Via Magazine | Winter 2026 | AAA by Via Magazine | AAA Mountain West Group

WINTER 2026

Europe’s most iconic

RAIL ADVENTURES USED CA R DE A LS

timing the market

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

skiing to stargazing

AAA Discounts

HOLIDAY GUIDE Page 52

Hit the

OPEN ROAD 7 epic trips for next year

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Reliable coverage. True savings. Switch and save on dependable protection for your auto, home, life, and more—with expert support at every turn.

Earn cash back on all purchases when you use your AAA Visa Signature® credit card.* See 2 Vpage I A |24Wfor I Nmore T ER information. 2 0 26

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Scan or visit AAA.com/Insurance to learn more. © 2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to insurance offerings, and vary by state; see page 24 for details.

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Hit the road for less with Hertz & AAA It pays to be a AAA Member. On top of saving up to 20% on rental base rates, now you can save an additional $30 on weekly rentals.* Just include your AAA Club Discount Code 5 and PC 211950 when you book. Want even more perks? Join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® for free to get instant travel benefits and enjoy 1 free day after your first rental as a member.1 Join now: AAA.com/HertzGold Call: 800-654-3080 | Click: AAA.com/Hertz Visit: Your local AAA branch or your nearest Hertz neighborhood location *Offer ends 12/31/2026. Up to 20% discount will vary depending on location, date, length of rental, car class, & other factors. $30 on a weekly rental base rate, minimum 5 days. Discounts apply to Pay Later base rate. Taxes, fees, & options excluded. Promotion Code 211950 and AAA CDP# 5 must be provided at time of reservation for full offer discounts. This offer is available at participating Hertz locations in the US, Canada, & Puerto Rico. Age, driver, credit, & qualifying rate restrictions for the renting location apply. Advance reservation required. Offer not valid and rate change or additional fees may apply in the event of reservation modification, early / late vehicle return or if not returning vehicle to renting location. Valid on all car classes except large SUVs, minivans, & Dream. Offer has no cash value, and may not be used with other discounts, promotions, or special rates. Valid for vehicle pickups through 12/31/2026. Subject to availability, blackout periods, & additional restrictions. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card for identification. 1 The 1 free day rental offer is an exclusive offer for AAA members who enroll at AAA.com/hertzgold. Valid for new Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® (HGPR) members only. Free rental day will be awarded in the form of 950 Gold Plus Rewards points after the member’s first paid Hertz Gold Plus Rewards rental. Free day excludes taxes, fees, & options. © 2026 Hertz System, Inc. All rights reserved. CS 1025031

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STAFF PUBLISHER Kristen Wilson EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Whitney Phaneuf DESIGN DIRECTOR Monica Ewing Jensen EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dan Miller MANAGING EDITOR LeeAnne Jones SENIOR EDITOR April Kilcrease CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Mandy Ferreira, Emma Silvers EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Nai Saeyang PHOTO EDITOR Maggie Perkins ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION MANAGER

Natasha Alcalá SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST Amy Mackey Rice

CONTACT Via Editorial Address all mail to Via, AAA, P.O. Box 24502, Oakland, CA 94623, or viamail@viamagazine.com. Your input may be edited and published in print or online. Via Advertising Address all mail to Via Advertising, AAA, P.O. Box 24502, Oakland, CA 94623. Fax (510) 899-0525. Change of address Allow four weeks’ advance notice. Contact AAA at (800) 922-8228. Manuscripts and photos Query first; Via assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material. Reprints from Via Contents copyrighted 2026 AAA Mountain West Group. No part of Via may be reprinted without written permission.

→ Answer to Where in the West

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10/9/26 2:00 PM

CONTENTS Winter 2026 | Vol. 148 | No. 4

DEPARTMENTS

6 President’s Letter

How AAA Travel helps Members—and staff— navigate the unexpected.

8 Member News

New and relocated branches, AAA advocates for safer roads, an honor from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and more.

Four winter wonderlands invite you to explore more deeply on snowshoes.

13 Behind the Wheel

Everything you need to know about winter tires, the best time to buy a used car, roadside safety tips, and more.

Visiting Wyoming’s serene National Elk Refuge; your favorite museums; an intro to snowshoeing; holiday sweet treats; a drive through southern Arizona highlights; Hallmark vibes in Whitefish, Mont.

62 Events Calendar

Wherever you are in the West, there’s fun to be found.

FEATURES

C OVER STORY

Road-Trip Wish List From Reno–Tahoe thrills to a summer jaunt around southern Alaska, these seven essential Western road-trip loops should be top contenders in your 2027 vacation planning.

BY P E T E R F I S H

Railway Renaissance On Europe’s legendary train lines, history unfolds outside the windows as you chug through mountains and over rivers. Whether budget-friendly or black-tie, there’s a rail journey fit for your travel dreams. BY K E R I D W E N C O R N E L I U S

64 Where in the West

This alpine lake has dramatic peaks—and dramatic history.

O N THE COVER East Tunnel

cuts through Piegan Mountain on the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Page 42.

DIGITAL EXTRAS Find these stories and more at AAA.com/via ← 8 Best Holiday

Train Rides in the West

10 Must-Have Winter Items to Keep in Your Car

Where to See the Most Festive Holiday Lights

The Polar Express rolls off the page and into real life, with festive excursions at these notable railways.

You may keep an ice scraper in your car, but how about cat litter? Learn how to build the best snow tool kit.

These professional light displays around the West delight with the precision of The Nutcracker ballet.

Scan to enjoy these online-only stories and more.

TOP: STEPHEN MATERA / TANDEM STOCK; BOTTOM: CALIFORNIA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM / KELLY HUSTON; COVER: DIFFERENT_BRIAN / ISTOCK

29 On the Road

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10/9/26 2:00 PM

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Navigating the unexpected with AAA Travel

Serving AAA Members in seven states:

arlier this year, I found myself sitting in an airport terminal with my family, waiting for a connecting flight to Budapest for a long-awaited vacation. We were soon to embark on a European river cruise we had spent a year planning. Then came the update: Record-low river levels across Europe meant our ship wasn’t going anywhere. Just like that, our Plan A dissolved into thin air. If you’ve ever had a major vacation thwarted at the starting line, you know the feeling. But thankfully I had booked our trip through AAA Travel, and before panic could set in, our AAA Travel Advisor quickly pivoted. Before our plane even touched down in Hungary, they had booked a new incredible multicity rail itinerary across Europe, while also securing our spots for a future cruise. We traded the river for the rails, and our surprise Plan B turned into one of the most extraordinary trips we’ve ever shared. As it turns out, rail travel is currently experiencing a true revival across Europe. In this issue of Via, we take a look at some of these legendary tracks in the feature “Railway Renaissance” (page 54). I encourage you to discover how traveling by rail can be transportive in more ways than one. My unexpected detour reminded me why we do what we do at AAA Mountain West Group. When you book travel with us, our advisors do more than process reservations. They anticipate roadblocks, navigate complex logistics, and give you total peace of mind. Their deep industry expertise and global network of travel partnerships lets them deliver uncompromised service excellence. As we enter the holiday season, many of us are searching for meaningful gifts for the people who matter most. It’s easy to wrap up another gadget that will eventually end up in a closet. But the gift of AAA Memberships offers something far greater: security on the road, peace of mind every day, an entire world of discounts and rewards, and of course, incredible travel benefits when you need them the most. At the end of the day, cars get us where we need to go, but the journeys we share with the people we love define where we’ve been. As you gather with loved ones for this year’s holidays, I wish you safe travels, warm memories, and incredible adventures on the road ahead.

MARSHALL L. DONEY PRESIDENT AND CEO

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Better views. Better value. Find the vacation that fits you best when you book with our expert Travel Advisors. Be sure to ask about our Best Price Guarantee.1

Earn cash back on all purchases when you use your AAA Visa Signature® credit card.*

SeeVpage 7 I A | 24Wfor I Nmore T ER information. 2 0 26

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MEMBER NEWS

Member News

• M E M B E R B E N E FI T S • E XC L U S I V E O FFE R S • C L U B U P DAT E S • A A A M I L E S TO N E S

New year travel perks

Springtime views of Japan’s Mount Fuji and the Chureito Pagoda.

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TRAVEL MANIA / ADOBE STOCK

With 2027 on the horizon, now is the time to turn your travel dreams into reality. Connect with AAA Travel Advisors to unlock exclusive early-booking savings, maximum destination availability, and special partner offers from world-class cruise lines, tour operators, and resorts. Whether you’re craving a tropical midwinter escape or securing your spot for a bucket-list European voyage later in the year, there’s no reason to wait to give yourself something extraordinary to look forward to. Check out the deals at AAA.com/travel or chat with your AAA Travel Advisor today at (888) 599-4222.

10/1 /26 2: 2 PM

MADD partnership

New and improved branches We’re always looking for opportunities to improve how we serve Members, including where our branches are located and how they’re designed. We’re excited to announce a brand-new location opening in Las Vegas, Nev., a newly remodeled location in Oakland, Calif., and branch relocations in Elk Grove and Woodland, Calif. All proudly serve their communities with the legacy of trusted service you’ve come to expect from AAA. That includes management of car, home, and life insurance, plus travel planning, free passport photos, and notary services. Stop by, say hi, and ask about exclusive Member discounts at local businesses. The locations are: 7935 Blue Diamond Rd., Las Vegas, NV 1982 Pleasant Valley Ave., Suite A, Oakland, CA

PHONE: CARKHE / ADOBE STOCK

8235 Laguna Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 2115 Bronze Star Dr., Suite 180, Woodland, CA

At AAA, dedication to road safety goes beyond Roadside Assistance. Through a five-year partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), AAA aims to reduce impaired driving–related injuries and fatalities by 20%. That commitment is making an impact: MADD Northern California recently honored AAA Mountain West Group with its Community Champion Award. By combining AAA resources with MADD’s advocacy, we are turning research and action into lifesaving results for the communities we serve.

New account features Managing your Membership online is better than ever, thanks to an updated My Account portal. The efficient design gives Members more control over their information while saving them time. Updates include streamlined profile and data management, making it easy to add household Members and adjust notification preferences. A new billing dashboard consolidates payment information for all AAA products into one clear view. Digital Membership cards are available to store in your mobile wallet, so proof of coverage is always at hand.

Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus (center) with Michelle Donati and Wendy Gutshall of AAA Mountain West Group.

Advocating for safer roads AAA Mountain West Group representatives recently met with congressional offices from Arizona, Northern California, Nevada, Montana, and Wyoming in Washington, D.C. The team advocated for the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act, which funds federal surface transportation (highway, public transportation, and rail), and championed key AAA safety initiatives, including impaired driving prevention and protecting roadside workers.

Share your thoughts

Send comments or questions to viamail@viamagazine. com or Via, AAA, P.O. Box 24502, Oakland, CA 94623. Your input may be edited and published in print or online.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

AAA.com/ facebook

AAA.com/ instagram

AAA.com/ pinterest

AAA.com/ youtube

A A A | VIA

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10/1 /26 10:3

MEMBER NEWS

Catch up on Season 3 of the Via Podcast

8-time award winner!

WHAT MEMBERS ARE SAYING EP

Discover the Real Route 66 Still a weird and wild ride.

The Great Wolf Comeback What led to their remarkable return.

Searching for Sasquatch Follow the legend through the forest.

“Excellent content, fantastic information, and a great snapshot of travel in the American West.”

INDUSTRY ACCOLADES • 2026 SATW Lowell Thomas Silver • 2026 Webby Finalist • 2025 Gold Signal (Talk Show) • 2025 Gold Signal (Arts & Culture)

The Native Food Revival The best Indigenous restaurants.

Dive Into Mermaid Magic They swim in unexpected places.

Coast Through Skate Culture How skateboarding shaped the West.

• 2024 Silver Signal (Lifestyle) • 2024 Silver Signal (Editing) • 2024 Stevie Award for Women in Business • 2024 Ragan PR Daily Award

HOW TO LISTEN Scan the QR code or visit AAA.com/podcast

7 10

Wonderfully Weird Museums Don’t forget to pack your curiosty.

Lively Day of the Dead Festivals A vibrant celebration of life.

Ghost Hunting in Hollywood Where to spot celebrity specters.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JAMES BUETI; DANITA DELIMONT / ADOBE STOCK; LOGAN BUSH / SHUTTERSTOCK; CLAY WILLIAMS; ANDRIY NEKRASOV / SHUTTERSTOCK; FILEDIMAGE / ADOBE STOCK; ©2026 AMERICAN COMPUTER MUSEUM LTD/JESSIE MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY; KISELEV ANDREY VALEREVICH / SHUTTERSTOCK; SEANPAVONEPHOTO / ISTOCK

All episodes streaming now

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10/1 /26 10: 3 M

War Between Financiers Creates First $11 Million Watch Impos sible ONLY Price

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“It is a beautiful timepiece that calls back to a time when craftsmanship was appreciated.” — F.A., Edina, MN

Inspired by the legendary $11 million Graves watch of 1933

n 1933, millionaire Henry Graves commissioned what many consider to be the most important watch ever built — a mechanical masterpiece that later sold at auction for more than $11 million before disappearing into a private vault. Today, few collectors will ever see the original again.

Fine automatics of this caliber often sell for thousands, but the Graves ’33 can still be yours for under $150. Supplies are limited, and once this special offering disappears, it might never return.

