Who doesn’t love the freedom and romance of taking to the open road? With millions of miles to choose from, we’re here to help you get your motor running with our list of the 10 most scenic roads to drive in America.
MOUNT EVANS ROAD – COLORADO
Mt. Evans Road is the highest paved road in North America and from it, you have an excellent vantage point of Colorado’s infamous snowy peaks. Generally open Memorial Day to Labor Day, this route climbs over 9,000 feet through five climate zones.
TURQUOISE TRAIL – NEW MEXICO
New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment and this road goes straight through the heart of it. Enjoy the quirky communities between Albuquerque and Santa Fe that dot the desert scenery.
HANA HIGHWAY – HAWAII
Hawaii lives up to its reputation of beauty on this road where lush green forests plunge into the cerulean blue sea. Enjoy the rugged coastline, 54 one-lane bridges, and plenty of waterfalls.
COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY – OREGON
The Columbia River Highway takes you through the quintessential Pacific Northwest with mature trees, grey skies, and craggy rock faces. Once part of the Oregon Trail, enjoy roaring waterfalls in the spring, wildflowers blooming in the summer, and breathtaking views every day of the year.
HIGHWAY 1 – CALIFORNIA
Countless songs and poems have been written about California’s Highway 1, but nothing compares to seeing it for yourself. Enjoy scenic views on ribbons of narrow roads and bridges that overlook beaches on one side, and towering redwood trees on the other.
BUFFALO BILL SCENIC HIGHWAY – WYOMING
This road was once dubbed by Teddy Roosevelt as “the most beautiful 50 miles in America.” Enjoy a sweeping mountain view near Sylvan Pass as you head toward Yellowstone National Park and the drive through Buffalo Bill State Park into the Wapiti Valley.
ROUTE 66 – ILLINOIS TO MISSOURI
If you’re itching to roll the windows down and cruise quintessential America to your favorite Bruce Springsteen album, this is the road to check out. Start on Adams Street in Chicago and head west to see fabled roadside attractions, drive-ins and local eateries. While the road isn’t a constant drive, many stretches of it still exist.
PIG TRAIL BYWAY – ARKANSAS
The Pig Trail Scenic Byway takes you through the Boston and Arkansas Ozark mountains, with some of the densest foliage you can find in the U.S. This stunning drive will take you through Eureka Springs, a quirky hillside town with unique architecture, shops, and restaurants.
TETON PARK ROAD – WYOMING
Grand Teton National Park is a bucket-list destination and this road gives you a full view of all of its majesty. View the abundant wildlife at dusk and dawn, or stop at one of the many pull-offs for spectacular views.
OVERSEAS HIGHWAY – FLORIDA
The Overseas Highway, which connects Miami to Key West in 113 miles, is one of the most impressive engineering feats of mankind and must be seen to be believed. Indulge in the jade-green waters and the laidback lifestyle.
