Stunning vistas, sweeping panoramas extending to the far-off horizons, and untamed wild creatures—the U.S.'s picturesque routes provide exclusive entry to nature’s marvels across the nation. Below is a curated list of five such drives; they're essential if you wish to personally explore the majestic national parks of America's Western region.

Highway 12 in Utah, surrounded by red cliffs, canyons, and expansive plateaus, runs through this dramatic landscape.

Highway 12 – also known as Scenic Byway 12 – stretches for 197 kilometers and meanders through the breathtaking landscapes of southern Utah. Regarded as one of the most stunning routes in the United States, this road traverses both Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks, offering natural wonders at every bend: vibrant red canyons, majestic mesas, badlands At first glance, Bryce Canyon National Park displays an awe-inspiring panorama characterized by its vast plateaus punctuated by horseshoe-shaped depressions filled with towering hoodoos—these spire-like formations sculpted by wind and water stand out against hues of orange and pink. Ascending further north, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers breathtaking vistas featuring intricate canyon systems carved deeply into stone, alongside paths winding towards cascading waterfalls and majestic natural archways. Within Capitol Reef, one cannot overlook the striking Waterpocket Fold—a remarkable tectonic fault showcasing layers of sedimentary rocks displaying vivid tones ranging from deep reds through rich browns to pristine whites, painting a dramatically beautiful rugged terrain.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana, this celestial highway through Glacier National Park.

It's time to make our way to the northern U.S.! The Going-to-the-Sun Road becomes accessible only during summertime, specifically between mid-June and September. This route spans across Glacier National Park In Northwestern Montana, spanning approximately 80 kilometers, lies a renowned route along the Canadian border. This scenic drive ascends steeply into the mountains, crossing majestic passes and hugging dramatic cliffs above ancient glaciers. Along your journey, make sure to stop at Jackson Glacier Overlook or St. Mary Lake for captivating vistas and potential sightings of the area’s fauna—such as mountain goats, marmots, and occasionally even elusive black bears. However, the crowning jewel is undoubtedly the Logan Pass, standing tall at 2,026 meters. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views encompassing towering summits, glacier-carved valleys, expansive lakes, lush alpine meadows, and dense pine woods stretching out endlessly before them.

The Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Byway (Highway 9) in Utah, situated amidst the majestic cliffs of Zion National Park, offers stunning views through its winding route.

Highway 9, also called the Zion Mt. Carmel Scenic Drive, serves as the iconic entryway to Utah's Zion National Park Over approximately thirty kilometers, this twisting road navigates through tight canyons and verdant valleys, starkly contrasting against the massive red cliffs encircling the park. The renowned Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, carved directly into the mountainside, reveals breathtaking vistas of the vibrant rock faces above the Virgin River—the heart of the park’s highlights. Following the course of the river, the roadway provides numerous chances to pause and marvel at stunning sights like the sheer stone pillars known as The Sentinels and the distinctive Checkerboard Mesa. Additionally, this path serves as an entryway for various trails, including the Emerald Pools hike, inviting visitors to delve deeper into untamed regions and savor the intricate splendor of these rugged landscapes.

The Moab Scenic Byways in Utah serve as gateways to arches and carved gorges.

In Moab, the finest method to appreciate the splendor of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks is via picturesque drives. The region features three distinct scenic routes, each showcasing unique natural wonders. Highway 128 traces the winding path of the Colorado River, bordered by towering red sandstone cliffs above the riverbed. State Road 279 parallels the Petroglyph Panels, ancient stone surfaces adorned with indigenous carvings left behind by early inhabitants. Meanwhile, State Route 313 provides direct access to the entrance of Canyonlands, giving travelers an initial glimpse into the expansive canyon system spread throughout the park. Amidst majestic natural bridges, breathtaking chasms, and extensive deserts, Moab’s scenic roadways transport visitors through awe-inspiring terrains sculpted by nature over eons.

The Grand Teton 42-Mile Scenic Drive in Wyoming, a picturesque loop journey through the center of the Tetons.

Situated right in the middle of Grand Teton National Park, the 42-Mile Scenic Loop provides a comprehensive journey for discovering the splendor of Wyoming’s scenery. This 68-kilometer circuit meanders through sparsely wooded areas filled with pine trees before concluding near the shores of Jackson and Jenny Lakes at the base of the snowy summits of the Teton Range. From here, vistas stretch out over the entire expanse of the Jackson Hole Valley, highlighting striking contrasts between lush green valleys and towering granite cliffs.
Several hiking paths branch off from the scenic drive, including routes to Taggart Lake or String Lake, allowing visitors to immerse themselves deeply into untouched wilderness teeming with cascading waterfalls and thick woodlands, far removed from traffic and urban markers.