Inspired by that legendary timepiece, the Stauer Gold-Finished Graves ’33 Wristwatch revives the elegance and complexity of the famed original at a fraction of the cost. Its antique-style enameled dial features four interior complications, including day, date, 24-hour clock, and celestial sun and moon displays — details once reserved for the world’s elite.

• Day, date, 24-hour clock, sun and moon displays • 39 mm stainless steel case • Automatic movement water resistant to 5 ATM • 27-jewel movement • Croc-embossed brown leather band fits wrist size: 6 ½" - 9"

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1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: GVS150-01

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AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY®

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10/13/26 11:03 M

MEMBER NEWS

AAA services directory CAR

FINANCIAL

HOME

Roadside Assistance

Credit Card

Home Insurance

Nationwide coverage in any vehicle including towing, battery services, lockout assistance, and emergency fuel.

Mobile Battery Service Included with all Membership plans. A technician comes to you to test, jump-start, or install a new battery.

DMV/MVD Services State motor vehicle tasks (such as registration renewal) available inside select branches. Check before you go.

Auto Insurance Protect your car with affordable rates, great coverage, and fast, 24/7 claims support.

Auto Repair Network Get an exclusive Member discount and extended warranty on full service auto repair done by certified technicians.

Auto Buying

The AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card earns cash back on gas, EV charging, travel, restaurant meals, and more.*

Discounts & Rewards

Members save $220 annually, on average, by finding great deals on theme parks, restaurants, airport parking, car rentals, and much more.

The protection your home needs with savings you’ll love, like Member and bundle discounts.

Smart Home Security

Personalized and simplified home security, installed by a Certified Security Advisor and available with 24/7 monitoring.

PERSONAL

Travel Services

Direct access to Travel Advisors, travel insurance, and exclusive savings on cruises, car rentals, vacation packages, and more.

International Travel Essentials Passport photos (free for Members) and International Driving Permits are available at all branches.

School Safety Patrol

Before- and after-school programs and classroom resources that empower students to take an active role in safety at their school sites.

Car Seat Inspection

Free inspection of installation and usage by certified technicians. Membership not required.

Driver Training

Life Insurance T R AV E L

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Term and permanent policies that can help protect your loved ones through life-changing events.

Specialized programs for teens and adults, plus resources for mature driver safety.

Additional Insurance

From pet insurance to motorcycle or boat coverage, cover the valuables in your life.

Identity Protection

Free with Membership, ProtectMyID® Essential helps you stay safer online and reduces the risk of fraud.

Notary Services

Available to Members and non-Members, select branches offer personal transaction notary services.

COME VISIT US IN PERSON To find a

branch near you, visit AAA.com/branches.

ONLINE Scan the QR code below to find all of these resources and more.

Special program offers available to Members only through TrueCar.

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* See page 24 for disclosures and more information.

10/1 /26 10:00 M

Behind the Wheel

• CAR TECH • DRIVING TIPS • C A R B U YI N G • MEMBER QUESTION

Car Buying

COURTESY SUBARU

Mountain-ready ride Whether you live somewhere snowy or just head up to the mountains for the occasional weekend, you want a vehicle that can handle winter driving conditions safely and smoothly. The Subaru Forester—a compact SUV that’s a perennial favorite on car-buying site TrueCar—fits that bill perfectly. For starters, the Forester’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is on all the time; that isn’t always the case with other AWD vehicles. The Forester also sports steering-responsive headlights—handy for driving at night on twisty mountain roads. The Premium and

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higher trims offer Subaru’s X-Mode, which optimizes the transmission, braking, and engine output for steep or slick conditions. At the same time, the Forester is built to carry a crew, even if they’re encased in bulky winter gear. It has up to 110.8 cubic feet of total passenger volume; higher trims have heated rear seats. The steering wheel is heated, too. The windshield has de-icers that prevent the wipers from getting stuck to the glass in ice or snow. In other words, it’ll get you where you’re going, even when the weather outside is frightful. 2026 Subaru Forester

10/13/26 10:16 M

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Car Tech

The risks of diagnostics With an OBD-II scanner, you can probe your car’s computer to understand error codes. But should you? BY C H R I S TO P H E R N U L L

OBD-II scanners let you access data from sensors in your vehicle.

automotive diagnostics. It’s been a mandated feature in all cars sold in the United States ever since. Access to the information that’s available on a car’s computer requires a device—known variously as an OBD-II scanner or OBD-II code reader—that plugs into this port. While originally marketed to auto technicians, these scanners are now widely available to consumers. Current models range from the $60 Gooloo DS200 to the $899 Innova 7111 and beyond, with myriad options in

between. Some are quite basic, letting you read the error codes the engine’s sensors have generated. Others are more advanced, allowing you to actively test engine components. All of them let you find out what prompted that CHECK ENGINE light without taking your car to a mechanic. The question is, should you use one yourself?

An auto repair essential

OBD-II scanners are an invaluable part of every professional technician’s

ANDREY_POPOV / SHUTTERSTOCK

eek under the steering wheel of your car, and you’ll likely see a chunky connector that looks a bit like the jaws of a plastic monster. This is your car’s OBD-II port (“OBD” stands for “onboard diagnostics”), the gateway to the computer that monitors and controls your vehicle’s operation. While data access has existed on passenger vehicles in some form since the 1980s, the now-ubiquitous OBD-II port began in 1996 as part of a federal law designed to standardize

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KANGWANS / SHUTTERSTOCK

Trained mechanics know how to interpret and respond to error codes.

tool kit, but they’re also increasingly common in the garages of weekend warriors. Without one, there’s no way to understand what’s happening inside your vehicle and its hundreds of onboard sensors. At its simplest, when you plug a scanner into the port, it will show you an error code—something like P0141. You can then look up that code online to find out what it means. (AAA has a lookup tool at AAA.com/autorepair/ codetranslator.) For example, if you plugged in P0141, you would learn that your engine is reporting an issue with its oxygen sensor heater circuit. But it’s one thing to know why the CHECK ENGINE light came on. It’s another to know what to do with that information. David Bennett, director of automotive growth and experience for AAA and a master certified auto technician, says that car owners often jump to conclusions when they get an error code translation. And that leap can get them into trouble. “Once a technician has an error code, they will start down a diagnostic tree to understand the reason the code

translation of a code like P0457— EVAP system leak detected— might sound scary, but it usually just means the gas cap is loose. Having a code scanner on hand can be helpful, but only if you have the proper service manuals and the restraint to avoid making decisions without fully understanding the problem. Another issue with code scanners, says Bennett, is that they can be used to clear codes and turn off warning lights, even if the underlying problem hasn’t been fixed. That can blind the user to serious problems that could become worse over time if they’re left unfixed. Bennett also notes that a CHECK ENGINE light can indicate problems with multiple systems; technicians know how to follow the process of diagnosing and correcting them in the right order. An amateur is less likely to understand those intricacies.

came on,” says Bennett. “A reference manual will walk them through a series of specific tests. For example: ‘Check the voltage here; if it’s out of specification, do this next.’” Unfortunately, many do-it-yourselfers skip all of that. Instead, they Do you need an OBD-II translate the code, then use that inforscanner? mation to make rash decisions. The So is there any reason for the average error code says there’s a problem with car owner to use a diagnostics code the oxygen sensor? Some of those reader? “Not really,” says Bennett, DIYers might replace the whole thing. “unless you want to tell the technician “They don’t understand that the what the code is when you get to a issue involves something with that repair facility, or you want to do some sensor’s subsystem, not research online beforenecessarily that single hand.” Even if you do tell AAA MEMBER component,” says Bennett. your mechanic about an BENEFIT In other words, a single error code that you found error code can be tripped with your own reader, by any one of several they’ll still do a scan underlying problems. themselves to verify it. Because of this, “The bottom line is Bennett says that OBD-II that this kind of informaGet quality auto code readers can quickly tion can be nice to have,” repair and exclusive get tinkerers into trouble, says Bennett, “as long as Member savings convincing them to you don’t get yourself to keep your car road-ready. replace components that sideways with it and start are working just fine or buying parts you don’t → AAA.com/ repairshops making repairs that don’t need whenever a code need to be done. The pops up.” ●

Find an Auto Repair Center

A A A | VIA

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Your battery rescue is on the way.

We’ll meet you for a test, jump start, or install of a new battery— bringing you Member savings and a three-year warranty.

Scan or visit AAA.com/CarBattery to learn more. © 2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to battery vary see page 24 for details. 1off 6erings, V I A and | W I N Tby ERstate; 2 0 26

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Earn cash back on all purchases when you use your AAA Visa Signature® credit card.*

See page 24 for more information.

10/13/26 11: 0 M

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Driving Tips

remaining choice is to move over as far to the right as you can. While making this maneuver, avoid hard braking. “If your car stalls out while you’re traveling, many people immediately go for the brake,” says Joe Bassett, founder of outdoor company Valiant Outfitters and co-author of Emergency Communication 101. “But the best thing to do is let off the gas and coast over onto the shoulder to get out of the way.” You might be tempted to pull over as quickly and abruptly as possible. But driving carefully is more important than speed in this case, in order to avoid a crash.

Contact AAA Pull over first, then call for AAA Emergency Road Service.

What to do when your car breaks down Pull over, call for help, and stay put. BY M E L A N I E LO C K E RT

Y PURESMILE / ISTOCK

our car can break down anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire on the way to work or major mechanical issues in the middle of nowhere while on vacation, being stranded on the side of the road is a stressful, dangerous experience. Knowing what to do when a breakdown happens will protect you, your passengers, other drivers, and roadside responders.

Pull over carefully

When your car first begins to malfunction, the loss of control is alarming. The key is to stay calm when you realize it’s happening.

Once you’re safely parked on the side of the road, it’s time to call for aid. Luke Lipparelli, vice president of road service operations at AAA Mountain West Group, says, “Remain in your vehicle with your seat belt on while immediately calling for Roadside Assistance.” (The best ways to do so are by dialing 800-AAA-HELP on your phone or by using the AAA Mobile app.) When you make the call, provide as many details as possible, including:

• the issue with your car Once you have acknowledged that • the name of the highway you’re on you need to pull over, the first thing to • the nearest mile marker do is turn on your hazard lights to • your direction of travel alert other drivers. Then you should • the closest exit identify the safest spot to pull over, • a description of your car based on the issue and where you are on the road. Stay safe If you can do so safely As you’re waiting for AAA MEMBER BENEFIT and have time, your first help, you might feel like choice should be moving to getting out of the vehithe nearest exit or rest stop. cle. But your best bet is If that isn’t possible, the to stay in it. “Your safest next best choice is to pull place is really in the car Get a tow, jump over to a paved shoulder itself,” says David start, new battery, or where you can park and call Bennett, automotive help with a lockout. for assistance. If the shouldirector at AAA. → AAA.com/ der is narrow, unpaved, Staying put until roadside or nonexistent, your only help arrives is usually

Roadside Assistance

A A A | VIA

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10/21/26 1:0 PM

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best, because getting out exposes you to danger from oncoming traffic and creates potential visibility issues for other drivers. While you’re waiting, keep your seat belt on and lock the doors. If you have kids in the car, make sure they have their seat belts on; if you have pets, be sure they are restrained. Even though you’re not in motion, wearing a seat belt matters because your vehicle could get hit by a distracted driver. There are some exceptions to the stay-put rule: You should get out of the car if it’s on fire, if there’s smoke coming out of it, or if you’re in immediate danger of some other kind. The general guideline: “Exit your vehicle only when absolutely necessary,” says Lipparelli. If that necessity does arise, he says, “step out on the side away from oncoming traffic and move as far away from traffic as possible.” Whatever you do, he warns, do not stand next to your vehicle or walk along the side of the road. You might be tempted to try to fix the issue yourself, but Bassett recommends not attempting repairs unless you’re a skilled mechanic. “I have seen people get out and, not realizing what they’re doing, accidentally short out the battery and get electrical burns,” says Bassett. While you’re waiting for the emergency responder to show up, Bennett recommends letting a family member or friend know about your situation. Reassure them that you’re safe and have called for help. Give them the same location details you provided when you requested Roadside Assistance. After you’ve contacted AAA, wait times can vary. When the responder does get there, follow their directions. “When help arrives, we recommend staying put and waiting for instructions, to ensure your safety,”

says Lipparelli. “Our goal is to provide assistance as quickly and safely as possible to get you moving and back on the road.” To help keep everyone safe when there is an incident on the roadside, all drivers should follow AAA’s “Slow Down, Move Over” guidance: When you see a vehicle or emergency responders on the shoulder, slow down as much as you can and, if possible, switch lanes away from the stranded car. ●

Set reflective triangles where other drivers can see them in time to react.

Tips for avoiding or managing a car breakdown • Don’t let your vehicle’s gas drop below a quarter tank.

• Regularly check its tire pressure.

• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

• Keep in your vehicle: water,

nonperishable snacks, a flashlight, batteries, a power bank for your phone, jumper cables, reflective triangles, a bright vest, and a first-aid kit.

AOGREATKIM / ISTOCK

Find Your

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Driving Tips

©PNTS

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10/1 /26 12:3 PM

Save on expert car care. Get exclusive Member benefits at a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop near you.

Earn cash back on all purchases when you use your AAA Visa Signature® credit card.* See page 24 for more information.

