Deserts might seem barren at first glance, but they hide incredible landscapes, unique rock formations, and vibrant colors. If you love road trips, these desert highways will surprise you with their breathtaking beauty.
1. Route 66 – Arizona & New Mexico
One of the most famous highways in the U.S., Route 66 takes you through stunning desert landscapes. The Arizona stretch features the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park, and quirky roadside attractions. In New Mexico, red rock mesas and endless skies create an unforgettable drive.
2. Highway 12 – Utah
This scenic byway cuts through some of Utah’s most dramatic landscapes. You’ll pass Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Capitol Reef National Park. The route’s highlight is the Hogsback, a narrow ridge with drop-offs on both sides, offering panoramic desert views.
3. Extraterrestrial Highway – Nevada
This 98-mile stretch of Nevada’s Highway 375 runs through remote desert terrain. The road, famous for its connection to UFO sightings and Area 51, features vast open landscapes, rugged mountains, and an eerie sense of solitude. It’s a must-drive for those who love mysterious desert beauty.
4. Monument Valley Scenic Drive – Arizona & Utah
Monument Valley’s towering sandstone formations create one of the most iconic desert landscapes in the world. This 17-mile unpaved loop takes you through deep red rock formations, mesas, and buttes. The scenery is so breathtaking that it has been featured in countless films and photographs.
5. Big Bend Scenic Loop – Texas
This remote desert drive winds through the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park. The route showcases dramatic canyons, the winding Rio Grande, and the striking Chisos Mountains. The park’s isolation makes the landscape feel even more wild and untouched.
6. Valley of Fire Highway – Nevada
Just an hour from Las Vegas, this highway takes you through Nevada’s oldest state park. Red sandstone formations glow under the sun, creating a fiery landscape. You’ll see dramatic rock arches, petroglyphs, and unique formations like the Elephant Rock and Fire Wave.
7. Death Valley Scenic Byway – California
Despite its name, Death Valley is full of life and beauty. This drive offers sweeping salt flats, colorful badlands, and massive sand dunes. Key stops include Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Sunrise and sunset bring out the park’s most stunning colors.
8. Apache Trail – Arizona
Winding through the Superstition Mountains, the Apache Trail combines desert beauty with rugged cliffs and deep canyons. The drive passes Canyon Lake and the historic Goldfield Ghost Town. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and scenic desert views.
9. The Loneliest Road – Nevada
U.S. Highway 50 stretches across Nevada, offering vast desert landscapes and a sense of solitude. The route features rolling sand dunes, remote mountain ranges, and old mining towns. Driving this road feels like stepping back in time.
10. White Sands Scenic Drive – New Mexico
This short but stunning drive takes you through the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The brilliant white sand dunes create a surreal landscape, especially during sunrise or sunset. The contrast between the dunes and the deep blue sky makes for a truly magical experience.
Conclusion
Desert highways offer more than just dry landscapes—they reveal unexpected beauty, dramatic rock formations, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re driving through deep canyons, glowing red rock formations, or endless sand dunes, these routes prove that the desert is full of surprises.
