20 Best National Parks to Drive Through

Are you wondering what the best National Parks to drive through are?

The United States has 63 National Parks. You could spend days exploring these majestic places and still not see everything they have to offer. But often you don’t have multiple days to explore, and not everyone can backpack or hike to experience the parks. 

I think everyone should get the opportunity to see the very best these National Parks have to offer, so, I’ve asked some fellow National Parks experts to help you find the most scenic National Park drives. 

If you are planning to drive to and from the parks you’ll definitely want to make sure you have everything you need! Be sure and check your list against this Ultimate Campervan Packing List

Olympic National Park-Loop around the park

Contributed by: Sophie and Adam, We Dream of Travel

Located in the northwestern corner of Washington state, Olympic National Park covers almost a million acres of land.  It truly has it all, boasting one of the most diverse ecosystems of all the US national parks.

A drive through this spectacular area will have your nose stuck to the window as you take in all the dramatic landscapes Olympic National Park has to offer.  It is well worth taking at least a few days to explore this park, although even with a week there would be plenty left to see! 

This part of the country is notorious for its wet climate, and downpours can occur any time of year.  With that said, for the best chance of good weather, it is driest in the summer months from July through September.

A loop around the outside of the park along the 101 is approximately 300 miles (6 hours), however, this doesn’t take into consideration all of the stops and detours along the way!  Expect at least 450 miles to visit all the main highlights and Olympic National Park photography spots along the way!

These should definitely include the glaciated mountains at Hurricane Ridge, cascading waterfalls amongst lush vegetation at Sol Duc, verdant mosses in Hoh Rainforest, and the dramatic Pacific coastline at Second Beach.  

However, no matter where you visit the park, you’re guaranteed a scenic drive you won’t soon forget.

Rocky Mountain National Park- Trail Ridge Road

Contributed by Jolayne of Just Wander More 

Did you know that driving Trail Ridge Road is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park? The road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Trail Ridge Road has also been designated as both a scenic and historic byway and crosses the Continental Divide at just over 12,000 feet.

You can drive Trail Ridge Road through the national park which it links Estes Park, CO on the east side of the mountains to Grand Lake on the west side. 

Please note: Due to significant snowfall, Trail Ridge Road is only open from Memorial Day through the middle of October (and even then you may still encounter significant snow)!

You will need to have a national park reservation to access Trail Ridge Road. As you reach the top of the mountain, stop at the Alpine Visitor Center and check out the panoramic vista surrounding you.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, drive the Old Fall River Road instead to the Alpine Visitor Center and then on to Grand Lake. Before the completion of Trail Ridge Road in 1933, Old Fall River Road was the means of accessing Rocky Mountain National Park’s high country.

If you drive Old Fall River Road today, note that it is a one-way gravel road without guardrails that starts at Endovalley and continues for 11 miles with numerous switchbacks and a posted speed limit of 15 miles per hour.

Whichever road you take, you are certain to be amazed by the scenery, wildlife, and beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Yellowstone National Park-Lower Loop

Contributed by Cath, Passports and Adventures

The Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park is one of the best drives in US National Parks to do. At just under 100 miles long, the lower half of the Grand Loop passes some of the most iconic places in this National Park.

Starting from Madison Junction, and turning south, you will pass by the three geyser basins which include sights like the Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful among other things. This part of the National Park is one of the most active when it comes to geothermal features. There are some hikes, waterfalls, and the Firehole River along this section of the drive.

Continuing east and crossing the Continental Divide, you will pass West Thumb, another geyser basin, before meandering along the shores of Yellowstone Lake towards Hayden Valley and Canyon Village. These are among the most scenic parts of the park and you are sure to spot bison. At Canyon, you can see the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

The best time to enjoy this drive is early in the morning, allowing time to stop at the best parts. Parking will be easier than later in the day, especially at Grand Prismatic Spring and Canyon. Allow a full day to enjoy this lower half of the Grand Loop. It is one of the best things to do with kids in Yellowstone, so take it slow and bring the binoculars if you are traveling as a family.

