Top Scenic Drives in U.S. National Parks
U.S. National Parks are known for their natural beauty, but some of the best ways to experience them don’t require hiking boots—just a set of wheels and a sense of adventure. Scenic drives allow you to soak in breathtaking landscapes, spot wildlife, and stop at overlooks without long treks.
Here’s a guide to the top scenic drives in U.S. National Parks that showcase the country’s most stunning roads.
Why Take Scenic Drives in National Parks?
- Accessibility – Enjoy iconic views without strenuous hikes.
- Diverse landscapes – From deserts to mountains to coastlines.
- Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for bears, elk, and bison.
- Perfect for short visits – Maximize your time in the park.
Top Scenic Drives in U.S. National Parks
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park, Montana)
Winding through glaciers, alpine meadows, and lakes, this 50-mile road is one of America’s most iconic drives.
2. Tioga Road (Yosemite National Park, California)
Crossing the Sierra Nevada, this route offers views of granite cliffs, forests, and sparkling lakes.
3. Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park, Virginia)
A 105-mile ridge-top drive with 70 overlooks for endless Appalachian Mountain views.
4. Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado)
The highest continuous paved road in the U.S., with peaks over 12,000 feet.
5. Park Loop Road (Acadia National Park, Maine)
A coastal drive offering rocky shoreline views, lighthouses, and forest trails.
6. Blue Ridge Parkway (Connecting Shenandoah & Great Smoky Mountains)
Though not entirely inside one park, this 469-mile drive links two iconic parks with breathtaking mountain scenery.
7. Desert View Drive (Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona)
This 25-mile route offers multiple canyon overlooks, including the famous Desert View Watchtower.
8. Haleakalā Summit Road (Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii)
Drive above the clouds to see volcanic landscapes and sunrise views from 10,000 feet.
9. Badlands Loop Road (Badlands National Park, South Dakota)
An easy drive through colorful rock formations and unique wildlife habitats.
10. Crater Lake Rim Drive (Crater Lake National Park, Oregon)
A 33-mile loop circling the deepest lake in the U.S., with 30 scenic overlooks.
Tips for Enjoying Scenic Drives
- Start early – Avoid traffic and catch the best light.
- Pack snacks and water – Services may be limited in parks.
- Allow extra time – Scenic drives often have many overlooks worth stopping at.
- Check conditions – Some roads are closed in winter due to snow.
- Bring binoculars – Wildlife spotting opportunities are everywhere.
Real-Life Example: Daniel’s Yosemite Drive
Daniel only had one day to spend in Yosemite, so he chose Tioga Road. He stopped at Tenaya Lake, photographed granite peaks, and ended his day with a sunset view at Olmsted Point. Even with limited time, the drive gave him a true sense of Yosemite’s grandeur.
20 Quotes to Inspire Scenic Adventures
- “Sometimes the best therapy is a scenic drive.” – Unknown
- “The journey, not the destination, matters.” – T.S. Eliot
- “The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir
- “Take the scenic route.” – Unknown
- “Every road leads to a story.” – Unknown
- “Adventure begins where the road ends.” – Unknown
- “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu
- “Collect moments, not things.” – Unknown
- “A road trip is a remedy for the soul.” – Unknown
- “The open road is freedom.” – Unknown
- “Scenic drives are poetry in motion.” – Unknown
- “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” – Edward Abbey
- “Happiness is a full tank and an open road.” – Unknown
- “Breathtaking views make the best pit stops.” – Unknown
- “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
- “Travel far enough to meet yourself.” – David Mitchell
- “Every mile is a memory.” – Unknown
- “Nature never goes out of style.” – Unknown
- “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.” – Unknown
- “The best journeys are measured in sights, not miles.” – Unknown
Picture This
Imagine winding along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, glaciers gleaming in the sun, or driving Skyline Drive as autumn paints the mountains gold. Scenic drives in national parks let you experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the U.S.—all from the comfort of your car.
Please Share This Article
If this guide inspired your next park adventure, share it with friends and family planning their own national park road trip.
Disclaimer
Road conditions, closures, and accessibility vary by season and weather. Always check with the National Park Service before visiting. This article is for informational purposes only, and we disclaim responsibility for travel or booking decisions made based on this content.
