspikes for your boots. For an easier but equally stunning view, head to the Windows Section at sunrise.
9. Island in the Sky Scenic Drive (Canyonlands), Utah
Perched on a massive mesa 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain, the "Island in the Sky" district of Canyonlands offers some of the most expansive views in all of Utah. The 34-mile round-trip scenic drive follows the rim, with pullouts that look down into the intricate canyons carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers.
Winter on the Island is cold and often windy, but the views are simply epic. A layer of snow on the canyon rims and distant peaks adds incredible depth and contrast to the scene. The air is so clear you feel like you can see forever. With fewer visitors, you can stand at Grand View Point or Green River Overlook in near-total silence, contemplating the immense scale of the landscape.
Pro Tip: Pack warm layers, a hat, and gloves. Mesa Arch is a must-see at sunrise, but be prepared for cold temperatures while you wait for the sun to appear and illuminate the underside of the arch.
10. Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive, Utah
Capitol Reef is the hidden gem of Utah's "Mighty 5." The park protects the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long warp in the earth's crust. The 8-mile paved scenic drive is a fantastic introduction, taking you past towering cliffs, ancient petroglyphs, and historic farmhouses.
This park is wonderfully quiet in January. The drive is almost always open and clear, providing easy access to the park's core. The low winter sun beautifully illuminates the multi-colored sandstone layers of the Fold. The bare branches of the fruit trees in the historic Fruita district create a starkly beautiful scene against the red cliffs.
Pro Tip: Don't miss the short, unpaved spur roads to Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. These drives take you into the heart of narrow canyons and are usually passable for regular cars in winter unless there has been recent, heavy rain.
11. Rim Rock Drive, Colorado National Monument, Colorado
This spectacular 23-mile drive traces the upper rim of a series of dramatic canyons near Grand Junction. The road was a monumental feat of engineering by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and it offers continuous, breathtaking views of sheer-walled canyons, towering monoliths, and the distant Grand Mesa.
January brings a stark beauty to the monument. Snow often dusts the pinyon-juniper forest and the canyon rims, creating a beautiful contrast with the red Wingate Sandstone. Bighorn sheep are frequently spotted along the road in winter. The drive is well-maintained but can have icy patches, so drive with care.
Pro Tip: Start your drive at the west entrance near Fruita and end at the east entrance in Grand Junction. This orientation keeps the most dramatic views in front of you for the majority of the drive.
12. Canyon de Chelly National Monument Drives, Arizona
Canyon de Chelly (pronounced "de-shay") offers a unique experience. Unlike other parks, you drive along the rims and look down into the canyon where people of the Navajo Nation still live and farm. There are two main paved drives: the North Rim Drive and the South Rim Drive.
Visiting in winter is a peaceful, reflective experience. The crowds are gone, and the quiet allows for a deeper connection to this sacred place. The bare cottonwood trees along the canyon floor reveal the ancient cliff dwellings, like the White House Ruin, more clearly. The low sun angles create dramatic light and shadow play on the canyon walls.
Pro Tip: You cannot enter the canyon without a registered Navajo guide, except for the White House Overlook and Trail. Hiring a guide for a 4x4 tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and culture of the canyon.
13. Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway (Utah section)
This byway loops through the heart of Utah's archeologically rich southeast corner. The drive takes you through a classic red-rock landscape dotted with canyons, mesas, and ancient ruins. The section from Bluff to Blanding via US-191 and then west on UT-95 towards Natural Bridges is particularly stunning.
January travel here requires flexibility, but it's rewarding. You'll pass by landmarks like Valley of the Gods (requires a high-clearance vehicle and dry conditions) and the iconic "Moki Dugway," a series of steep, unpaved switchbacks. The views from the top of the Dugway over the San Juan River are unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Focus on a manageable section. The drive up to the Goosenecks State Park overlook is paved and offers a mind-boggling view of the San Juan River's entrenched meanders.
14. The Needles District Scenic Drive (Canyonlands), Utah
The Needles District is the more remote, less-visited section of Canyonlands National Park, known for its incredible collection of colorful sandstone spires. The main park road is a 6.5-mile scenic drive that ends at the Big Spring Canyon Overlook, with several pullouts and trailheads along the way.
