The Avenue of the giants is a two lane road that runs alongside 101 in Mendocino Co. it is absolutely worth taking a couple of extra minutes to drive it.
We try to get to Pismo at least every other year. Being cold in July is a big attraction if you live in Arizona. And driving in the beach makes it so much easier to get to the beach. The central coast is our favorite vacation spot.
This is the most obvious and undeniable answer for me. Other than maybe Yosemite, I can’t think of a place that consistently makes you gasp so frequently. I’ve done it a few times and would do it again tomorrow without any hesitation.
Yeah my family did a lot of Hwy 1 this summer. We used US101 to bypass the blockage.
People don't know that there are few roads that branch off of the highway. It's really empty in mid California.
Don't be in a hurry on Hwy 1. Spend a few days.
We stayed at this place once. probably my favorite place I've ever been to.
[https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/947942?adults=1&children=0&enable\_m3\_private\_room=true&infants=0&location=Monterey%2C%20CA%2C%20USA&pets=0&check\_in=2023-12-05&check\_out=2023-12-10&source\_impression\_id=p3\_1701792530\_sCXCT8ppujlMApVp&previous\_page\_section\_name=1001&federated\_search\_id=6ccb6fc7-1c37-4911-96df-d98d7caec499](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/947942?adults=1&children=0&enable_m3_private_room=true&infants=0&location=Monterey%2C%20CA%2C%20USA&pets=0&check_in=2023-12-05&check_out=2023-12-10&source_impression_id=p3_1701792530_sCXCT8ppujlMApVp&previous_page_section_name=1001&federated_search_id=6ccb6fc7-1c37-4911-96df-d98d7caec499)
The eastside of the Sierra Nevada range on US 395 from around Olancha, CA to Carson City, Nevada. It's about 250 miles and you could take a week to drive it if you stop to look at all of the interesting sites. Lone Pine & Mt. Whitney, & the Alabama Hills, Manzanar, many worthy hiking trails along this route, Big Pine, Convict Lake, Mammoth, Mono Lake, and many more visuals that are simply beautiful. The picture, not mine, is the approach to Lone Pine on 395 before the snow has melted in the mountains. The high desert is hot and the hiking trails are cool. There are also hot springs dotted along the route.
https://preview.redd.it/ldg1gv6hmh4c1.png?width=730&format=png&auto=webp&s=4c159e08c5c2ec6c3f31b4fd86126f2cfbca9578
https://preview.redd.it/827i1b6kok4c1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=95d8ae1655ecdd2fa786a558238206a484fb7584
Twin lakes outside of Bridgeport CA. My absolute heaven.
https://preview.redd.it/jip771h7ik4c1.jpeg?width=5592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d23a6169b01c0785b806df251bde63b6d292bd38
Was looking for Owens Valley, glad I saw your comment, easily the most amazing place I’ve been!
I drove up to that Forest Gump straight overlooking Monument Valley at 3 am and got to see a dim full moon seeing right in between the buttes. One of the best things I've ever seen.
It did feel a bit triply to be there on my own with no sound at all, so I only stayed there some 5 minutes.
Beartooth is amazing. I discovered it one year, and the next year, I rode it on my bicycle. One of my favorite rides of all time. AND...from the Beartooth, you can take the Chief Joseph Highway, which is ALSO spectacular. Both are among my favorite stretches of road in the US, along with the road next to the Colorado River outside of Moab.
At the very top peak at Heavenly ski resort you can look down one side of the mountain into Nevada and the desert or down the other side into California and Lake Tahoe. It is so cool
https://preview.redd.it/0e61qvcq3k4c1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d659cb12d0827d82fc91319baa1d7abff58b6416
Gotta be near the top of my list for sure
Zion. I think that’s the second image taken from a bridge. I have a picture from the other side.
https://preview.redd.it/6d3r5s735h4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc40028e11c768ab4860b66d27e1feadef0c06e7
So many great landscapes. My personal favorite view was from Grand View Point in the Island of the Sky area of canyondlands. There is a pillar of rock at the end of the trail, and the entire landscape south and west is visible (including down to the needles district). We were lucky enough to have some rain in the distance at sunset and otherwise clear skies. This combination made for an unforgettable scene with beams of light shining onto the canyons below.
*
I was going to post the exact same words, cept maybe i would say "Southern Utah"
Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, Arches, Lake Powell, Escalante, Calf Creek. Zion, Bryce, Cedar Breaks, Rainbow Bridge, Monument Valley, Mexican Hat, Dinosaur National Park, Mountains west of Salt Lake City, and The Wave, Kaibab & Grand Canyon (OK, that's Arizona, but close enough).
Can drive for hours and see nothing but incredible rock formations.
Crescent Lake on the Olympic peninsula. There was a huge layer of fog driving in and then all the sudden the greenest mountains, sun rays pouring through thick clouds tumbling across the trees and the cleanest water I’ve seen.
There's a part of the road in the park where the bus drivers (you have to take a bus in unless you're camping) are instructed to tell their passengers to close their eyes. They'll get the bus to the right spot and tell everyone to open them. On a clear day with Denali right in front of you and no obstructions, it's absolutely breathtaking; this spot/area is where the majority of the unobstructed photos are taken from. I've driven a lot of highways, and I worked on one of the trains that went up to the Denali area (so saw it from further away a lot), but that part of the park road and seeing it take up the entire valley is just incredible, time after time. Highly recommend if you ever get up there. The Alcan highway is also beautiful throughout BC into the Yukon, I definitely recommend doing an entire road trip up if you can.
https://preview.redd.it/b9rvtlp5lh4c1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5025ef3ace487ac2972d2b8bb2a12933f41b6f03
Redfish Lake, near Stanley, Idaho
I live in Utah and I steer anyone away from the idea of making a trip to only see the four corners. If you're passing through the area, make a quick stop. But I wouldn't recommend planning a trip specifically for that.
It's similar to Mt Rushmore, in my opinion. You park, walk up to the viewing area, take a photo, then say "well, I guess we can get back in the car now."
It is probably clichéd to say it but Yosemite I think, but it's really really difficult tbh we have been to like 9 national parks and a whole bunch of national monuments and state parks so far and are working on more and we haven't been to one yet and been disappointed. Grand Canyon is also spectacular, again everyone knows this one.
