Exploring national parks by car lets you experience breathtaking landscapes without exhausting hikes. Scenic drives offer stunning views, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. If you love road trips, these national park scenic drives should be on your list.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road – Glacier National Park, Montana
This 50-mile route takes you through the heart of Glacier National Park. You’ll drive past towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and alpine meadows. Wildlife sightings are common, so keep an eye out for mountain goats and bears. The road is narrow and winding, but the views make it worth the drive.
2. Skyline Drive – Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Skyline Drive stretches 105 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers 75 scenic overlooks where you can stop and enjoy panoramic views. In the fall, the vibrant foliage creates a breathtaking experience. If you love peaceful, winding roads, this drive is perfect.
3. Trail Ridge Road – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
As the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., Trail Ridge Road reaches over 12,000 feet in elevation. The drive offers incredible mountain views, alpine tundra, and frequent wildlife encounters. You’ll see elk, marmots, and maybe even bighorn sheep. The road is open only in warmer months due to snow.
4. Tioga Road – Yosemite National Park, California
Tioga Road cuts across Yosemite’s high country, offering stunning views of granite cliffs, meadows, and lakes. The 46-mile route takes you past Tuolumne Meadows and Olmsted Point, where you can see Half Dome from a unique perspective. The road usually opens from late spring to early fall.
5. Cadillac Mountain Road – Acadia National Park, Maine
This short but scenic drive leads to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast. From the top, you get a breathtaking sunrise view over the Atlantic. The road is just 3.5 miles, but it offers one of the most rewarding vistas in the park.
6. Desert View Drive – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
This 23-mile route follows the South Rim, offering spectacular canyon views. Several overlooks let you stop and take in the scenery. The Desert View Watchtower, a historic stone structure, provides one of the best panoramic views of the Grand Canyon.
7. Needles Highway – Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Winding through rugged rock formations, Needles Highway is a must-drive in the Badlands. The narrow tunnels and sharp turns add excitement to the journey. Along the way, you’ll see towering spires, vast prairies, and maybe even a bison or two.
8. Rim Drive – Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Rim Drive circles the deep blue waters of Crater Lake, offering unbeatable views. The 33-mile route features over 30 scenic pullouts where you can stop for photos. Summer is the best time to visit, as snow closes parts of the road in colder months.
9. Lamar Valley Road – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Lamar Valley Road is known as one of the best places in the U.S. for wildlife viewing. This scenic drive takes you through open valleys where bison, wolves, and bears roam freely. Early mornings or late evenings offer the best chances to spot wildlife in action.
10. Park Loop Road – Acadia National Park, Maine
Park Loop Road offers a 27-mile scenic journey through Acadia’s most famous landscapes. You’ll drive past rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and lush forests. A stop at Thunder Hole lets you experience powerful ocean waves crashing against the rocks.
Conclusion
National parks offer some of the most scenic drives in the world. Whether you prefer mountain roads, coastal routes, or open valleys, these drives provide unforgettable views. Pack your camera, take your time, and enjoy the journey.
