America’s Best Scenic Byways: A Road Trip Adventure
While off-road trails offer thrilling challenges, there’s something special about scenic on-road drives that showcase the diverse beauty of the U.S. For Jeepers who love an open-road adventure, America’s scenic byways offer winding mountain passes, historic highways, and breathtaking views.
I’ve explored some of these iconic roads myself—Route 66 from Kingman, AZ, to Oatman, AZ, the Iron Mountain Road in South Dakota, Snowy Range Scenic Byway in Wyoming, and the legendary Trail Road in Colorado. Whether you’re in search of epic curves, tunnel-carved roads, or historic routes, this list will help you plan your next Jeep-worthy road trip adventure!
What Makes Iron Mountain Road a Must-Drive for Jeepers?
Location: Iron Mountain Road, Black Hills, SD
Route: US 16A (~17 miles)
Why Jeepers Love It:
314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtail bridges, and 3 tunnels! Twisting mountain roads built to frame Mount Rushmore through tunnels. The Black Hills’ pine forests make it top scenic drives in the U.S.
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| Iron Mountain Highway is full of surprises, but this tunnel takes the experience to another level! As I approached, I realized it perfectly frames Mount Rushmore in the distance. |
First-Hand Experience:
I had never experienced a pigtail bridge before driving Iron Mountain Road, and let me tell you—it was kind of cool! The way the road loops back under itself while climbing was a driving experience unlike any other. And then, suddenly, Mount Rushmore was framed perfectly in one of the tunnels! It’s like the road was designed to build suspense before revealing the monument. If you’re a Jeeper who loves twisty roads, this is a must-drive route.
Jeep Trail Nearby:
Check out Schroeder Road (FS 231) for a mild off-road detour through the Black Hills!
What’s It Like to Drive Route 66 from Kingman to Oatman?
Location: Start in Kingman, Arizona
Route: Historic Route 66 (~48 miles)
Why Jeepers Love It:
One of the most famous highways in America—a true piece of history!
Twisty mountain roads that climb through the rugged Black Mountains.
The quirky ghost town of Oatman, where wild burros (donkeys) roam the streets.
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| Only in Oatman, Arizona, can you get stuck in a burro traffic jam! These friendly wild donkeys roam freely through town, greeting visitors and adding to the Old West charm. |
First-Hand Experience:
Driving Route 66 from Kingman to Oatman was unlike any road trip I had done before. As I left Kingman behind, the road began to twist and turn up the steep, winding mountain pass toward Oatman. The sheer number of switchbacks and sharp curves kept me on my toes—it’s one of those roads where you’re constantly gripping the wheel and leaning into the turns. It felt like a mini off-road adventure on pavement!
As I crested the last mountain pass and started descending into Oatman, I spotted something moving up ahead—donkeys! At first, I thought it was just one or two, but as I rolled into town, I realized they were everywhere—just standing in the street like they owned the place! The burros of Oatman are wild descendants of the pack animals used by miners over a century ago, and now they wander freely through town. They poked their heads into car windows, nuzzled up to visitors for snacks, and completely ignored any traffic laws. It was one of the coolest (and funniest) things I had ever seen!
If you’re looking for a scenic drive packed with history, mountain thrills, and a one-of-a-kind Wild West experience, this stretch of Route 66 is a must-do for Jeepers
Jeep Trail Nearby:
Explore Monument Peak OHV Trail just north of Kingman!
What Makes the Snowy Range Scenic Byway a Must-See in Wyoming?
Why Jeepers Love It:
One of Wyoming’s most breathtaking high-altitude roads (peaks over 10,000 feet!).
Crystal-clear alpine lakes, including the stunning Mirror Lake.
Snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and endless panoramic views.
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| The Snowy Range Scenic Byway never fails to amaze me! I brought my family here to experience the majestic beauty of the Wyoming Rockies, and standing by this crystal-clear mountain stream with towering peaks behind me was absolutely breathtaking. |
First-Hand Experience:
I’ve been lucky enough to drive some incredible roads, but Snowy Range Scenic Byway is one that truly left me speechless. It’s not just a drive—it’s a journey through some of the most majestic scenery Wyoming has to offer.
I remember taking my family up there for the first time because I wanted them to see the raw, untouched beauty of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming. As we climbed higher into the range, I watched their faces light up when we reached Mirror Lake, where the still water perfectly reflected the rugged peaks above—it was like something out of a postcard.
Then, we stopped at one of the cascading waterfalls along the route, and the sound of rushing water against the backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains was pure magic. The air felt fresher, the sky seemed bluer, and for a moment, time just slowed down.
If you’ve never driven this byway, you’re missing out on one of the most scenic mountain roads in the West. It’s a reminder of why we Jeep, why we explore, and why we chase adventure.
Jeep Trail Nearby:
Try Cedar Pass Road (FS 338) for off-road fun near Centennial, WY —a great way to experience more of the backcountry in Medicine Bow National Forest.
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway – South Dakota
Location: Spearfish Canyon, Black Hills, SD
Route: US 14A (~22 miles)
Why Jeepers Love It:
Three epic waterfalls: Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls.