North Cascades National Park-Hwy 20 (North Cascades Highway)

Chantelle, Flannels or Flip Flops

Did you know that North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited National Parks?

Highway 20 isn’t only the best way to see North Cascades National Park, it’s also the start of the most beautiful road trip in Washington State. Start in Marblemount, just outside the entrance to North Cascades National Park, and then just follow the road through! This road will take you to all the best spots in the park! Diablo Lake, Gorge Powerhouse overlook, the visitor center, and Washington Pass. This will be your road to every hiking trailhead you need inside the park as well. The road runs East to West and is a two-way road.

The most important thing to know about Highway 20 is that it closes for the winter. North Cascades is one of the snowiest places in the world! So aim for late summer or early fall for this trip, and always check road conditions before you head out!

Grand Teton National Park-Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

Contribution by Brittany, Family on Standby

While the U.S. is full of beautiful landscapes, it’s hard to beat the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive in Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton National Park is located south of Yellowstone and just north of Jackson, Wyoming. And while you can find many scenic drives throughout the park, the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is one of the most memorable.

The drive borders the east shore of Jenny Lake and runs about 3 miles long. You can access the drive from the North Jenny Lake Junction. Because it’s relatively short, you can spend as much or as little time on the drive as you wish. There are plenty of pull-offs where you can stop and take pictures of roaming wildlife. And you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous mountain views the entire way.

Bison, moose, and elk are regulars here. And you may even get lucky and see a black bear. Fall is a great time to visit (end of August – October) as this is when the Elk Rut occurs. The Rut is mating season for elk, which means they are widespread. Perfect for photo ops.

After your scenic drive be sure to stop at Jenny lake. You can sit by the lake and admire the views. Or partake in one of the hikes of varying difficulty levels.

Just make and drive slow and watch out for wildlife that tends to wander across the road!

Crater Lake National Park-Rim Road Drive

Contribution by Debbie, World Adventurists

Crater Lake was created 7,700 years ago, resulting from a volcanic eruption that caused the tall peak of Mount Mazama, a 12,000-foot tall volcano, to collapse. Once the volcanic hole cooled, it filled up over 600-800 years with rainwater and snowmelt. The result is the lake you see today.

The 33-mile Rim Road drive in Crater Lake National Park is one of the most scenic byways in America. With more than 30 pullouts, you are able to view the vibrant blue and jaw-dropping scenes of the lake and park from different perspectives.

You can get the closest view of Wizard Island from the pullout north of Watchman’s Peak. At Pumice Castle Overlook, you’ll find an orange outcrop on the side of Redcloud Cliff that looks like a castle. Keep your eyes peeled for the pullout for Vidae Falls, or you might miss the waterfall that cascades 100 feet over several ledges.

You’re able to drive Rim Road in a couple of hours if you make minimal stops, or if you have more time, spend the day enjoying the mesmerizing views.

The most popular time to visit Crater Lake is during the summer months. Crater Lake is open year-round, though parts of the park close due to winter weather conditions. Always check conditions before you head out.

The only National Park in Oregon, Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon, closest to the cities of Klamath Falls and Medford.

White Sands National Park -Dunes Drive

Contribution by Kristen, Yonderlust Ramblings

There’s nothing more starkly mesmerizing and alienesque than a National Park filled with miles of endless ivory dunes!  The best way to witness this unique landscape is to take a drive on Dunes Drive in White Sands National Park! 

Nowhere else in the country can you find oceans of sand dunes framed by the purple San Andres Mountains, or find as many outdoor opportunities as you can at White Sands National Park!  Dunes Drive, the 16-mile roundtrip scenic drive through the park, is the best way to see and access everything this park has to offer. 

Dunes Drive is the main park road that runs through White Sands. It starts at the main Visitor’s Center, and winds 8 miles through the backcountry of the park, before looping back around towards the entrance.  Not only is Dunes Drive unrivaled in scenic views, but it’s also extremely easy to navigate and contains access points to all of White Sands hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic lookouts, and meeting locations for ranger-led tours, and, a visitor favorite, sand sledding!  Sleds are available for purchase at the Visitor’s Center or bring your own. 

