Breathtaking vistas, sweeping views that stretch far into the distance and untamed wildlife roaming freely: some of America’s scenic roads provide exclusive access to the country’s natural wonders. Here is a selection of five scenic roads, a must-do if you wish to experience the national parks of the American West firsthand.
Highway 12, Utah, winds its way between majestic red rock cliffs, deep canyons, and expansive plateaus.
The area’s majestic beauty is on full display. From the outset, Bryce Canyon National Park awes with its amphitheatres of hoodoos – a unique type of rock formation created by erosion – showcasing a palette of vibrant orange and pink hues. As you ascend, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument unfolds a stunning array of canyons carved into the rock, accompanied by trails leading to breathtaking waterfalls and natural arches. In Capitol Reef, no visit would be complete without exploring Waterpocket Fold, a geological phenomenon where the exposed sedimentary rocks – coloured red, brown, and white – blend together in a dramatic, rugged landscape.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, the heavenly highway of Glacier National Park.
A scenic drive in northwestern Montana, spanning 80 kilometers, offers breathtaking views along the Canada border. The drive takes you up the mountainside, passing through rugged mountain passes and stunning glacial valleys. Be sure to stop at Jackson Glacier Overlook or St. Mary Lake to spot the park’s diverse wildlife, including mountain goats, marmots, and occasionally black bears. Visitors can also experience panoramic views from Logan Pass, reaching 2,026 meters, encompassing a 360-degree vista of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and lush pine forests.
The Zion Mount Carmel Scenic Drive (Highway 9), in Utah, passes through the towering canyons of Zion National Park.
This winding road stretches for about 30 kilometers, snaking its way through tight canyons and lush valleys, contrasting dramatically with the massive red cliffs that surround the park. The renowned Zion Mount Carmel tunnel, carved into the mountainside, opens up a picturesque view of the steep, colourful rock formations overlooking the Virgin River, the park’s main draws. The road then winds along the river, providing ample opportunities to stop and take in the breathtaking views, including the towering rock formations of The Sentinel and the Checkerboard Mesa. This route serves as the starting point for many hikes, such as the Emerald Pools trail, allowing you to venture into wilder areas and fully appreciate the intricate beauty of this rugged landscape.
Located in Utah, the Moab Scenic Byways serve as gateways to fantastical arches and sculpted gorges.
In Moab, scenic drives offer the perfect way to appreciate the grandeur of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Three scenic routes cross the area, each highlighting unique natural treasures. Route 128 follows the meandering Colorado River, with towering red sandstone cliffs overlooking the river below. Route 279 runs alongside the Petroglyph Panels, where native ancestral carvings adorn the rock faces. Lastly, route 313 leads directly to Canyonlands, providing a thrilling preview of the expansive canyons throughout the park. As you drive through Moab, the scenic roads will take you through breathtaking landscapes shaped by wind, water, and the relentless passage of time, featuring natural arches, spectacular gorges, and vast expanses of desert.
The Grand Teton 42-mile Scenic Drive is a breathtaking, iconic circuit that passes through the heart of the majestic Teton mountain range in Wyoming, USA
Sited in the middle of Grand Teton National Park, the 42-Mile Scenic Drive is a comprehensive route for discovering the vastness of Wyoming’s landscapes: this 42-mile loop traverses a lightly forested area of conifers, coming to a stop at the Jackson and Jenny lakes at the base of the snow-capped peaks of the Teton Range. The vistas stretch as far as the Jackson Hole valley, creating a captivating contrast between the flat, green plains and the sheer granite cliffs. There are trails accessible from the 42-Mile Scenic Drive, such as those leading to Taggart Lake or String Lake, allowing you to explore the untouched natural surroundings up close, surrounded by waterfalls and dense forests, away from the roads and signs of human life.
