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Scenic Drives in Western USA

Discover the wonders of the West on scenic routes in the western United States.

The western United States is blessed with a wealth of breathtaking scenic routes that take travelers through some of the most spectacular landscapes in North America. These short yet stunning routes offer an unforgettable experience and allow travelers to explore the beauty of the West without having to travel long distances. Here are some of the most beautiful and rewarding short scenic routes in the western United States:

1. **Pacific Coast Highway (California):** Also known as Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway offers one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. Sections of this route, especially along the Big Sur coast, offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, steep cliffs and picturesque coastal towns. A short drive along this section will reward you with breathtaking views and unforgettable photo opportunities.

2. **Red Rock Scenic Byway (Arizona):** The drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway in Sedona, Arizona, is a short yet impressive route through some of the most fascinating scenery in the American West. The route passes the striking red rock formations of Sedona and offers spectacular views of the unique desert landscape and Oak Creek Canyon.

3. **Turquoise Trail (New Mexico):** The Turquoise Trail, also known as Highway 14, runs between Albuquerque and Santa Fe through the scenic mountains and deserts of New Mexico. This short route offers a variety of scenic highlights, including historic mining towns, stunning views of the mountainous landscape and the opportunity to experience the unique culture of the Navajo Nation.

4. **Angeles Crest Highway (California):** This scenic mountain highway runs through the San Gabriel Mountains National Forest just north of Los Angeles. The drive along the Angeles Crest Highway offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, deep canyons and lush forests. The short route is ideal for a day trip and offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

These short scenic routes in the western United States offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the American landscape. Whether you want to drive along the coast, roam through desert landscapes or hike through majestic mountain regions, there's a scenic route in the western United States that offers exactly what you're looking for. So hit the road and experience the wonders of the West on these unforgettable routes.

 

Expect on your itinerary

Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Landscape Landscape
Beach Beach
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Security Security