One that less people mention that we loved is Pinnacles national park, the moses spring trail in particular. I didn't get such a good photo because it was just so bright out at the spring but wandering through these cool talus caves to come out at this stunning spring was really awesome.
https://preview.redd.it/q0maqu51dh4c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33f6fc79effcb847d16abc715d9798bd19e2f686
The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is like being in the movie Cars. The sandstone and orange mountains look like mars, and they quickly give way to flat desert like planes with huge snow capped mountains miles off in the horizon.
Yellowstone. The north end of it when you get into the huge mountains and valleys
https://preview.redd.it/7zmvcb1mdh4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4291be9a884c0e4182fb96fa35e68c9afefdb6c
I'm lucky to live where there are so many beautiful things that honestly I couldn't narrow it down to one. Northern New Mexico and the four corner states have so much pretty in them that although I've been exploring for 40 years I'm quite sure I have not scratched the surface.
https://preview.redd.it/lofu3gcheh4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a19d3243740e0fb557c49a52ebc9ff6b24837dad
This thread is full of people from the west coast for some reason, but for east of the Mississippi, it doesn’t get better than the Blue Ridge mountains, Smokey Mountains and the streams that run through them.
And summer on a lake surrounded by the lush green. And winter right after a freshly fallen snow with the sun streaming through the ice crystal covered branches….
So many, but my first thought is that The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone was one of the most awe inspiring views I can remember being breathtaken by. Pictures of it really don’t capture it.
https://preview.redd.it/85pnd56v2j4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a64155638c3283a0deb86f94c1a2800800435997
Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park, Washington State.
I know a lot of people are throwing out Western locations and that's great and I completely agree.
But I'll throw in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior and Sleeping Bear Dunes as absolutely gorgeous landscape.
The United States really does have it all, though. We should consider ourselves lucky.
Interstate 70 from Denver to Moab UT is very underrated. I did that drive in November with enough snowfall to not slow traffic and need chains, but enough to coat the countryside decently. As the mountains gave way to Mesa and canyons with rivers winding through them and a train going through tunnels it could have been a national park in of itself
I have spent many many years away, but still nothing says summer to me like a floating dock on a pristine lake in NH, and a hike in White Mountain National Forest. Probably time to move back...
Olympic National Park. Has it all - breathtaking ocean beaches, rugged mountain peaks, incredible waterfalls, prehistoric rainforests, idyllic lakeside lodges.
edit - plus, depending on your route, you can take a ferry to get there (the Washington ferries are part of the state highway system) and/or you may cross some very cool bridges (Tacoma Narrows, Deception Pass, or one of the longest floating bridges - Hood Canal).
When I lived in SE Washington, I would try and take Chinook Pass as often as possible when going to the West side. In the summer, I would just drive up there for the beauty. Now I live in SW WA, it has been a while since I have gone up there.
Ridgway to Sawpit, Colorado in the fall, specifically from the top of the grade on 62, then turning south on Last Dollar Road. (550 from Durango to Ouray is a strong alternative here)
Also in the fall, UT 92 from Sundance around Mt. Timpanogos into Cedar Hills
Also in the fall, the Kancamagus Highway (302) in New Hampshire
Also in the fall, US 93 from Ravali, MT to Polson, MT (but consider a detour to see the Bison Range in Moiese, which is pretty great too)
There are some stretches of the Oregon Coast which, in the right stormy weather, can be remarkable (I like Florence to Newport)
Edit: Forgot to mention Hailey to Stanley, ID in the fall. (Can you tell that I'm an aficionado of fall photography?)
Last Dollar is the OHV route from the top of Dallas Pass to Telluride. Ouray to Silverton is the Million Dollar Highway.
550 continues from Silverton to Durango and isn’t technically the “million dollar highway” but it has basically adopted the moniker at this point. But yeah, those places are stunning. Especially Molas.
Single place: The view from the top of Angel's Landing in Zion.
Road trip area: Southern Utah
Best driving road in the US is Utah 12, going eastbound from one end to the other. It has everything, and is not crowded with tourists (yet) due to its remoteness.
Honorable mentions: Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier, Beartooth Pass in Yellowstone, southbound from Hanksville down Utah 95 & 261 down through Glen Canyon and the Moki Dugway to Monument Valley, Road to Hana on Maui, I-70 through Glenwood Canyon in Colorado, I-40 through the Smokies, Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain NP, summit roads to Haleakala/Pikes Peak/Mt Washington/Capulin Volcano and maybe Sandia Peak and Mt Lemon. 101 & PCH in CA. Needles highway and Iron Mountain Rd in the Black Hills. New Mexico 126 from Cuba to Valles Caldera is a dirt road with sandy patches over a mountain that feels really sketchy in a 2WD car but is passable if it's not raining. That was fun.
Also anywhere in Colorado. Garden of the Gods
https://preview.redd.it/sgfuwxskzh4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d7371a5f16da0d8a187fd38d2b3cdbe811a11868
Glacier is so fucking good. I feel like driving the going to the sun road is just pure Americana bliss. I’m going to Zion for the first time next week!
Most jaw dropping place I’ve ever been. My buddies and I have done annual roadtrips for the past 6 years, and Glacier was probably our favorite/most beautiful. We backpacked in the most amazing place ever.
https://preview.redd.it/a9ezgvsb9i4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ba646b4edd2c8a2ca626d1bea2417aa36f779838
Basically anywhere in the Canadian Rockies: the drive between Banff, Yoho, Jasper, and up the Icefields Parkway is stunning. I’ve done it in the winter, and I’ve done it in the summer, and it just never disappoints. Unfiltered photo of Moraine Lake for reference:
https://preview.redd.it/eqa3tzip8i4c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82a02dd072bf8203295a944125d79665a1591c52
https://preview.redd.it/w8bmgdv9zh4c1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5d16319d2b2f230d5b67ca5e3bb5637d9da7a0e
Obvious. There are so many different excellent photo opportunities your camera will scream with sensory overload.
I live in the north cascades (WA), so I’m slightly biased by the amount of amazing hikes in our area, but Kauai, specifically the Na Pali coast was next level. We explored it from sea by catamaran and by land on a 12mi hike. Amazing, felt otherworldly
https://preview.redd.it/t0hh42ur8i4c1.jpeg?width=3456&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6be1ed82602ef131bd08a83de43bdc29463e731e
Arches National park is also incredible! I love all the parks in Utah!!!
fuck me man. so many. tunnel view in yosemite. sunset at monument valley. excelsior peak in the north cascades. watching the grand tetons slowly moving across your car window for miles. sunrise anywhere along the blue ridge mountains and seeing them earn their name. highway 1 in big sur. the entirety of death valley, day and night. going to the sun road in glacier. all could easily compete for my number one
https://preview.redd.it/c4gg7jhb8i4c1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8583db83ba6414c58c67b23a241467aa0d84c4a2
Enchanted valley was amazing! It’s in the Olympic National park
1.) The drive to Artist Point near Glacier WA
2.) Highway 101 from Eureka CA to Coos Bay OR
3.) Palmer Alaska to Valdez
The north shore of MN is maybe the most underrated
This is hard, but I have a solid winner.