Occasionally the park is closed due to nearby missile range testing, so it’s important to check the park’s website before planning your scenic drive!

Yosemite-Tioga Road

Contribution by Dhara, Roadtripping California

Tioga Road is a beautiful drive through Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada of California. The road traverses Tioga Pass, the highest highway pass in the Golden State. 

Because of its high elevation, the road is only open from May (or June, depending on snowfall), until November. So plan a summer trip to Yosemite to do this scenic drive!

Along the route, the most famous attractions include Olmsted Point, where you can get out of your car and walk just a few steps to savor a panoramic view of Yosemite’s cliffs. Tenaya Lake is an alpine lake where you can enjoy time at a beach during the warmer months. It is a beautiful photo spot. Tuolumne Meadows is full of wildflowers in late spring and early summer. You can also look for wildlife along the route. 

Glacier National Park-Going to the sun road

Contributed by Julia, Well Planned Journey

Going to the Sun Road is one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the country. The 50-mile road through the heart of Glacier National Park is a registered National Historic Landmark. Construction started on Going-to-the-Sun 100 years ago!

The drive starts in Glacier National Park in West Glacier and traverses the park to St. Mary. Along the drive, you’ll pass stunning viewpoints, bucket-list hikes, maybe see mountain goats, and cross the Continental Divide. Plan to take at least 4-5 hours to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road with stops.

Don’t miss stops at Lake McDonald Lodge, The Loop, Hidden Lake Overlook, and St. Mary Falls along the drive.

Going to the Sun Road is only open from June to October due to heavy snow the rest of the year. The exact opening and closing dates change each year depending on the amount of snowfall.

Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park -Generals Highway

Contribution by James, Parks Collecting

Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park and the adjoining Kings Canyon National Park in California is a narrow winding road that not only connects the parks but also provides plenty of scenic overlooks and easy access to multiple hiking trails. 

The parks are home to most of the world’s sequoia trees, which are the largest trees on earth.  The biggest of them all have been given names.  #1 is the General Sherman Tree, in Sequoia National Park, and #2 is the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park.  The road is called Generals Highway because it connects these two tree “Generals”. 

The drive without stops takes about 2.5-3 hours, but you should allow at least a day.  Most of the sequoia trees are short walks or hikes from trailheads along the road. Overlooks along the way include Amphitheater Pont (views of Moro Rock), Halstead Meadow (wildflowers throughout the year), and Redwood Mountain Overlook (a large grove of sequoias), and Yucca Point (the junction of two forks of Kings River).

The best time of year to do this drive is in the summer and early fall.  Some sections are closed or difficult to navigate in winter.  The section between the south entrance to Sequoia National Park and the Giant Forest Museum is not recommended for vehicles over 22 feet in length and is prohibited for vehicles over 40 feet at any time of the year.

Death Valley-Artists Drive

Contribution by Meg, Fox in the Forest

Artist’s Drive in Death Valley National Park is one of the most beautiful (and colorful!) drives in the world. Featuring rocky hillsides splashed in hues of purples, yellows, and greens (all of which are remnants from ancient volcano explosions), this jaw-droppingly beautiful drive offers incredibly drool-worthy photo ops and plenty of stops to keep you entertained along the way. 

Artist’s Drive is set inside Death Valley National Park. You’ll find the start of the drive in the southeast corner of the park (just south of Furnace Creek). The road is a 9-mile loop that can take you anywhere from one to two hours to complete depending on how many stops you make (and you’ll be doing lots of those!)

You can do Artist’s Drive is during the winter months to escape the scorching summer heat. Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth, so keep that in mind and try avoiding visiting during the summer! A good tip is to visit during midday because the colors look more vibrant with the high sun.

Joshua Tree-Pinto Basin Road/Park Boulevard

Contribution by Jyoti, Story at Every Corner

The best way to experience Joshua Tree National Park in a day is by driving along the Pinto Basin Road / Park Boulevard. The highlights are well-marked and described along the road. Some of the sights are a quick hop and others have longer hikes. 