While the backcountry can be inaccessible, the main drive is usually open in January and offers a fantastic taste of the district's unique geology. The lower elevation means it's often warmer and less snowy than Island in the Sky. The quiet solitude here is profound, making it a favorite for those looking to escape. This is a personal favorite of mine, Goh Ling Yong, for its raw, untouched feel.
Pro Tip: Stop at the Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook. The short, flat walk to the Pothole Point trail offers great views and a look at the fragile desert ecosystem.
15. Goblin Valley State Park Access Road, Utah
The drive to Goblin Valley isn't long, but it's a journey into one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. The final 12 miles on Goblin Valley Road and Temple Mountain Road take you through a stark, beautiful desert landscape with the massive San Rafael Reef as your backdrop.
January is perfect for exploring the valley of "goblins"—bizarre, mushroom-shaped rock formations called hoodoos. The cool weather allows you to wander for hours among these strange figures without the oppressive summer heat. The valley feels like a scene from another planet, and in winter, you might just have the entire planet to yourself.
Pro Tip: Goblin Valley is a "Dark Sky Park." If you're staying nearby, consider returning after dark for some of the most spectacular stargazing you will ever experience.
16. US Route 191 (Moab to Monticello), Utah
This stretch of highway is more than just a way to get from A to B; it's a scenic drive in its own right. Heading south from Moab, you're flanked by stunning red rock cliffs and formations. The road provides access to countless adventures, including The Needles district of Canyonlands and the road to Newspaper Rock.
The most dramatic section is just south of Moab, where you pass the photogenic Church Rock. As you continue south, the landscape opens up and the snow-capped Abajo Mountains (the "Blue Mountains") come into view, creating a beautiful contrast with the red desert foreground.
Pro Tip: Make a stop at Wilson Arch, located right beside the highway about 24 miles south of Moab. It's a massive, beautiful arch that you can easily walk up to and stand under.
17. Wadi Rum Scenic Drive, Jordan
For an international red-rock adventure, look no further than Wadi Rum in southern Jordan. Known as the "Valley of the Moon," this protected desert wilderness features towering sandstone and granite mountains rising from a sea of red sand. The "drive" here is a 4x4 tour with a local Bedouin guide, a truly unforgettable experience.
January offers cool, pleasant daytime temperatures and chilly nights. The desert light is exceptionally clear, and the lack of haze makes for incredible photography. You'll drive across vast sand dunes and through narrow canyons to see ancient rock inscriptions, natural rock bridges, and dramatic viewpoints made famous by films like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.
Pro Tip: Book an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp. Experiencing their hospitality, enjoying a traditional meal cooked under the sand, and sleeping under a canopy of brilliant stars is the highlight of any trip to Wadi Rum.
18. Dades Gorges Scenic Road, Morocco
Winding through Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, the drive into the Dades Gorge is one of the world's most spectacular. The road features a series of tight, hairpin turns as it climbs a canyon wall, offering incredible views of the red and brown rock formations and the lush oasis of the Dades River below.
January is part of the dry, cool season, making it a great time to visit. The snow-capped Atlas peaks in the distance provide a stunning backdrop. The "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" that leads to the gorge is an attraction itself, lined with fortified mud-brick citadels. The colors of the earth, the unique architecture, and the vibrant culture make this an incredibly rich road trip experience.
Pro Tip: Rent a small but capable car, as the roads can be narrow. Take your time, and plan to stay overnight in a small hotel or riad within the gorge to fully appreciate the sunrise and sunset on the canyon walls.
Your Adventure Awaits
The desert's canyons and red rocks hold a special kind of power, and in the quiet solitude of winter, that power is more potent than ever. These drives are more than just routes on a map; they are invitations to explore, to wonder, and to connect with some of the most spectacular landscapes on our planet.
Whether you're planning a week-long odyssey through Utah or a quick weekend getaway from Las Vegas, January 2025 is your moment to hit the road. Pack your layers, charge your camera, and prepare to be amazed by the fiery heart of the winter desert.
Which of these drives is on your 2025 bucket list? Share your dream red-rock road trip in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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