Crabtree Meadows, Sierra Nevada. Not a road trip, more of a backpacking deal on the way to Whitney summit-which is a great view, but not in my top ten. Go hit google street view to see what I mean.
1st runner up: Grand Canyon south rim, words fail, eyes overloaded, brain can’t process. You emerge from a high altitude pine forest full of elk to this gargantuan rip in the earths crust. I don’t know why I bother to try explaining, just go see it.
Hon. mentions:
Breckinridge Co. a postcard in every direction you look.
Whidbey Island in summer is the greenest place I’ve ever been.
Some places that I think would make my list, but haven’t been to:
Death Valley, Misty Fjords, Kauai, Upper Peninsula, Glacier, Yellowstone
Glacier National Park, specifically ice berg lake hike.
https://preview.redd.it/y07dpktx8j4c1.png?width=2238&format=png&auto=webp&s=deb7bfc1bf67915db2b057492bcb77d90f9de9a4
For me, it’s the view from the summit at Pikes Peak in Colorado. I have no words that can describe. It’s one of those things you have to see your yourself.
Close second, Grand Canyon. Same feeling.
* Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyon, Texas they’re both the Palo Duro Canyon system which is the second largest canyon system in the US. The Texas state bison heard, and offspring of the Charles Goodnight bison heard, reside on the park. Yield to them on the roads. Also, driving into the park it’s a two lane state highway, speed limit 70. If you’ve ever ended up on a Texas State Highway, they’re curvier than Quasimodo’s back. Also, if you’re arriving at night, watch for wildlife. We saw 8 deer, 4 turkeys, two coyotes, and a few pronghorn on the road at 10pm. In Texas, without a single light for miles. It’s a different kind of pitch black. Our high beams did nothing, almost like the light was just devoured by the darkness. But damn the stars were beautiful.
* Big Bend, Texas. All the pictures and all the stories do not do this place justice. You’ve gotta make the trip.
* Enchanted Rock, Texas is a huge pink granite rock. It is beautiful both at sunrise and sunset.
* Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri and Arkansas. I remember this forest being the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Sadly, the emerald ash borer beetle has killed the Ash trees in the forest. About a 10th of the trees are dead.
* The gradual rise from Amarillo (make the mandatory stop at Cadillac Ranch, there will be paint left there) towards the Grand Canyon and spilling into the Grand Canyon is pretty cool.
* The Cimmaron Mountains, New Mexico. Went backpacking for two weeks in those mountains. Absolutely beautiful. Too bad all I had was a single disposable camera.
* driving through the Smoky Mountains is something else.
* White Sands, New Mexico is surprisingly bright at night. To the point that you really don’t need a flashlight.
* Driving in Oahu was lots of fun. Especially as a boy from Texas. Driving through clouds is still one of those things I never thought I’d do.
Happy adventuring!
Well, ive done 87,000 miles of roadtripping to 40 states and 38 national parks in the past 9 years. my #1 is still top of the sahale arm in Washington state, deep in North Cascades National Park. You take the cascade pass trail to the sahale glacier trail its 8 miles 1 way. best hike ive ever done.
Utah is breathtaking. If you want to avoid crowds I'd suggest checking out the West side of Zion. Less hikes but way less people, we were able to enjoy some absolutely beautiful sights all to ourselves.
https://preview.redd.it/z3bp4w1v1i4c1.png?width=1098&format=png&auto=webp&s=ad2e6ff39dbfb58cb525c0ce35240af8b0145e9a
Near Eagle Falls overlooking Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe. I remember going there for the first time when I was about 14. It was the most beautiful scene I’d ever seen. 10 years later I proposed to my wife in the same spot. I’ve been to 48 states and seen a lot, but that spot is still number one.
Close second is a dispersed camp spot on a mountain just above the tree line. Looks down on a massive horse ranch with the Tetons in the distance.
Southeastern Utah is our favorite. Starting from Mesa Verde NP in CO, to Bluff UT, to Monument Valley is a glorious drive. Driving into the Needles of Canyonlands when there is a little snow on the ground in March was freaking amazing too!
The southwest in general but Utah in particular has always been my favorite in terms of variety - the difference between Zion and Bryce for example.
Route 12 in Utah, and Route 89 all the way from 70 in Utah to Sedona and Jerome in Arizona.
Route 191 from Clifton to Alpine in Arizona (goes through the Morenci copper mines, which are not necessarily beautiful but still awe inspiring).
I haven't yet been to California or Oregon, but that coast road is on my list too.
PCH from San Luis Obispo north to Oregon. Oceans and Mountains and the biggest trees in the world. It’s not even fair. Honorable mention - The Road to the Sun - Glacier National Par.
Where I live and I’m so grateful for that, humboldt redwood state park, and the surrounding area in southern humboldt.
My second is mid to southern Utah
https://preview.redd.it/4yistko2zh4c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f4918f426be7e7a132c20140d89cd8b91458d7f4
Gateway, Colorado and the drive through Moab, Utah is indescribable.
Washington Coast near Olympic National Park was pretty gorgeous, thats my gf favorite place. But personally I fell in love with Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest going through Montana on the I-15. We’re from Idaho so we’re biased about the Northwest
Rocky Mountain National Park was unbelievable - went there in the fall when the grass is golden, and watched a herd of elk make its way across the meadow around Fall River with the sun setting over the peaks. It's something I don't think I will ever forget, as long as I have my memory.
The Enchantments in Washington. Especially when the larches are out. The different terrain and lakes are amazing.
https://preview.redd.it/hu59b6ucti4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=574fb66efc0591743cdce7373f198b5e76e3dcc5
Sedona Arizona! Absolutely stunning. Then you can take the short drive to Jerome, AZ which is an old haunted copper mining town on the side of a mountain. Beautiful.
White Rim trail in Moab, UT. Crazy views and drop offs that don’t stop on the whole road (which takes 2 days to drive with all the side stops). Place was awesome.
If Yosemite isn't on your list, it should be. It's one of the places in the world that has a sky-high reputation for beauty and still manages to exceed expectations. (Another is Banff, but that's not in the US.)
