America’s mountain ranges offer some of the most stunning drives in the world, where the road meets breathtaking vistas and endless horizons. Whether you’re navigating the winding roads of the Rockies or cruising along the Blue Ridge Parkway, each journey promises unforgettable scenery and the thrill of adventure. Join us as we explore the most awe-inspiring routes that showcase the beauty of these majestic landscapes.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia and North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains, stretching 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this scenic route offers unparalleled access to vibrant fall foliage, mist-covered mountain peaks, and charming rural landscapes. The Parkway is dotted with overlooks, hiking trails, and historic sites, making it a perfect blend of nature and culture. Its gentle curves and elevations make for a peaceful drive, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the mountains are bathed in golden light.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Located in Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is an engineering marvel that climbs across the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, offering breathtaking views of rugged peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine alpine lakes. Spanning 50 miles, this route is famous for its challenging switchbacks and hairpin turns, providing a thrilling drive for those who enjoy a bit of adventure. The road is only open during the warmer months due to heavy snowfall, but in summer, it reveals a landscape of wildflower meadows and glacier-carved valleys that are simply awe-inspiring.
Beartooth Highway (Montana and Wyoming)
The Beartooth Highway is one of the highest roads in the United States, reaching an elevation of 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass. This 68-mile route, which winds through the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, offers dramatic views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and alpine plateaus. The drive is often described as one of the most beautiful in America, with sweeping vistas that change around every bend. Travelers can spot mountain goats and other wildlife, and the route’s proximity to Yellowstone National Park makes it a perfect addition to any road trip in the region.
Trail Ridge Road (Colorado)
Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, peaking at over 12,000 feet. The road offers sweeping views of the park’s alpine tundra, towering peaks, and deep, glacier-carved valleys. Stretching 48 miles, Trail Ridge Road takes drivers above the tree line, where the landscape becomes a unique mix of rock, snow, and sky. The road is usually open from late May to October, and during this time, it provides a spectacular driving experience with chances to see elk, marmots, and other wildlife along the way.
The Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)
The Million Dollar Highway, part of U.S. Route 550, winds through the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. Known for its steep cliffs, sharp turns, and lack of guardrails, this road offers a heart-pounding drive with some of the most breathtaking views in the state. The 25-mile stretch between Ouray and Silverton is particularly famous, with vistas of rugged peaks, waterfalls, and the deep Uncompahgre Gorge. The origin of the highway’s name is debated, but it could refer to the high cost of its construction or the million-dollar views it provides.
Skyline Drive (Virginia)
Skyline Drive runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, offering uninterrupted views of rolling hills, lush forests, and the Shenandoah Valley. The road is famous for its 75 scenic overlooks, where travelers can stop to take in the sweeping vistas and watch for wildlife like deer and black bears. Skyline Drive is particularly stunning in the fall, when the mountains are ablaze with vibrant autumn colors. It’s a peaceful, leisurely drive that connects with the Blue Ridge Parkway at its southern end, making for an extended mountain journey.
Pikes Peak Highway (Colorado)
Pikes Peak Highway offers a drive to the summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most famous 14ers. This 19-mile road climbs from 7,400 feet to over 14,000 feet, providing breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding plains. The road’s switchbacks and hairpin turns make for an exhilarating drive, and the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. On clear days, visitors can see as far as Kansas. The summit, known as “America’s Mountain,” inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write “America the Beautiful.”
Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)
The Kancamagus Highway, or “The Kanc,” is a 34.5-mile scenic drive through New Hampshire’s White Mountains, renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage. The road traverses the White Mountain National Forest, offering views of the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, and the surrounding peaks. It’s a popular route for leaf-peepers in the fall, but the drive is equally stunning in summer and winter, with opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The Kanc is free of commercial development, making it a peaceful and unspoiled journey through some of New England’s most beautiful landscapes.
Cherohala Skyway (North Carolina and Tennessee)
The Cherohala Skyway stretches 43 miles from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina, crossing the Unicoi and Cherokee National Forests. This drive is known for its sweeping mountain vistas and serene forests, with elevations reaching over 5,400 feet. The Skyway is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the hardwood forests are ablaze with color. The road’s gentle curves and well-maintained pavement make it a popular route for motorcyclists and drivers alike. Along the way, there are numerous overlooks and picnic areas where travelers can stop and take in the scenery.
