Scenic Drives Through National Parks in the USA

A trip to a national park is about more than just the destination. It’s the journey to these remote corners of preserved natural wonders that are equally enticing, including drives to, and then around, the parks.

In fact, many US national parks are best seen from your car – really. We’re not saying you shouldn’t get out and breathe the fresh air and smell the flowers, but to get the best overview of wilderness and wildlife, these scenic drives can’t be beat.

Top Tips for Planning a Road Trip to a National Park

• Prepare Your Vehicle: National parks are often located in remote areas, and it may be a while for help to arrive if you break down. So be sure your vehicle is fully serviced and has a full tank of gas before you start your adventure.

• Download Directions: Speaking of being remote, you may not have cell service or WiFi out in the parks, so be sure to save routing info to your phone in advance of your trip.

• Pack Snacks and Water: Don’t count on food or supplies out on the road — bring everything you need with you, including picnic supplies (and be sure to carry out anything you carry in).

Best Scenic Drive Through Joshua Tree National Park

The Route: Park Boulevard, Drive from North (HWY 62) or South (I-10) entrances
Route Length: 35 miles
Bucket List Nature Highlights: Cap Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Skull Rock

Driving through Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs, California, you’ll encounter scraggly armed trees resembling “truffula trees” amidst a whimsical desert landscape. The rocky wonders and unusual vegetation you’ll see driving through this park are both real and incredible.

Best Scenic Drive Through Yellowstone National Park

The Route: Lamar Valley Road, enter Northeastern gate
Route Length: 29 miles
Wildlife Bucket List: bison, elk, grizzly bear

For wildlife enthusiasts, Yellowstone, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, offers some of the most abundant animal habitats of any national park in the country. You can see a magnificent range and number of animals from the safety of your car as you traverse Lamar Valley Road, including herds of bison.

Best Scenic Drive Through Acadia National Park

The Route: Park Loop Road, from Hulls Cover Visitor’s Center
Route Length: 27 miles
Wildlife Bucket List: peregrine falcon, bald eagle, snowy owl

Looping Mount Desert Island on this easy route not only provides gorgeous views of Maine’s beloved national park but also offers access to popular visitor spots, including Sieur de Monts Spring and Cadillac Mountain. Acadia is an excellent location for bird watching, featuring raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds.

Best Scenic Drive Through Haleakalā National Park

The Route: Haleakalā Highway from Crater Road
Route Length: 37 miles
Bucket List Nature Highlights: cinder cones, volcanic crater

As you drive up this dormant volcano, you’ll experience the world’s largest elevation gain in the shortest distance. Once at the top, the chilly temperatures perfectly contrast a sunny day spent on a Maui beach. Sunrise at Haleakalā is memorable with shifting morning colors illuminating the mountain.

Best Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park

The Route: Trail Ridge Road, starting at Fall River Entrance
Route Length: 48 miles
Wildlife Bucket List: elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, coyotes

This highest paved road in America offers epic views and the chance to see wildlife like elk while you traverse the “Highway to the Sky.” Keep an eye out for the changing landscapes as you descend the mountain.

Note: This road is only open Memorial Day through October.

Best Scenic Drive Through Grand Teton National Park

The Route: The Grand Teton loop drive from Moose Junction to Jackson
Route Length: 42 miles
Wildlife Bucket List: pronghorn sheep, bison, bald eagles

Follow the waters of the Snake River for stunning views of the Wyoming national park that showcase green meadows and craggy peaks. This popular loop encompasses a variety of routes, providing breathtaking vistas of the mountains and ample opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Best Scenic Drive Through Glacier National Park

The Route: Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier Entrance
Route Length: 50 miles
Wildlife Bucket List: bighorn sheep, mountain goats

This national park in northern Montana is famous for its stunning scenery, featuring 26 glaciers and nearly one million acres of breathtaking landscapes. Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most popular driving routes, renowned for its engineering marvels along the mountain edges.

Note: Reservations are required to drive this road in the summer.

Best Scenic Drive Through Great Smoky Mountains

The Route: Newfound Gap Road from US 441
Route Length: 30 miles
Wildlife Bucket List: black bears, elk

As the largest national park in the east and the most visited park in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains are perfect for driving itineraries. Newfound Gap offers amazing views and great animal spotting opportunities, particularly during the vibrant fall foliage.

Best Scenic Drive Through Arches National Park

The Route: Arches Scenic Drive
Route Length: 22 miles
Bucket List Nature Highlights: Balancing Rock, Windows Arch, Delicate Arch

The red sandstone arches that define Arches National Park in Utah look like they were created by a master architect. This drive allows you to experience the stunning rock formations up close; don’t miss the chance to step out and appreciate their grandeur.

Best Scenic Drive Through Crater Lake National Park

The Route: Rim Drive from North Junction
Route Length: 33 miles
Wildlife Bucket List: mule deer, elk, black bear

Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park features the scenic Rim Drive, designed to provide optimal views of the stunning volcanic crater. Following the deep blue waters, you can stop at numerous lookout points and capture breathtaking photographs along the way.