By Claire Park
Scenic routes made for nature lovers, road trip enthusiasts and travelers who prefer to keep their hands on the wheel.
Scenic sunset view along a coastal road. Tima Miroshnichenko. Pexels.
Even though taking an airplane seems like the easiest and most efficient way to travel, I believe there’s nothing better than a road trip. If you’re a nature enthusiast who truly just wants to relax and slow down, consider exploring the United States by car and driving some of America’s most renowned scenic routes. Roll your windows down, let the breeze kiss your face and make frequent stops to marvel at the natural beauty of the world we live in.
For the Coast Chasers: Pacific Coast Highway
Aerial view of Pacific Coast Highway’s coastline and rugged cliffs. ArtHouse Studio. Pexels.
If you’re a beach body whose ideal getaway sounds like waves crashing on the shore, the sun setting over sparkling waters and cliffsides framing sandy coves, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway 1, is the scenic route for you.
PCH is the second-longest state highway in America, starting in Dana Point in Orange County and ending in Leggett in Mendocino County. This route, spanning from the coast of Southern California all the way up to Northern California, is roughly 655 miles, roughly1,055 kilometers, and takes about 10 to 12 hours without stops. However, properly experiencing it takes three to five days when factoring in essential stops at Santa Monica and Malibu for the iconic pier and breathtaking ocean-view hikes, wine tasting in Santa Barbara, quiet reflection at Big Sur, marine life watching at Monterey, frolicking through Carmel-by-the-Sea’s fairytale-esque town and exploring San Francisco.
The best time to drive PCH is September and October when the heavy summer coastal fog clears up, the weather stays warm and the large summer crowds are gone. However, each season offers something uniquely picturesque. Winter months bring empty roads and the potential for seeing migrating whales, spring ushers in the hills’ blooming wildflowers and summer’s longer, warmer days allow for more time spent exploring.
For the Forest Fanatics: Blue Ridge Parkway
Linn Cove Viaduct’s striking autumn foliage. Esteban Carriazo. Pexels.
This 469-mile (755-kilometer) national parkway connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina is the perfect road for those whose ideal getaway is one among the trees. The route seamlessly blends dense forests, sweeping mountain vistas and deep valleys, which encompass the winding road through the Appalachian Highlands.
Driving the whole route without stopping is about 10 to 12 hours; however, because the maximum speed limit is 45 mph, most travelers take three to five days to safely and comfortably enjoy the scenery. Some of the most popular pit stops for the North Carolina segment of the drive include Waterrock Knob, which offers a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains, and Craggy Gardens, famous for its stunning displays of rhododendron blooms in late spring and early summer. Linn Cove Viaduct is another must-see spot as it curves around Grandfather Mountain, presenting astounding views of the surrounding forests and mountains. In Virginia, Humpback Rocks is great for hikers who can trek up to the summit for sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Rockfish Valley. Raven’s Roost Overlook is another viewpoint offering a dramatic view of the rocky outcrop and expansive vista, making it the ideal place for photographers wanting to capture the sunrise or sunset.
When preparing for your journey, consider planning the drive for sometime between mid-May and mid-October when the weather is warm, facilities are open and the scenery is fully green or bursting with color. If you’re hoping to see Craggy Gardens’ famous pink and white rhododendrons in full bloom, June is the perfect time to go. Similarly, if you want to fully embrace the drive’s iconic autumn foliage, mid-September to October is when the brilliant red, orange and golden leaves are on full display.
For the Sand Seekers: Utah State Route 12
Winding road amidst red-rock formations of Capitol Reef National Park. Colon Freld. Pexels.
This All-American Road is made for road trippers craving an adventure through the desert terrain. The 123-mile (198-kilometer) route spanning from U.S. Route 89, located southwest of Panguitch, Utah, to Route 24 near Torrey, Utah, passes through dramatic arid and red-rock canyon country before transitioning into cool mountain forests.
The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours straight through, but requires a full day or more to explore properly. Major landscapes and attractions worthy of carving out time for include Red Canyon, where the road passes through vibrant red-rock formations and tunnels in Dixie National Forest; Grand Staircase-Escalante, where it winds through vast expanses of slickrock and canyons near the town of Escalante; The Hogsback, a razor-thin, paved stretch of roadway with steep drop-offs and breathtaking panoramic views of deep sandstone canyons; and Capitol Reef National Park, which offers world-class red-rock geology, historic orchards and dramatic canyons.
This drive is best suited for the fall months of September and October and the spring months of April and May. Fall is widely considered the optimal time since daytime temperatures are cool and comfortable for hiking, and October brings vibrant autumn colors to the aspen groves growing at higher-elevation passes. Analogously, spring’s weather is incredibly pleasant, and wildflowers bloom at lower elevations. However, if summer or winter are the only seasons that work for your schedule, shoot for an early morning or late evening drive to avoid the extreme heat in the lower regions of the desert sections, and be aware of the high mountain passes that can become dangerous or temporarily impassable during major snowstorms.
These scenic roads throughout America are proof you don’t need to hop on a plane to experience the world’s natural wonders or have a fulfilling time. The routes will keep you literally and figuratively grounded, giving you more time to take in your surroundings and truly appreciate both your journey and final destination.
Claire Park
Claire Park is a sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley studying English and Media Studies with a minor in Music. Her experience writing lifestyle content for UC Berkeley's The Daily Californian newspaper has inspired her to expand her scope to the realm of travel, pursuing her aspirations of becoming a travel journalist. When not writing, Claire can be found singing, reading romance books, journaling at the beach, or acquiring a sweet, caffeinated beverage.