Exploring the vast beauty of America’s national parks is a bucket-list adventure for many. While hiking trails and backcountry expeditions offer intimate experiences with nature, there’s something uniquely magical about a scenic drive through these protected lands. Wind your way through towering mountains, expansive deserts, and dense forests as you take in the breathtaking landscapes from the comfort of your car. Here are some of the top scenic drives in U.S. National Parks that promise awe-inspiring views and unforgettable moments.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park (Montana)
Length: 50 miles
Best Time to Visit: Late June to mid-September
Going-to-the-Sun Road is more than just a drive; it’s a journey across the Continental Divide. This iconic road carves through the heart of Glacier National Park, offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and alpine meadows. As you ascend to Logan Pass, keep an eye out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The road’s highest point at 6,646 feet offers panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless. Be sure to stop at viewpoints like Jackson Glacier Overlook for one of the park’s last remaining glaciers.
Insider Tip: Start your drive early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the sunrise lighting up the mountains.
2. Tioga Road, Yosemite National Park (California)
Length: 39 miles
Best Time to Visit: Late May to October
Tioga Road is Yosemite National Park’s gateway to the High Sierra. This drive offers a stunning transition from the lush meadows of Tuolumne to the granite cliffs and domes that define Yosemite. Along the way, you’ll pass crystal-clear lakes, expansive meadows, and iconic landmarks like Olmsted Point, where you can see Half Dome from a unique angle. Tenaya Lake is a perfect spot for a picnic or a quick swim in the cool mountain water.
Insider Tip: If you’re visiting in late spring, take a short hike to see the wildflowers blooming along the roadside.
3. Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park (Maine)
Length: 27 miles
Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October
Park Loop Road is a scenic drive that showcases the rugged coastline, dense forests, and granite peaks of Acadia National Park. The road takes you through some of the park’s most iconic sights, including Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, and the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast. In the fall, the foliage transforms the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, making this drive a must-do for leaf peepers.
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and experience the solitude of Acadia’s wild beauty.
4. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Zion National Park (Utah)
Length: 12 miles
Best Time to Visit: April to October
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a short but dramatic drive that takes you through some of Zion National Park’s most spectacular scenery. As you drive through the park’s famous red rock canyons, you’ll pass through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a 1.1-mile engineering marvel. The road then descends into the canyon, offering stunning views of the towering cliffs and deep gorges. The Checkerboard Mesa, with its unique cross-hatched rock patterns, is a must-see along the route.
Insider Tip: Take your time driving through the tunnel and be prepared for occasional stops to allow larger vehicles to pass.
5. Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)
Length: 469 miles (not entirely within the park)
Best Time to Visit: Late September to early November
Though not entirely within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway is an essential drive for anyone visiting the area. This scenic byway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains, offering stunning vistas of the Appalachian Highlands. The section within Great Smoky Mountains National Park features dense forests, rolling mountains, and frequent overlooks where you can take in the breathtaking scenery. During the fall, the parkway is a corridor of color, with the mountainsides ablaze in autumn hues.
Insider Tip: Stop at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center for a chance to see elk grazing in the nearby fields.
6. Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Length: 48 miles
Best Time to Visit: Late June to early October
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet. This awe-inspiring drive takes you above the tree line, where the landscape opens up to reveal panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. As you wind your way through tundra landscapes, keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, moose, and marmots. The road offers numerous pullouts where you can stop and soak in the alpine beauty.
Insider Tip: Dress in layers; even in summer, the temperatures at the higher elevations can be surprisingly cool.
7. Badlands Loop Road, Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
Length: 39 miles
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Badlands Loop Road takes you through a landscape that feels otherworldly. The road winds through Badlands National Park’s striking terrain of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, offering dramatic views at every turn. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to drive this route, as the sun casts a golden glow over the rugged formations. Be sure to stop at the numerous overlooks to fully appreciate the stark beauty of the Badlands.
Insider Tip: Look out for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs along the way, and don’t miss the Fossil Exhibit Trail for a glimpse into the park’s ancient past.
Final Thoughts
These scenic drives through America’s national parks offer a unique way to experience the country’s natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing the fall colors, marveling at towering peaks, or exploring the desert’s stark landscapes, each drive provides a window into the diverse and stunning scenery that makes these parks so special. So, fuel up, roll down the windows, and let the road take you on an unforgettable adventure through America’s natural wonders.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated road trip or just looking to add a scenic drive to your next park visit, these routes promise to deliver some of the most memorable views and experiences the U.S. has to offer. Safe travels!