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Scan or visit AAA.com/VisitAAR to find a shop near you. © 2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to Auto Repair offerings; see page A A A24| for V Idetails. A 19

10/13/26 11: 1 M

Drive with confidence. Stay road-ready with convenient DMV/MVD services, auto buying resources, and driver education courses.

Scan or visit AAA.com/Automotive to learn more. © 2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to0Automotive offI N erings; page 24 for details. 2 VIA | W T ER see 2 0 26

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Earn cash back on all purchases when you use your AAA Visa Signature® credit card.*

See page 24 for more information.

10/13/26 11: 6 M

BEHIND THE WHEEL | Car Buying

If you don’t need a vehicle right away, timing your purchase can save money.

The used car calendar The best time to get the best deal? Opinions vary. BY K AT H L E E N P E N D E R

SOFIIA SHUNKINA / ADOBE STOCK

avvy shoppers know that timing matters. You can get a great deal on a big-screen TV just before the Super Bowl, and they’re practically giving away cut trees on Christmas Eve. But what about buying a used car? The best time to start shopping for a vehicle is before your old one gives out. You can always research models and compare prices now, so as to avoid making a rushed decision when you suddenly need a new set of wheels to get to work on Monday. But what if you can afford to wait? Is there a

specific time of year when it’s best to buy? Industry observers say yes— but they disagree about when that is.

Buy when it’s cold outside

Many automotive experts agree that you’re more likely to score a good deal on a used car in fall and winter. The reason: There is usually greater supply and less demand then, due in part to inclement weather and holiday spending. The worst periods are spring and summer, when warm weather and tax refunds bring out more buyers.

“As the average temperature goes up, so does the price of cars,” says Karl Brauer, executive analyst with iSeeCars, an auto-listing site. A study based on used-car listing prices by iSeeCars found that January, February, and December (in that order) are the months when you are most likely to find a car advertised at least 10% below its estimated fair market value. By the same token, the worst months to get a good deal are (in order) June, May, and July. “It’s pretty much clockwork in new and used markets: Prices bottom out A A A | VIA

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BEHIND THE WHEEL | Car Buying

Used car prices wax and wane with demand, which fluctuates all year.

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November through March, then go up as tax returns start to come in,” Brauer says.

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End-of-year turnover

A recent analysis of transaction prices by Edmunds, the automotive reference guide, came to a slightly different conclusion. Edmunds determined that October and November are the best months to buy a used car. One explanation for that: It’s when dealers push model-year closeouts and year-end promotions on new cars. These deals often entice used-car buyers to spring for a new vehicle instead. That, in turn, eases demand for used ones and improves pricing. The best holiday to buy, Edmunds found, is the day after Thanksgiving—Black Friday. All that said, December can also be a good month for people who have the time and money to shop for a

used car, says Ivan Drury, Edmunds’ director of insights. Dealers get antsy to sell before January, because that’s when cars turn a calendar year older, which changes buyer perceptions. (Remember that a vehicle’s model year and the calendar year it was released are not always the same.) He says that January is “still a decent month” because there is less competition. “It’s a high-expense month, people are paying off Christmas and Thanksgiving travel and gifts.” According to Edmunds, the worst time to buy is tax season, from March through April. “There are more buyers to contend with and dealers know people have more money,” Drury says.

This year’s models

New-car dealers get most of their used-car inventories from customer

10/1 /26 10:3

JONATHAN WEISS / SHUTTERSTOCK

GASOLINE

trade-ins, lease returns, and vehicles they purchase from individuals, other dealers, or at auctions. As a result, “used car availability will follow new car activity,” says David Meese, managing partner with Volvo Cars in Walnut Creek and Dublin, Calif. Used-car sales by independent dealers and private parties are less tied to new-car sales. But they are still correlated because of the influence of new-car dealers on the prices of used vehicles. That’s one reason why independent automotive analyst Brian Moody believes the best time to buy a used car (up to 5 years old) is late summer to end of year, when dealers begin to clear out their current models to make way for the new ones. This is especially true if a car has been redesigned for the new model year. Say a dealer has a vehicle that looked identical from 2023 to 2027, but is redesigned for 2028. “In most cases,” Moody says, “those 2023 to 2027 models will look outdated and begin to lose value.”

are fewer shoppers and better supply hence new-car activity and trade-ins have increased, that is the end of December,” he says. The used-car cycle doesn’t vary much by geography or car type, with a few exceptions. Demand for convertibles, sports cars, and familyvacation vehicles such as SUVs spikes in the spring and summer, Karl Brauer says. Similarly, there is more demand for four- and all-wheel-drive vehicles in snowy places as winter approaches. A flood of electric vehicles is expected to hit the used-car market over the next 12 to 18 months, as people who leased EVs before the federal tax credit ended abruptly in September 2025 return them to dealers. “You could argue that three years from August or September of 2025, there will probably be an extra large number of EVs coming off lease,” Brauer says.

Why wait?

With varying opinions on when usedcar prices might be best, it may not be worth waiting for a theoretically perfect time to buy. Selection versus price “Unlike new cars, where you might If you are searching for a specific score a better deal at the end of the used car, then selection could matter month or end of the year, for the most more to you than price. In that case, part, the best time to buy a used car you might want to scour dealer lots is when you find the one you want after their busiest new-car sales perithat meets your needs and budget,” ods, when their used-car inventory is says Matt Degen, senior editor for likely to be greatest, says Meese, the Kelley Blue Book. Volvo dealer. Postponing your purMeese says that for chase also poses a risk. “If most brands, new-car AAA MEMBER you have a trade-in, for activity peaks around BENEFIT example, it’s only going to Memorial Day, Fourth of continue to depreciate July, Labor Day, and every month that you Christmas to New Year’s. wait,” says Jeff Bartlett, Those times might not all Let us help you managing editor for autos offer the best pricing, howfind your next new or used car. at Consumer Reports. ever. If you are looking for → AAA.com/ “Which, of course, will “that moment a few times autobuying eat into your potential a year when there is a little savings.” ● less demand because there

TrueCar Auto Buying

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Insurance. Products and their features may not be available in all states; all policies are subject to policy terms, underwriting, guidelines, and applicable laws; other terms, conditions, and exclusions may apply; for more information regarding your eligibility for certain coverages and savings opportunities, please contact your AAA agent. For more information, visit mwg. aaa.com/insurance. Auto and Home Insurance provided by CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer. Life Insurance underwritten and annuities offered by AAA Life Insurance Company, Livonia, MI. Credit Cards. *Offer is exclusive to AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card or AAA Daily Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card holders enrolled in the AAA Travel Advantage or AAA Daily Advantage Rewards program. Cash Back can be redeemed as Statement Credits, Direct Deposit, Rewards, and qualifying purchases at participating AAA locations. This rewards program is provided by Comenity Capital Bank and its terms may change at any time. For full Rewards Terms and Conditions, please see aaa.com/advantagetravelterms or aaa. com/advantagedailyterms. Credit card offers are subject to credit approval. AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card or AAA Daily Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card Accounts are issued by Comenity Capital Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license. Battery. Batteries available for most—but not all—vehicles and may be out of stock or unavailable at the time of service Services vary by location; only battery jump-starts available in Wyoming; certain restrictions apply. Member pays for the new battery; some battery installations may require additional fees. Valid AAA Membership required. AAA does not provide battery replacement services for EV or hybrid vehicles. Batteries For more information, visit mwg.aaa.com/automotive/roadside/mobile-battery. For AAA battery warranties, visit aaa. com/batterywarranty. Auto Repair. AAA Owned & Operated: Featured offers (coupons) are valid at AAA Mountain West Group owned and operated AAA Auto Repair Centers in Arizona, Northern California, and Nevada, and may not be combined, unless stated on the specific offer. Excludes commercial use, oversized and diesel vehicles, and motorcycles. Must present a coupon at time of service, one coupon per customer. All offers are subject to change and may expire without notice.Specific terms/conditions for offers (coupons): 1 Valid AAA Membership Card required. Extended warranty is 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first). Membership benefits of extended warranty and labor discount may be combined with one other offer. 2 Synthetic blend, full synthetic, and specialty oil changes include up to 5 quarts of oil. Additional cost for oil over 5 quarts. Specialty filters extra. Offer excludes diesel vehicles. Does not include tax or hazardous waste disposal fee. 3 Promotion excludes brake fluid exchanges. Does not include tax or other fees. 4 Subject to in-store equipment availability. Additional charges may apply to vehicles equipped with stability control systems. Additional charges may apply to ADAS-equipped vehicles. Offer not valid for vehicles with after-market suspension upgrades. Does not include tax or other fees. 5 Does not include tax or other fees. To see the AAA Auto Repair Center California Bureau of Auto Repair (BAR) registration information, visit AAA.com/AutoRepairBAR. For more information on MWG owned and operated AAA Auto Repair, visit AAA.com/Repair. To learn about AAA Approved Auto Repair, visit AAA.com/VisitAAR. Travel. AAA Member services, savings on guided tours, receipt of onboard spending money on cruises, hotel deals, resort package savings, and access to other exclusive resources require valid AAA Membership; other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply. To view all terms and conditions, visit AAA.com/Travel; for Best Price Guarantee1 visit AAA.com/ BestPriceGuarantee. Protection. Home security, identity protection, and auto-safety program offerings may vary, and terms, conditions, and limitations apply to each. Discounts & Rewards. Discounts and savings vary1|2|3; advertised savings applicable only to eligible charges; additional fees and taxes may apply. For full details, visit mwg.aaa.com/ membership/discounts, or see partner/retailer information accessible through this same webpage. Membership. For full terms and conditions for Membership and gifting, visit mwg.aaa.com/membership/terms-and-conditions. 24

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BEHIND THE WHEEL | Member Question

Unless you drive only on plowed roads, you’ll need some extra traction.

Driving in snow: Tires, cables, or chains

If you’re new to navigating wintry conditions, here’s what you need to know about traction devices. BY D A N M I L L E R

LESPALENIK / SHUTTERSTOCK

I’m moving from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe at the end of the year. I’ve never lived where it snows, so I need to get ready for winter driving. I know I can get snow tires, but I don’t know when or how to use them. Or should I be thinking about some other solution? — S A R A H M .

If you’re trading the temperate California coast for the alpine Sierra, there’s a lot to look forward

to—crisp pine-scented air, spectacular views, easy access to the outdoors. But then there’s also winter driving. If you have little or no experience with it, driving in a snowy environment might seem daunting. But it’s like anything new: It just takes a bit of preparation. A big part of that preparation is making sure your vehicle’s tires are ready for the conditions. Trouble is, figuring that out isn’t necessarily as

clear as you might think. You have to consider several factors, including where specifically you’ll be driving and the kind of vehicle you have. For insight into how you might approach the problem in your particular case, we turned to Steven Sosa, a location manager for AAA Auto Repair in Santa Rosa, who has been in the tire industry since 1993.

The options: Tires and traction devices

First, let’s clarify the vocabulary. The terms “snow tire” and “winter tire” are used interchangeably. But “snow tire” often refers specifically to one that is aggressively knobby or studded. While such tires can still be effective for mud and heavy off-roading, they aren’t used as much these days for general driving on icy or snowy roads. “Winter tires” are the preferred solution for that. They’re similar to A A A | VIA

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BEHIND THE WHEEL | Member Question

Save at NAPA Auto Parts

able to get away with keeping your all-season tires on all year. Ideally, that would be a set rated for mud and snow, which has a more open, watershedding tread. (They should be marked “M+S” on the sidewalls.) With all-season tires, you could always pop on some cables for additional traction if snow does occasionally accumulate. But switching over to winter tires at the beginning of the season would be easier. Even with winter tires on your vehicle, you may need additional traction devices. If you’re using standard winter tires but have to climb deep ice or one of those especially steep hills, you might still need the additional grip of chains or cables. WHAT YOU’RE DRIVING Another variable to consider: the kind of car you’re driving—specifically, whether it’s two-wheel, all-wheel, or fourwheel drive. If you drive a two-wheel-drive vehicle, you are much more likely to need traction devices—cables or chains—on a regular basis. In that case, winter tires can certainly help but may not be a total replacement for chains or cables when conditions require them. Even four-wheel or all-wheel-drive

True snow tires have deep treads and knobby surfaces.