Pacific Coast Highway (California)
While not entirely in the mountains, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers breathtaking views of the Santa Lucia Mountains as they plunge into the Pacific Ocean along California’s Big Sur coast. This iconic drive, particularly the stretch between San Simeon and Carmel-by-the-Sea, is famous for its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and misty coastal vistas. The PCH is a bucket-list drive, with highlights like Bixby Creek Bridge and the McWay Falls. The combination of mountain and ocean scenery makes it one of the most stunning drives in the world.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway (Colorado)
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America, reaching an elevation of 14,130 feet at the summit of Mount Evans. This 28-mile route offers unparalleled views of the Front Range of the Rockies, alpine lakes, and ancient bristlecone pine forests. The drive is an adventure, with hairpin turns and steep drop-offs, but the reward is worth it. At the summit, visitors can enjoy 360-degree views and often spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The byway is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, depending on snow conditions.
Great River Road (Mississippi River)
The Great River Road stretches over 2,000 miles along the Mississippi River, passing through 10 states. The portion that runs through the Ozark Mountains in Missouri and Arkansas offers a unique combination of river and mountain scenery. The road winds through lush forests, past limestone bluffs, and alongside the mighty Mississippi, providing a tranquil and scenic drive. The changing seasons bring different beauty to the route, with spring wildflowers, summer greenery, and vibrant autumn colors. The Great River Road is a historic and scenic byway that offers a glimpse into America’s heartland.
San Juan Skyway (Colorado)
The San Juan Skyway is a 233-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. This route, also known as the “Road to the Sky,” passes through charming towns like Durango, Silverton, and Telluride, offering breathtaking views of rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and deep canyons. The drive includes the famous Million Dollar Highway and crosses several high mountain passes, including Red Mountain Pass. The San Juan Skyway is stunning year-round, with wildflower displays in the summer, golden aspen groves in the fall, and snow-covered peaks in the winter.
Haleakalā Highway (Maui, Hawaii)
Haleakalā Highway takes drivers from sea level to the summit of Haleakalā, Maui’s highest peak, at 10,023 feet. The road is known for its steep ascent and numerous switchbacks, offering panoramic views of the island and the Pacific Ocean. The summit of Haleakalā is famous for its otherworldly landscape, often compared to the surface of the moon, and for its breathtaking sunrises. The drive is an adventure in itself, with dramatic changes in climate and vegetation as you ascend. Haleakalā National Park offers numerous hiking trails and overlooks to explore once you reach the top.
Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee)
The Natchez Trace Parkway follows a historic travel corridor that stretches 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. The road passes through the rolling hills and dense forests of the Appalachian foothills, offering a peaceful and scenic drive. The Parkway is rich in history, with numerous historic sites, Native American mounds, and interpretive exhibits along the way. The drive is especially beautiful in the spring and fall, when the landscape is awash with blooming flowers or vibrant foliage. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a tranquil escape that showcases the natural beauty and history of the southeastern United States.
Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia, Canada)
Though not in the U.S., the Cabot Trail is a must-mention for its proximity and its breathtaking views of the Cape Breton Highlands. This 185-mile loop winds through coastal cliffs, lush forests, and highland plateaus, offering some of the most dramatic scenery in North America. The drive is particularly stunning in the fall, when the forests are ablaze with color. The Cabot Trail also offers access to numerous hiking trails, including the famous Skyline Trail, which provides panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The combination of mountain and ocean views makes the Cabot Trail an unforgettable drive.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (Oregon)
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a 66-mile route that winds through the Cascade Mountains in central Oregon. The drive offers stunning views of volcanic peaks, pristine lakes, and dense forests. The byway passes by several beautiful lakes, including Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, and Cultus Lake, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. In the summer, the road is lined with wildflowers, while in the winter, it’s a gateway to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Highway 12 Scenic Byway (Utah)
Highway 12, also known as the “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” stretches 122 miles through southern Utah’s red rock country, offering breathtaking views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the Dixie National Forest. The road climbs over Boulder Mountain, providing sweeping views of the Henry Mountains and the Waterpocket Fold. The drive is a feast for the eyes, with colorful sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and vast desert landscapes. Highway 12 is a must-drive for anyone exploring Utah’s national parks and monuments.
Apache Trail (Arizona)
The Apache Trail, or State Route 88, is a historic and scenic drive that winds through the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona. The road offers stunning views of desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and the deep blue waters of Canyon Lake and Apache Lake. The drive is part paved, part dirt, and is known for its hairpin turns and steep drop-offs, making it an adventure for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge. The Apache Trail is steeped in history, passing by old mining towns and ancient Native American sites, adding a cultural dimension to its natural beauty.
White Rim Road (Utah)
White Rim Road is a 100-mile loop in Canyonlands National Park that offers a unique and breathtaking drive through some of Utah’s most rugged and remote landscapes. The road follows the edge of the Island in the Sky mesa, providing jaw-dropping views of the canyons, pinnacles, and buttes below. The drive is a challenging one, requiring a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle and a permit, but for those who undertake it, the rewards are immense. The White Rim Road offers a true wilderness experience, with opportunities to camp under the stars and explore the park’s backcountry.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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