4 Scenic Drives in the US That Will Take Your Breath Away!

Road trips are quintessential to exploring the vast and diverse terrain that makes up the United States. Growing up, I was fortunate to be part of a family that went on road trips frequently. Nine times out of ten, if we were visiting family, we would be driving—and often, to mix things up, my dad (the main driver for the majority of trips) would opt to take the scenic route. Never mind the fact that it added 2 to 8 hours on top of an already long car ride. Each time, it turned out to be more than worth it. Here are four scenic drives in the US that will be worth every hour! Here are four of the most Scenic Drives in the US that I’ve taken so far!

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While the 25-mile stretch between Silverton and Ouray is technically the Million Dollar Highway, it’s most practical to stretch out your drive and start in Durango. This route takes you through the San Juan Mountains on a twisting, turning, high-elevation mountain road. Open all year, the Million Dollar Highway reaches an altitude of 11,018 feet as it ascends Red Mountain Pass.

The drive promises breathtaking views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and thrills as you navigate narrow roads and switchbacks through mountains and forests. Whenever I drive this road, I can’t stop looking down out the window as we hug the edges of the cliffs. Half of my friends found it to be terrifying while the other half loved it and felt it was exhilarating! Between Durango and Silverton, the beauty of the barely touched wilderness always takes my breath away. If you have time, stop and explore Telluride—it’s a bit out of the way but absolutely gorgeous.

This gorgeous drive along the western edge of Lake Superior in northern Minnesota is peaceful, idyllic, and an absolute must for your autumn travel bucket list. The route takes you past eight state parks and you can explore places like Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche State Park, and Gooseberry Falls State Park—where my husband and I got engaged! Each stop offers a unique experience, from exploring waterfalls to discovering black and pink sand beaches.

Lake Superior, the largest lake in the United States (31,700 square miles), stretches endlessly beside you, while forests and rocky outcrops provide a stunning backdrop. The air feels crisper here, especially in the fall when the leaves turn golden and crimson. It’s the perfect combination of serenity and natural beauty.

The first time I visited Oregon was in 11th grade, and the drive from Denver to Portland left a lasting impression. The twenty hour drive had some points here and there that were interesting but what really caught my attention was the stretch along the Columbia River in Oregon. As you travel along I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge, the river itself dominates the scenery, vast and powerful. On one side of the road, you’ll see Washington state and the Columbia River—the largest I had ever seen at the time—while on the other, you might catch glimpses of Mt. Hood, a solitary peak my friends and I jokingly called the “Lonely Mountain” after The Hobbit.

This route is lush with greenery, and the waterfalls are the real stars. Don’t miss Multnomah Falls, which drops 620 feet and is a perfect spot for a quick hike or picnic. The beauty of the drive lies in its contrasts: the wild river, the gentle forests, and the towering mountains.

Located in the Navajo Nation Reservation and crossing into both Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley is a 17-mile drive through arid red desert, where mesas and buttes rise dramatically from the ground. Made of sandstone, these buttes tower between 400 and 1,000 feet high. The terrain’s vibrant red hues, mixed with gentle desert greens, create an otherworldly landscape.

I vividly remember driving through this region at sunrise. The way the light illuminated the red rocks was breathtaking—it feels like stepping into a painting…or a western film. If you go, I recommend timing your visit for sunrise or sunset when the landscape is at its most magical. While the drive is short, it’s worth taking your time to soak in the scenery and snap photos.

Each of these scenic drives in the US offers a unique glimpse into the diverse beauty and wilderness of the United States. Whether it’s the towering peaks of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, the serene shores of Lake Superior, the lush greenery of Oregon, or the dramatic landscapes of Monument Valley, there’s a scenic drive waiting to inspire your next adventure.

So pack your bags, cue up your road trip playlist, and hit the road. These routes aren’t just about getting from one place to another—they’re about the journey, the memories, and the breathtaking views along the way. Which one will you explore first?

Speaking of road trips, we went on our first European road trip ever. Here’s how it went.

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