Just about every road in our national park system is scenic, but many scenic highways and byways aren’t part of it. Some are officially designated as such, while others aren’t.
With most National Parks requiring reservations this summer to visit them, you may not be able to go to some of the most iconic places in America, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out.
Here’s a guide to 15 of the best, and you don’t have to pay to access any of them.
Richardson Highway, Alaska
The first major road built in Alaska, the Richardson Highway, runs from Fairbanks to the coast at Valdez. Mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls are among the many scenic highlights along its 368 miles.
Hana Highway, HI
This Maui road connects the towns of Kahului and Hana. Most of the 64-mile route is narrow and winding and passes through lush rainforest. It also passes over 59 bridges.
Oregon Coast, OR
From the Olympic Peninsula in Washington into Northern California, U.S. 101 parallels the Pacific coast, and the scenery is almost always spectacular. Many rate the Oregon section as the best, with the famous Cannon Beach being a particular standout.
Big Sur, CA
Like U.S. 101, California Highway 1 hugs the Pacific coast for most of its length. Big Sur is a mountainous region between Carmel and San Simeon. The coast is rugged here and marked by waves crashing against cliffs and sea stacks in many places. Several state parks and other areas provide easy access to the coast.
U.S. 395– Lee Vining to Lone Pine, CA
The eastern face of the Sierra Nevada is one of the most impressive mountainous displays in the world. No matter their actual altitude, most mountains typically rise a few thousand feet above their bases. In the Eastern Sierra, the peaks soar 9000-10,000’ from their bases. This stretch of 395 puts the crest on full display.
The Loneliest Road in America, NV
U.S. Highway 50 connects the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and the section running through central Nevada has gained fame for its remoteness and expansive views of mountains and the desert. Before setting out, always have a full tank of gas and a reliable spare, as services are scant along this stretch.
Beartooth Highway, MT-WY
Famed travel writer Charles Kuralt called this “the most beautiful drive in America.” After driving it, you might agree. The road runs over 50 miles between Red Lodge and Cooke City, both in Montana, but a long section is in Wyoming. Only open in the summer, the road crests at Beartooth Pass and passes many waterfalls and lakes, providing sweeping mountain views. You also have a good chance of seeing a moose or a grizzly bear.
Independence Pass, CO
Just south of Leadville, the highest incorporated town in America, Colorado 82 starts climbing west toward Independence Pass and then descends to Aspen. The pass is on the Continental Divide and above the timberline, and there are excellent mountain views. Early fall is best because the aspen leaves turn brilliant gold, and the pass is usually clear of snow.
San Juan Skyway, CO
In southwestern Colorado, a series of roads effectively form a triangle connecting Ridgway, Durango, and Cortez. You’ll also pass through fun and historic mountain towns like Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride. The San Juan Mountains are Colorado’s most rugged and most colorful, and you can enjoy them from many vantage points, including high passes and meadows where no trees obstruct the views.
Mirror Lake Highway, UT
State Route 150 starts from Kamas and climbs north into the Uinta Mountains, Utah’s highest range, and ends at the Wyoming border. As with most other roads that wind through alpine mountains, the byway has peaks, lakes, and waterfalls to admire, and there’s plenty of recreation to enjoy as well.
Utah 12, UT
Also called “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” this route has one end just south of Panguitch and the other one in Torrey. Among the many stops and detours along this journey are Bryce Canyon National Park, alpine meadows, the slickrock expanses of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and desert waterfalls.
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, AZ
Mt. Lemmon is a “sky island” a desert peak that rises high enough to feature climate zones more commonly found well to its north. The summit provides some relief from the summer heat of the Tucson area, and the scenery on the way there is outstanding.
Needles Highway, SD
The Black Hills region is rich in scenery and history, and just about every road is scenic. The Needles Highway probably takes top honors, though as it connects Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. Granite spires are the highlight here, and they attract rock climbers from all over the country. The road is narrow and winding and goes through some narrow tunnels, so try to avoid weekends and holidays when RVs and other large vehicles can gum things up.
North Shore, MN
Lake Superior is so huge that if you didn’t know it was a lake, you’d think it was the ocean. The North Shore is the region from Duluth north to Thunder Bay, Ontario. The drive accesses lake views, beaches, waterfalls, tall cliffs, and more, much of it preserved in several state parks.
Kancamagus Highway, NH
The mighty White Mountains dominate much of New Hampshire, and one of the best ways to appreciate them is along the east-west Kancamagus Highway. Fall is the best time to go because the autumn leaves are dazzling, but it’s a great drive any time of year.
15 Must-Dos on Your Next Trip to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border makes a lot of lists of the most beautiful places in America. There’s also a lot to do there, with a wide range of outdoor recreation, great dining, resorts, nightlife, and more. If it’s your first time going or if you’re going back, consider adding some of the following places to your itinerary.
15 Must-Dos on Your Next Trip to Lake Tahoe
The World’s 5 Friendliest and 5 Unfriendliest Cities
Some cities welcome visitors and want them to be there. Other cities are rude to visitors and would just as soon see you leave. It can be jarring to be in an unfriendly city, though some of the world’s most enticing cities rank high on the rudeness scale.
When you visit a friendly city, it’s much easier to soak in the culture and meet the locals. Rough Guides readers voted on the cities for their level of friendliness. According to Rough Guides, these are the world’s friendliest and unfriendliest cities.
Leave a Reply