Depending on where you’re coming from you’ll want to enter Joshua Tree National Park from the Cottonwood entrance or from one of the north. If possible be sure to see the sunrise on the cholla cactus garden and watch the sunset at Barker dam. If you can stay late after dark, you’ll be in for a treat as the sky turn dark and fills with a million stars. 

The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is in winter or spring. Summer is too hot for hikes in the park. Some years the spring blooms fill the national park with colors and what a treat it is. If you’re visiting in the wintertime, just be mindful of any flash floods and dress warmly as the temperature changes quite rapidly.

Arches National Park-Arches Scenic Drive

Contribution by Margie, DQ Family Travel

The Arches Scenic Drive is about 20 miles one way. Visiting Arches National Park is great any time of the year as the road stays open throughout the winter months. The drive up towards the Visitor Center already begins as an impressive uphill climb and instantly you are greeted with stunning red rock formations.

The first major viewpoint, the La Sal Mountains showcases the mountains in the distance, reminding you that you are in the high desert. La Sal Mountain Viewpoint is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Arches National Park. From there, you will see the Courthouse Towers, which offer a couple of hiking areas. All along the road, there are various arches that can be seen and very short hiking trails just off the road.

Even the most famous arch, Delicate Arch, can be seen in the distance from an overlook; however, to grasp the true scale of this giant arch, it is best to hike it. The end of the drive is at Devils Garden, which is a very popular hiking destination as well. While Arches is a small national park, it does pack a lot of beauty into its scenic drive. 

Zion National Park-Mount Carmel Scenic Hwy

Contribution by Megan, Red Around the World

There are so many amazing things to do in Zion National Park and most people just think of hiking, but the Mount Carmel scenic highway is a must-do.  

This isn’t the main drive in the canyon that requires shuttle use but it’s the highway that runs through the park.  The drive from the east entrance to the visitor center which is on the opposite side of the park is about 11.5 miles.  

Along the way, you’ll get to pass through a tunnel, admire the views from the switchbacks, and possibly see some bighorn sheep.  

There are a few hiking opportunities along the highway as well, my favorite being the Canyon Overlook Trail.  This trail is about a mile round-trip and fairly easy but will have some parts not great for anyone with a strong aversion to heights but the views are worth it. 

There isn’t a bad time to do this drive but if you’re driving a bigger RV you may want to call the park ahead of time to see if the tunnel has certain hours for big vehicles.  It’s officially a two-way tunnel but during the day it’s one way and bigger vehicles can pass through but not when it’s two-way. 

 You don’t need tons of time to do this drive, about 30-40 minutes should be good.

Badlands National Park -Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway

Contribution by Jamie, Travel Addict

Badlands National Park is a stunningly beautiful and surreal park located in southwestern South Dakota. The gorgeous geological formations feature layers of colored stone ranging from gold to pink to red. It’s a uniquely beautiful site to drive through and has fantastic opportunities to stretch your legs or enjoy a hike.

Within the park, there is a gorgeous drive called the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway and is worth the drive. The full length of the byway is 58 miles and should take roughly 40 minutes to complete without any breaks. It makes it a fantastic way to see the park in passing on a longer South Dakota road trip. However, to really enjoy all the natural splendors you should take the opportunity to park and walk among these unique formations and explore.

The bypass has direct access to a variety of overlooks and trailheads. The best trail to hike is the Notch trail (1.5 miles, moderate difficulty), and Door Trail (0.75 miles, easy) is also a fantastic short hike. Yellow Mounds Overlook has views of the unusual stones, a change of view from the stunning pinks, and red in other parts of the park. Don’t miss the views at Panorama Point for a glimpse of the stunning geological formations.

Tip: The sunsets are surreal and worth staying for! 

Shenandoah National Park-Skyline Drive

Contributed by Emily, Daltons Destinations

If you are looking for adventure and a beautiful destination to visit, you must drive down Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.  Explore the stunning overlooks and catch a glimpse of the wonderful wildlife! Learn about the park at the many visitor centers and spend the weekend hiking on the many excellent trails.