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII
 

Scenic Drives in Western USA

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Highway 1 Road Trip Highway 1 Road Trip
Highway 1 Road Trip
North America - United States
794 km 68 km/h 10 days scenic
On Utah 12 Panoramic Road On Utah 12 Panoramic Road
On Utah 12 Panoramic Road
North America - United States
227 km 68 km/h 1 days scenic
Zion National Park Panoramic Road Zion National Park Panoramic Road
Zion National Park Panoramic Road
North America - United States
157 km 3 km/h 1 days scenic
Canyon North Rim Panoramic Road Canyon North Rim Panoramic Road
Canyon North Rim Panoramic Road
North America - United States
144 km 71 km/h 1 days scenic
Monument Valley Panoramic Road Monument Valley Panoramic Road
Monument Valley Panoramic Road
North America - United States
101 km 49 km/h 1 days scenic
Oak Creek Panoramic Road Oak Creek Panoramic Road
Oak Creek Panoramic Road
North America - United States
47 km 56 km/h 1 days scenic
White Sands  Panoramic Road White Sands  Panoramic Road
White Sands Panoramic Road
North America - United States
24 km 44 km/h 1 days scenic
Taos Panoramic Road Taos Panoramic Road
Taos Panoramic Road
North America - United States
267 km 60 km/h 1 days scenic
Gold Belt Road Trip Gold Belt Road Trip
Gold Belt Road Trip
North America - United States
207 km 4 km/h 2 days scenic
Top of the Rockies Panoramic Road Top of the Rockies Panoramic Road
Top of the Rockies Panoramic Road
North America - United States
129 km 75 km/h 1 days scenic
Hana Highway Panoramic Road Hana Highway Panoramic Road
Hana Highway Panoramic Road
North America - United States
86 km 44 km/h 1 days scenic
Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road
Hamakua Coast Panoramic Road
North America - United States
87 km 72 km/h 1 days scenic
Death Valley Panoramic Road Death Valley Panoramic Road
Death Valley Panoramic Road
North America - United States
210 km 74 km/h 1 days scenic
Kings Canyon Panoramic Road Kings Canyon Panoramic Road
Kings Canyon Panoramic Road
North America - United States
91 km 56 km/h 1 days scenic
Tioga Pass Panoramic Road Tioga Pass Panoramic Road
Tioga Pass Panoramic Road
North America - United States
196 km 65 km/h 1 days scenic
Ebbetts Pass Panoramic Road Ebbetts Pass Panoramic Road
Ebbetts Pass Panoramic Road
North America - United States
97 km 59 km/h 1 days scenic
Lake Tahoe Panoramic Road Lake Tahoe Panoramic Road
Lake Tahoe Panoramic Road
North America - United States
154 km 56 km/h 1 days scenic
Avenue of the Giants Panoramic Road Avenue of the Giants Panoramic Road
Avenue of the Giants Panoramic Road
North America - United States
51 km 54 km/h 1 days scenic
Silverado Trail Panoramic Road Silverado Trail Panoramic Road
Silverado Trail Panoramic Road
North America - United States
49 km 56 km/h 1 days scenic
Ragged Point Panoramic Road Ragged Point Panoramic Road
Ragged Point Panoramic Road
North America - United States
94 km 79 km/h 1 days scenic
Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road
Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road
North America - United States
174 km 58 km/h 1 days scenic
Desert View Drive Desert View Drive
Desert View Drive
North America - United States
38 km 58 km/h 1 days scenic
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
North America - United States
27 km 52 km/h 1 days scenic
Capitol Reef  Scenic Drive Capitol Reef  Scenic Drive
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
North America - United States
11 km 47 km/h 1 days scenic
Chapin Mesa Drive Chapin Mesa Drive
Chapin Mesa Drive
North America - United States
34 km 44 km/h 1 days scenic
Grand View Point Road Grand View Point Road
Grand View Point Road
North America - United States
87 km 63 km/h 1 days scenic
White Rim Road White Rim Road
White Rim Road
North America - United States
279 km 34 km/h 1 days scenic
Arches National Park Scenic Drive Arches National Park Scenic Drive
Arches National Park Scenic Drive
North America - United States
89 km 52 km/h 1 days scenic
Old Fall River Road Old Fall River Road
Old Fall River Road
North America - United States
17 km 20 km/h 1 days scenic
Paradise Road Paradise Road
Paradise Road
North America - United States
50 km 55 km/h 1 days scenic
Scotty's Castle Scenic Drive Scotty's Castle Scenic Drive
Scotty's Castle Scenic Drive
North America - United States
210 km 44 km/h 2 days scenic
Pu'u o Kila Scenic Drive Pu'u o Kila Scenic Drive
Pu'u o Kila Scenic Drive
North America - United States
31 km 41 km/h 1 days scenic
O'ahu Scenic Drive O'ahu Scenic Drive
O'ahu Scenic Drive
North America - United States
71 km 44 km/h 1 days scenic
Crater Rim Drive Crater Rim Drive
Crater Rim Drive
North America - United States
83 km 55 km/h 1 days scenic
Route 12 Scenic Drive Route 12 Scenic Drive
Route 12 Scenic Drive
North America - United States
104 km 69 km/h 1 days scenic
Logan Canyon Panoramic Road Logan Canyon Panoramic Road
Logan Canyon Panoramic Road
North America - United States
63 km 70 km/h 1 days scenic
Uinta Mountains Panoramic Road Uinta Mountains Panoramic Road
Uinta Mountains Panoramic Road
North America - United States
120 km 27 km/h 1 days scenic
Nebo Loop Panoramic Road Nebo Loop Panoramic Road
Nebo Loop Panoramic Road
North America - United States
71 km 49 km/h 1 days scenic
The Energy Loop Panoramic Road The Energy Loop Panoramic Road
The Energy Loop Panoramic Road