STOCKAH / ISTOCK

AAA MEMBER

BENEFIT regular all-season tires, How to choose except they use a softer, Your choice among these more flexible kind of various tire and traction rubber. That helps the alternatives will depend on tread bite into ice and several factors. snow, providing supeAAA Members save rior traction. WHERE YOU’RE DRIVING 10% on parts and That said, “even if If you’re living in a snowy accessories every you have the best winarea—as you will be—you day—in-store ter tires, you have to definitely want to think and online. be cautious,” Sosa says. about getting a set of winter → AAA.com/ “Winter tires handle tires. For those, Sosa sugnapa differently on dry pavegests following the “Thanksment. They grip differgiving-to-Tax-Day Rule,” ently, and you have to adjust your switching to winter tires around driving style.” Thanksgiving (or Halloween, if winAnd they aren’t appropriate yearter comes early), and keeping them round. If you drive winter tires on dry, on until the last threat of snow passes warm pavement—as you would on a in your locale—typically mid-April. sunny summer day in Tahoe—they will (If you were moving to a place like wear out incredibly fast. The rubber Alaska, you might want to adjust those will work too hard, grip the road too dates accordingly.) That should maxitightly, and degrade rapidly. mize the longevity of both your regular In addition to specialized tires, all-season tires and the winter ones. you’ve probably also seen traction Usually, you would buy a set of devices, which include old-fashioned winter tires and take them to a chains and more modern cables. mechanic or tire shop for installation Chains are no longer the only tracand removal. tion device you can put on and take off If you know that you’ll be driving at will, and they’re less commonly exclusively within a developed area— used than cables. They’re hard on the such as Tahoe City or South Lake road, and can be hard on the vehicle, Tahoe—where the roads are plowed too. They’re also difficult to install. and deiced constantly, you might be But their aggressive grip can be handy on any vehicle for driving on especially steep snow-covered roads or thick ice. Cables are now much more common. They’re relatively simple to install and easier on vehicles and roads. However, they’re best for driving on lighter snow; they don’t have the gripping power that chains do. You might have also heard about snow socks—lightweight, fabricbased alternatives to chains and cables. But Sosa views them with some skepticism: “I’ve only seen them one time by one of my vendors, and I’ve never seen them in action.” For Tahoe, it’s best to stick with the proven solutions: cables or chains.

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Where travel

Having the right tires is just one factor in driving safely in the snow.

vehicles may still occasionally need the extra traction of chains or cables in especially bad conditions. Note that many all-wheel-drive vehicles require special, low-profile traction devices; check your manual. Local authorities may sometimes declare that vehicles must either have traction devices installed or available—so you need to at least carry a set in your car all winter long.

Beyond the hardware

Regardless of what kinds of tires or traction devices you’re using, winter driving in the mountains is not just a more scenic version of fair-weather driving in lower elevations. Having the right equipment on your car is part of the adjustment. But there are other things you can do to stay safe:

GGUTARIN / ISTOCK

KEEP THE TANK FULL Sosa has a

golden rule for when his own kids drive from the Bay Area to Tahoe: “Stop in the foothills and gas up.” Even if your tank is half full, you should top it off. That also applies to people who live in the mountains full-time. If an accident shuts down the road for hours, that gas will keep

caND26_BTW_MemQ.indd 27

your engine running, your heater on, and you safe.

BECOMES A TREASURED STORY

CARRY AN EMERGENCY KIT You should always carry blankets, water, and extra warm clothing in your vehicle. If you get stuck on a mountain pass during a blizzard, temperatures can drop fast, and things can get dangerous quickly. KNOW YOUR LIMITS If the weather

is impacting road conditions, and you don’t have to drive, don’t. Sometimes the smartest winter driving decision is to stay safe and warm indoors and wait for the plows. By respecting the conditions, equipping your vehicle correctly, and preparing for the worst-case scenario, you should be ready for whatever winter throws your way. ●

HAVE A CAR QUESTION? Got a question about maintaining your car? Email us at viamail@viamagazine. com. Your question may be answered in a future edition of Via.

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On the Road

• V I E W FI N D E R

• LOCAL

• MEMBERS’

FL AVO R

FAVO R I T E

• THE DRIVE

• GET OUTSIDE

• WEEKENDER

Viewfinder

Serene sanctuary Every winter, some 7,000 elk roam the

and in 1912 Congress created the 24,700-

National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyo., their

acre wildlife refuge.

breath steaming against the towering

Beginning in mid-December, get within a few dozen feet of the antlered beauties

just a stop on their way to more far-flung

on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Bring a blan-

ranges. But in the late 1800s, development

ket to stay cozy and keep your eyes (or bin-

in Jackson Hole disrupted their migration,

oculars) trained on the horizon for other

and herds started settling in for the season.

residents like bison, moose, bald eagles,

By 1889, as many as 50,000 elk regularly

and gray wolves. Prefer to sightsee in the

stayed here; then a series of brutal winters

comfort of your own heated car? Take a

nearly wiped them out. Locals fed the sur-

3.5-mile drive along Refuge Road, where

vivors and clamored for their protection,

you’re likely to spot bighorn sheep, too.

REIMAR / SHUTTERSTOCK

Tetons. This snow-covered valley was once

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ON THE ROAD | Members’ Favorite

“Cody, Wyo., was founded in 1896 by Buffalo Bill Cody, famous for his Wild West shows, live performances of Western lore that toured the United States and Europe over a century ago. His amazing life story is aptly displayed in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The extensive five-in-one museum also showcases the Plains Indians, whose homeland was the setting of the Wild West shows; the natural history of the region; the art of the region; and a firearms collection claimed to be one of the largest in the nation.” —STEVE BAKER

Where to dive deep into cultural history, from fine art to niche interests. “Who would expect to find a fine arts museum in the heart of the California’s agricultural Central Valley? The Haggin Museum in Stockton was apparently no surprise to Ronald Reagan, who borrowed Albert Bierstadt’s Looking up the Yosemite Valley from there to display inside the White House during his first term as president.” — D E B R A H Y M A N 30

Museum of Forest Service History

recently opened a new building: the National Conservation Legacy Center. Families and conservation enthusiasts will enjoy its immersive exhibits—like the 20-by-60 foot digital screen showing stunning images of our national forests—as well as an oversized lookout on the top level. The building itself is an exhibit, a gorgeous mass timber structure with treelike columns that make it seem like you’re walking through a forest.” —TO M M Y P E T E R S E N “My favorite will always be the

Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa

Rosa, Calif. Large, colorful statues of the familiar characters from Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip welcome you to the property. Inside, you can spend a long time perusing thousands of comic strips. They always bring me back to

the 1960s and ’70s, when I would read the daily wisdom of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Linus.” — L A U R I E B A R N A “Located in an old school building, in a small historic town away from the big cities, the Arizona Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale is so unexpected. The amount of copper art is amazing and beautiful! Pieces range from a Statue of Liberty replica to copper ceilings to a kitchen full of copper kitchenware. Plus, there are military, musical, and medical devices—too many objects to mention. It connects Arizona to its mining history, which continues today.” — C I N D A M O L I TO R I S “Utah’s pioneers came some 2,000 miles across the plains, walking, by wagon, or by handcart, between 1847 and 1869. Many of the items at the Pioneer Memorial Museum in

COURTESY BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST

Museums in the West

“In Missoula, Mont., the National

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10/19/26 9:

Salt Lake City came with them: furniture, quilts, toys, blacksmith items. The exhibit cases are filled with interesting artifacts that make one appreciate the hardship and struggles that the pioneers endured.” — K A N D I U F F E R “The Mob Museum in Las Vegas is the only one of its kind in the United States. There are many unique exhibits. The Prohibition-era section includes the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre with bullets, autopsy reports, and the Tommy gun used in the crime. The courtroom area recreates the site of the 1950s Kefauver hearings, where many mob crimes were tried on TV. The Tough Little Town exhibit has a lot of Las Vegas history. Actually, the whole building is an exhibit in itself: It was a post office in the 1930s—the basement is now a speakeasy—and a federal courthouse. It’s a great break from the casinos.”

COURTESY MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

— C A R O LY N W E AV E R

“Founded in 1883, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History in Pacific Grove, Calif., is one of the oldest natural history museums in the United States. The displays of rocks and shells are amazing and will delight collectors. There are very old collections of mounted insects and preserved birds and mammals of the area. People had different ideas about collecting back then—but these items were not discarded. Instead, they present a thought-provoking contrast to the presentations on current ecological challenges we face.” — E L L E N J A H N “Once a year, I go to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson. It’s one of the largest aviation museums in the world, with a huge outside area filled with aircraft and several hangars. During the summer, you can view part of the outside displays, duck into a cool hangar and enjoy the indoor displays, then hit another section of the

outside displays. The Tucson Military Vehicle Museum opened next door last year.” — D O N R I C H E Y “When I tell people about the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, Calif., I usually get the comment, “Oh, the car place?” It’s so much more, as over the years many wonderful additions have been made. Permanent exhibits include The Spirit of the Old West, Art of Africa, Into China, and World of Nature. In addition, it hosts rotating exhibits with themes such as American jukeboxes and antique gas pumps. And, yes, the car collection is still there, too!” — J U D I T H S C O T T

NEXT QUESTION What is your favorite garden to tour in the West, and why? Email us at otr@viamagazine.com. You may be quoted in a future issue.

“The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is an amazing place displaying musical instruments and history from all over the world. You are given headphones to hear the sounds as you walk past each display. Every genre is represented, and many of the instruments were played by top artists. There is a beautiful courtyard where live performances are occasionally held, as well as an indoor theater. You will see and hear musical instruments that you never even knew existed.” —BEVERLY ROBBINS

A A A | VIA

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10/13/26 1: 3 PM

ON THE ROAD | Get Outside

Chugach State Park

Coconino National Forest

In Anchorage’s “backyard wilderness,” tromp through a snow-draped boreal forest beneath the towering Chugach Mountains. Start at the Eagle River Nature Center and head out on the gentle 3-mile Albert Loop. The flat, groomed trail follows the icebound Eagle River as it cuts through a glacier-carved valley. Along the way, watch for gangly moose munching on willows and listen for the low, soft hoots of great horned owls.

The world’s largest unbroken swath of ponderosa pines ripples across the state. At the Arizona Nordic Village lodge near Flagstaff, wander beneath these Western icons—their 100-foot-tall trunks jutting like giant cinnamon sticks from the powdered-sugar snow. On sunny days, stop to press your nose into the bark for a whiff of butterscotch. Visitors can explore myriad well-marked trails, ranging from easy to difficult.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Feel the heat of an ancient volcano at Sulphur Works, the park’s only hydrothermal area open in winter. From the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, gradually climb 1 mile up the park highway (closed to cars during snow season). An otherworldly scene greets your arrival: pungent steam, rumbling and hissing fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and a rocky landscape streaked with yellow and orange mineral deposits.

At the Riverside Ski Trail, near the West Yellowstone visitor center, choose the 1.5mile Upriver loop or the 3.5-mile Downriver loop. Both offer a serene walk in one of our busiest national parks. You’ll pass slender lodgepole pine and the meandering Madison River, still flowing thanks to warm geyser water. Shaggy elk and frost-bearded bison enjoy these trails, too. If you see one, keep a respectful distance of at least 25 yards.

AL AS K A

CAL IFORNIA

Winter wander

Snowshoe past bubbling mud pots, butterscotchscented pines, and shaggy elk. BY JOE JAC KSON

nder a blanket of white, the landscape falls hushed. On snowshoes, you move slowly enough to hear its quiet symphony: the soft thump of snow sliding off a branch, a chickadee chattering, the crunch of your own oversized feet. Pause, and you might spot an ermine in its camouflaged coat or a porcupine munching high up in a conifer. For millennia, people have floated across the West’s deep snow in webbed frames—from 6-foot-long Athabascan racquets for traversing Alaska’s vast interior to the Ute’s smaller bear-paw style for threading Utah’s dense alpine forests. More recently, frontier mail carriers relied on snowshoes to fulfill their postal promise. Today’s lightweight snowshoes and groomed trails mean you don’t have to be a rugged adventurer to enjoy a winter walk. Set out on one of these park routes to discover the sport’s enduring magic.

Explore 10 miles of snowshoeonly trails near Flagstaff.

ARIZONA

MONTANA

TOP: @CASSIESCOMPASS; BOTTOM: AN PHAM

Wonder at the wild magic of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

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10/9/26 3:26 PM

Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.

On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.

26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise

ONLY $99

We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. C. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today! Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings

Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 " B. 18 Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 Complete Set** $747 * $249 +s&p Save $498 **Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings. Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collection.

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Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

Stau e r … A f f or d the E x tr a o r di n a r y .®

14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. SDT223-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

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ON THE ROAD | Local Flavor

Norte 54

SAN FRANC IS C O

Inspired by visits to her grandma in Mexico, Raquel Goldman creates modern takes on traditional sweets like rosca de reyes (a ring-shaped pan dulce shared on Three Kings Day) and airy buñuelos de viento (or wind fritters). Fried rosettes, like these buñuelos, are a holiday staple in many countries. For hers, Goldman dips an iron mold into vanilla batter, then plunges it into hot oil. She dusts each golden flower with cinnamon sugar. “I’m trying to recreate childhood memories using good ingredients,” she says. norte54.com

Pipeline Malasadas L AS VEGAS

You’ll never see malasadas (aka Hawaiian doughnuts) in a display case here. “We make them to order, so they’re always hot,” says owner and Native Hawaiian, Gayla Young. Portuguese workers brought the malasada to Hawaii in the 1800s as a pre-Lent indulgence. Today, the doughnuts are popular year-round there—and in Vegas, affectionately dubbed “The Ninth Island.” For Christmas, Pipeline offers chocolate mint–filled malasadas, while homesick Hawaiians crave those stuffed with pink guava and sprinkled with green matcha sugar. pipelinemalasadas.com

Pastry chefs and bakers keep cultural traditions alive with holiday confections. BY M A R I A C . H U N T

In December, order rosca de reyes and lacy buñuelos online from Norte 54 for pickup in San Francisco.

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ne bite of a holiday treat can carry you back decades— to a grandmother’s table, a childhood celebration, a place you once called home. Across the West, kitchens are rekindling yuletide traditions, producing beloved goodies based on recipes passed down through (and across) generations. Revel in a culinary flashback or create a fresh memory with one of these festive favorites, from Mexican cinnamon fritters to spicy German gingerbread.