Skyline Drive is around 105 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains. It should take you about three hours to drive the whole road. However, it could take longer, depending on how many stops you make.

The best time to drive Skyline is spring or fall. In the spring the wildlife is waking up and you might spot a black bear or two! In the fall the foliage is in full force and the tree colors are just stunning! However, the gorgeous colors do bring the crowds.

Before starting your drive, pack a picnic lunch to eat at one of the overlooks or stop in Front Royal at one of the many delicious local restaurants.

Saguaro National Park

Did you know that one of the things that makes Saguaro National Park so unique is that it is divided into separate “parks”? There is an east side and a west side to the park, and they are divided by the city of Tucson. They both are unique in their own special ways.

Saguaro West (Tucson Mountain District)- Bajada Loop Drive

Contributed by Chantelle, Flannels or Flip Flops

Bajada Loop Drive is a 6-mile, unpaved dirt loop that takes you through the west side of Saguaro National Park. While it is unpaved, you do not need 4WD to use the road. Trailers longer than 35 feet long, or wider than 8 feet are not permitted on Bajada Loop Drive.

This drive will take you to hiking trails, picnic areas, and the great scenery of the cactus that call this park home.

Saguaro East (Rincon Mountain District)- Cactus Forest Scenic Loop

The Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive is 8 miles of paved road through the East side of Saguaro National Park. Just like on the West Side, large trailers are not allowed on the drive. This loop takes you through the cactus forest, to scenic views, hiking trailheads, and a number of excellent pull-outs. This road will get you anywhere you need to go in the park! You start at the visitors’ center and follow the signs. The park is open to vehicles from 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the summer and 5:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the winter.

If you are up for a bit more driving to some phenomenal Arizona scenery, be sure and head southeast from Tucson and visit Chiricahua National Monument, it is such a great park!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park-Chain of Craters Scenic Drive

Contribution by Constance, The Adventures of Panda Bear

Chain of Craters Scenic Drive is the perfect drive for a one-day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes you on Chain of Craters Road and through much of the park beginning with Crater Rim Drive and Kilauea over to the Holei Sea Arch by the coast.

Over the course of the drive, you’ll get a chance to see a plethora of volcanic activity remnants from craters to previous lava flows, and even ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs. Be sure to plan for a full day especially if you want to stop at all of the sights and vista points. Note that some of the stops may have short hikes including the 1.4-mile trek to the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs. 

Since the Chain of Craters Drive is located in Hawaii, pretty much any time is a good time to visit. During the winter it can be a bit rainier, however since the weather is tropical, the rain showers typically pass by quickly and it soon becomes sunny again. 

Great Smoky Mountain National Park-Newfound Gap Road

Contribution by Jarrod, Ramble Around the World

Cutting directly through the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Newfound Gap Road, which is the most scenic and busiest. It connects the Sugarlands Visitor Center outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center outside of Cherokee, North Carolina, and splits the park’s nearly 522,000 acres into a north and south portion.

While the road is only 30 miles long, the stretch will take about 1.5 hours each way if you traverse it slowly and take in the 10 to 20 overlooks along the way, including the Newfound Gap Overlook, which sits on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. If you want to stop at some of the park’s best hiking trails, you can count on the Newfound Gap Road to take you there.

While the vast expanses of smoke rising in the crevices of mountains in the distance, given in a panorama view at each overlook, are enough to thoroughly enjoy the drive, the unexpected wildlife makes it that much better. Visitors should keep their eyes peeled along the way and they may be able to catch a glance of black bears roaming for berries along the road and elk grazing in patches of grass on the lower North Carolina side.

Are you ready to explore the best National Parks to drive through?

Putting together this post has got me daydreaming, planning, and checking calendars for when I can check some of these scenic National Park drives off my bucket list! I hope it has done the same for you!

So… which of these National Park Scenic Drives are you putting at the top of your list? Need more road inspiration? Try these Funny Quotes about Road Trips!

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