Fall is secret season in some of the most iconic national parks across the country. As crowds thin and the leaves catch fire, these parks take on a whole new personality. Whether you're chasing fall colors, looking for cooler hiking weather, or hoping to spot wildlife preparing for winter, these are some of the best U.S. national parks to visit this fall.

This epic high-altitude route climbs above the trees and stays there, delivering nonstop views of jagged peaks, alpine tundra, and dramatic drop-offs. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring drives in any U.S. national park, and is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Here’s what to know to go!

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. Here are 10 of the most jaw-dropping national park scenic drives in the U.S., perfect for your road trip bucket list.

This guide will help you figure out the best time to drive from Dallas to Big Bend National Park, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do along the way. Whether you’re driving the whole way or considering flying part of the trip, we’ve got you covered.

The 21-mile stretch between Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village gradually descends nearly 2,000 feet from the Chihuahuan Desert basin down to the Rio Grande, past ancient limestone, wide-open desert, and big mountain views. You’ll pass through birding and wildlife hotspots, quiet desert oases, and end up near one of the park’s most iconic experiences: the Hot Springs.

This short, winding road offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in Big Bend National Park. It curves through mountain passes on the way to the park’s only lodge and some of its best hikes, leading you straight into the heart of the Chisos Mountains.

Big Bend’s Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is a rugged, remote route that gives you a front-row seat to Texas’s desert drama. If you're headed to Big Bend and want to see the best of it with limited time, this is the most popular drive to do!

We’re calling this one Desert Parks, a desert-meets-mountains road trip through West Texas and southern New Mexico that connects four underrated but unforgettable national parks: Guadalupe Mountains National Park (TX), White Sands National Park (NM), Carlsbad Caverns National Park (NM), and (bonus) Big Bend National Park (TX).

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, connecting Lake Louise in Banff National Park to Jasper in Jasper National Park. This is a drive meant for stopping often and taking in the scenery, whether you have a few hours or a few days to explore.

This is an incredible national parks road trip that connects Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks. These parks are some of the crown jewels of the National Park System and this route helps you experience all three in one unforgettable road trip!