The Best Scenic Drives in America (According to Truckers)

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Long-haul trucking is a demanding and challenging job, but it also has its share of benefits. And for truckers who are also nature lovers at heart, one such perk is the opportunity to drive across many of the best scenic views in North America. Whether it’s the mountains of Appalachia, lush coastal forests, or the vast deserts of the Southwest, various trucking routes across the United States offer front-row seats to amazing landscapes at no extra charge.

We’ve asked several truckers to share their thoughts on the most scenic drives in America, and we've listed them below. So, if you’re scheduled to pass by these places, consider setting aside some extra time, pulling over, taking in the scenery, and probably snapping a photo or two. However, because some of these routes feature steep grades and narrow passes, they are often mentioned when truckers name the 10 most dangerous roads in America.

Pacific Coast, California

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Also known as Highway 1 or PCH, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most famous scenic routes in the U.S. This stretch of road includes the rugged, mountainous coastline of the Big Sur region and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which are popularized by Hollywood movies and TV shows. Truckers, in particular, note the elevated roads that comprise most of the highway, as these provide them with a perfect view of the coast.

San Juan Skyway, Colorado

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The San Juan Skyway is a scenic byway that loops around the one million-acre San Juan National Forest in western Colorado. This route is known for its stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, which is part of the greater American Continental Divide, winding roads, and picturesque towns like Silverton and Telluride.

Because of its twists and turns, the Skyway is not a frequent stop for truckers. But for those who do, they are treated to clear blue skies, a sea of trees that turns from deep green to yellow with the seasons, the occasional desert landscape, and snowy mountain peaks. To stay prepared for these remote, high-altitude stretches, make sure you have packed a few essentials for life on the road.

Seward Highway, Alaska

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Alaska is a challenging place for truckers, with its harsh weather and the extreme remoteness of many of its regions, but it boasts some of the most beautiful, untouched natural landscapes in the U.S.  The Seward Highway, in particular, is frequently mentioned by truckers as one of the best. Snaking from the southern port city of Seward to Anchorage, the Seward Highway passes through many of Alaska’s scenic locations, including Bear Creek, Resurrection Bay and the rest of the Kenai Peninsula, the Kenai Mountain Range, Summit Lake of the Chugach National Forest, and Turnagain Arm of the Alaskan Gulf. On a good day, drivers can be treated to an endless view of snow-capped mountains, beaches and waterways, and the local flora and fauna during their two-and-a-half-hour run across Seward. Just make sure to pack some warm clothing and ensure your rig is prepared for the sub-zero temperatures, as the isolation of the Alaskan wilderness makes it essential to find reliable ways to keep your truck roadworthy.

Highway 101, Oregon

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If Alaska is a bit too cold for your taste, go down a little to the south, and you'll find Highway 101 in Oregon just as pleasing but with kinder weather. Running across the Oregon coast between the borders of California and Washington, Highway 101 offers amber beaches, mossy green forests, and the rocky coastlines in the north. Food lovers will also enjoy the numerous crab shacks, oyster bars, and fisherman's dives that offer distinct seafood delights of the Pacific Northwest. When stopping at these local gems, being mindful of truck stop dos and don'ts helps maintain good relations with the small coastal communities.

Ideally, the best time to drive in Oregon is in the summer, as you're almost guaranteed sunny skies and more forgiving wind and rain. But if you're the type who likes solitude in your scenery, the early winter months offer less traffic from tourists, but with still relatively mild weather.

Interstate 64, West Virginia

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As John Denver once suggested, West Virginia boasts some of the best country roads in the U.S. The I-64, in particular, can give truck drivers a glimpse of what makes West Virginia the Mountain State: rolling hilly terrain covered with spruce, clear mountain streams, and picturesque small farms and towns. If you have time to spare, drivers also recommend making a stop at the Tamarack cultural center. Located just off I-64 in Beckley, Tamarack offers a unique cultural experience showcasing the best in arts and cuisine the state has to offer. This region is also home to several locations that frequently appear on lists of America’s best truck stops for truckers.

Route 12 and Interstate 70, Utah

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Dubbed as the “All-American Road,” Utah’s Route 12 offers unique views that you simply cannot find elsewhere. The route stretches approximately 123 miles and passes through the Kodachrome Basin, Escalante Petrified Forest, Anasazi State Park, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Park. Among the key landmarks you’ll see up close are the red arches in Red Canyon near Panguitch, the signature stair-like structures of the Grand Staircase past Henrieville, and the aspen and pine groves of Boulder Mountain. There are also numerous restaurants and shops along the way where you can enjoy authentic Utahn comfort food, such as fried scones, pastrami burgers, and Dutch oven casserole.

If you’re coming from Colorado, the Interstate 70 going into Utah also offers some incredible scenery. In fact, it’s one of the few interstate highways designated as a National Scenic Byway. Some of the key attractions the I-70 passes through include the unique desert rock formations of Goblin Valley, the sandstone arches of Arches National Park, the iconic mesas and buttes of Canyonlands National Park, and the 25-mile-long Ruby Canyon in Westwater.