Guest Post: 10 Most Scenic Road Trips In The United States – Part 2

This is the second and last part of Nicole Rodgers’ article on US road trips.

6. Going-To-The-Sun Road
If there’s ever been a reason to visit Montana, it would be to check out this amazing 52-mile expanse of land that will show off Glacier National Park in its full glory. The main caveat is that it’s only open from early July to mid-October, or basically until the first snowfall of the season. However, nature buffs will appreciate amazing views left in the Continental Divide, including the 6,000-foot high Logan Pass and the Jackson Glacier Overlook. This is definitely one of the best scenic roadtrips in the US for those who love unadulterated panoramas.

10 Most Scenic Road Trips In The United States - Part 2 - Utah Hwy 12

7. Utah Highway 12
One of the only designated All-American Highways, Utah Highway 12 lives up to its name by showing off the Southwestern United States in its full splendor. Imagine red sunsets and wide mountain expanses as cars speed down towards great locations as the Capitol Reef, Boulder Mountain, and Dixie National Forest. For those who have lost their faith in the wide expanse of American Natural Beauty, all it will take is a few days on this glorious stretch of land to convince them otherwise.

8. California State Route 1
Encompassing a majority of the Pacific coastline, this is perfect for travelers who wish to capture a vast majority of Southern California in a single trip. Starting in San Luis Obispo, this takes drivers all the way to the lush forests of Monterey, stopping in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego along the way. This is one of the better roadtrips for families, since the younger ones will love stopping in the cultural districts in the major cities, while the adults will be able to fully appreciate the natural wonder that is the California coastline.

9. Hana Highway
Despite being a group of islands, Hawaii is home to one of the most scenic roadtrips in the United States. Starting out in Paia on the island of Maui, this ride features coastal vistas, amazing shore views, and some of the most serpentine roads in history. This is great for travelers who want to put the top down on their car and just feel that amazing Hawaii breeze through their hair in one of the most spectacular trips out there.

10. Blue Ridge Highway
Even if the Southern Appalachian Mountains might not be the first guess when one thinks of amazing US roadtrips, but it should be taken into consideration that this roadtrip involves going through Virgina’s Shenandoah National Park and North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. Hence why this expanse has been lovingly referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive.” Measuring in at 469 miles long, it’s certainly one of the most ambitious drives on this list, but one that rewards the traveler in some truly awe-inspiring sights of rolling greens and pristine mountain views.

These are just some of the most scenic roadtrips in the US. These are best to be taken when one has a few days to spare for diversion and possible stops in accompanying cities. Of course, always make sure to bring a camera with plenty of batteries, since you’re going to have more opportunities than you can count to take some truly epic pictures.

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging for 3 years; she currently helps people use budget software to plan their finances to travel and she always buys a t shirt to commemorate the places she has traveled. (Photo: Ash Crowe)

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This entry was posted on Friday, May 27th, 2011 at 8:27 am and is filed under Destinations, Guest posts, Travel Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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  1. Taylor Logan-Smith Says:
    May 31st, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Highway 1 in California is one of the best scenic routes around. So is HWY 101. Both are excellent to drive on, most of the drive is along the beautiful beaches California has to offer. Driving these roads at sunset is also incredibly beautiful. If you’re in Southern California and driving along the 1 or the 101 I recommend stopping of in one of the many beach towns this great state has to offer. Malibu, Venice, Santa Barbara. All are really great, but I especially recommend Santa Barbara. Beautiful little beach town, there is so much to do, you’ll always be entertained by the immense amount of culture this town has. I just got back and we stayed at the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). Incredibly budget friendly and right in the center of town, it was one of the highlights of our stay.

  2. Sharon Hurley Hall Says:
    June 1st, 2011 at 11:54 am

    Thanks for your tips, Taylor. I love beach towns.