DRAP ER, UTAH

The warm scent of a German Christmas wafts through Summer Pugh’s bakery outside Salt Lake City. Germans have been gaga for gingerbread, or lebkuchen, ever since medieval monks mixed traderoute spices (including cinnamon, cloves, and anise) into honey cakes. Pugh fell for the chewy crumb while living abroad as an Air Force kid. Her molasses-sweetened recipe is soft and aromatic. But it’s her expert icing that shines, on cookies and candy-studded gingerbread houses worthy of the storied Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. thegingerbreadcottage.com

MELISSA BARNES

Sweet season

The Gingerbread Cottage

10/21/26 1:1 PM

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10/13/26 11:03 M

ON THE ROAD | The Drive

Desert stars and sky islands in Arizona

This Tucson-area ramble showcases nature, culture, wine, and wildlife. BY R E N E E B R I N C KS

↓ 2. Sunsets and

stargazing

Take Highway 77 north to Oracle State Park, a wildlife refuge and International Dark Sky destination on 4,000 high-desert acres. Though the park closes at 4 p.m. in winter, stargazing events provide extended access. Watch for javelinas and Coues whitetailed deer before the sun slips behind the Santa Catalina Mountains, when the sky

↑ 1. Culinary bounty Tucson’s vibrant, 4,000-year culinary heritage earned it the first of just two UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designations in the United States. At Mission Garden, wander past cowpeas, purslane, and other plants that demonstrate how diverse communities—including Hohokam, Tohono O’odham,

blazes rose and purple. After dark, peer through telescopes and marvel at the Milky Way during star parties with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. Or, call to reserve an after-hours skyviewing spot. You’ll receive an access code to enter through a padlocked side gate. Bring your own binoculars, blanket, and hot chocolate for a truly stellar experience before returning to Tucson.

Mexican, and Chinese—have shaped local agriculture. Then, sample the city’s flavors. At Ursa, Aaron and June Lopez spotlight foraged Sonoran Desert ingredients like amaranth, yucca flowers, and wolfberries. John Martinez of Tito & Pep seasons mesquite-fired strip steak and slow-cooked charro beans with chile powder from nearby Santa Cruz county and Mexican oregano.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY VISIT TUCSON; MIKE WEASNER / VISIT TUCSON; ROGER PFEUFFER / VISIT TUCSON

olden sunshine gently warms the Sonoran Desert in November and December, just as much of the West bundles up. Enjoy the mild weather while exploring adobe-lined streets in Tucson, a brilliant launchpad for three short, scenic drives. This long-weekend itinerary hits southern Arizona’s seasonal high notes: saguaro trail to ski lift, winery patio to star field—sometimes in the same afternoon.

← 3. Biodiverse byway Head east to the Sky Island Parkway, named for peaks that rise dramatically from the surrounding desert “sea” and feature distinct ecosystems between top and bottom. Known locally as the Catalina Highway, the 27-mile route climbs some 6,000 feet from saguaro stands to pine, fir, and aspen forests. Pause at Windy Point to view jagged mountain ranges, tawny rock spires, and white-throated swifts. Higher up, near the alpine village of Summerhaven, watch for acorn woodpeckers and yellow-eyed juncos, the latter rarely seen elsewhere in the country. As you drive, listen to the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour (available as a mobile app) for details on the mountain’s layered life zones and its namesake, Sara Plummer Lemmon, a 19th-century botanist.

4. Sky ride and ski hill Continue through the Coronado National Forest to Mount Lemmon Ski Valley. In November, board the chairlift to glide over evergreens and aspens fading from their peak fall color. Once powder piles high enough to open the slopes, this is the southernmost ski area in the nation.

AAA CARDHOLDER BENEFIT

Save on your road trip Earn cash back on every purchase with the AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card.*

→ AAA.com/ travelcard

← 6. Vineyard feast

↑ 5. Winter in

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY VISIT TUCSON; JULIETTE BORDA; COURTESY LOS MILICS VINEYARDS; COURTESY ARIZONA OFFICE OF TOURISM

wine country

From Interstate 10, pick up the Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road (Highway 83). This two-lane byway winds south into rugged, rolling grasslands peppered with prickly pear clusters. Continue 25 miles to Sonoita, the heart of the Sonoita AVA (American Viticultural

Area), and cruise Highway 82 for more than 20 winery tasting rooms. Producers in this laidback, picturesque pocket of Arizona grow grapes in mineral-rich, gravelly loam soils at 4,500 to 5,200 feet in elevation. The resulting wines— mostly Rhone, Spanish, and Italian styles—are as rich and complex as the region’s microclimates.

* See page 24 for disclosures and more information.

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From Sonoita, follow Highway 82 east and weave 9 miles to Los Milics Vineyards. Here, winemaker Pavle Milic works with grape varieties like tropical petit manseng and vranac, known for its bold, blackberrylike qualities. In the sleek tasting room, sample flights or try seasonal meal pairings punctuated with fresh pumpkin curd or decadent chocolate ganache. (Winter gets busy, so reservations are key.) Extend your experience in one of nine casitas flanked by golden vineyards, where you can relax on a private patio as the constellations come out over the lowslung Mustang Mountains.

A A A | VIA

10/9/26 2:

ON THE ROAD | Weekender

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Hometown Olympic skier Maggie Voisin shopping at the Toggery; downtown dresses up for the holidays; in 1904, the Great Northern Railway arrived, and Whitefish became a bustling train hub.

As seasons turn, an already eye-popping mountain town becomes downright cinematic. BY C HRIS WO O LSTO N

n late fall and early winter, Whitefish, Mont., adds some serious Hallmark Christmas movie vibes to its mountain-town essence. Expect snow softly falling on Douglas firs, twinkling lights dangling across the main street, and enough steaming hot chocolate and friendly faces to melt a main character’s big-city cynicism. On Christmas Eve, there’s even a glowing torchlight parade down the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort, which Santa attends before handing out gifts to children. Even if you’re not ready to add an unlikely romance to the plot (despite all the ruggedly outdoorsy locals), a weekend in Whitefish could be the perfect feel-good holiday getaway.

Not just a mountain town, Whitefish sits on the shores of its namesake lake, a 7-mile-long gem carved by glaciers and filled with deep-blue water. Amble along the lake’s edge at Whitefish City Beach or Whitefish Lake State Park

to comb for colorful rocks or watch for bald eagles.

Whitefish Lake Charters

offers boating and fishing trips through November. The crew will happily fillet your trout, pike, or (yes) whitefish for you. You may see the first hints of ice by December, but come back later in the winter for reliable skating or ice fishing.

GATEWAY TO GLACIER About 30 miles from the west entrance to Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a great base camp for that must-see natural treasure. The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains open yearround (weather permitting) from West Glacier to glassclear Lake McDonald and its rainbow pebble beach; when you aren’t marveling at the white peaks, watch for moose nearby. Stomp around in snowshoes rented from Whitefish Outfitters & Tours (on your own or with a guide) or follow the well-traveled Apgar Bike Path through the forest.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BRIAN SCHOTT (2); ROBERT PAULUS / SHUTTERSTOCK

Whitefish, Mont.

LAKE LIFE

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Pistachiocrusted elk chop at Enga; passengers on Amtrak’s scenic Empire Builder can go from train car to chairlift in less than an hour; skate on (or stare into) frozen Whitefish Lake.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ANDREW CHAD MEDIA; BRIAN SCHOTT (2)

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HISTORIC TRACKS

TREE TIME

ELEVATED ROOMS

GIFTS GALORE

Whitefish has long been the state’s busiest Amtrak stop. Located on the scenic Empire Builder line, the 1927 Tudor-style depot was originally designed to evoke Glacier’s chalets. Fully renovated over 30 years ago by the Stumptown Historical Society (“Stumptown” was a Whitefish moniker during its logging heyday), it’s now home to the Whitefish Museum. A taxidermied furry trout—a joke inspired by local lore—gets much of the attention, but you’ll also see model trains, old-timey apothecary wares, and photos from early Whitefish in its rougher, stumpier days.

The city’s sawmills have closed, and today you can enjoy tall trees on long hikes or shady strolls. In early November, golden larches and aspens add their glow to the forests. After the leaves and larch needles fall, the deep greens of fir, pine, spruce, and cedar fill in the scene. Revel in all of the above, plus fabulous views of the Salish Mountains, along the 47-mile Whitefish Trail system, which has multiple access points around the lake. On snowy days, the Swift Creek Loop is good for easy walking on a gentle slope under the big cedars.

Just a few blocks from the depot, a new boutique lodge, Larch House, brings refined alpine design to the laid-back town. Each room features natural wood finishes and abstract paintings by Madeline Boyle (who also owns the downtown clothing store M. Studio). Gaze at Big Mountain from the heated rooftop pool or unwind by one of the courtyard firepits. Enga, the house restaurant, serves Swiss-meets-Montana fare, including schnitzel and pistachio-crusted elk chop. If your timing is right, say hi to Moose the Bernese mountain dog when you check in.

Downtown gets a festive glow-up with oversize ornaments decorating blocks of high-end shops. Find aprèsski sweaters, beanies, and wide-brimmed hats made of beaver felt at the Toggery. The family-run store has been a Central Avenue fixture for three generations. Peruse paintings of Glacier’s Mount Wilbur, bronze grizzlies, and sapphire rings at nearby Going to the Sun Gallery. Then, pop into Sappari to browse fashionforward accessories. On December 11, the Christmas Stroll turns up the cheer with line dancers, wagon rides, and roasted chestnuts. A A A | VIA

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A D V E RT I SE M E N T SUPERIOR, ARIZONA

Find your way to Superior Surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains and the wide-open landscapes of Tonto National Forest, Superior is the kind of place that invites you to leave the rush behind, look around and follow your curiosity. Start your day among towering canyon walls, desert trails and sweeping mountain views. Hike the Legends of Superior Trails, explore the wild beauty around Picketpost Mountain or wander through the world-renowned Boyce Thompson Arboretum, where desert plants from around the globe come together beneath an open Arizona sky. Then head downtown, where Superior’s colorful Main Street tells a different part of the story. Historic buildings are home to

locally owned restaurants, shops, galleries and gathering places, offering plenty of reasons to linger over lunch, browse for something unexpected or simply enjoy the character of this small mountain town. Superior is also a place shaped by generations of mining, culture and community, with stories waiting around nearly every corner. Just about an hour east of Phoenix, Superior feels surprisingly far from the pace of the city. Come for the adventure, stay for the scenery, food and history, and discover a place that rewards taking the road less traveled.

→ Plan your visit at SuperiorArizona.com

Elevate

your spirit

of adventure.

Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor activities or a tranquil escape to focus on your well-being, Superior offers the perfect backdrop for adventures that elevate your mind, body, and spirit. Uncover the hidden gem of Superior, Arizona where every s i Vineyard

Bruzz

path leads to a new adventure.

Main

SuperiorArizona.com Find us on social

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@visitsuperior

Street

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Supe

rior U

TV Re

ntals

Legends

of Super

ior Trails

Photo above: Hike Picketpost Mountain Trail

10/13/26 11:02 M

expe ri e nce

Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Office

E XPERIENCEC ASAG R ANDE .COM 575 N. MARSHALL STREET · CASA GRANDE, ARIZONA 85122 (520) 836-2125 · CASAGRANDECHAMBER.ORG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE  TOURISM OFFICE  VISITORS CENTER

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10/13/26 11:02 M

THE 2027

ROAD-TRIP WISH LIST Seven essential loops around the West. BY PETER FISH MAPS BY SCOTT SCHILLER

VIA | WINTER 2026

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The golden hour along Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

JUSTIN MULLET / STOCKSY

ight now, as winter approaches, your next road-trip vacation might seem far, far away. But this is actually the perfect time to start thinking about where you would like to go in 2027. To kick-start that process, we’ve come up with seven great road trips all over the American West. They range from weekend jaunts to week-plus journeys, from the Arizona desert to the Alaskan tundra. They take you to first-rate museums and Wild West cowboy bars, and let you savor Montana cherries and Navajo tacos. They’re all loops, so you’re always seeing something new. Study our routes, and think about where you’d like to go. Visualize sunrise from the rim of the Grand Canyon, a moose ambling along an Alaska highway, Old Faithful shooting high into the air. At some point, you’ll need to turn those dreams into concrete plans. But we’re not at that point quite yet. For now, there’s still time to dream.

A A A | VIA

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AL ASK A

You expect an Alaska road trip to be epic, wowing you with mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. This week-plus loop delivers all that and more: It’ll make your entire world feel a whole lot bigger. Start in Anchorage, where the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center provide excellent context for the drive to come. Head north through the fertile Mat-Su Valley to Talkeetna, invariably described as “quirky,” with its wilderness outfitters, log cabin brewpub, and the revered Nagley’s Store, which dates from 1921. From there, drive north into Denali National Park and Preserve. Of its namesake centerpiece, author John McPhee once wrote, “The mountain is a sky of rock, seemingly all above you, looming.” But the park is also about delicate wildflowers, vast boreal forest, and wildlife: Wolves, grizzly bears, and eagles are all (with luck) spottable from the park’s main road. Now the trip gets really adventurous. Head east on the mostly gravel Denali Highway through sprawling stands of spruce and tundra, the mighty Alaska Range rising to the north. At Paxson, follow the paved Richardson Highway south to Glennallen (a good overnight stop) and Valdez. The final stretch is especially breathtaking, with epic views of Worthington Glacier (one of the state’s most accessible) and the towering waterfalls of Keystone Canyon. 44

START/END

Anchorage

Perched on the edge of Prince William Sound, Valdez makes a great base from which to visit the massive, 400-square-mile Columbia Glacier; on the boat ride there, look for humpback whales gliding through the bay. From Valdez, a Marine Highway ferry carries you and your vehicle across the sound to Whittier. Then, it’s a 60-mile drive back to Anchorage.

