Discover breathtaking routes for scenic road trips and drives across stunning landscapes, from winding coastal highways to mountainous byways. This ultimate guide will take you on a journey of luxury, breathtaking views, and adventures in the great outdoors. Whether you crave the majesty of towering peaks, the serenity of pristine alpine lakes, or the thrill of wildlife encounters, this article will showcase some of the most awe-inspiring scenic drives across America.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the most breathtaking scenic road trips and drives across America
- Explore a variety of scenic byways, from coastal highways to mountainous routes
- Immerse yourself in the majesty of towering peaks and pristine alpine lakes
- Embark on thrilling adventures and encounter wildlife in the great outdoors
- Indulge in a journey of luxury, stunning vistas, and unforgettable experiences
Grand Teton National Park: Where Majesty Meets Serenity
One of the best areas to explore in the American West is the majestic Grand Teton National Park. This breathtaking wilderness boasts towering peaks, pristine lakes, and a wealth of opportunities for scenic drives and outdoor adventures.
Teton Park Road: Towering Peaks and Pristine Lakes
Begin your journey by taking the scenic Teton Park Road, which weaves through the heart of the park, offering panoramic vistas of the iconic Teton Range. As you drive, you’ll be treated to the sight of pristine alpine lakes and lush meadows, creating a serene and awe-inspiring experience.
Iconic Viewpoints: Snake River Overlook and Signal Mountain Summit
Be sure to stop at some of the park’s most popular viewpoints, such as the Snake River Overlook and the Signal Mountain Summit. From these vantage points, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that will leave you truly inspired by the natural beauty of Grand Teton National Park.
Encounters with Wildlife: Moose-Wilson Road Adventure
For a truly unforgettable experience, venture along the famous Moose-Wilson Road. This winding route winds through dense forests and alongside serene streams, providing ample opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose, elk, and bears. Keep your camera handy, as you never know what majestic creatures you might encounter along the way.
Winding through Forests and Streams
The Moose-Wilson Road is a picturesque scenic drive that weaves its way through the heart of the Grand Teton National Park. As you navigate the twists and turns, you’ll be surrounded by towering pine trees and the soothing sounds of babbling brooks and streams. This peaceful setting creates the perfect backdrop for your wildlife sightings.
Spotting Moose, Elk, and Bears
With a keen eye and a bit of luck, you may spot some of the park’s most iconic residents during your drive. Majestic moose can often be seen grazing in the meadows or cooling off in the water, while elk and bears may make a surprise appearance as they forage in the dense forests. Keep your binoculars and camera ready, as these encounters with nature’s grandeur will leave a lasting impression.
Jenny Lake: A Jewel of Alpine Beauty
Nestled in the heart of the Grand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake is a true gem of alpine beauty. This crystal-clear lake, surrounded by the majestic Teton Range, offers postcard-worthy views at every turn. Take a leisurely scenic drive around the lake’s perimeter and soak in the stunning scenery, or hop on the car ferry for a closer look at the breathtaking landscape.
Postcard-worthy Views at Every Turn
As you drive along the winding roads around Jenny Lake, you’ll be treated to a panoramic display of alpine beauty. Towering peaks reflect in the crystal-clear waters, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Stop at designated viewpoints to capture the perfect shot for your next postcard or social media update.
Exploring by Car or Ferry
For a more immersive experience, consider taking the car ferry across Jenny Lake. This scenic ride provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and allows you to get closer to the lake’s pristine shores. Alternatively, you can simply drive around the lake, stopping at various trailheads and picnic areas to further explore this natural wonder.
Venturing into the Wild West: Gros Ventre Road Expedition
For those craving a true taste of the Old West, the Gros Ventre Road offers a captivating journey through the heart of the region’s rugged landscapes. This scenic drive traverses the Gros Ventre Wilderness, providing sweeping vistas of the majestic Gros Ventre Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Slide, a massive landslide that dramatically shaped the surrounding terrain centuries ago.
Gros Ventre Wilderness and Mountain Range
As you navigate the winding Gros Ventre Road, prepare to be awestruck by the sheer grandeur of the Gros Ventre Wilderness and the rugged Gros Ventre Mountain Range that rise up all around you. This untamed expanse of pristine wilderness offers a glimpse into the Wild West, where nature reigns supreme and the spirit of adventure lingers in the air.