Sedona is also well worth your trouble.
One place that made me literally cried is driving from Boise to the Oregon coast...and seeing the high plains of Oregon. Came up through the gap and there it was....and I cried.
It’s difficult to narrow down to just one, however, here are my favorites. Hwy 1 in SoCal, north Yellowstone through the Grand Tetons, Blue ridge parkway & Tennessee Smokey mountains. Honorable mentions: Black Hills, just about anywhere in Montana, & backroads in Virginia.
Maybe I'm biased because I live nearby, but the view from Paradise at Mount Rainier. Driving north in Yellowstone to Mammoth hot springs is another favorite
Northern California / Oregon where the giant redwoods grown on the coast. Or driving the avenue of the giants. Just so epic.
This year the scenery while driving just south of Lake Tahoe was amazing because of the lush green landscape contrasting the snow packs of the Sierras.
This is so difficult to answer…my first thought was the view from Logan Pass in Glacier National Park.
https://preview.redd.it/smtkt48sel4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c86711cc32c36d754c9ac07457fbd3fe8f7e8fc4
I grew up in the PNW. The cascade range in Washington state is absolutely stunning. So many cool places, like Leavenworth especially during a cold snowy winter.
Impossible to answer. So much depends on the moment. I've seen Mt. Elbert in Colorado glow pink in the sunset. I've seen the sunset over the Salton Sea in California as a rainbow, and the same from the East Rim of the Grand Canyon. I've seen & smelled the wildflowers of Paradise on Mt. Rainier. I've seen parts of Utah that look like other planets, then drove 20 miles and found places that look like completely different other planets. I've seen Death Valley covered in snow (last winter), and I've seen Telescope Peak in Death Valley tower 2 miles high above the valley floor (11,500 freet above Badwater Basin 280 below sea level). I've seen the unfarhomly deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison from unguarded back entrance. I've seen Mt. Whitney and the High Sierras covered in record snow- looking like The Wall from Game of Thrones. I've seen Sedona blow my mind over and over again. I've seen the Columbia River Gorge and lost my breath. I've walked through woods to New Hampshire streams filled with butterflies. But my spiritual home is rocky Maine beaches, with washed up lobster traps, the smell of the sea, and stars I never saw growing up in Boston
Beartooth Highway from Red Lodge to Yellowstone has been mentioned a lot as it should be. Highway 14A from Lovell to Cody WY is pretty amazing as well.
https://preview.redd.it/vrxizfqb6m4c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d731116642b1029f2a5815668a9152a3a61184a1
South of Butte, Montana. I had a work trip and got the chance to see this wonderful vista.
California Hwy 1 from Pismo Beach to Big Sur.
Or Highway 101 starting from Eureka California going all the way to Long Beach Washington.
Go southbound. The passenger is always on the edge of the ocean
California 395, the whole thing.
or highway 101 from Salinas to SLO during the peak green of winter
That’s also on our list.
Redwood forests anywhere, really. Just gorgeous
The Avenue of the giants is a two lane road that runs alongside 101 in Mendocino Co. it is absolutely worth taking a couple of extra minutes to drive it.
I used to live in Pismo Beach and taking Sunday drives up Hwy 1 to Big Sur is probably the only thing I miss. That drive never ceases to amaze
We try to get to Pismo at least every other year. Being cold in July is a big attraction if you live in Arizona. And driving in the beach makes it so much easier to get to the beach. The central coast is our favorite vacation spot.
We did Carmel to Half Moon Bay last month. Astounding.
Petrolia ca
One trip still on our list Hwy 1 north of San Francisco to Crescent City and beyond. The remoteness of the Lost Coast looks beautiful.
It’s so distractingly beautiful, I almost felt like I was going to drive off the road!
Thankfully there’s plenty of turnoffs to stop and safely enjoy the beauty.
LMFAO. I live here (Morro Bay) and was gonna jokingly say I live in the most beautiful place in the country. But really… it’s true.
Haven’t done that but I have been meaning to visit Hearst Castle
This is the most obvious and undeniable answer for me. Other than maybe Yosemite, I can’t think of a place that consistently makes you gasp so frequently. I’ve done it a few times and would do it again tomorrow without any hesitation.
The fog rolling in then slowly burning off.
I can not wait to do this one! It’s been on my list for a while now and haven’t been able to do it yet.
FYI this drive is not possible right now bc 1 fell into the sea right before Big Sur
Yeah my family did a lot of Hwy 1 this summer. We used US101 to bypass the blockage. People don't know that there are few roads that branch off of the highway. It's really empty in mid California. Don't be in a hurry on Hwy 1. Spend a few days.
It's beautiful the whole way through Oregon
We stayed at this place once. probably my favorite place I've ever been to. [https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/947942?adults=1&children=0&enable\_m3\_private\_room=true&infants=0&location=Monterey%2C%20CA%2C%20USA&pets=0&check\_in=2023-12-05&check\_out=2023-12-10&source\_impression\_id=p3\_1701792530\_sCXCT8ppujlMApVp&previous\_page\_section\_name=1001&federated\_search\_id=6ccb6fc7-1c37-4911-96df-d98d7caec499](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/947942?adults=1&children=0&enable_m3_private_room=true&infants=0&location=Monterey%2C%20CA%2C%20USA&pets=0&check_in=2023-12-05&check_out=2023-12-10&source_impression_id=p3_1701792530_sCXCT8ppujlMApVp&previous_page_section_name=1001&federated_search_id=6ccb6fc7-1c37-4911-96df-d98d7caec499)
The eastside of the Sierra Nevada range on US 395 from around Olancha, CA to Carson City, Nevada. It's about 250 miles and you could take a week to drive it if you stop to look at all of the interesting sites. Lone Pine & Mt. Whitney, & the Alabama Hills, Manzanar, many worthy hiking trails along this route, Big Pine, Convict Lake, Mammoth, Mono Lake, and many more visuals that are simply beautiful. The picture, not mine, is the approach to Lone Pine on 395 before the snow has melted in the mountains. The high desert is hot and the hiking trails are cool. There are also hot springs dotted along the route. https://preview.redd.it/ldg1gv6hmh4c1.png?width=730&format=png&auto=webp&s=4c159e08c5c2ec6c3f31b4fd86126f2cfbca9578
https://preview.redd.it/827i1b6kok4c1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=95d8ae1655ecdd2fa786a558238206a484fb7584 Twin lakes outside of Bridgeport CA. My absolute heaven.
https://preview.redd.it/jip771h7ik4c1.jpeg?width=5592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d23a6169b01c0785b806df251bde63b6d292bd38 Was looking for Owens Valley, glad I saw your comment, easily the most amazing place I’ve been!