DISTANCE

770 miles

WHEN TO GO

May–September

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Bridal Veil Falls plunging down the mountain next to Richardson Highway; a bull moose on the tundra in Denali National Park and Preserve; skiing to a glacier ice cave near Valdez.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: LMPLATT1 / SHUTTERSTOCK; PAUL TESSIER / STOCKSY; COOL SNAPS AK / SHUTTERSTOCK

INTO THE WILD AND BACK

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START/END

Flagstaff

DISTANCE

ARIZONA

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: KENNAN HARVEY / TANDEM STOCK; TERRI ATTRIDGE PHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK; LINDA HARMS / ALAMY

JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAST With a canyon that cuts dramatically through millennia and Native American culture reaching back centuries, this weeklong road trip reveals Arizona at its most eternal. Spreading beneath the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff has a wonderfully strollable downtown as well as two can’t-miss attractions: the Museum of Northern Arizona, with its superb collection of Pueblo art, and Lowell Observatory, where you can peer deeply into the city’s famously starry night skies. Then, it’s on to the Grand Canyon. Whether it’s your first visit or 10th, this place will stop you in your tracks, its Technicolor grandeur carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, which still curls and churns thousands of feet below. Don’t miss sunset from the Desert View Watchtower on the South Rim. Once you’ve got your breath back, head east into the Navajo Nation. The Cameron Trading Post is a great place for souvenirs—from Navajo textiles and jewelry to Grand Canyon shot glasses—and tasty Navajo tacos, made with fry bread in place of tortillas. Head northeast from there to Monument Valley. If you’re a movie buff, you might think you know this landscape from classics such as Stagecoach, The Searchers, and Forrest Gump. But you won’t be prepared for the real-life spectacle of Monument Valley Scenic Drive, where buttes and mesas rise taller than any IMAX screen. Turn south on U.S. 191 to the cliff dwellings of Canyon de Chelly National Monument—home to Native Americans for more than 4,000 years. Forty miles later, Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, the oldest operating trading post on the Navajo Nation, is the spot for more Southwest goods. From there, it’s a short jaunt down to the interstate and west to Petrified Forest National Park’s Triassic-Period fossils and the dreamlike badlands of the Painted Desert. Plan on a stop in Winslow—perhaps at the 1929-vintage Spanish colonial revival La Posada Hotel—before heading back to Flagstaff.

560 miles

WHEN TO GO

Spring, Fall

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Family portrait time in Monument Valley; Desert View Watchtower catches the last rays of sunlight at the Grand Canyon; weaving a traditional Navajo rug at the Cameron Trading Post. A A A | VIA

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MONTANA

START/END

Missoula, Mont. DISTANCE

540 miles

WHEN TO GO

Summer

You have to expect big road trips in Big Sky Country, and this 540-mile loop delivers. It’s got a big lake, a bigger national park, and skies that stretch to infinity. The drive starts in Missoula, but before you leave, take a spin around the richly historic downtown. On the banks of the Clark Fork River, Caras Park is a lovely place to while away a summer afternoon—perhaps with a bite from one of the nearby food trucks. From there, head north to Flathead Lake. It’s the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and swimming in its crystal-clear water can be blissful when the weather’s warm. On the north shore, Bigfork is an exemplary lake-resort town, with summer theater, art galleries, and plenty of dining options. If you’re in the area July through August, be sure to stop at one of the stands selling deliciously sweet Flathead cherries. Next comes Glacier National Park, straddling the crest of the Rocky Mountains. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road lives up to its reputation as one of the most thrilling drives in the world, with sweeping views of snowy peaks and alpine lakes and an excellent chance to spot bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and other wildlife from your car. The park’s classic lodges— including Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, and Cedar Creek—are wonderful places to recover from the bedazzlement. From Glacier, Highway 89 heads southeast to the prairie town of Great Falls. Here, the firstrate Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center perches on a bluff above the Missouri River, where the explorers paddled more than two centuries ago, and the C.M. Russell Museum houses some of Montana cowboy artist Charlie Russell’s most luminous paintings. Your next-to-last stop could be Helena, Montana’s capital. After a spin through the striking new Montana Heritage Center, explore lively Last Chance Gulch, where shops and restaurants occupy ornate buildings dating from the city’s 19th-century mining boom. From there, it’s a twohour sprint back to Missoula. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A hillside covered in blooming bear grass in Glacier National Park; a picture-perfect day on Flathead Lake; Great Falls’ cowboy-art destination.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: JASON SAVAGE / TANDEM STOCK; JMFULLERPHOTOGRAPHY / ADOBE STOCK; COURTESY C.M. RUSSELL MUSEUM

BIG SKY BRILLIANCE

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NEVADA

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: SYDNEY MARTINEZ / TRAVEL NEVADA (2); TIMOTHY SWOPE / ALAMY

WEEKEND FLING FROM RENO Looking for maximum fun per mile? This Renobased loop could be just the ticket: It packs Nevada-style glitter, Lake Tahoe beauty, and Wild West fun into a quick weekend drive. In Reno, classics such as blackjack and comedy shows are easy to find. But the city also offers more meditative pleasures, including downtown’s Riverwalk pathway along the Truckee River and the Playa Art Trail, highlighting work from the annual Burning Man festival. From there, leave the city behind, heading up the Mount Rose Highway. At the road’s nearly 9,000-foot summit, soak in broad views of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe. After descending to the lakeshore, the road delivers you to Incline Village, a perfect lunch spot. Next, head south along Tahoe’s eastern shore, where you get close-up views of the lake’s worldfamous sapphire-blue waters. At Stateline, turn left to head over Kingsbury Grade and down into the Carson Valley town of Genoa. Founded in 1851, it wears its age well; check out the Genoa Bar and Saloon, the state’s oldest. For those who are sweet of tooth, the Genoa Candy Dance festival melds fudge and peanut clusters with music and art every September. Next, jog north to Carson City. In a state known for glitz, Nevada’s capital is appealingly low-key. A walk or drive along Kit Carson Trail serves up most of the city’s highlights: the Nevada State Museum, the Brewery Arts Center, and leafy side streets lined with restored Victorians.

START/END

Reno

DISTANCE

130 miles

The final stop is Virginia City, headquarters for the Comstock Lode and still one of the most authentic historic towns in the West. Take an underground tour to get a sense of the human cost of those silver fortunes, visit the Mackay Mansion to see what those fortunes could buy, and take a ride on the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad. When you’re done, Reno is just 40 minutes away.

WHEN TO GO

May–October

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The spellbinding waters of Lake Tahoe’s eastern shore; aquatic artwork along Reno’s Riverwalk; the steeple of St. Mary in the Mountains church watches over Virginia City. A A A | VIA

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START/END

Jackson, Wyo. DISTANCE

470 miles

WHEN TO GO

May–October

Hiking above the Sea of Cortez in Baja California.

MEMBER STORIES

What’s your dream road trip?

“We want to travel to Baja California, along the Sea of Cortez, with our travel trailer. We’d visit the small towns along the coast, eating at local restaurants, with all the fresh fish and vegetables they have to offer. We’d plan to take about two months, camping along the coast with our kayaks and paddleboards. If we’re lucky, we’d interact with local sea life like whales and dolphins.”

“Drive all the way up to Alaska on the StewartCassiar Highway, then take the ferry from Skagway down to Bellingham. I lived in Alaska for 14 years, and now I just want to go back and be a tourist. I’d plan to take around 28 days. The whole drive and ferry ride will be incredibly scenic. My previous drives through Canada were not leisurely. I plan to slow my roll through Canada, stopping at glaciers, hot springs, and parks. Food will also be a part of the trip: I will stop for poutine along the way (though that may be more of an eastern Canada thing).”

—MICHAEL DOUGHTY

—LISA COKER

S M A L LW O O D

“I would love to take a road trip from Las Vegas to South Lake Tahoe. I’d watch the scenery change from desert to mountains, pine trees, and blue water. Once in Tahoe, I’d stay at a resort near the lake to enjoy the peaceful scenery. I’d see Emerald Bay, explore Heavenly Village, try good restaurants, and enjoy the views. I’d especially love to see Tahoe with snow on the mountains. I want it to feel like a true escape where I can slow down and relax.” —W H I T N E Y F I E L D S

W YOMING

YELLOWSTONE AND BEYOND Driving around Wyoming, you’re quickly aware of why there’s a guy riding a bucking bronco on the state’s license plate: Plenty of people out here still make a living on horseback. This loop is a great way to explore what made and still makes Wyoming the Cowboy State. Jackson balances its Wild West past with its 21st century status as a retreat for the rich and famous. Browse the high-end galleries, take a selfie beneath the Town Square antler arches, and grab a stool at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar; its neon bronco buster has shone since 1937. Just north of town, Grand Teton National Park’s jagged peaks rise like medieval castles. Get your bearings at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, then explore. Jenny Lake, its clear waters mirroring the Tetons behind it, is just one of the classic destinations. Ten minutes north, head into Yellowstone. The country’s first national park will reward you for as many days as you can give it. Essential AAA MEMBER stops include Upper Geyser Basin and the BENEFIT Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with its thundering Upper and Lower falls. After all the geological drama, a meal at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel’s lakeside dining room Members save up provides a welcome respite. to 20% off base From the park, drive east to Cody. rates at Hertz. Brainchild of showman Buffalo Bill— → AAA.com/ downtown’s Irma Hotel is named after his carrental

Road-trip for less

MARCOS FERRO / CAVAN IMAGES; OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: SRONGKROD / ADOBE STOCK; CERI BREEZE / SHUTTERSTOCK; DOUG MARSHALL / CAVAN IMAGES

“I’d like to make a big loop through Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. From Point Arena in California, I’d go south and east to see the wild horses in Nevada, then north to where the grasslands begin in Wyoming and Montana, hitting national parks along the way. I’d take my truck and camp on BLM and national forest lands. I’d stop at the best doughnut shops and independent bookstores along the route. I’d cook breakfasts, then eat a bigger meal in the middle of the day in smalltown bars, because that’s where you find the best food and nicest people. I’d bring my dogs.” — J E N N I F E R

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youngest daughter—it retains his sense of show. On summer evenings, you can cheer the riders of the Cody Nite Rodeo, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is perhaps the best Western history museum in the world. From Cody, head down to tiny Meeteetse (don’t miss the Meeteetse Chocolatier), then on to Thermopolis. In the soothing waters of Hot Springs State Park, don’t be surprised to see

some real-life cowpokes soaking away their aches and pains; it’s a favored vacation destination for the state’s ranch hands. When you’re done with your own soak, head west on U.S. Route 26 back to Jackson. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The grandeur of Yellowstone National Park’s Grand Canyon; Jackson’s historic downtown; a solo sunrise jaunt in Grand Teton National Park. A A A | VIA

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Sacramento DISTANCE

320 miles

WHEN TO GO

June–October

CALIFORNIA

GOLD COUNTRY AND THE HIDDEN SIERRA This loop traverses two iconic California landscapes: the rolling, oak-studded foothills of gold country and the mighty Sierra. It combines the most popular route through the first with one of the least-traveled roads across the second. Along the way, it delivers giant sequoias, craggy mountains, small-town diners, and big-time views. Before departing Sacramento, train buffs will want to stop by the California State Railroad Museum; it’s like walking through a life-size model-train set. Start the drive by heading east to Auburn. Connect with Highway 49 there and

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Wine grapes thrive in the sunny Shenandoah Valley near Plymouth; the first transcontinental locomotive at the California State Railroad Museum; Sutter’s Mill at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: JEFFREY B. BANKE / SHUTTERSTOCK; COURTESY KELLY HUSTON/ CALIFORNIA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM FOUNDATION; ALBERT KNAPP / ALAMY

START/END

head south to visit a string of cute historic towns, each with its own appeal. Coloma, alongside the burbling American River, has the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Its historic buildings will transport you back to 1848 and the discovery that drew thousands of argonauts to California. Placerville boasts the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi River. Quieter Plymouth is the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley wine region and its sleek tasting rooms. Lined with exuberantly balconied 19th-century buildings, Sutter Creek’s Main Street may be gold country’s prettiest. At Angels Camp, turn east onto Highway 4 to Murphys and on to Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Wandering around and staring skyward in the park’s North and South groves of giant sequoias is guaranteed to inspire awe. From there, the road climbs into the Sierra Nevada. Highway 4 doesn’t get the traffic that other trans-Sierra routes do—but that is its charm. By the time it reaches Ebbetts Pass and begins its descent next to the babbling Silver Creek, it’s a winding one-laner. After reaching the canyon of the East Fork of the Carson River, stop in Markleeville for a celebratory cheeseburger at the Cutthroat Tavern. Afterward, continue north to Meyers and take Highway 50 back to Sacramento.

