America’s highways aren’t just about getting from point A to point B—they’re gateways to breathtaking landscapes that showcase the country’s natural beauty. From coastal cliffs to mountain peaks, these scenic byways offer unforgettable journeys through some of the most spectacular terrain in the United States. Pack your camera, grab some snacks, and hit the road to experience these seven magnificent drives that will leave you speechless.
Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Hugging California’s rugged coastline for over 600 miles, the Pacific Coast Highway delivers a constant stream of jaw-dropping ocean vistas. The route winds past towering redwood forests, secluded beaches, and dramatic cliffs that plunge into the endless blue Pacific.
Big Sur stands as the crown jewel of this iconic drive, where mountains seem to rise directly from the sea. The famous Bixby Bridge, an architectural marvel spanning a steep canyon, has become one of America’s most photographed landmarks. Pull over at numerous vista points to watch sea lions lounging on beaches or migrating whales in the distance.
The highway passes through charming coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, perfect for overnight stays. Plan your drive for late spring or fall when fog is minimal, and give yourself plenty of time—rushing this route would be missing the point entirely.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Carved into the mountainsides of Glacier National Park, this engineering marvel offers 50 miles of pure alpine wonder. Completed in 1932, the road climbs through dense forests and wildflower meadows before dramatically ascending above the treeline to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet.
Mountain goats and bighorn sheep often appear alongside the route, seemingly unfazed by visitors. The Garden Wall section presents a heart-stopping experience as your vehicle hugs the mountainside with thousand-foot dropoffs mere feet away. Weeping Wall, where spring runoff cascades directly onto the roadway, creates a natural car wash during early summer.
Crystal-clear lakes reflect the surrounding peaks like mirrors, creating perfect photo opportunities at pullouts like Wild Goose Island Overlook. Snow keeps portions closed until early summer, typically opening fully in late June or early July, making this a perfect addition to summer road trip plans.
San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway (Colorado)
Nicknamed the “Road to the Sky,” this 236-mile Colorado loop weaves through some of the most spectacular mountain terrain in North America. Victorian-era mining towns like Telluride and Silverton punctuate the journey, offering glimpses into the state’s rich mining history and present-day mountain culture.
The route’s most famous section, aptly named the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton, delivers white-knuckle thrills with narrow lanes, hairpin turns, and few guardrails despite steep dropoffs. Autumn transforms the landscape into a painter’s palette when aspen groves burst into brilliant gold against evergreen forests and red-hued mountains.
Hot springs in Ouray provide the perfect relaxation spot after a day of driving. Wildlife spotting opportunities abound—keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, and even the occasional black bear. The entire loop deserves at least two days to fully appreciate its grandeur.
Trail Ridge Road (Colorado)
Ascending to a breathtaking 12,183 feet, Trail Ridge Road claims the title of North America’s highest continuous paved road. The 48-mile route through Rocky Mountain National Park transforms from lush forests at lower elevations to otherworldly alpine tundra above the treeline, where winds can exceed 100 mph even in summer.
Rock Cut overlook provides panoramic views of 14,000-foot peaks that seem close enough to touch. Tiny wildflowers, specially adapted to harsh conditions, create colorful carpets during the brief summer growing season. Wildlife encounters are common—elk herds graze alongside the road, and yellow-bellied marmots sun themselves on rocks.
Forest Canyon Overlook reveals a glacier-carved valley stretching for miles below. The Alpine Visitor Center, perched at over 11,000 feet, offers educational exhibits about this fragile ecosystem. Heavy snowfall keeps the road closed approximately October through May, making summer the prime time for this unforgettable alpine journey.
Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway (Colorado)
Starting at 9,000 feet and only climbing higher, this 115-mile route takes drivers through the heart of Colorado’s highest mountains. Mount Elbert and Mount Massive—the two tallest peaks in the Rockies—dominate the skyline as you navigate past alpine lakes and historic sites.
The historic mining town of Leadville, sitting at 10,152 feet, holds the distinction of being America’s highest incorporated city. Ghost stories and mining lore permeate its Victorian-era buildings. Independence Pass, reaching 12,095 feet, rewards drivers with views that stretch for miles across pristine wilderness.
Twin Lakes offers a perfect reflection of surrounding mountains on calm mornings. The byway passes through the 10th Mountain Division Memorial Highway, honoring the elite alpine soldiers who trained in these mountains during World War II. Summer brings wildflower explosions across high meadows, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland accessible to those with proper vehicles.
Trail of the Ancients (Four Corners Region)
Unlike routes celebrated primarily for natural beauty, this 1,271-mile network across Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico weaves together cultural and archaeological wonders of the American Southwest. Ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park reveal the architectural ingenuity of Ancestral Puebloan people who thrived here centuries ago.
Monument Valley’s iconic sandstone buttes create a landscape instantly recognizable from countless Western films. Sacred to the Navajo Nation, this area connects visitors to living indigenous traditions. Natural Bridges National Monument showcases massive stone arches carved by water and time, while Canyon de Chelly offers both spectacular geology and cultural significance.
Hovenweep National Monument’s six prehistoric villages stand as testament to sophisticated astronomical knowledge. The byway passes through contemporary tribal lands where Native American communities maintain connections to these ancestral places. Spring and fall offer ideal weather for exploring this desert landscape rich with human history spanning thousands of years.
Great River Road (Mississippi River)
Stretching nearly 3,000 miles from Minnesota’s Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, America’s oldest and longest scenic byway follows the mighty Mississippi through 10 states. Recently designated an All-American Road, this route isn’t just about natural beauty—it’s a journey through the cultural and historical heart of the nation.
Northern sections wind through forested bluffs and quaint river towns where Mark Twain found inspiration. The middle stretches reveal expansive agricultural landscapes and historic river ports where steamboats once docked. Antebellum plantations and oak-lined avenues characterize southern portions as the river widens on its journey to New Orleans.
Roadside attractions include everything from eagle-watching spots to blues music landmarks. Local cuisine changes dramatically along the route—from northern walleye to southern catfish, from Minnesota hotdish to Louisiana gumbo. Autumn brings spectacular color to northern sections, while spring showcases southern magnolias and azaleas in bloom.
