We’ve all felt it- the itch to jump in your car and hit the open road! But where to start? Open up an atlas and look for the dotted green line that indicates the best scenic byways and highways in the country! While they don't look like much on a map- these roads are worth taking the long way home for.
Here are my top five scenic drives that are guaranteed to refresh your mind and your soul in this season of social distancing!
Beartooth Scenic Byway | Montana and Wyoming
Not only is this the only national scenic byway in Wyoming, but it is also the state's highest paved road in the state. With Beartooth Pass sitting at a lofty height of more than 10,000 feet, this famous road offers unforgettable views of alpine lakes, meadows, mountains, and glaciers all from the comfort of your own vehicle.
This 68-mile scenic drive climbs rapidly among some of the highest mountains in the lower 48 before dropping down into northern Wyoming. Follow the road south into Wyoming for access to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park and Lamar Valley. This drive among the Beartooths is only open in the summer, so plan accordingly because you don't want to miss this!
View of Beartooth
Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway | Idaho
Idaho State Highway 21 borders both the Sawtooth Range and Boise Mountains while following the pristine Boise River. Jump on this scenic byway at the small but mighty town of Stanley in central Idaho. This scenic 103-mile byway offers a unique experience of river valleys, mountains, natural hot springs, glacier-fed lakes, and wildlife.
Have a picnic at nearby Stanley Lake with a stunning backdrop of McGowan Peak. As you travel down towards Boise, turn on Forest Road #524 at Grandjean and follow the dirt road towards the remote Sawtooth Lodge. Soak your feet in the natural fed hot springs that run into the South Fork of the Payette River and prepare to be relaxed!
The Road to Sawtooth Lodge
U.S. Route 83 | Nebraska
For those who have never seen the Sand Hills region of Nebraska, you may be doubtful of just how scenic this unassuming highway is. Nicknamed "The Road to Nowhere," this highway cuts through the rolling hills of northern Nebraska. Jump off of the scenic Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway near Thedford and head north to the quiet town of Valentine on the Niobrara River.
These peaceful hills and wetlands offer miles of untouched beauty. This route brings you through the middle of the 71,000 acre Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Befriend the cattle that live on the gently rolling hills dotted with wildflowers and keep an eye out for migratory birds who flourish among the wetlands. Explore the wild and scenic Niobrara River while you take in the raw beauty of the Sandhills.
The Niobrara River
Scenic Highway 395 | California
Beginning low in the Mojave Desert before climbing up towards Canada, this highway is sure to bring you to some of the most fabulous sights in the United States. But the 122-mile scenic section beginning at Lone Pine in the Sierra Nevadas and ending at Lee Vining and Mono Lake is where the real magic is found!
From the otherworldly Alabama Hills, hike out to Mobius Arch and soak up the towering views of Mount Whitney at 14,000 feet. Drive north to find yourself winding alongside the stunning lake shorelines in Mammoth Lakes. Stop by a lake or two for a quick swim before pushing onwards towards Mono Lake. Walk among the Tufas and watch the sunset over the mountains behind the quaint and charming town of Lee Vining.
Mobius Arch
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway | South Dakota
This spectacular 70-mile byway takes you into the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota. From taking in the incredible heights of the Cathedral Spires on the Needles Highway to spotting the monumental Mount Rushmore from Norbeck Overlook, this popular byway brings you face to face with an amazing amount of wildlife, monuments, and lakes.
Dare to drive through the small stone tunnels on Highway 87 as you weave in and out of the Needles. Take a swim in Sylvan Lake and hike among the otherworldly boulders on its shoreline. Meet the wild burros and watch the herds of bison from the comfort of your own car in Custer State Park. Discover the best locations among the Black Hills from this scenic and unforgettable byway!
The Cathedral Spires