Fuel Up for Adventure: The Top 10 National Park Scenic Drives You Need to Take
The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse national parks in the world, each offering a unique and unforgettable driving experience. From the rugged mountains of Alaska to the sun-kissed deserts of California, these scenic drives will take you on an adventure of a lifetime. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 national park scenic drives that you need to add to your bucket list.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana
This 50-mile road is a marvel of engineering and offers some of the most stunning views in the country. Winding through Glacier National Park, the road takes you across the Continental Divide and through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world. Be sure to stop at the many pull-outs and take in the breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and towering mountains.
2. Pacific Coast Highway, Olympic National Park, Washington
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic drives in the country, and the section that runs through Olympic National Park is perhaps the most scenic. The 70-mile stretch of road takes you along the coast, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and isolated beaches. Be sure to stop at the many state parks and beaches along the way, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including sea lions, seals, and eagles.
3. Tioga Road, Yosemite National Park, California
Tioga Road is a 46-mile scenic drive that takes you through the stunning high country of Yosemite National Park. The road winds through towering granite peaks, alpine lakes, and picturesque meadows, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the country. Be sure to stop at the many pull-outs and take in the views, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and eagles.
4. Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile scenic drive that takes you through some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the country. The road winds through the Beartooth Mountains, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and towering peaks. Be sure to stop at the many pull-outs and take in the views, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and elk.
5. Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 105-mile scenic drive that takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country. The road winds through Shenandoah National Park, offering stunning views of waterfalls, vistas, and wildflowers. Be sure to stop at the many pull-outs and take in the views, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including black bears, deer, and turkey.
6. Seward Highway, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
The Seward Highway is a 125-mile scenic drive that takes you through some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the country. The road winds through Kenai Fjords National Park, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and sea lions. Be sure to stop at the many pull-outs and take in the views, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including whales, sea otters, and eagles.
7. Grand Teton Scenic Byway, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Grand Teton Scenic Byway is a 48-mile scenic drive that takes you through some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the country. The road winds through Grand Teton National Park, offering breathtaking views of towering peaks, alpine lakes, and picturesque meadows. Be sure to stop at the many pull-outs and take in the views, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including elk, moose, and bison.
8. Acadia All-American Road, Acadia National Park, Maine
The Acadia All-American Road is a 40-mile scenic drive that takes you through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the country. The road winds through Acadia National Park, offering stunning views of rugged coastline, tide pools, and picturesque villages. Be sure to stop at the many pull-outs and take in the views, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including seals, sea lions, and puffins.
9. Great River Road, Congaree National Park, South Carolina
The Great River Road is a 30-mile scenic drive that takes you through some of the most stunning river scenery in the country. The road winds through Congaree National Park, offering breathtaking views of old-growth forests, swamps, and wildlife. Be sure to stop at the many pull-outs and take in the views, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including alligators, otters, and birds.
10. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Zion National Park, Utah
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a 6-mile scenic drive that takes you through some of the most stunning canyon scenery in the country. The road winds through Zion National Park, offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and picturesque rock formations. Be sure to stop at the many pull-outs and take in the views, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including mule deer, peregrine falcons, and bighorn sheep.
These 10 national park scenic drives offer some of the most breathtaking and unforgettable driving experiences in the country. From the rugged mountains of Alaska to the sun-kissed deserts of California, each drive offers a unique and exciting adventure that you’ll never forget. So pack up your car, fill up your gas tank, and hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime.