Top U.S. Highway Journeys Worth Exploring
Affordable Road Trips Offer Unforgettable American Experiences
Exploring America's breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems doesn't have to break the bank. Here are four affordable road trips that take you on a journey through the country's national parks, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders.
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway
Stretching from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, this scenic 470-mile route offers beautiful mountain vistas and easy driving. With no commercial vehicles allowed, you can enjoy the stunning views comfortably in 2-3 days, but 4-5 days is ideal to explore hiking and sightseeing opportunities along the way.
2. Route 66
Iconic and immersive, Route 66 runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, passing through eight states. This road trip takes you on an adventure through Americana culture, with roadside attractions, antique gas stations, diners, and stunning transitions from the Great Plains to the deserts and mountains of the Southwest. Don't miss out on unique cultural landmarks and natural beauty such as Monument Valley.
3. Canyonlands National Park
Located in eastern Utah, Canyonlands is accessible via Salt Lake City. The nearby town of Moab is home to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Canyonlands offers moderate hikes like Chesler Park via Elephant Hill, camping under the stars, and exploration of rock formations and evidence of ancient civilizations. Visiting in fall through spring is ideal to avoid extreme heat.
4. The Old West National Parks Tour
This itinerary covers Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and the Grand Canyon over about 9 days. This tour combines cultural, geological, and wildlife experiences, including glacier-carved lakes, geysers, striking rock spires, and native wildlife sightings. The tour is flexible and budget-conscious, with options like guided tram rides and local expert insights.
To keep costs affordable, purchasing the annual "America the Beautiful Pass" for $79.99 is highly recommended. This pass grants unlimited access to over 2,000 federally managed sites, including national parks, helping you avoid multiple entry fees.
Enhancing Your Road Trip Experience
Flexibility allows for personalized itineraries and spontaneous detours during road trips. A well-curated soundtrack enhances the road trip experience, while natural wonders connect with cultural landmarks across the country.
In Colorado National Monument, dawn reveals bighorn sheep grazing near crimson cliffs, and morning light paints rock faces with sharp details, perfect for capturing texture. Summer storms in Arizona's landscape, especially between July and September, are dramatic, with lightning illuminating the Grand Canyon and rain-washed air sharpening distant views.
Ellie Tran, a photographer, advises capturing the drama at Hopi Point in the Grand Canyon, as clouds swirl like living sculptures above the gorge. Jenna Cole, another photographer, recommends arriving 90 minutes before sunset to claim a spot for photographing Delicate Arch in Utah, as the arch transforms from rust-orange to molten gold.
Road trips cater to all timelines, from quick getaways to epic journeys. In Sedona, Arizona, after showers, Sedona's vortex sites glow fiery red, and the Bell Rock Pathway becomes a misty wonderland perfect for short hikes.
Rand McNally's road atlas is a useful tool for navigating scenic backroads during road trips. Balancing must-see landmarks with breathing room is essential for a successful road trip. Strategic pauses at golden hour can enhance the road trip experience by showcasing stunning views.
Waterfall chasers can find numerous opportunities along routes such as the Columbia River Gorge and Niagara Falls. The Mother Road (Route 66) connects natural wonders with retro charm, offering stops at Williams' diners for green chili burgers and 1950s-style motor courts.
Authentic experiences and memories are created during road trips, such as meeting locals and collecting regional flavors and stories. These road trips combine natural park exploration, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems in a budget-friendly way, making them excellent choices for travelers seeking authentic American experiences on the road.
- Embrace the wisdom of travelling on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Route 66, where you can uncover Americana culture through roadside attractions, antique gas stations, diners, and stunning landscapes.
- Venture into home-and-garden scenes at Canyonlands National Park in Utah, where you can hike, camp, and explore rock formations under the stars.
- Enhance your sports enthusiast road trip by traversing the Old West National Parks Tour, witnessing native wildlife sightings, and capturing the drama at Hopi Point in the Grand Canyon or Delicate Arch in Utah during golden hour.