Historic Homesteads and Landslide Landscapes
Along the way, keep an eye out for the remnants of historic homesteads that dot the landscape, reminding you of the hardy pioneers who once carved out a living in this remote and challenging terrain. The Gros Ventre Slide, a massive landslide that occurred in the 1920s, has left an indelible mark on the region, creating a dramatic and ever-evolving scenic panorama that will captivate your senses.
Soaring to New Heights: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
No visit to Jackson Hole would be complete without exploring the iconic Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Perched amidst the majestic Rendezvous Mountain, this world-class destination offers unparalleled access to some of the best skiing, hiking, and scenic vistas in the American West.
Aerial Tram to Rendezvous Mountain
Step aboard the famous aerial tram and soar to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, where you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This thrilling journey takes mere minutes, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Skiing, Hiking, and Scenic Vistas
Whether you’re a seasoned skier seeking fresh powder stashes or a hiker yearning to explore the rugged terrain, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has something to captivate every outdoor enthusiast. Lose yourself in the scenic vistas that stretch out before you, from the jagged Tetons to the lush alpine meadows.
Scenic Road Trips and Drives
Arizona offers a wealth of scenic road trips and drives that showcase the region’s natural beauty and captivating landscapes. From the legendary Apache Trail to the panoramic vistas of Dobbins Lookout, these intra-city adventures allow you to travel from Point A to Point Beautiful … and be back at your hotel in time for dinner.
The Apache Trail: From Apache Junction to Globe
The Apache Trail is a renowned 40-mile route that links the towns of Apache Junction and Globe, offering jaw-dropping portals to canyons, cliff dwellings, and sparkling blue lakes. This scenic drive through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest is a must for any scenic road trips enthusiast, promising a captivating glimpse into Arizona’s rugged past and breathtaking present.
Dobbins Lookout: Panoramic City Views
For unparalleled panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area, make your way to Dobbins Lookout in South Mountain Park. This elevated vantage point provides arguably the best city views in the region, allowing visitors to soak in the sprawling urban landscape below while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Wrigley Mansion: A Hilltop Gem
Perched atop a knoll in the heart of Phoenix, the Wrigley Mansion offers a tree-skimming, panoramic snapshot of the Valley. This historic landmark, built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. in the 1930s, is a hidden gem that provides a unique vantage point to enjoy the city’s stunning scenic drives and vibrant culture.
Road Trip Accommodations: Huff House Inn
Once you’ve completed your scenic drives around Jackson Hole, it’s time to unwind and recharge at the Huff House Inn, a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown. Situated within walking distance to Town Square and just minutes from the breathtaking Grand Teton National Park, our inn offers the perfect location for your road trip adventures.
Luxury Boutique Hotel in Downtown Jackson
The Huff House Inn boasts elegant, well-appointed guest rooms that seamlessly blend modern amenities with the rustic charm of the Jackson Hole area. From the moment you step into our lobby, you’ll be enveloped in the warm and inviting ambiance that makes our luxury boutique hotel a truly exceptional choice for road trip accommodations.
Exceptional Amenities and World-Class Service
Our exceptional amenities and world-class service are designed to ensure your stay is as comfortable and rejuvenating as possible. Soak in our outdoor hot tub, cozy up by the firepits, or indulge in a gourmet breakfast each morning. With attention to every detail, the Huff House Inn provides the perfect haven to recharge after a day of exploring the stunning landscapes and national parks surrounding Jackson Hole.
Cross-Country Road Trippers: Diego and April Uchitel
Diego Uchitel, a renowned fashion and celebrity photographer, along with his wife April Uchitel, the co-founder of The Board, embarked on an epic 9000-mile cross-country road trip in their Sprinter Van. Leaving their Laurel Canyon home in California, the family, including their two kids, spent eight weeks traveling, camping, and experiencing the great outdoors.
Epic 9000-Mile Journey Across the US
Their cross-country road trip took them from the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan to the majestic mountain ranges and cowboy life of Wyoming. Along the way, they discovered the surprising charm of Minneapolis, immersing themselves in the local culture and scenic drives that the city had to offer.