North America - United States
125 km 36 km/h 1 days scenic
Colorado River Panoramic Road Colorado River Panoramic Road
Colorado River Panoramic Road
North America - United States
158 km 55 km/h 1 days scenic
Bicentennial Scenic Highway Bicentennial Scenic Highway
Bicentennial Scenic Highway
North America - United States
233 km 84 km/h 1 days scenic
Cathedral Valley Panoramic Road Cathedral Valley Panoramic Road
Cathedral Valley Panoramic Road
North America - United States
181 km 10 km/h 1 days scenic
On US 60 Panoramic Road On US 60 Panoramic Road
On US 60 Panoramic Road
North America - United States
148 km 86 km/h 1 days scenic
Sky Island Panoramic Road Sky Island Panoramic Road
Sky Island Panoramic Road
North America - United States
110 km 41 km/h 1 days scenic
Tucson Mountains Panoramic Road Tucson Mountains Panoramic Road
Tucson Mountains Panoramic Road
North America - United States
96 km 53 km/h 1 days scenic
Turquoise Trail Panoramic Road Turquoise Trail Panoramic Road
Turquoise Trail Panoramic Road
North America - United States
124 km 80 km/h 1 days scenic
Jemez Road Trip Jemez Road Trip
Jemez Road Trip
North America - United States
356 km 67 km/h 2 days scenic
Unaweep Panoramic Road Unaweep Panoramic Road
Unaweep Panoramic Road
North America - United States
262 km 76 km/h 1 days scenic
Frontier Panoramic Road Frontier Panoramic Road
Frontier Panoramic Road
North America - United States
212 km 81 km/h 1 days scenic
Colorado NM Panoramic Road Colorado NM Panoramic Road
Colorado NM Panoramic Road
North America - United States
62 km 51 km/h 1 days scenic
Mesa Panoramic Road Mesa Panoramic Road
Mesa Panoramic Road
North America - United States
210 km 62 km/h 2 days scenic
Peak to Peak & Ridge Road Panoramic Road Peak to Peak & Ridge Road Panoramic Road
Peak to Peak & Ridge Road Panoramic Road
North America - United States
317 km 64 km/h 2 days scenic
Colorado River Panoramic Road Colorado River Panoramic Road
Colorado River Panoramic Road
North America - United States
116 km 67 km/h 1 days scenic
Pioneer Byway Panoramic Road Pioneer Byway Panoramic Road
Pioneer Byway Panoramic Road
North America - United States
184 km 73 km/h 1 days scenic
Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road
Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road
North America - United States
212 km 74 km/h 1 days scenic
Northwest Passage Road Trip Northwest Passage Road Trip
Northwest Passage Road Trip
North America - United States
350 km 76 km/h 2 days scenic
Mount Baker Panoramic Road Mount Baker Panoramic Road
Mount Baker Panoramic Road
North America - United States
96 km 62 km/h 1 days scenic
North Cascades Panoramic Road North Cascades Panoramic Road
North Cascades Panoramic Road
North America - United States
248 km 78 km/h 1 days scenic
Sherman Pass & Coulee Corridor Road Trip Sherman Pass & Coulee Corridor Road Trip
Sherman Pass & Coulee Corridor Road Trip
North America - United States
378 km 83 km/h 2 days scenic
Mt Adams & Mt St Helens Panoramic Road Mt Adams & Mt St Helens Panoramic Road
Mt Adams & Mt St Helens Panoramic Road
North America - United States
208 km 37 km/h 1 days scenic
Chinook Panoramic Road Chinook Panoramic Road
Chinook Panoramic Road
North America - United States
219 km 67 km/h 1 days scenic
McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road
McKenzie Pass Panoramic Road
North America - United States
138 km 65 km/h 1 days scenic
West Cascades Road Trip West Cascades Road Trip
West Cascades Road Trip
North America - United States
436 km 58 km/h 2 days scenic
Cascades Lakes Road Trip Cascades Lakes Road Trip
Cascades Lakes Road Trip
North America - United States
379 km 50 km/h 2 days scenic
Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road
Kalanianaole Highway Panoramic Road
North America - United States
58 km 44 km/h 1 days scenic
Rim of the World Panoramic Road Rim of the World Panoramic Road
Rim of the World Panoramic Road
North America - United States
221 km 61 km/h 1 days scenic
Lassen Park Panoramic Road Lassen Park Panoramic Road
Lassen Park Panoramic Road
North America - United States
54 km 52 km/h 1 days scenic
Lost Coast Panoramic Road Lost Coast Panoramic Road
Lost Coast Panoramic Road
North America - United States
138 km 57 km/h 1 days scenic
17 Mile Panoramic Road 17 Mile Panoramic Road
17 Mile Panoramic Road
North America - United States
28 km 27 km/h 1 days scenic
To the Vineyards Panoramic Road To the Vineyards Panoramic Road
To the Vineyards Panoramic Road
North America - United States
121 km 57 km/h 1 days scenic
Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip
Los Angeles to Death Valley Road Trip
North America - United States
517 km 90 km/h 2 days scenic
San Luis Obispo Drive San Luis Obispo Drive
San Luis Obispo Drive
North America - United States
376 km 50 km/h 2 days scenic
Napa Valley Panoramic Road Napa Valley Panoramic Road
Napa Valley Panoramic Road
North America - United States
100 km 50 km/h 1 days scenic
Highway 49 Panoramic Road Highway 49 Panoramic Road
Highway 49 Panoramic Road
North America - United States
137 km 67 km/h 1 days scenic
Bigfoot Panoramic Road Bigfoot Panoramic Road
Bigfoot Panoramic Road
North America - United States
247 km 65 km/h 1 days scenic
Alturas Panoramic Road Alturas Panoramic Road
Alturas Panoramic Road
North America - United States
230 km 31 km/h 1 days scenic
Sandy Gems Panoramic Road Sandy Gems Panoramic Road
