10 Nat’l Park Scenic Drives Worth Adding to Your Bucket List

Some views are worth the drive, and these scenic roads prove it. Whether you're chasing alpine peaks, desert canyons, or wildlife on the move, these national park drives aren't just a way to get from Point A to Point B. They are the destination! Here are 10 of the most jaw-dropping national park scenic drives in the U.S., perfect for your road trip bucket list.

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1. Going-to-the-Sun Road

Glacier National Park, Montana

A crown jewel when it comes to scenic drives in the United States, this 50-mile stunner cuts straight through the heart of Glacier National Park. You’ll climb to Logan Pass, skirt along alpine cliffs, and take in views of glacier-carved valleys and turquoise lakes. Open seasonally (typically late June through early October), it's best driven west to east for dramatic impact.

📝 Note: A vehicle reservation is required during peak summer months when entering from the West.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

2. Trail Ridge Road

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Welcome to the highest continuous paved road in North America! Trail Ridge Road tops out over 12,000 feet and connects Estes Park to Grand Lake. Expect sweeping tundra views, chances to spot elk and marmots, and multiple pullouts that’ll have you stopping every few minutes.

📅 Best time to drive: June–September (weather permitting).

3. Grand Loop Road

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

This 142-mile figure-eight loop is your front-row ticket to geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and geothermal wonders. Drive from Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful, stopping at Grand Prismatic Spring, Lamar Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone along the way.

🐻 Expect bison traffic jams, and enjoy every second!

4. Arches Scenic Drive

Arches National Park, Utah

With over 2,000 natural stone arches in the park, this aptly named road is the best way to explore Arches' surreal red rock landscape. The 19-mile out-and-back drive includes viewpoints for Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and The Windows.

🔥 Don’t miss: Sunset at the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint.

5. Park Loop Road

Acadia National Park, Maine

Short but mighty, this 27-mile loop is the best way to see the highlights of Acadia. Cruise past rugged coastline, forests, lakes, and Cadillac Mountain. Be sure to stop at Thunder Hole and Sand Beach… and don’t miss the sunrise from the summit (or, for a quieter option, from Gorham Mountain).

☀️ Pro tip: A sunrise drive to Cadillac Mountain requires a reservation.

Gorham Mountain

6. Glacier Point Road

Yosemite National Park, California

While Yosemite Valley steals most of the spotlight, Glacier Point Road offers panoramic views from above. This 16-mile drive climbs from the valley rim to Glacier Point—one of the most breathtaking overlooks in any national park. Along the way, you’ll pass trailheads, forests, and jaw-dropping viewpoints of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra.

🗓️ Seasonal: Usually open late May to November, depending on snow.

7. Teton Park Road

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

This 21-mile road runs from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction and offers some of the most iconic mountain views in the country. With the jagged Teton Range rising abruptly from the valley floor, it’s a front-row seat to postcard-perfect scenery. Keep your eyes out for moose, bison, elk, and bears, especially near the Snake River.

🎯 RLT Tip: Knock out three epic drives in one go with the Grand Trifecta Road Trip—featuring Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks. Three parks. Three scenic drives. One unforgettable adventure.

8. Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

This 18-mile road runs from Bryce Amphitheater to Rainbow Point and features 13 stunning viewpoints along the way. Hoodoos, natural bridges, and colorful canyon walls steal the show, with sunrise and sunset offering the most dramatic lighting. It’s an easy drive with minimal walking required—perfect for soaking in the scenery from your car.

🌄 Don’t miss: Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, and Natural Bridge.

9. Crater Lake Rim Drive

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

This 33-mile loop circles the deepest lake in the U.S. and offers nonstop vistas of sapphire water, dramatic cliffs, and volcanic formations. It’s a one-way drive in some sections and closes during snow season, but in summer, it’s magic.

📷 Must-stop: Watchman Overlook at sunset.

10. Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

This 8-mile drive might not be long, but it packs a punch and is one of the most surprising national park scenic drives. You’ll cruise beneath towering red cliffs, pass historic orchards and petroglyph panels, and detour into colorful canyons like Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. It’s easy to access, incredibly scenic, and gives you a front-row view of the Waterpocket Fold—a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth’s crust that defines this underrated park.

🎯 RLT Tip: Hit the road for a red rock trifecta: Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef all feature scenic drives on this list and they’re perfect for a loop through southern Utah. Want more? This route is part of Utah’s Mighty 5 road trip, which also includes Zion and Canyonlands for the full desert dream.

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