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UTAH

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BILLY MCDONALD / SHUTTERSTOCK; ALLISON H. SMITH / SHUTTERSTOCK; ALBERT KNAPP / ALAMY

RED ROCK RAMBLE Centered on three stunning national parks, this southern Utah loop blurs the line between geology and art. Over millennia, water and ice sculpted sandstone and limestone into a fantastical landscape painted red, orange, ivory, and pink. You’ll be dreaming about it long after you’ve returned home. From St. George (where highlights include the 1871 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple and the nearby Center for the Arts at Kayenta), head east to Zion National Park. A 2,000-foot-deep gorge carved by the Virgin River, Zion Canyon is the stunning heart of the park, like a red rock Yosemite Valley. Massive formations, including Court of the Patriarchs and the Great White Throne, soar high above the cottonwood-lined river. Heading east, then north on Highway 89 gets you to the next great park: Bryce Canyon. Where Zion can feel strangely intimate, Bryce is expansive and extravagant. Take the main park road along the rim of Bryce Amphitheater; pause at Bryce and Inspiration points to gaze down into a canyon full of spectral hoodoos. Follow Highway 12 east along Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument; riding the spine of the Hogback ridge, it’s unforgettably scenic. Surprisingly good food options are available along the way. In Boulder, Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm’s local ingredients make it one of the best restaurants in Utah. Check out the Spicy Cowgal Chipotle Meatloaf. Now for your third park: Capitol Reef. The Scenic Drive takes you through its convoluted geology, notably a giant rock wrinkle called the Waterpocket Fold. Allow time to explore Fruita, the historic village at the heart of the park. In season, pick cherries and peaches from orchards planted more than a century ago; anytime, buy homemade preserves and pickles at the Gifford Homestead. Eyes sated and larder full, head northwest to I-70, then south to St. George. ●

START/END

St. George, Utah DISTANCE

520 miles

WHEN TO GO

April–October

PETER FISH is a San Francisco–based writer and the former travel editor at Sunset magazine.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Waterpocket Fold at Capitol Reef National Park; Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints temple in St. George; Bridge Mountain at Zion National Park. A A A | VIA

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HOLIDAY SAVINGS HACK Members who use AAA Discounts & Rewards save an average of $223 annually— helping you maximize your holiday budget.1

Your guide to saving this holiday season.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL Whether you’re headed back home for the holidays or escaping the cold weather for a destination vacation, claim deals on airport parking, car rentals, and hotels.

Unlock hundreds of deals on holiday spending with your AAA Membership.

Scan or visit AAA.com/DiscountsGuide to shop and save all season long. © 2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to Discount & Rewards offerings; see page 24 for details. 52

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ENTERTAINMENT ’Tis the season of unforgettable experiences. Make it even more magical with savings on tickets to theme parks like Disneyland® Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and upcoming live events.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING & SHIPPING Share cheer with deals for anyone on your list, near or far. Save on delivery surprises for long-distance loved ones, and get discounts on gifts for even the hardest-to-shop-for friends and family.

WINTER ROAD TRIPS Get ready to hit the road for the holidays with 10% off labor at AAA-owned and -approved auto repair shops.3 Plus, save on gas while you fuel up at every stop of your journey.

DINING & eGIFT CARDS Give yourself a break from cooking while you host this holiday season. Save up to 40% on discounted eGift cards at top dining brands and local favorites that all your guests will enjoy.2 A A A | VIA

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Railway Renaissance Five unforgettable train journeys where history unfolds outside your window.

CREDIT HERE

BY KERIDWEN CORNELIUS

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MOR65_MAURO PICCARDI / ADOBE STOCK; OPPOSITE: SKYLER DAHAN / ROYAL SCOTSMAN

See idyllic Chur, Switzerland, via the Rhaetian Railway. OPPOSITE: A view from the Royal Scotsman’s open-air observation deck.

he cheery yellow and green cogwheel train chugs out of Lauterbrunnen and slaloms into one of Switzerland’s most sublime Alpine playgrounds. Outside your panoramic windows, a waterfall ribbons down a cliff into an emerald valley clustered with wooden chalets. The train curves past cows munching in a wildflower meadow. As you weave above wispy clouds into crisp, snowy peaks, the worries of everyday life feel as far away as the treetops thousands of feet below. Experiences like the Wengernalp Railway offer a way to see destinations you could never visit by car or plane. “Travelers are really excited about train journeys,” says Tonya Leigh, senior director of sales at AAA Travel, adding that rail business is up 100% from last year. “It offers an opportunity to visit multiple places without unpacking and repacking a bag, and to take a slower approach to getting there.” Just over 200 years ago, the world’s first public railway made its maiden voyage from Shildon to Darlington, England.

The ride stoked train mania around the world. Throughout Europe, laborers performed remarkable feats of engineering—gouging through mountains, twisting tracks up vertiginous slopes, and erecting sweeping viaducts over river valleys. Their efforts also sparked social progress: Railway travel expanded women’s freedom to adventure solo and broadened horizons for riders of various incomes. Trains knitted the continent together culturally, shaping everything from the countryside to cuisines to clocks. (Railways necessitated the creation of time zones.) Today, you can still travel on some of these legendary lines. Of course, the vehicles have been upgraded: While budget-friendly options abound, contemporary train travelers can also find black-tie, white-tablecloth experiences with Champagne and caviar. No matter what you choose, the following itineraries are transportive in more ways than one. Hop aboard these historic tracks to discover cinematic scenery, storied cities, and occasionally something out of the pages of a classic crime novel or children’s fantasy. A A A | VIA

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SWITZERLAND

At the mountain pass of Kleine Scheidegg, you hop off the Wengernalp cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen and stare into the faces of three gigantic peaks: the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau. To get an inside peek (literally), catch the famed Jungfrau Railway, which opened in 1912 after 16 years of blasting, hacking, and drilling. Quickly, the train plunges into darkness, plowing 4.7 miles through the Eiger and Mönch before emerging at Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest train station. From 11,000 feet, the platforms overlook panoramas of icy peaks plummeting into green valleys and a glacier slowly snaking through the Alps. The Wengernalp and Jungfrau railways can be connected with several iconic train routes for a spectacular spin through Switzerland. From Interlaken, head west in the sleek GoldenPass Express, whose high windows display jaw-dropping Alpine valleys. In Zweisimmen, switch to the old-world GoldenPass Belle Époque train. Lounge in seafoam green seats with vintage wood paneling as a slideshow of cerulean lakes and mountain villages streams by. Alight 56

in Montreux to amble along Lake Geneva, tour enchanting Chillon Castle, and sip white wine from the castle’s vineyard. Next, catch the train to car-free Zermatt and hop on the Gornergrat Bahn, launched in 1898 as Switzerland’s first electric cogwheel railway. It climbs nearly 4,800 feet in 35 minutes to views of the shark tooth–shaped Matterhorn peak. On the way back, disembark at Rotenboden station, where from July to mid-August you can frolic among flowers in Europe’s highest Alpine garden. Then, traipse the 2-mile Riffelsee Lake trail among ibexes and Blacknose sheep to a lake that reflects the Matterhorn. The hike ends at Riffelberg station, where you can jump back on the Gornergrat. Glide along the Rhaetian Railway on two trains. From Zermatt, the Glacier Express traverses 91 tunnels and 291 bridges as it twists toward St. Moritz. Relish Alpine cheeses with pear bread and Swiss wines as you drink in verdant valley and majestic glacier views. In St. Moritz, board the Bernina Express to Italy. Your windows frame meadows, aquamarine lakes, and waterfalls. In Tirano, Italy, tuck into fresh pizzoccheri, the region’s famous buckwheat pasta, before returning to the land of fondue.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ESTERA / ADOBE STOCK; MARKUS MAINKA / SHUTTERSTOCK; GAVIN HELLIER / STOCKSY; DALIU / SHUTTERSTOCK

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1 A frontrow seat on the Bernina Express. 2 A Rhaetian Railway train traverses the Landwasser Viaduct. 3 The Gornergrat Railway offers Matterhorn views. 4 The Alpine village of Lauterbrunnen.

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TOP: NATHANIEL NOIR / ALAMY; BOTTOM: LAPAS77 / SHUTTERSTOCK

SCOTLAND

Steam billows and hisses out of the black engine as your shiny maroon train swoops over the 21 concrete arches of Glenfinnan Viaduct in the West Scottish Highlands. Outside your window, Loch Shiel gleams silver between lush mountains and tempestuous clouds. This cinematic experience is as close as you can get to riding the Hogwarts Express. The Jacobite Steam Train, with its historic engine, is the same style of locomotive that rattled over the 19th-century viaduct in the Harry Potter films. The train comes with a dark history lesson familiar to fans of another book-to-screen series, Outlander. It is named after the Jacobite Rebellion, a series of uprisings from 1689 to 1746 that aimed to restore Catholic King James VII and his heirs, including Bonnie Prince Charlie, to the throne. On the shore of Loch Shiel in the shadow of the viaduct, the Glenfinnan Monument tower marks the place where 1,200 Highlanders pledged to fight for Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745, culminating in the bloody Battle of Culloden. Despite its somber past, the rail journey from Fort William to Mallaig on the famed West Highland Line is considered one of the world’s most scenic. You’ll rumble through moody, misty moors and see rivers and lochs snaking between mountains that resemble giant tortoise shells. In coastal Mallaig, hop on a ferry or take a one-hour wildlife tour (perfectly timed for train stopovers) to spot porpoises, seals, dolphins, and basking sharks. You can connect your Jacobite jaunt with several classic train trips. From Glasgow to Fort William, your train barrels over the beginning of the West Highland Line, which has been enchanting travelers since 1894. Skirt lochs between hills in painterly shades of green and brown before foraying through boggy Rannoch Moor, full of knobby hills and bulbous mountains. On the way from Edinburgh to Inverness (gateway to the Culloden battlefield), your train canters along the 19th-century Highland Main Line through heather-mottled glens and the dramatic mountains of Cairngorms National Park. If you’re traveling from London to Fort William, Glasgow, or Edinburgh, consider overnighting on the Caledonian Sleeper. On board, get into the spirit with haggis and a wee dram of whisky. Then, drift off in your room and awake to a full Scottish breakfast backdropped by rolling countryside.

The 19th-century Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands. ABOVE: The Jacobite Steam Train will be familiar to Harry Potter fans.

A A A | VIA

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Sipping a martini in the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress’ bar car, you feel teleported into the golden age of rail travel—and perhaps into a classic whodunit. This art deco time capsule, resplendent in midnight-blue velvet, fizzes with conviviality and joie de vivre. Sounds wash over you: clinking glasses, giddy laughter, and jazz tinkling on the baby grand piano. The only thing that could complete the fantasy is if Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie’s dapper detective, penguinwalked up the aisle and unmasked a murderer. Since 1883, this legendary train has charioted a glittering cast of monarchs, movie stars, diplomats, spies, rail enthusiasts, and bon vivants across Europe. Today, the routes connect romantic cities like Paris, Venice, Florence, and Budapest. But the true destination is the train itself. From the moment you board, the brass-buttoned staff strikes a balance between impeccable, warm, and charming. Every detail of the restored railcars gleams with the glamour of the 1920s and ’30s. You’ll ooh and ah at glossy wood paneling inlaid with floral flourishes and glass panels depicting classical nudes designed by 19th-century art nouveau jeweler René Lalique. The journey is a moveable feast of indulgences. In the afternoon, sink into your compact cabin’s plush sofa while sipping tea, watching ancient villages breeze by, and nibbling on the “choicest morsels,” as Christie phrased it in Murder on the Orient Express. The four-course dinners are black-tie and cocktail dress affairs that might feature lobster salad brightened with marigolds and turbot kissed with Champagne sauce and caviar. During meals, the sommelier’s wine selection is complimentary, dahling. After a nightcap and canapes, retire to your quarters, where a steward has transformed your sofa into a duo of cushy bunk beds. The next morning, munch on croissants in bed as the sunrise illuminates the countryside. Then, tuck into luncheon treats like langoustine ravioli before decamping at your destination. As you bask in the afterglow of extravagance, your strolls along Venice’s rippling lagoon, Budapest’s dramatic Danube views, or Paris’ glittering lights will feel even more dreamy. 58

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ROBERTO SORIN / SHUTTERSTOCK; VW PICS / GETTY IMAGES; ALICE MESGUICH / VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS; ANNA JAY / VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS; CHRISTOPHE COENAN / VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS

FRANCE, ITALY, HUNGARY

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: 1 The Venice Simplon-OrientExpress, immortalized in the pages of an Agatha Christie novel, exudes old-world luxury. 2 Views of the Austrian Alps as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express runs through the Brenner Pass. 3 A private cabin channels 1920s and ’30s glamour. 4 Champagne service on board. 5 A black-tie dinner at Étoile du Nord, one of three dining cars on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