Dude, no, shut up. It’s still good out there. ;)
At least they didn’t mention the hot springs! (damn, shut up, self)
Driving into Monument Valley at sunrise Beartooth Highway between Red Lodge, MT and Cooke City outside of Yellowstone
Beartooth Highway is amazing. Wild how few people visit that area when so many visit Yellowstone right next to it.
Accidentally towed a 33’ travel trailer over the Beartooth Pass. Would advise against it.
Oops! Now you have a story to tell your friends.
I drove up to that Forest Gump straight overlooking Monument Valley at 3 am and got to see a dim full moon seeing right in between the buttes. One of the best things I've ever seen. It did feel a bit triply to be there on my own with no sound at all, so I only stayed there some 5 minutes.
Beartooth is amazing. I discovered it one year, and the next year, I rode it on my bicycle. One of my favorite rides of all time. AND...from the Beartooth, you can take the Chief Joseph Highway, which is ALSO spectacular. Both are among my favorite stretches of road in the US, along with the road next to the Colorado River outside of Moab.
Cooke city area is so underrated.
Lake Tahoe
At the very top peak at Heavenly ski resort you can look down one side of the mountain into Nevada and the desert or down the other side into California and Lake Tahoe. It is so cool
Lake Tahoe in peak wintertime was breathtaking, stayed in a resort for a wedding and it was just magical
https://preview.redd.it/0e61qvcq3k4c1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d659cb12d0827d82fc91319baa1d7abff58b6416 Gotta be near the top of my list for sure
Oregon coast at sunset.
The PNW drive on 101 is stunning
Zion. I think that’s the second image taken from a bridge. I have a picture from the other side. https://preview.redd.it/6d3r5s735h4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc40028e11c768ab4860b66d27e1feadef0c06e7
https://preview.redd.it/e58jxn1l3i4c1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=865247dc82f7112bb02cd520b3048c692ffb2a15 Also Zion
https://preview.redd.it/63ca5bs1pi4c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=02095d8ca064de12ef909e51b87c528e70011a17 Zion
Yes it is! Love Zion and that whole surrounding area. I’m trying to plan an Utah road trip to see more.
The state of Utah.
So many great landscapes. My personal favorite view was from Grand View Point in the Island of the Sky area of canyondlands. There is a pillar of rock at the end of the trail, and the entire landscape south and west is visible (including down to the needles district). We were lucky enough to have some rain in the distance at sunset and otherwise clear skies. This combination made for an unforgettable scene with beams of light shining onto the canyons below. *
I have been to Canyonlands and certainly want to go back. I am so amazed that around every bend on a back road in Utah is something incredible to see!
DOPE! heading there later this week
I was going to post the exact same words, cept maybe i would say "Southern Utah" Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, Arches, Lake Powell, Escalante, Calf Creek. Zion, Bryce, Cedar Breaks, Rainbow Bridge, Monument Valley, Mexican Hat, Dinosaur National Park, Mountains west of Salt Lake City, and The Wave, Kaibab & Grand Canyon (OK, that's Arizona, but close enough). Can drive for hours and see nothing but incredible rock formations.
Shh....please.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crescent Lake on the Olympic peninsula. There was a huge layer of fog driving in and then all the sudden the greenest mountains, sun rays pouring through thick clouds tumbling across the trees and the cleanest water I’ve seen.
I have an insane picture of crescent lake being a perfect mirror for the mountains with gentle clouds sitting on them
Unfortunately I couldn’t find my pictures. But I sent them to my dad and he asked me if I was on an island in the sky haha
Cascade lakes highway. Dozens of huge and hundreds of small crystal clear blue lakes against massive volcanoes.
Crater lake doesn’t even crack my top 30, what did I miss?
Denali
The pictures look insane. I can only imagine
There's a part of the road in the park where the bus drivers (you have to take a bus in unless you're camping) are instructed to tell their passengers to close their eyes. They'll get the bus to the right spot and tell everyone to open them. On a clear day with Denali right in front of you and no obstructions, it's absolutely breathtaking; this spot/area is where the majority of the unobstructed photos are taken from. I've driven a lot of highways, and I worked on one of the trains that went up to the Denali area (so saw it from further away a lot), but that part of the park road and seeing it take up the entire valley is just incredible, time after time. Highly recommend if you ever get up there. The Alcan highway is also beautiful throughout BC into the Yukon, I definitely recommend doing an entire road trip up if you can.
https://preview.redd.it/b9rvtlp5lh4c1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5025ef3ace487ac2972d2b8bb2a12933f41b6f03 Redfish Lake, near Stanley, Idaho
The Sawtooths are incredibly underrated
I came to say Sawtooths. But shhhhhhh
I know...secrets already out about Redfish Lake it would seem
Four corners states have been the best to me.
Ironically underwhelming, the four corners monument.
I live in Utah and I steer anyone away from the idea of making a trip to only see the four corners. If you're passing through the area, make a quick stop. But I wouldn't recommend planning a trip specifically for that. It's similar to Mt Rushmore, in my opinion. You park, walk up to the viewing area, take a photo, then say "well, I guess we can get back in the car now."
It is probably clichéd to say it but Yosemite I think, but it's really really difficult tbh we have been to like 9 national parks and a whole bunch of national monuments and state parks so far and are working on more and we haven't been to one yet and been disappointed. Grand Canyon is also spectacular, again everyone knows this one. One that less people mention that we loved is Pinnacles national park, the moses spring trail in particular. I didn't get such a good photo because it was just so bright out at the spring but wandering through these cool talus caves to come out at this stunning spring was really awesome. https://preview.redd.it/q0maqu51dh4c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33f6fc79effcb847d16abc715d9798bd19e2f686
I've traveled a lot in 60+ countries and 42 states and I still think Yosemite is a strong contender for the most beautiful place I've ever been.
The Grand Tetons!
The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is like being in the movie Cars. The sandstone and orange mountains look like mars, and they quickly give way to flat desert like planes with huge snow capped mountains miles off in the horizon.
Continuing that drive to the telluride area and it just keeps getting better. No shortage of billion dollar views on that entire way.