Sandy Gems Panoramic Road
North America - United States
131 km 54 km/h 1 days scenic
Petrified Forest Road Petrified Forest Road
Petrified Forest Road
North America - United States
46 km 56 km/h 1 days scenic
Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive
Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive
North America - United States
19 km 57 km/h 1 days scenic
Kolob Terrace Road Kolob Terrace Road
Kolob Terrace Road
North America - United States
35 km 46 km/h 1 days scenic
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
North America - United States
14 km 33 km/h 1 days scenic
Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Drive Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Drive
Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Drive
North America - United States
41 km 43 km/h 1 days scenic
Capitol Reef on Utah 24 Capitol Reef on Utah 24
Capitol Reef on Utah 24
North America - United States
48 km 71 km/h 1 days scenic
Wetherill Mesa Drive Wetherill Mesa Drive
Wetherill Mesa Drive
North America - United States
41 km 48 km/h 1 days scenic
On 279 and 142 to Island in the Sky On 279 and 142 to Island in the Sky
On 279 and 142 to Island in the Sky
North America - United States
36 km 59 km/h 1 days scenic
US 34 or Trail Ridge Road US 34 or Trail Ridge Road
US 34 or Trail Ridge Road
North America - United States
77 km 48 km/h 1 days scenic
Stevens Canyon Road Stevens Canyon Road
Stevens Canyon Road
North America - United States
37 km 45 km/h 1 days scenic
Hurricane Ridge Road Hurricane Ridge Road
Hurricane Ridge Road
North America - United States
31 km 54 km/h 1 days scenic
Upper Hoh Road Upper Hoh Road
Upper Hoh Road
North America - United States
29 km 52 km/h 1 days scenic
Sol Duc Road Sol Duc Road
Sol Duc Road
North America - United States
27 km 54 km/h 1 days scenic
Silver Island Scenic Drive Silver Island Scenic Drive
Silver Island Scenic Drive
North America - United States
106 km 23 km/h 1 days scenic
Billy the Kid Panoramic Road Billy the Kid Panoramic Road
Billy the Kid Panoramic Road
North America - United States
92 km 73 km/h 1 days scenic
El Malpais Road Trip El Malpais Road Trip
El Malpais Road Trip
North America - United States
275 km 86 km/h 2 days scenic
California Route 66 Road Trip California Route 66 Road Trip
California Route 66 Road Trip
North America - United States
470 km 54 km/h 2 days scenic
Notom-Bullfrog Road Notom-Bullfrog Road
Notom-Bullfrog Road
North America - United States
69 km 31 km/h 1 days scenic
Burr Trail Road Burr Trail Road
Burr Trail Road
North America - United States
58 km 44 km/h 1 days scenic
Mesa Verde North Rim Drive Mesa Verde North Rim Drive
Mesa Verde North Rim Drive
North America - United States
37 km 60 km/h 1 days scenic
To the Needles Scenic Drive To the Needles Scenic Drive
To the Needles Scenic Drive
North America - United States
88 km 69 km/h 1 days scenic
Big Spring Canyon Scenic Drive Big Spring Canyon Scenic Drive
Big Spring Canyon Scenic Drive
North America - United States
89 km 70 km/h 1 days scenic
Bear Lake Road Bear Lake Road
Bear Lake Road
North America - United States
22 km 41 km/h 1 days scenic
Hamma Hamma Road Hamma Hamma Road
Hamma Hamma Road
North America - United States
22 km 31 km/h 1 days scenic
Willamette Valley Road Trip Willamette Valley Road Trip
Willamette Valley Road Trip
North America - United States
236 km 63 km/h 1 days scenic
Apache Trail Panoramic Road Apache Trail Panoramic Road
Apache Trail Panoramic Road
North America - United States
165 km 58 km/h 1 days scenic
White Mountains Panoramic Road White Mountains Panoramic Road
White Mountains Panoramic Road
North America - United States
119 km 57 km/h 1 days scenic
Coronado Panoramic Road Coronado Panoramic Road
Coronado Panoramic Road
North America - United States
216 km 51 km/h 1 days scenic
Western Byway Panoramic Road Western Byway Panoramic Road
Western Byway Panoramic Road
North America - United States
62 km 73 km/h 1 days scenic
Payette River Panoramic Road Payette River Panoramic Road
Payette River Panoramic Road
North America - United States
205 km 74 km/h 1 days scenic
Stevens Pass & Sound Greenway Road Trip Stevens Pass & Sound Greenway Road Trip
Stevens Pass & Sound Greenway Road Trip
North America - United States
508 km 85 km/h 2 days scenic
Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip
Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip
North America - United States
400 km 78 km/h 2 days scenic
Rogue Umpqua Panoramic Road Rogue Umpqua Panoramic Road
Rogue Umpqua Panoramic Road
North America - United States
262 km 77 km/h 1 days scenic
Lamoille Canyon Panoramic Road Lamoille Canyon Panoramic Road
Lamoille Canyon Panoramic Road
North America - United States
21 km 58 km/h 1 days scenic
Strip & Red Rock Canyon Panoramic Road Strip & Red Rock Canyon Panoramic Road
Strip & Red Rock Canyon Panoramic Road
North America - United States
105 km 50 km/h 1 days scenic
Arroyo Seco  Panoramic Road Arroyo Seco  Panoramic Road
Arroyo Seco Panoramic Road
North America - United States
23 km 46 km/h 1 days scenic
Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip
Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip
North America - United States
547 km 73 km/h 2 days scenic
21 Century Panoramic Road 21 Century Panoramic Road
21 Century Panoramic Road
North America - United States
139 km 64 km/h 1 days scenic