Towering limestone cliffs and winding curves make it one of the most beautiful drives in the Black Hills.
Jeep Trail Nearby:
Check out Tinton Trail (FS 134) for an off-road extension of your trip!
Mt. Blue Sky Scenic Byway – Colorado
Location: Near Denver, CO
Route: Mt. Blue Sky Byway, CO Highway 5 (~28 miles)
Jeep Trail Nearby:
Drive Argentine Pass (FS 724) for an amazing Jeep-friendly high-elevation challenge!
Foothills Parkway – Tennessee
Location: Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Route: Foothills Parkway (~33 miles)
Jeep Trail Nearby:
Explore Parson Branch Road—a historic unpaved scenic Jeep trail inside the park!
Is Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park Worth It?
Location: Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Route: US 34 (~48 miles)
Why Jeepers Love It:
The highest continuous paved road in North America at 12,183 feet!
Alpine tundra, sweeping mountain views, and wildlife sightings.
Connects Estes Park to Grand Lake, with stunning roadside pull-offs.
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| Taking the off-road trail off Trail Ridge Road was the perfect way to dive deeper into Rocky Mountain National Park’s rugged beauty |
First-Hand Experience:
The first time I drove Trail Ridge Road, I was in awe of the vast mountain views stretching in every direction. It was a little scary for me with the drop-offs, but honestly, nothing compared to the off-road shelf roads I’ve tackled. The drive made me appreciate how vast and untouched the Rocky Mountains truly are. If you want a high-altitude experience that’s paved but still thrilling, this road is for you.
Pro Tip: Before you head into any National Park check out my National Park visit tips.
Jeep Trail Nearby:
Try Old Fall River Road, a one-way Jeep-friendly dirt road that climbs through RMNP!
San Juan Skyway – Colorado
Location: Southwestern Colorado
Route: San Juan Skyway (Million Dollar Hwy) CO Highway 145 & US 550 (~236 miles)
Jeep Trail Nearby:
Explore the legendary Imogene Pass—one of Colorado’s best high-altitude Jeep trails!
Utah State Route 143 (Patchwork Parkway) – Utah
Location: Near Cedar Breaks National Monument
Route: Patchwork Parkway, UT Highway 143 (~51 miles)
Jeep Trail Nearby:
Try Mammoth Creek Road (FS 058) for a scenic off-road detour!
What’s So Special About Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway?
Location: Near Moab, UT
Route: Potash Scenic Byway, Utah State Route 279 (~15 miles)
Why Jeepers Love It:
Towering red rock cliffs along the Colorado River.
Features ancient petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks.
Access to off-road trails, including the famous Shafer Trail into Canyonlands National Park.
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| Utah’s Potash Scenic Byway is where I truly fell in love with the West. |
First-Hand Experience:
The Potash Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway was my first scenic byway out West as an adult, and it took my breath away. I remember the moment the towering red rock cliffs came into view alongside the Colorado River—it was like stepping into another world. This was the drive that made me fall in love with the West. If you’ve never been to Moab before, this road is the perfect introduction to Utah’s rugged beauty.
Jeep Trail Nearby:
Take the famous Shafer Trail, which starts right from this byway and descends into Canyonlands National Park!
More Epic Scenic Drives for Jeepers to Research
All-American Roads & National Scenic Byways
These roads are officially recognized for their historic, scenic, and cultural significance.
Some highlights:
Blue Ridge Parkway (VA/NC) – 469 miles of Appalachian beauty
Beartooth Highway (MT/WY) – High-elevation thrills near Yellowstone
Cascade Loop Scenic Byway (Washington) epic mountain drive with diverse scenery
National Forest & BLM Backcountry Byways
For Jeepers who love off-the-beaten-path roads:
Flint Hills National Scenic Byway (KS) – Tallgrass prairie paradise
Apache Trail (AZ) – Desert switchbacks with a dose of Wild West history
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway (NM) – A mix of mountains, rivers, and ghost towns
More Iconic Scenic Roads
Going-to-the-Sun Road (MT) – A must-drive in Glacier National Park
Million Dollar Highway (CO) – Hairpin turns through the San Juan Mountains
Skyline Drive (VA) – 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park
Check out My Adventures Page for some exciting off-road adventures.
FAQs About Scenic Byways for Jeepers
Q: What’s the most challenging scenic byway for Jeepers?
A: The Million Dollar Highway (part of the San Juan Skyway) is one of the most challenging due to its sheer drop-offs, lack of guardrails, and tight switchbacks at high elevations.
Q: Are there any Jeep trails off Iron Mountain Road?
A: Yes! Nearby, you’ll find Schroeder Road (FS 231), a mild off-road detour perfect for Jeepers exploring the Black Hills.
Q: What’s the best time of year to drive these scenic byways?
A: Most of these routes are best from late spring to early fall. Some, like Trail Ridge Road and Snowy Range Scenic Byway, are closed in winter due to snow.
Q: Can I drive these routes in any Jeep?
A: Absolutely! These scenic byways are all paved, so any Jeep can handle them. However, if you want to explore nearby off-road trails, having 4WD is a plus.
Have you driven any of these scenic byways? Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite Jeep-friendly road trip!”