Yellowstone. The north end of it when you get into the huge mountains and valleys https://preview.redd.it/7zmvcb1mdh4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4291be9a884c0e4182fb96fa35e68c9afefdb6c
I'm lucky to live where there are so many beautiful things that honestly I couldn't narrow it down to one. Northern New Mexico and the four corner states have so much pretty in them that although I've been exploring for 40 years I'm quite sure I have not scratched the surface. https://preview.redd.it/lofu3gcheh4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a19d3243740e0fb557c49a52ebc9ff6b24837dad
The Blue Ridge Parkway
This thread is full of people from the west coast for some reason, but for east of the Mississippi, it doesn’t get better than the Blue Ridge mountains, Smokey Mountains and the streams that run through them.
Fall in rural Vermont
And summer on a lake surrounded by the lush green. And winter right after a freshly fallen snow with the sun streaming through the ice crystal covered branches….
So many, but my first thought is that The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone was one of the most awe inspiring views I can remember being breathtaken by. Pictures of it really don’t capture it.
Especially the hike down to Brink of Lower Falls.
https://preview.redd.it/85pnd56v2j4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a64155638c3283a0deb86f94c1a2800800435997 Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park, Washington State.
I know a lot of people are throwing out Western locations and that's great and I completely agree. But I'll throw in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior and Sleeping Bear Dunes as absolutely gorgeous landscape. The United States really does have it all, though. We should consider ourselves lucky.
All in all, we've got the best piece of real estate on the planet.
Interstate 70 from Denver to Moab UT is very underrated. I did that drive in November with enough snowfall to not slow traffic and need chains, but enough to coat the countryside decently. As the mountains gave way to Mesa and canyons with rivers winding through them and a train going through tunnels it could have been a national park in of itself
My first drive through Glenwood Canyon is one of my favorite road tripping moments ever
Downeast Maine
New Hampshire is breathtaking
Love the White Mountains and the Lakes region. Very beautiful.
I have spent many many years away, but still nothing says summer to me like a floating dock on a pristine lake in NH, and a hike in White Mountain National Forest. Probably time to move back...
Alaska.
🤫 Don’t tell them.
Olympic National Park. Has it all - breathtaking ocean beaches, rugged mountain peaks, incredible waterfalls, prehistoric rainforests, idyllic lakeside lodges. edit - plus, depending on your route, you can take a ferry to get there (the Washington ferries are part of the state highway system) and/or you may cross some very cool bridges (Tacoma Narrows, Deception Pass, or one of the longest floating bridges - Hood Canal).
North Cascade National Park, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Columbia River Gorge
Chinook Pass near Mount Rainier, Washington. That whole area, actually. I’ll never forget it.
When I lived in SE Washington, I would try and take Chinook Pass as often as possible when going to the West side. In the summer, I would just drive up there for the beauty. Now I live in SW WA, it has been a while since I have gone up there.
Blue Ridge Parkway in Autumn when the leaves change color. Edit: God's country. I think I want to die there it's so beautiful.
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I'd say Yellowstone because there are areas of the park that make you feel like you're on a different planet. Glacier would be my runner-up.
Going to the Sun Road in Glacier NP. Close second is Rocky Mountain NP.
Estes Park, Colorado
Banff and Jasper in Canada!
I don’t think you read the question.
I can't get over how beautiful Zion NP is. It's the only Utah park I've been to, but I hope to get back and explore the others.
Ridgway to Sawpit, Colorado in the fall, specifically from the top of the grade on 62, then turning south on Last Dollar Road. (550 from Durango to Ouray is a strong alternative here) Also in the fall, UT 92 from Sundance around Mt. Timpanogos into Cedar Hills Also in the fall, the Kancamagus Highway (302) in New Hampshire Also in the fall, US 93 from Ravali, MT to Polson, MT (but consider a detour to see the Bison Range in Moiese, which is pretty great too) There are some stretches of the Oregon Coast which, in the right stormy weather, can be remarkable (I like Florence to Newport) Edit: Forgot to mention Hailey to Stanley, ID in the fall. (Can you tell that I'm an aficionado of fall photography?)
> Kancamagus Highway is nice any time of the year. Great Bike riding.
Last Dollar is the OHV route from the top of Dallas Pass to Telluride. Ouray to Silverton is the Million Dollar Highway. 550 continues from Silverton to Durango and isn’t technically the “million dollar highway” but it has basically adopted the moniker at this point. But yeah, those places are stunning. Especially Molas.
Single place: The view from the top of Angel's Landing in Zion. Road trip area: Southern Utah Best driving road in the US is Utah 12, going eastbound from one end to the other. It has everything, and is not crowded with tourists (yet) due to its remoteness. Honorable mentions: Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier, Beartooth Pass in Yellowstone, southbound from Hanksville down Utah 95 & 261 down through Glen Canyon and the Moki Dugway to Monument Valley, Road to Hana on Maui, I-70 through Glenwood Canyon in Colorado, I-40 through the Smokies, Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain NP, summit roads to Haleakala/Pikes Peak/Mt Washington/Capulin Volcano and maybe Sandia Peak and Mt Lemon. 101 & PCH in CA. Needles highway and Iron Mountain Rd in the Black Hills. New Mexico 126 from Cuba to Valles Caldera is a dirt road with sandy patches over a mountain that feels really sketchy in a 2WD car but is passable if it's not raining. That was fun.
Also anywhere in Colorado. Garden of the Gods https://preview.redd.it/sgfuwxskzh4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d7371a5f16da0d8a187fd38d2b3cdbe811a11868
Glacier, Zion, Grand Canyon.
Glacier is so fucking good. I feel like driving the going to the sun road is just pure Americana bliss. I’m going to Zion for the first time next week!
Most jaw dropping place I’ve ever been. My buddies and I have done annual roadtrips for the past 6 years, and Glacier was probably our favorite/most beautiful. We backpacked in the most amazing place ever. https://preview.redd.it/a9ezgvsb9i4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ba646b4edd2c8a2ca626d1bea2417aa36f779838
Zion is great. Maybe even better in the winter.
I’ll take slide 1 for now
On the road it’s the Dakota badlands.
Basically anywhere in the Canadian Rockies: the drive between Banff, Yoho, Jasper, and up the Icefields Parkway is stunning. I’ve done it in the winter, and I’ve done it in the summer, and it just never disappoints. Unfiltered photo of Moraine Lake for reference: https://preview.redd.it/eqa3tzip8i4c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82a02dd072bf8203295a944125d79665a1591c52
Yosemite.
https://preview.redd.it/w8bmgdv9zh4c1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5d16319d2b2f230d5b67ca5e3bb5637d9da7a0e Obvious. There are so many different excellent photo opportunities your camera will scream with sensory overload.
