Have fun exploring the most scenic routes in the U.
S. Originally written for RootsRated
There's nothing like the freedom of the open road. A love for long, backcountry drives and coastal highways is ingrained in almost every American’s psyche. And even the longest of road trips can be a blast with the right playlist, copilot, and plenty of extra coffee. So we mapped out 10 of the most iconic road trips in the U.S.
1. Highway 1
Jan Arendtsz
The classic Highway 1 route is one of the most famous in the country, and for good reason. The road stretches from San Diego to San Francisco, and travels through Big Sur’s surf spots and various beach towns. While on the route, don’t forget to stop in Santa Cruz, the college town between Monterey and San Francisco, to see the natural bridge. You'll also want to swing by plenty of wineries near Santa Barbara. Where: California’s coast
Length: 655 miles
When to Go: While crashing waves and epic cliffs are breathtaking year-round, why not hit this drive in the summer or early fall, when the water’s warmer and you can jump in for a swim or a surf?
2. Historic Route 66
Peer Lawther
History buffs will love this journey along one of the first highways in America . When people moved to the West in the 1930s, this is the route they followed. Check out the old rusting cars at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and keep an eye out for the tree covered in shoes along the route, near Amboy, California.
Where: From Chicago to Santa Monica, California
Length: 2,451 miles
When to Go: Aim for the spring or the fall to avoid scorching sunny drives in the summer and slick ice in the Midwest in the winter.
3. Beartooth Highway
m01229
Drink in the Wild West on the Beartooth Highway in Montana and Wyoming. See Yellowstone National Park in all of its glory, and gaze at the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains as you go.
Where: From Cooke City, Montana, to Cody, Wyoming
Length: 68 miles
When to Go: Go in the spring, when you can catch the bright purple wildflowers along the drive.
4. Overseas Highway
Sathish S
Warm ocean breezes and bright blue water mark this epic journey through the Florida Keys . You'll literally drive over the water for major chunks of the southernmost section of U.S. Route 1. That means you should, of course, stop for some fresh seafood. Feeling adventurous? Go snorkeling or diving in Key Largo or Key West.
Where: Florida Keys
Length: 113 miles
When to Go: Why not hit the road in the winter, when half of the country is covered in snow?
5. Highway 2
Visit Grand Island
Drive through the heart of Nebraska on Highway 2 . Although the route is now disconnected, you can follow backcountry roads to get you back to the main highway in the western part of the state. Enjoy wide, open spaces, and don't forget to stop at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge to check out the sand dunes.
Where: Nebraska
Length: 423 miles
When to Go: Travel during warmer months to avoid icy roads.
6. Colorado’s Alpine Loop
Nature’sAura – C.McKee
This 65-mile scenic loop is one of the shortest trips on our list, but there’s a reason you'll still want at least a few days to spend on this alpine drive: With 14,000-foot peaks, epic mountain biking loops, and more hiking than you can imagine, take your time and pitch your tent along the way. Four-wheeled drive vehicles are recommended for the route, so it’s probably not the best way to use the family minivan. Also, you have a relatively short window to do this drive, as it's only snow-free from June to September.
Where: Southwestern Colorado
Length: 65 miles
When to Go : Avoid this slick, snowy route in winter and early spring — even if you have four-wheel drive.
7. The Grand Canyon to Moab
Tony Hisgett
Get a taste for desert life when you drive from the Grand Canyon north to Moab, Utah . You'll pass through a whopping six national parks along the way, including American classics, like Canyonlands and Zion.
Where: From Grand Canyon, Arizona, to Moab, Utah
Length: 862 miles
When to Go: Aim for fall, winter, and spring to avoid unbearable summer heat.
8. Route 6
Pacheco
Ocean views, fresh seafood, and East Coast sunrises. Need we say more? When you arrive, hop on two wheels to hit the Shining Sea Bikeway outside of Cape Cod.
Where: Providence, Rhode Island, to Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Length: 117 miles
When to Go: Go in the summer so you can splash in the Atlantic and enjoy cool, ocean breezes.
9. The High Route
sailn1
Discover the Southwestern artsy towns when you travel from Santa Fe to Taos, New Mexico. You'll cross several pueblos, including many with ancient ruins, and enjoy views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains the entire way. When you get to Taos, be sure to check out Taos Mesa Brewing , where you can kick back with a beer and often catch some live performers in front of a mountainous backdrop.
Where: From Santa Fe to Taos, New Mexico
Length: 56 miles
When to Go: This trip is beautiful any time of the year.
10. Blue Ridge Parkway
Austin Kerr
The Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for its gorgeous forests and sweeping, mountain views. Be sure to hit the trails for a hike, like the 3.5-mile one to the Otter Creek Campground, or grab your mountain bike and pedal hard. Don't miss Chimney Rock State Park, home to some of the best chimney rock climbing in the East.
Where: From North Carolina to Virginia
Length: 469 miles
When to Go: Hit the road in the fall. You don't want to miss the yellows, oranges, and vibrant reds that the trees turn as summer comes to an end.
Originally written by RootsRated for Craghoppers.
Featured image provided by Abigail Wise