Our Wandering Pack

If you love road trips and breathtaking landscapes, exploring national parks by car is an experience like no other. With winding mountain roads, panoramic coastal views, and lush forested paths, national parks across the U.S. offer some of the most scenic drives in the world. Whether you’re chasing fall foliage, dramatic cliffs, or iconic wildlife sightings, these five national parks boast must-see scenic drives that belong on your bucket list. A lightweight and comfortable travel backpack like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L makes packing and accessing essentials on-the-go effortless

Be sure to pack the essentials. Nothing beats having fresh, cold drinks and snacks ready to go. A high-performance cooler like the this large cooler which keeps everything ice-cold for days, making it perfect for national park road trips

1. Going-to-the-Sun Road – Glacier National Park (Montana)

Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most famous scenic drives in the U.S. and a crown jewel of Glacier National Park. This 50-mile road takes you through dramatic mountain passes, pristine alpine lakes, and stunning glacial valleys. Highlights include Logan Pass, the highest point accessible by car, and Wild Goose Island, a picturesque island in St. Mary Lake.

Many of the most scenic drives take you off the beaten path where cell service is unreliable. A Garmin inReach Mini 2 ensures you can navigate safely, even in the most remote areas

2. Blue Ridge Parkway – Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina & Tennessee)

Stretching 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is often called “America’s Favorite Drive.” While it runs through multiple states, the stretch within Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers unparalleled views, especially in autumn when the mountains explode with vibrant fall colors. Popular stops include Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, and Newfound Gap, where you can stand on the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

Exploring hidden gems along scenic drives sometimes means venturing into areas without access to clean water. A MiniWorks EX Backcountry Water Filter is a compact, life-saving tool for any adventurer.

3. Tioga Road – Yosemite National Park (California)

For those wanting to see the high country of Yosemite National Park, Tioga Road is the best route. This 46-mile scenic highway takes you past stunning meadows, sparkling alpine lakes, and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Notable stops include Olmsted Point, offering a unique perspective of Half Dome, and Tuolumne Meadows, a serene spot ideal for picnics and wildlife spotting. If you plan to start your drive early or stay out after dark for stargazing, a reliable Black Diamond SpotLite Headlamp is a must-have for navigating in low-light conditions.

4. Trail Ridge Road – Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Known as the “Highway to the Sky,” Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., reaching elevations over 12,000 feet. This 48-mile stretch in Rocky Mountain National Park delivers awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks, alpine tundra, and abundant wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep. Be sure to stop at Forest Canyon Overlook for an unforgettable panoramic vista.

5. Desert View Drive – Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

For some of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, take a drive along Desert View Drive on the South Rim. This 25-mile stretch features multiple scenic overlooks, including Lipan Point and Grandview Point, where you can witness the canyon’s vast, colorful layers. The Desert View Watchtower offers an iconic perspective of the Colorado River winding through the canyon below.

Stopping at a breathtaking overlook or setting up camp along your route? A Jetboil MicroMo makes it easy to cook up a warm meal anywhere, whether you’re making coffee at sunrise or cooking dinner under the stars.

These five scenic drives in national parks offer some of the best road trip experiences in the country. Whether you’re looking for rugged mountain landscapes, sweeping desert vistas, or lush forested beauty, each of these roads provides a unique and unforgettable adventure. So fuel up, grab your camera, and hit the road to explore the natural wonders of America’s national parks!

🚗 Road Trip Packing List: Essentials for Scenic Drives in National Parks 🌲

Before you hit the road for your unforgettable national park adventure, make sure you have the right gear to keep your trip comfortable, safe, and stress-free. Whether you’re cruising along mountain roads, stopping for scenic hikes, or camping under the stars, these road trip must-haves will ensure you’re prepared for anything!

🎒 Travel & Packing Essentials

✔️ Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack – The perfect road trip backpack for keeping snacks, layers, and essentials easily accessible.
✔️ Igloo Hard Cooler– Keeps drinks and food cold for days, making it ideal for long drives and camping stops.

🗺️ Navigation & Safety Gear

✔️ Garmin inReach Mini 2 Handheld GPS – A must-have for navigating remote roads where cell service is unreliable.
✔️ Black Diamond Headlamp – Great for early morning starts, night drives, or setting up camp in the dark.

🌿 Outdoor Adventure & Hiking Gear

✔️ Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks – Ultra-durable and comfortable socks for exploring scenic trails along the drive.
✔️ Water Filter – Ensures access to clean drinking water anywhere on the road.
✔️Portable Camp Chair – A lightweight chair for relaxing at scenic overlooks or campgrounds.

🔥 Camping & Cooking Essentials

✔️ Jetboil MicroMo Cooking System – Compact and efficient for making coffee or meals on the go.

💡 Pro Tip: Before you set off, double-check that you have all your essentials packed. Having the right gear makes the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth, adventure-filled experience!

➡️ Shop the full list of road trip essentials here: The Ultimate Scenic Drive Essentials – National Park Edition

Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support Our Wandering Pack and allow us to continue sharing our adventures, tips, and recommendations with you. We only recommend products we truly believe in and use on our own road trips. Thanks for your support! 🚙

Have you experienced any of these scenic drives? Share your favorite road trip memories in the comments below!