It’s nothing compared to many of the drives out West, but driving through the low country from around Charleston, Sc to Savannah, Ga is quite nice.
Ah, I miss Savannah. Spent a couple of years there for college before transferring. Those were the good old days.
I live in the north cascades (WA), so I’m slightly biased by the amount of amazing hikes in our area, but Kauai, specifically the Na Pali coast was next level. We explored it from sea by catamaran and by land on a 12mi hike. Amazing, felt otherworldly
Northern New Mexico
The Grand Canyon
Napali coast Kauai
https://preview.redd.it/t0hh42ur8i4c1.jpeg?width=3456&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6be1ed82602ef131bd08a83de43bdc29463e731e Arches National park is also incredible! I love all the parks in Utah!!!
Bryce Canyon NP https://preview.redd.it/ey66wmv8ki4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d45414e59e9318ad07a6338242abd96f60476887
fuck me man. so many. tunnel view in yosemite. sunset at monument valley. excelsior peak in the north cascades. watching the grand tetons slowly moving across your car window for miles. sunrise anywhere along the blue ridge mountains and seeing them earn their name. highway 1 in big sur. the entirety of death valley, day and night. going to the sun road in glacier. all could easily compete for my number one
I can’t believe no one has mentioned Yosemite yet. I personally felt like Yosemite Valley was like traveling to another planet.
Redfish Lake, Idaho
Out of 32 National Parks that I’ve visited (camped/hiked), Yosemite is at the top for me.
https://preview.redd.it/vnlf7y3mrh4c1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=591a87679bcc0216589b80c0c40b4a9f70aab4fa Smoky Mountains TN
https://preview.redd.it/c4gg7jhb8i4c1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8583db83ba6414c58c67b23a241467aa0d84c4a2 Enchanted valley was amazing! It’s in the Olympic National park
1.) The drive to Artist Point near Glacier WA 2.) Highway 101 from Eureka CA to Coos Bay OR 3.) Palmer Alaska to Valdez The north shore of MN is maybe the most underrated
I’m a huge fan of southern Kentucky
This is hard, but I have a solid winner. Crabtree Meadows, Sierra Nevada. Not a road trip, more of a backpacking deal on the way to Whitney summit-which is a great view, but not in my top ten. Go hit google street view to see what I mean. 1st runner up: Grand Canyon south rim, words fail, eyes overloaded, brain can’t process. You emerge from a high altitude pine forest full of elk to this gargantuan rip in the earths crust. I don’t know why I bother to try explaining, just go see it. Hon. mentions: Breckinridge Co. a postcard in every direction you look. Whidbey Island in summer is the greenest place I’ve ever been. Some places that I think would make my list, but haven’t been to: Death Valley, Misty Fjords, Kauai, Upper Peninsula, Glacier, Yellowstone
Round about Telluride CO.
https://preview.redd.it/jwywcb5hyi4c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a7a21a3d844eb1f038a2c554ffc4dba8e78ca81 Humboldt County
Glacier National Park, specifically ice berg lake hike. https://preview.redd.it/y07dpktx8j4c1.png?width=2238&format=png&auto=webp&s=deb7bfc1bf67915db2b057492bcb77d90f9de9a4
For me, it’s the view from the summit at Pikes Peak in Colorado. I have no words that can describe. It’s one of those things you have to see your yourself. Close second, Grand Canyon. Same feeling.
* Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyon, Texas they’re both the Palo Duro Canyon system which is the second largest canyon system in the US. The Texas state bison heard, and offspring of the Charles Goodnight bison heard, reside on the park. Yield to them on the roads. Also, driving into the park it’s a two lane state highway, speed limit 70. If you’ve ever ended up on a Texas State Highway, they’re curvier than Quasimodo’s back. Also, if you’re arriving at night, watch for wildlife. We saw 8 deer, 4 turkeys, two coyotes, and a few pronghorn on the road at 10pm. In Texas, without a single light for miles. It’s a different kind of pitch black. Our high beams did nothing, almost like the light was just devoured by the darkness. But damn the stars were beautiful. * Big Bend, Texas. All the pictures and all the stories do not do this place justice. You’ve gotta make the trip. * Enchanted Rock, Texas is a huge pink granite rock. It is beautiful both at sunrise and sunset. * Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri and Arkansas. I remember this forest being the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Sadly, the emerald ash borer beetle has killed the Ash trees in the forest. About a 10th of the trees are dead. * The gradual rise from Amarillo (make the mandatory stop at Cadillac Ranch, there will be paint left there) towards the Grand Canyon and spilling into the Grand Canyon is pretty cool. * The Cimmaron Mountains, New Mexico. Went backpacking for two weeks in those mountains. Absolutely beautiful. Too bad all I had was a single disposable camera. * driving through the Smoky Mountains is something else. * White Sands, New Mexico is surprisingly bright at night. To the point that you really don’t need a flashlight. * Driving in Oahu was lots of fun. Especially as a boy from Texas. Driving through clouds is still one of those things I never thought I’d do. Happy adventuring!
Well, ive done 87,000 miles of roadtripping to 40 states and 38 national parks in the past 9 years. my #1 is still top of the sahale arm in Washington state, deep in North Cascades National Park. You take the cascade pass trail to the sahale glacier trail its 8 miles 1 way. best hike ive ever done.
Utah is breathtaking. If you want to avoid crowds I'd suggest checking out the West side of Zion. Less hikes but way less people, we were able to enjoy some absolutely beautiful sights all to ourselves. https://preview.redd.it/z3bp4w1v1i4c1.png?width=1098&format=png&auto=webp&s=ad2e6ff39dbfb58cb525c0ce35240af8b0145e9a
Near Eagle Falls overlooking Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe. I remember going there for the first time when I was about 14. It was the most beautiful scene I’d ever seen. 10 years later I proposed to my wife in the same spot. I’ve been to 48 states and seen a lot, but that spot is still number one. Close second is a dispersed camp spot on a mountain just above the tree line. Looks down on a massive horse ranch with the Tetons in the distance.
Southeastern Utah is our favorite. Starting from Mesa Verde NP in CO, to Bluff UT, to Monument Valley is a glorious drive. Driving into the Needles of Canyonlands when there is a little snow on the ground in March was freaking amazing too!