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CREDIT HERE

A A A | VIA

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NORWAY

The train door opens, and you and your fellow passengers step into the spray and thunder of Kjosfossen waterfall. As the water ricochets down black rocks blanketed with moss, a woman in a red dress dances on a stone platform. She is portraying a huldra, a seductive forest spirit from Scandinavian folklore. This spellbinding summertime scene is accessible only from the Flåmsbana, which opened to passengers in 1941 and is considered one of the world’s most spectacular train rides. While the Flåm can be a highlight of any Norwegian vacation, travelers often book the ride as the centerpiece of the “Norway in a Nutshell” itinerary, bookended by stints on the scenic Bergen Line. This route typically begins in the country’s cool capital, Oslo. Here, you can float on a sauna in the urban fjord with KOK Oslo, get face-to-face with Edvard Munch’s The Scream in the National Museum, peruse 200plus sculptures by Gustav Vigeland in Frogner Park, and ponder the history of activism at the Nobel Peace Center. The itinerary continues on the Bergen Line train from Oslo to Myrdal. Snack on Norwegian waffles with jam and sour cream as you gaze at lake after lake mirroring conifer 60

forests, rugged rockscapes, and snow-shrouded mountains. In Myrdal, snag a tangerine-tinted seat in the retro, woodpaneled Flåmsbana. As the train winds above tranquil valleys, you can watch bicyclists zipping along riverbanks and waterfalls crashing down cliffs. In an hour, you’ll roll into the fjordside village of Flåm. At Flåm’s wood-carved Aegir Gastropub, feast on Viking-inspired dishes such as locally sourced pulled goat and lamb sausages with lingonberries. Next, ferry the fjord’s glassy waters between epic cliffs and storybook villages while learning about Norse legends and spotting eagles, seals, and porpoises. Then, bus and train to Bergen, streaming past even more raging rivers and reflecting lakes. In Bergen, wander through the waterside Bryggen district, with its bright buildings in shades of auburn and butter. At the Old Bergen Museum (open mid-May through mid-September), time travel to the 1800s, when Bergen was Europe’s largest wooden city. From the wharf, zip on a boat to the small island of Holmen where, at Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant, you can savor fresh seafood surrounded by a watery wonderland. If your schedule allows, cruise along the coast and through Sognefjord, past picturesque villages and waterfall-laced mountains.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: NICOLA PULHAM / SHUTTERSTOCK; FATIH0Z / SHUTTERSTOCK; HILDA WEGES / ADOBE STOCK; DIBROVA / SHUTTERSTOCK

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: 1 A huldra dances in front of the Kjosfossen waterfall. 2 Winter views from inside the Flåmsbana. 3 Waterfalls and wildflowers put on a show between Flåm and Myrdal. 4 The historic wooden district of Bryggen in Bergen, Norway.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: DMITRY RUKHLENKO / SHUTTERSTOCK; STOCKPHOTOSART / SHUTTERSTOCK; DMITRY RUKHLENKO / SHUTTERSTOCK; LUIS FONSECA / ISTOCK; YASONYA / SHUTTERSTOCK

PORTUGAL

As you trundle through Lisbon’s curvy, cobbled streets in a mustard-yellow tram, you can’t help but be seduced by Portugal’s romantic modes of transport. The city’s electric trams debuted in 1901 and remain popular—especially tram 28, which transports travelers between beloved districts and iconic sites. Jump off at bustling Portas do Sol plaza and hike up to Castelo de São Jorge to learn about the medieval castle and its Iron Age roots. Then, stroll under shade trees among peacocks and peer over the castle’s parapets at the terra-cotta roofs along the Tejo River. At Time Out Market in the Mercado da Ribeira, graze on garlicky pica-pau steak, cod croquettes, and mussels in tomato sauce from the city’s renowned chefs. At night, swoon over live fado music in traditional restaurants like O Faia and A Severa. Take a side trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage town and playground for royalty. Here, meander through an enchanting woodland to Pena National Palace, a citrus-colored architectural confection co-designed by the “King-Artist” Ferdinand II. Next, head back to Lisbon, then whoosh past verdant hills on a high-speed train to Porto, a coastal city on the Douro River. Browse for books at Livraria Lello amid neo-Gothic and art nouveau elegance. Pop into the 1916 São Bento train station, gloriously decked with blue and white tiles called azulejos. Across the river, tour the famed port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia’s warehouse district, then cross back over the Dom Luís I Bridge to ramble Porto’s waterfront Ribeira and dine in eateries under stone arcades. Next, breakfast on a boat as you cruise up the Douro River to the Douro Valley, the birthplace of port. Sip this famous export (and other red wines) at one of the many vineyards that stripe the hillsides above the river. Arrive early at Pinhão Railway Station to admire the 3,000-plus azulejos that depict winemaking, then train through terraced vineyards beside the river. Keep an eye out for historic wooden boats called rabelos. Today, they ferry tourists. But historically, brave boatmen steered these vessels laden with heavy casks through the rapids to Porto, so the world could savor Portugal’s famed fortified wine. ●

AAA MEMBER BENEFIT

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 1 Streaming past Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia via the Dom Luís I Bridge. 2 Lisbon’s yellow tram in front of the Rua Augusta Arch. 3 A rabelo boat on the Douro River in Porto’s Ribeira. 4 Pinhão Railway Station boasts beautiful tile art from the 1930s. 5 The Pena National Palace in Sintra at dawn.

KERIDWEN CORNELIUS has written for the New York Times, National Geographic Adventure, and Sunset.

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Events Calendar

Festive spots for winter fun in the West. BY E M M A S I LV E R S

← WYOMING Cheyenne’s Old West Holiday Nov. 28–Dec. 20 F R E E The capital of the Cowboy State goes big for the holidays with over three weekends of tinsel-filled activities, starting with a parade Nov. 28. Meet Santa’s horses at Kringle Ranch, mail a letter to the North Pole via “the Pony Express,” and take a trolley tour of holiday lights. Don’t forget to download your Old West Holiday Passport for goodies at local businesses. cheyenne.org /oldwestholiday

Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals Nov. 20–22

↑ NEW MEXICO Winter Indian Market Nov. 28–29 This annual tradition draws Native craftspeople from all over the country to Santa Fe the weekend after Thanksgiving to share their wares. Get your holiday shopping done early while supporting artists working in pottery, textiles, jewelry, and more. Live music, dance performances, and food vendors round out the festivities. swaia.org/ winter-indian-market 62

More than 3,000 pre-Y2K hot rods, trick trucks, and muscle cars will be on display at this popular three-day show at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Highlights include the presentation of the GoodGuys 2026 “Top 12,” a family fun zone, live music, and AutoCross races, like the “Duel in the Desert” finals on Saturday afternoon. good-guys.com/swn-26

↓ WYOMING Snow King Mountain Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Dec. 31 F R E E A beloved Jackson Hole New Year’s Eve tradition, this electrifying “parade” lights up the night in a colorful display as expert skiers and snowboarders descend Snow King Mountain carrying lit flares. Partygoers can watch from the mountain’s base, then stick around for the fireworks. snowkingmountain.com

↑ UTAH Ogden Santa Run and Holiday Light Parade Nov. 28 F R E E Cheer from the sidelines as more than 1,000 sprinting St. Nicks participate in this annual 5K through downtown. Registered runners receive Santa costumes— including hats and beards— while “elves” in green hand out milk and cookies along the route. Celebrate finishers at the Holiday Electric Light Parade, which kicks off afterward with floats and live music. runsanta.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: MATT IDLER / VISIT CHEYENNE; ALPHASPIRIT / ADOBE STOCK; COURTESY NEW THOUGHT MEDIA; GABRIELLA MARKS

ARIZONA

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↓ NEVADA National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

↓ ALASKA Anchorage International Film Festival

Jan. 25–30, 2027 Since 1985, this gathering has brought musicians, writers, ranchers, and cowboy culture aficionados of all stripes to the gold belt town of Elko to celebrate Old West art and history. Expect lively readings, music, dances, and workshops at seven venues, all hosted by the nonprofit Western Folklife Center. nationalcowboy poetrygathering.org

MONTANA

Race to the Sky

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: MENDOCINO COAST BOTANICAL GARDENS / ROXANNE PERKINS; LOGOINSPIRES / ADOBE STOCK; ZOART PHOTOGRAPHY; OKSANA MIZINA / SHUTTERSTOCK; MARLA AUFMUTH

Feb. 12–16, 2027 F R E E Known as one of the most challenging sled dog races in the world, this tradition brings beloved huskies and their mushers to Lincoln— about 75 minutes east of Missoula—to traverse scenic Rocky Mountain trails. Join the hundreds of cheering spectators who gather at the starting lines to view three races, including the 300-mile distance race that serves as a qualifier for the Iditarod. racetothesky.org

AAA MEMBER BENEFIT

Dining Deals Save up to 40% at leading restaurants using a Dining Deals digital gift card.

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Dec. 4–13

↑ CALIFORNIA Mendocino Festival of Lights

ARIZONA

Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair

Nov. 27–Dec. 20

Dec. 11–13

Thousands of twinkling LED lights illuminate the 47-acre grounds of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens at this family-favorite event, which runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and doubles as a fundraiser for local conservation efforts. Colorfully lit pathways wind through handmade scenes of ocean waves, shooting stars, and friendly animals. gardenbythesea.org

F R E E Drawing some 350,000 visitors annually, this street fair in the heart of Tucson features more than 350 artists and craftspeople selling work in a range of media. Also on tap: live music, 40-plus food vendors, and a special “Fresh Off Fourth” market highlighting local ranchers, farmers, and makers who grow and harvest their own goods. fourthavenue.org

Billed as “a celebration of independent cinema at the edge of the world,” this festival brings filmmakers and movie buffs from all over the globe to Anchorage for fascinating film screenings, workshops, and conversations. What better way to spend the dark days of winter than cozied up under the glow of the silver screen? anchoragefilmfestival.org

↓ COLORADO Latkes and Lights Dec. 6 Come hungry to this Hanukkah celebration at the Jewish Community Center in Denver, where local chefs compete for bragging rights about “Denver’s best latke.” Sample a variety of potato pancakes, then vote for your favorite. (A hot green chile variety was the winner in 2024.) Enjoy live music, games, and crafts, then shop for handmade menorahs from local artists at the Makers Mart. jccdenver.org

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

↑ CALIFORNIA The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Feb. 11–14, 2027

Nov. 21–Dec. 20

This meeting of mineralobsessed minds brings more than 60,000 people together in the high desert to talk, buy, and sell gemstones, fossils, and meteorites. Exhibitors at the Tucson Convention Center typically include prestigious museums and universities alongside hundreds of professional and amateur rock hounds. tgms.org/show

On winter weekends, Charles Dickens fans flock to the Cow Palace arena in Daly City, 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco, for a taste of Victorian London. Costumed actors roam the grounds as visitors enjoy performances, pop-up pubs, shops, a steam train, and premium experiences like chocolate tasting. dickensfair.com

ARIZONA

diningdeals

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WHERE IN THE WEST

Where in the West does a lake boast a history as dramatic as its scenery? Hint: Originally called Wit-sa-nap by the Paiute people, the lake’s modern moniker references a historical shoot-out. In 1871, when 29 men escaped from a nearby prison, a local posse pursued six of the convicts up into the mountains and confronted them at the lake. Lives were lost on both sides, and peaks looming over the water were named in honor of fallen locals: Wells Fargo agent Robert Morrison and Indigenous deputy Mono Jim. The lake is accessible in winter, via a plowed road off a major highway, for hiking or snowshoeing.

TEST YOUR TRAVEL KNOWLEDGE Every Wednesday on Facebook and Instagram, our Where in the West series asks AAA Members to tell us the location of a breathtaking image. You can join the fun at AAA.com/facebook and AAA.com/instagram.

CHRISTINE LA / STOCKSY

Reflections of the past

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Everyday protection, wherever you go. Take comfort with 24/7 home security, digital identity defense, and trusted auto-safety programs for the family.

Earn cash back on all purchases when you use your AAA Visa Signature® credit card.* See page 24 for more information.

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The gift of Membership. Keep their journeys going with the Membership that travels with them, including 24/7 roadside assistance, hotel discounts, trip planning, and more.

Scan or visit AAA.com/Gift to learn more. © 2026 AAA Mountain West Group; all rights reserved. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to offTerings; 4 Membership VIA | WIN E R 2 0see 26 page 24 for details.

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A D V E RT I SI N G SECT ION

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November 27 December 24

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All aboard the River Fox Train’s Magical Christmas Train, November 27–December 24! Step into a holiday wonderland to meet Santa, sip hot cocoa, enjoy cookies, and more. With twinkling lights, music, and joyful memories at every turn, it’s the perfect family holiday tradition.

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All aboard! It’s Mr. Skunk here, ready to whisk you away to the world’s largest living Christmas tree, departing from Willits. From November 21– December 31, hop aboard for cocoa, carols, treats, and giggles galore. Don’t worry, I only stink of holiday cheer!

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A D V E RT I SI N G SECT ION

NOV 19 JAN 24 EXPLORATORIUM

Play in the light. Your favorite winter tradition returns—step into the art and science of light, bask in luminous artworks, play with optical illusions, and more.

PLAN YOUR VISIT EXPLORATORIUM.EDU/GLOW PIER 15, SF

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Step into the art and science of light Discover luminous artworks that dazzle and surprise while recharging your winter wonder at the Exploratorium. Let your curiosity roam free through 650plus interactive exhibits in six spacious galleries. You’ll find the world-famous Tactile Dome, one-of-a-kind stores, dining, and more at Tripadvisor’s No. 1 rated museum in San Francisco.

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your two feet. Stroll downtown just blocks from the beach and feel the ocean breeze through your hair as you look left and right down the street to find your lunch spot or thrifted treasure. And just a boat ride away, tap into childlike wonder at the Channel Islands National Park. Hike to new heights with panoramic views and watch as dolphins

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