Tips for a safe and unforgettable drive along a scenic route in the western USA

A drive along a scenic route in the western USA promises breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Before you set off, however, there are a few important things to keep in mind to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Here are some tips to keep in mind before embarking on a scenic route in the western US:

**1. Route planning:** Find out in advance about the route you want to take. Research the route, places of interest along the way and potential stopovers. Also check the current road conditions and any roadworks to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

**2. Vehicle inspection:** Make sure that your vehicle is in perfect condition and that all necessary checks have been carried out. Check tires, brakes, oil level and other important components to avoid unexpected breakdowns. A thorough inspection of your vehicle will help ensure that you can enjoy your journey without worry.

**3. Emergency kit:** Pack an emergency kit containing a first aid kit, warning triangle, flashlight, blankets and other essentials. A portable power bank for your phone can also be helpful to stay reachable in an emergency. Make sure you also carry enough water and snacks for the road.

**4. Weather conditions:** Check the weather forecast for the region you will be traveling in and adjust your travel plans accordingly. Be prepared for different weather conditions and take warm clothing, rain protection and sun protection with you if necessary. Especially in the desert regions of the West, temperatures can be extreme, so make sure you have adequate sun protection and hydration.

**5. Respect nature and local laws:** Observe the traffic rules and speed limits along the route. Also respect nature and the environment by not leaving litter and protecting sensitive ecosystems. Find out about the rules and regulations in the national parks and protected areas you plan to visit and abide by them.

By taking these tips into account and preparing thoroughly for your drive along a scenic route in the western United States, you can ensure that your trip will be an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, discover the rich history and experience the natural wonders of the American West on an unforgettable journey through this fascinating region.

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