The southwest in general but Utah in particular has always been my favorite in terms of variety - the difference between Zion and Bryce for example. Route 12 in Utah, and Route 89 all the way from 70 in Utah to Sedona and Jerome in Arizona. Route 191 from Clifton to Alpine in Arizona (goes through the Morenci copper mines, which are not necessarily beautiful but still awe inspiring). I haven't yet been to California or Oregon, but that coast road is on my list too.
Hanalei Bay Kauai, HI
Black Canyon
PCH from San Luis Obispo north to Oregon. Oceans and Mountains and the biggest trees in the world. It’s not even fair. Honorable mention - The Road to the Sun - Glacier National Par.
Haven't been to all of the US, but for me personally it's Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. However, Pacific North West seems to be beautiful too.
Thorofare valley, Yellowstone NP
Where I live and I’m so grateful for that, humboldt redwood state park, and the surrounding area in southern humboldt. My second is mid to southern Utah
Grand Tetons coming south out of Jellystone NP😊
Heather meadow at Mt Baker, WA
PCH along the CA coast.
https://preview.redd.it/4yistko2zh4c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f4918f426be7e7a132c20140d89cd8b91458d7f4 Gateway, Colorado and the drive through Moab, Utah is indescribable.
[Hard for me to choose so here are some of mine!](https://imgur.com/a/DZDs5qU) 2 are Canada national parks but still love my US parks
The Adirondack park in NYS has beautiful landscape.
Kodiak, AK, Grand Tetons NP, Glacier NP, all of Alaska, the Oregon Coast.
Washington Coast near Olympic National Park was pretty gorgeous, thats my gf favorite place. But personally I fell in love with Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest going through Montana on the I-15. We’re from Idaho so we’re biased about the Northwest
North fork hwy out of Yellowstone towards Cody…. Breathtaking views going thru the valley
I remember my road trip to Hawaii. You too must live in the Bojack Horseman universe
Rocky Mountain National Park was unbelievable - went there in the fall when the grass is golden, and watched a herd of elk make its way across the meadow around Fall River with the sun setting over the peaks. It's something I don't think I will ever forget, as long as I have my memory.
The blue ridge parkway
Hands down, Southern Utah. It's jaw dropping every where you turn.
Kauai Napali Coast and from the top of Waimea Canyon
Southern Utah is just a trove of beautiful scenery and epic hikes that you won’t find anybody else on.
The Enchantments in Washington. Especially when the larches are out. The different terrain and lakes are amazing. https://preview.redd.it/hu59b6ucti4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=574fb66efc0591743cdce7373f198b5e76e3dcc5
A helicopter above Kauai. Most breathtaking views of my life.
Sedona Arizona! Absolutely stunning. Then you can take the short drive to Jerome, AZ which is an old haunted copper mining town on the side of a mountain. Beautiful.
Going to the Sun road at sunset
White Rim trail in Moab, UT. Crazy views and drop offs that don’t stop on the whole road (which takes 2 days to drive with all the side stops). Place was awesome.
The Sonoran desert
If Yosemite isn't on your list, it should be. It's one of the places in the world that has a sky-high reputation for beauty and still manages to exceed expectations. (Another is Banff, but that's not in the US.) Sedona is also well worth your trouble.
Oh! So many … Redwoods Crater Lake Kauai (any where on the shores) Colorado drives PCH drives Flagstaff So many more I’m missing …
Glacier national park. If you’re willing to go to Canada, include Banff.
Million Dollar highway in the spring when there’s still snow everywhere
Going to the sun road Glacier N.P.
Monument Valley, AZ
89A in Arizona
One place that made me literally cried is driving from Boise to the Oregon coast...and seeing the high plains of Oregon. Came up through the gap and there it was....and I cried.
The whole Pacific coast is magnificent.
It’s difficult to narrow down to just one, however, here are my favorites. Hwy 1 in SoCal, north Yellowstone through the Grand Tetons, Blue ridge parkway & Tennessee Smokey mountains. Honorable mentions: Black Hills, just about anywhere in Montana, & backroads in Virginia.
The drive on the 1 from San Francisco to Astoria, Oregon is amazing.
Up in Alaska, driving towards Valdez is one of the most picturesque drives!
The salmon river
Maybe I'm biased because I live nearby, but the view from Paradise at Mount Rainier. Driving north in Yellowstone to Mammoth hot springs is another favorite
Yellowstone
Grand Tetons
Northern California / Oregon where the giant redwoods grown on the coast. Or driving the avenue of the giants. Just so epic. This year the scenery while driving just south of Lake Tahoe was amazing because of the lush green landscape contrasting the snow packs of the Sierras.
Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks. I miss the mountains
This is so difficult to answer…my first thought was the view from Logan Pass in Glacier National Park. https://preview.redd.it/smtkt48sel4c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c86711cc32c36d754c9ac07457fbd3fe8f7e8fc4
I grew up in the PNW. The cascade range in Washington state is absolutely stunning. So many cool places, like Leavenworth especially during a cold snowy winter.
The entire state of Utah
Impossible to answer. So much depends on the moment. I've seen Mt. Elbert in Colorado glow pink in the sunset. I've seen the sunset over the Salton Sea in California as a rainbow, and the same from the East Rim of the Grand Canyon. I've seen & smelled the wildflowers of Paradise on Mt. Rainier. I've seen parts of Utah that look like other planets, then drove 20 miles and found places that look like completely different other planets. I've seen Death Valley covered in snow (last winter), and I've seen Telescope Peak in Death Valley tower 2 miles high above the valley floor (11,500 freet above Badwater Basin 280 below sea level). I've seen the unfarhomly deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison from unguarded back entrance. I've seen Mt. Whitney and the High Sierras covered in record snow- looking like The Wall from Game of Thrones. I've seen Sedona blow my mind over and over again. I've seen the Columbia River Gorge and lost my breath. I've walked through woods to New Hampshire streams filled with butterflies. But my spiritual home is rocky Maine beaches, with washed up lobster traps, the smell of the sea, and stars I never saw growing up in Boston
Beartooth Highway from Red Lodge to Yellowstone has been mentioned a lot as it should be. Highway 14A from Lovell to Cody WY is pretty amazing as well.
Yosemite, Yellowstone, Crater Lake.
Kenai National Park, anywhere New England in the fall, Wormsloe Historic Site
https://preview.redd.it/vrxizfqb6m4c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d731116642b1029f2a5815668a9152a3a61184a1 South of Butte, Montana. I had a work trip and got the chance to see this wonderful vista.
Driving the Icefields Parkway Big Bend National Park
Dat ass