WASHINGTON, DC — A travel writer who has road-tripped across the country highlights eight scenic drives that stand out for mountain views, coastal scenery and park access. The list ranges from short park roads to longer highway stretches in the West.
The routes include well-known favorites in Wyoming, Montana, Washington, California, Nevada, Oregon and Colorado, each offering a different kind of landscape from alpine peaks to desert canyons.
Grand Teton and Glacier roads showcase classic mountain scenery
Teton Park Road in Wyoming runs about 42 miles along the base of the Teton Range inside Grand Teton National Park. The route is known for abrupt peaks, wildlife sightings and broad valley views.
Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana covers about 50 miles in Glacier National Park and reaches Logan Pass at 6,646 feet. The road is famous for waterfalls, glaciers and high-elevation views, though visitors still need to watch for seasonal closures and vehicle length limits.
Mount Rainier and Yosemite offer iconic national park drives
Sunrise Park Road in Washington leads to Mount Rainier National Park’s highest accessible point at 6,400 feet. The drive opens onto subalpine meadows and summer wildflowers with close-up views of the mountain.
Yosemite Valley Loop in California brings drivers past El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall. The route can be crowded, but early mornings, late afternoons and November visits may offer a quieter experience.
Desert, coast and canyon routes round out the list
Mouse’s Tank Road in Nevada is a short but striking drive through Valley of Fire State Park, where red sandstone glows at sunset and petroglyphs add to the scenery.
Highway 101 through Oregon’s Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor offers a 12-mile stretch filled with sea stacks, natural bridges and Pacific Ocean overlooks, while Highway 395 in California follows the Sierra Nevada past Mono Lake, the Alabama Hills, bristlecone pines and seasonal wildflower displays.
Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway adds a high-stakes mountain drive
The Million Dollar Highway on U.S. 550 between Ouray and Silverton in Colorado is known for sharp turns, steep drop-offs and sweeping San Juan Mountain views. The road has a reputation for being both intimidating and memorable.
The roundup says the route is worth the effort for travelers who want dramatic scenery, and it notes that a stop in Ouray adds even more mountain-town appeal to the trip.
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