Journey Through America: 14 National Park Drives You’ll Never Forget
America’s national parks are a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, and some of the best ways to experience them are from behind the wheel. These scenic drives take you through diverse terrains—from towering redwood forests to sweeping desert vistas.
Each route offers unique views and opportunities to stop, hike, and soak in the beauty of the wild. For travelers and road trip enthusiasts, these 14 national park drives showcase some of the country’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Get ready to explore the best of America on these unforgettable routes.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
This 50-mile drive through Montana’s Glacier National Park offers unparalleled views of rugged peaks, glacial valleys, and lush alpine meadows. Winding its way through the heart of the park, the road climbs up to Logan Pass, where you’ll be greeted by panoramic mountain vistas and abundant wildlife.
Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive stretches 105 miles through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offering endless views of rolling hills and valleys. With 75 scenic overlooks, it’s a perfect route for those who want to stop frequently to take in the scenery.
The drive is particularly stunning in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. This 469-mile route winds through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along ridge tops with incredible views, making it a dream for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching elevations over 12,000 feet. This drive takes you above the treeline, where sweeping views of Rocky Mountain peaks and tundra landscapes await.
The route is open seasonally, usually from late spring to early fall.
Tioga Road, Yosemite National Park
Tioga Road cuts through Yosemite’s high country, offering breathtaking views of granite cliffs, alpine lakes, and dense forests. At 9,943 feet, it’s one of the highest highways in California, and it provides access to less-crowded parts of the park, such as Tuolumne Meadows, where wildflowers bloom in abundance during the summer.
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Mount Carmel Highway, Zion National Park
Mount Carmel Highway in Zion National Park takes drivers through dramatic red rock landscapes and towering sandstone cliffs. The route includes the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a mile-long passage that opens up to incredible views of Zion’s massive canyon walls.
It’s a short drive, but the scenery is unforgettable.
Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This 19-mile drive through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a unique experience as it winds through lava fields and past active volcanic craters. The road leads down to the coast, where you can see where lava flows meet the ocean.
It’s a surreal landscape that showcases the power of nature.
Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park
Park Loop Road is a 27-mile drive around Maine’s Acadia National Park, featuring coastal cliffs, rocky beaches, and lush forests. The route offers plenty of spots to pull over and enjoy the views, including iconic locations like Thunder Hole, where waves crash dramatically against the rocks.
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Desert View Drive, Grand Canyon National Park
Desert View Drive is a 23-mile stretch along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This road provides sweeping views of the canyon and the Colorado River far below.
Stop at Desert View Watchtower for one of the best panoramic views of the Grand Canyon, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Scenic Drive, Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef’s Scenic Drive is an 8-mile paved road through the park’s dramatic red rock formations and narrow canyons. It’s a short but impressive route, offering views of towering sandstone cliffs, petroglyphs, and pioneer-era orchards.
For added adventure, continue on the unpaved road sections for a closer look at the rugged landscape.
Cades Cove Loop Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road offers a scenic drive through a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Known for its abundant wildlife, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, this drive is also dotted with historical buildings, including old cabins and churches, making it a charming journey through time and nature.
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The Needles Highway, Badlands National Park
Needles Highway in South Dakota’s Badlands National Park is a winding road that takes you through narrow tunnels, past impressive rock formations, and along cliffs that overlook the rugged Badlands. Named for its needle-like granite formations, this drive is a thrilling and scenic experience through an alien-like landscape.
Rim Drive, Crater Lake National Park
Rim Drive circles around Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the U.S., offering 33 miles of stunning views of its sapphire-blue waters. With numerous viewpoints along the way, this drive provides ever-changing perspectives of the lake and the surrounding volcanic landscape, making it one of Oregon’s most scenic routes.
Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone National Park
Beartooth Highway is an iconic 68-mile drive that leads you to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The route ascends steeply, reaching nearly 11,000 feet, with views of alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and sprawling meadows.
It’s a breathtaking approach to one of America’s most famous parks and a thrilling journey in its own right.
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