National parks are some of the most beautiful places in the world. They offer a mix of stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and peaceful environments. One of the best ways to experience these natural wonders is by taking a scenic drive through them. Whether you’re looking for towering mountains, lush forests, or vast deserts, there is a scenic drive through a national park that’s perfect for you.
In this blog, we will take a look at some of the best scenic drives through national parks. These drives are perfect for those who love nature, adventure, and breathtaking views. Let’s get started on this bucket list of must-see drives!
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most famous scenic drives in the United States. Located in Glacier National Park, this road takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world. The drive goes through towering peaks, lush valleys, and clear blue lakes.
As you drive, you’ll also get the chance to see wildlife, including mountain goats, elk, and bears. The road is open only in the summer months due to snow in the winter, so be sure to plan your trip during the warmer months. Going-to-the-Sun Road should be on your national park bucket list.
2. Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. The Grand Loop Road is the main scenic drive through the park, and it offers views of hot springs, geysers, and the famous Yellowstone River. This 142-mile drive takes you through the park’s most popular areas, including Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Lamar Valley.
Along the way, you might spot bison, elk, or even wolves. Yellowstone is a place of wonder, and the Grand Loop Road is the best way to see many of its highlights in one trip.
3. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is famous for its towering red rock cliffs and narrow canyons. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is one of the best ways to experience this stunning landscape. The road takes you through the heart of the park, offering amazing views of Zion’s famous formations like The Great White Throne and Angels Landing.
The drive is open year-round, but during the busy summer months, you may need to use the park’s shuttle service. This drive is perfect for anyone who loves the beauty of desert landscapes and rock formations.
4. Scenic Byway 12, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that rise from the ground. Scenic Byway 12 takes you through the park and offers some of the best views of these amazing rock formations. The drive also takes you through nearby areas like Red Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where you can enjoy more of Utah’s stunning landscapes.
Along the way, you can stop at various viewpoints to take in the sights and hike along the trails. Scenic Byway 12 is a must-do drive for anyone visiting Bryce Canyon.
5. The Alaska Highway, Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest mountain, Mount Denali. The park is vast, wild, and beautiful, and the Alaska Highway offers a scenic drive through some of its most breathtaking areas. The drive takes you past rivers, forests, and snow-capped mountains, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife like moose, caribou, and bears.
While the highway itself doesn’t go directly through the park, it provides access to Denali’s entrance, making it a great way to start your adventure in the area. This drive is perfect for those who want to experience the rugged beauty of Alaska.
6. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Skyline Drive runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. The drive stretches for 105 miles and is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color. Along the way, you can stop at various overlooks to take in the scenery, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.
Skyline Drive is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy peaceful mountain views and explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
7. Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching an elevation of over 12,000 feet. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, this drive offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and wide-open meadows. As you drive along, you might spot elk, bighorn sheep, or marmots.
The road is open only in the summer months, as snow and weather conditions can make it impassable in the winter. If you visit during the summer, you’ll be treated to some of the most dramatic mountain views in the country.
8. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is known for its diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to lush rainforests and towering mountains. The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is a great way to experience the park’s coastal beauty. The drive takes you along the coastline, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs.
There are also many opportunities to stop and explore the beaches, take a hike, or spot wildlife like sea otters and whales. This drive is perfect for anyone who loves the ocean and wants to experience the beauty of Washington’s coastline.
Conclusion
Scenic drives through national parks offer some of the best ways to experience nature. Whether you’re exploring the high mountains of Colorado, the desert landscapes of Utah, or the rugged coastlines of Washington, these drives will take you through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world.
So, if you’re looking for your next adventure, be sure to add these scenic drives to your bucket list. Pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the beauty of the national parks like never before!