Highlights: Upper Peninsula, Wyoming, Minneapolis, and More
The Uchitel family’s 9000-mile journey across the United States provided them with a unique opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and create lasting memories. From the dramatic vistas of the Upper Peninsula to the awe-inspiring sights of Wyoming, and the unexpected delights of Minneapolis, their cross-country road trip was a true adventure of a lifetime.
Editor’s Picks: Laura Brown’s RV Road Trip
InStyle editor-in-chief Laura Brown and her fiancé rented an RV to embark on a remarkable 31-day road trip across the United States, covering 6,278 miles and six national parks. Among the many highlights of their epic RV road trip, Brown recounts the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a grizzly bear and her four cubs strolling nonchalantly past them at Grand Teton National Park.
31-Day Adventure from NYC to LA
Leaving their home in New York City, the adventurous duo traversed the country, experiencing the diverse landscapes and countless wonders along the way from the East Coast to the West Coast. Brown marveled at the breathtaking scenery and the joy of exploring the great outdoors from the comfort of their RV during this unforgettable 31-day adventure.
Grizzly Bear Encounter at Grand Teton National Park
One of the most remarkable moments of their journey came when they encountered a grizzly bear and her cubs in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. Brown described the experience as both thrilling and humbling, witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The scenic drives through the park only heightened the sense of awe and connection with the pristine wilderness.
Coastal Drives: New York City to Key West
The Atlantic Coast drive from New York City to Key West, Florida, an almost 2,000-mile drive along I-95, promises plenty of stunning coastal views and detours down narrow country roads, past quaint beach towns, cute old fishing villages, and epic homes. This scenic highway will take you through nine states – New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida – offering endless opportunities to marvel at the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
| Coastal Highlights Along the Drive | Must-See Attractions |
|---|---|
| Scenic ocean vistas and coastal landscapes | Historic lighthouses, boardwalks, and piers |
| Quaint fishing villages and charming beach towns | Pristine beaches and state/national parks |
| Diverse marine life and opportunities for whale watching | Restaurants serving fresh seafood and local cuisine |
Whether you’re seeking breathtaking ocean views, charming seaside communities, or a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Atlantic Coast, this scenic drive is sure to captivate and inspire. Pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey along this iconic coastal drive.
West Coast Scenic Drive: San Diego to Phoenix
Embarking on a scenic drive from San Diego to Phoenix promises an exhilarating journey through the heart of the American Southwest. This roughly six-hour route offers breathtaking desert landscapes and opportunities to spot a diverse array of wildlife.
Desert View Tower and Anza Borrego Desert
Begin your adventure by visiting the iconic Desert View Tower in Jacumba, California. This historic landmark provides panoramic vistas of the Anza Borrego Desert, one of the largest state parks in the contiguous United States. Explore the park’s rugged canyons, hidden palm oases, and wildflower-blanketed fields, marveling at the serene desert scenery.
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and Phoenix Attractions
After your stop at the Desert View Tower, continue your journey eastward to the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Yuma, Arizona. This 665,000-acre wilderness area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and the elusive mountain lion. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Kofa Mountains before reaching the vibrant city of Phoenix, where you can discover its abundance of art galleries, museums, sports arenas, amazing restaurants, and cool craft breweries.
Conclusion
From the majestic peaks of the Grand Tetons to the serene beauty of the Anza Borrego Desert, this ultimate guide has showcased some of the most breathtaking scenic drives and road trips across America. Whether you crave luxury accommodations, awe-inspiring vistas, exhilarating wildlife encounters, or a taste of the great outdoors, these routes promise an unforgettable journey of adventure and exploration.
Embark on a scenic drive through national parks, discover hidden gems along winding mountain roads, and immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes that make America a road trip enthusiast’s dream destination. With a focus on luxury, wildlife, and the great outdoors, this guide has provided you with the inspiration and information needed to plan your next unforgettable road trip adventure.
So pack your bags, hop in the car, and get ready to discover the natural wonders that await around every bend. From the rolling hills of the East Coast to the rugged terrain of the West, let the open road lead you on a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable experiences, and lifelong memories. The time is now to explore the best scenic drives and road trips that America has to offer.