10 Best Scenic Drives I’ve Done in the United States
This year has been wild one no doubt. With such a bleek situation of travel in 2020, this has been the year to see more, do more and appreciate what we have.
I’ve never gone on as many road trips this year as I probably have in my entire life. So, I’m here to give you a snapshot of some of my favorite trips and scenes from some pretty awesome landscapes and drives across the U.S.
Some originate here in my home state of Minnesota while others are from a massive road trip from Minneapolis to California. And then, we’ve finally had the chance to channel our inner explorer by renting a Yellow Jeep in Alaska.
#1 Denali Highway
Alright, I’m starting with one of my favorites of all time. The Denali Highway. This gravel highway spans over 100 miles and cuts right through the middle of the tundra and mountains in the middle of Alaska.
We rented a bright yellow Jeep that channeled my inner Jurassic Park. The absolute calmness and bliss of being truly in the middle of nowhere was something I never really experienced. We only made it halfway but I’ll be back to do the full drive someday.
#2 Great River Road
I’ve actually lived on the Great River Road for over 7 years…. And in 2 different locations along it in Minnneapolis.
But, I’ve never actually drove the full length of Great River Road. So, I did it as best as I could hitting both the Wisconsin and Minnesota sides in one day trip from Minneapolis.
It was well worth it too. The winding road along the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin opened my eyes to the real bluff landscapes that makes Minnesota so truly special.
#3 Highway 9 into Springdale, Utah
On our road trip to California, one thing I couldn’t be more excited about is finally seeing some of those picturesque landscapes in Utah where you have nothing but empty land, rocks and a giant highway through the middle.
The approach to Zion National Park was epic. We hit it at the right time when the sunset was cascading over the canyon rocks. Queue a little Tame Impala and take in the scenery. That’s all I needed in that moment.
#4 Highway 11 Heading to the Hoover Dam
After spending a night in the sadness of Las Vegas as a result of COVID, I was ready to get back on the road. After seeing what I saw in Zion National Park, I needed to get more of that desert landscape. The Hoover Dam drive from Vegas surprised me.
There’s not much to see but the infrastructure is pretty impressive. The transmission lines plus winding highways really helps you understand why the Hoover Dam is so special.
#5 Highway 16A in Custer State Park
One thing that I loved about this drive was the true heartland of America. This scenery felt like a movie. I love everything about the bleak, barren white contrast with a few dark colors in the mix.
Sprinkle in a quiet highway and the simplicity of knowing that there is nothing around you can be pretty satisfying.
#6 Highway 61 in the North Shore of Minnesota
We visited the great North Shore Drive along Lake Superior in sort of off-peak season, so we didn’t capture the epic fall colors. But the North Shore is amazing no matter the season.
This is one where the drive itself doesn’t do a justice. But the stops along the way do. There are over 4 epic state parks along Highway 61 that nestle into Lake Superior.
So this was a road trip that was filled with hiking stops, waterfalls, towns and lighthouses.
#7 Highway 64 through Grand Canyon South Rim
We drove while it was snowing in the Grand Canyon. A lot of people don’t appreciate that slightly outside the south rim, it’s all forest which makes for amazing views while winding around the canyon.
There was enough snow to make a Minnesotan a cautious driver and we were in Arizona… Who would have thought?
Along the drive, there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
#8 Highway 179 to Sedona
Sedona had the approach like Zion where you don’t really see the canyons and red rocks until you really get into the city limits. But once you do, it truly feels like approaching a new world.
Sedona’s has the scenery of a National Park but it’s truly a city with plenty of vacationers. The drive and approach was one of the best I’ve seen in a while. Plus, we had no idea what we had coming for us driving through Flagstaff and Oak Creek Canyon during a blizzard.
#9 Kelbaker Road in the Mojave Desert
If you can’t tell, I have a thing for complete emptiness in a scenic drive, this was one of them.
Through the middle of the Mojave Desert in California, this road had nothing in sight. No gas stations, no businesses. Nothing.
There wasn’t even a speed limit. And I loved that. We drove through during the peak sunset and driving felt like I was in a video game. Just a constant flow of the road and the race against the sunset.
I heard that you do not want to be in the middle of the Mojave at night.
#10 River Parkway
Ah, the home city. Minneapolis. I had to give a shot out to my home city because I do truly believe that River Parkway is one of the hidden gems of driving through any city in the U.S.
Yes, River Parkway is actually a part of the Great River Road but it’s different. It has that city feel that combines with real nature. There are thousands of trees that run along the Mississippi River gorge. In fall, this area lights up like a painting.
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