The Best National Parks for Scenic Drives in North America

For those who relish the thrill of a breathtaking road trip, North America's national parks offer some of the most stunning scenic drives in the world. Whether you're captivated by mountain vistas, coastal cliffs, or desert landscapes, these parks provide a feast for the eyes and a memorable experience for any traveler. Here’s a guide to the best national parks for scenic drives in North America, complete with detailed descriptions and highlights of each route.

1. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Overview:Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, renowned for its geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. The park sits atop a supervolcano, which powers its geysers and hot springs. Covering over 3,400 square miles, it spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

Highlights:

• Geothermal Wonders: Home to over half of the world’s geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful.
• Wildlife: The park is rich in biodiversity, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk.
• Landscape Diversity: Features dramatic canyons, lush meadows, and towering mountains.

Scenic Drive: Grand Loop RoadThe Grand Loop Road is the main route through the park, offering access to key sights and attractions. It is divided into several segments, each showcasing different aspects of Yellowstone’s beauty.

2. Glacier National Park, USA

Overview:Established in 1910, Glacier National Park spans over 1 million acres of wilderness in northern Montana. The park is famed for its stunning glacial-carved landscapes, pristine lakes, and rugged mountain scenery. It also contains more than 26 glaciers, though they are rapidly receding.

Highlights:

• Glacial Landscapes: Includes rugged peaks, lush valleys, and numerous lakes.
• Wildlife: Home to mountain goats, grizzly bears, and diverse bird species.
• Hiking Trails: Offers a range of trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes.

Scenic Drive: Going-to-the-Sun RoadThis engineering marvel crosses the Continental Divide, providing breathtaking views of the park’s diverse terrain, including alpine meadows and glacier-capped peaks.

3. Banff National Park, Canada

Overview:Founded in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Canadian Rockies, the park features dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and an abundance of wildlife.

Highlights:

• Mountain Peaks: Iconic peaks like Mount Rundle and the Three Sisters.
• Lakes: Beautiful lakes such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
• Wildlife: Includes elk, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep.

Scenic Drive: Icefields ParkwayThis drive is one of the most scenic routes in the world, offering views of glaciers, sweeping valleys, and stunning lakes, connecting Banff National Park to Jasper National Park.

4. Yosemite National Park, USA

Overview:Yosemite National Park, established in 1890, is renowned for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada, the park covers over 750,000 acres and features iconic landmarks such as El Capitan and Half Dome.

Highlights:

• Granite Cliffs: Home to famous rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome.
• Waterfalls: Includes Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
• Giant Sequoias: Contains some of the largest trees in the world, including those in Mariposa Grove.

Scenic Drive: Tioga Pass RoadTioga Pass Road offers high-altitude vistas of Yosemite’s alpine terrain, connecting the park’s eastern and western entrances and providing access to high-country areas.

5. Zion National Park, USA

Overview:Zion National Park, established in 1919, is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, canyons, and unique rock formations. Located in southwestern Utah, the park encompasses 146,000 acres of stunning desert landscapes.

Highlights:

• Canyons: Includes Zion Canyon and the dramatic Narrows.
• Rock Formations: Features impressive rock structures like Angels Landing and The Watchman.
• Desert Flora and Fauna: Home to a variety of desert plant species and wildlife.

Scenic Drive: Zion Canyon Scenic DriveThis drive provides access to some of the park’s most popular trails and viewpoints, including the base of the famous Angels Landing and the scenic Virgin River.

6. Jasper National Park, Canada

Overview:Jasper National Park, established in 1907, is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Located in Alberta, it features rugged mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife, with a focus on preserving its pristine wilderness.

Highlights:

• Glacial Landscapes: Includes the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier.
• Wildlife: Home to moose, caribou, and black bears.
• Dark Sky Preserve: Designated as one of the best places for stargazing in Canada.

Scenic Drive: Maligne Lake RoadThis road leads to Maligne Lake, one of the park’s most picturesque spots, offering views of surrounding peaks and access to various hiking trails.

7. Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Overview:Grand Canyon National Park, established in 1919, is renowned for its immense and visually overwhelming canyon carved by the Colorado River. Located in northern Arizona, the park covers over 1.2 million acres.

Highlights:

• Grand Canyon: The park’s most iconic feature, showcasing layers of colorful rock formations.
• Colorado River: The river runs through the canyon, offering rafting opportunities.
• Vast Vistas: Numerous viewpoints provide expansive views of the canyon’s depth and scale.

Scenic Drive: Desert View DriveThis drive along the South Rim offers access to several viewpoints, historical structures, and opportunities to view the canyon from different perspectives.

8. Acadia National Park, USA

Overview:Acadia National Park, established in 1916, is located on the coast of Maine. The park features rugged coastline, granite peaks, and diverse habitats, with its highest point being Cadillac Mountain.

Highlights:

• Cadillac Mountain: The highest point on the U.S. East Coast, known for sunrise views.
• Rocky Coastline: Includes picturesque spots like Jordan Pond and Sand Beach.
• Wildlife: Home to a variety of bird species and marine life.

Scenic Drive: Park Loop RoadThis road encircles the eastern half of the park, offering views of the coastline, mountains, and key landmarks like Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain.

9. Olympic National Park, USA

Overview:Olympic National Park, established in 1938, is located in the northwest corner of Washington State. The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, alpine peaks, and rugged coastline.

Highlights:

• Rainforests: Includes the Hoh Rain Forest, known for its lush, green vegetation.
• Mountain Peaks: Features the Olympic Mountains with numerous hiking opportunities.
• Coastal Beauty: Includes stunning coastal areas like Rialto Beach.

Scenic Drive: Hurricane Ridge RoadThis road leads to Hurricane Ridge, offering panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and access to various trails and viewpoints.

10. Death Valley National Park, USA

Overview:Death Valley National Park, established in 1994, is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. Located in eastern California, it features extreme desert landscapes, salt flats, and colorful geological formations.

Highlights:

• Desert Landscapes: Includes salt flats, sand dunes, and rugged mountains.
• Extreme Temperatures: Known for some of the highest temperatures recorded on Earth.
• Geological Features: Includes unique formations like Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point.

Scenic Drive: Badwater RoadThis road traverses Death Valley, offering views of salt flats, desert landscapes, and unique geological formations like Artist’s Palette.

Each of these national parks provides a unique driving experience that highlights the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of North America. Whether you're exploring geothermal wonders, glacial peaks, or desert vistas, these scenic drives offer unforgettable journeys through some of the continent's most stunning environments.