5 Epic Roads You Have to Drive Before You Die (in the U.S.)

The U.S. is home to some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the world. Whether you’re weaving through towering mountains, hugging coastal cliffs, or cruising through the desert, the journey is just as spectacular as the destination. If you’re a road trip lover, these five bucket-list drives need to be on your must-do list!

1. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

Why You Need to Drive It: Glacier National Park’s crown jewel—alpine scenery, waterfalls, and wildlife at every turn.

Few roads in the world can match the sheer majesty of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Stretching 50 miles from West Glacier to St. Mary, this high-altitude highway winds through glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and jagged peaks. The most famous section takes you up to Logan Pass (6,646 feet), where you’ll likely see mountain goats and bighorn sheep.

🛑 Must-Stop Spots:

• Logan Pass Visitor Center – Stunning views and access to the famous Hidden Lake Overlook Trail.

• The Loop – A hairpin turn with incredible panoramas.

• Weeping Wall – A seasonal waterfall cascading over the road in early summer.

🔥 Pro Tip: The road is only open in the summer (typically late June to early October), so plan accordingly!

2. Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)

Why You Need to Drive It: Heart-pounding curves, jaw-dropping cliffs, and the best of the San Juan Mountains.

Part of U.S. Highway 550, the Million Dollar Highway runs between Ouray and Silverton, cutting through the dramatic San Juan Mountains. It’s not for the faint of heart—there are no guardrails along some sections, and the drop-offs are steep! But the high-altitude passes, waterfalls, and historic mining towns make it one of the most unforgettable drives in the U.S.

🛑 Must-Stop Spots:

• Red Mountain Pass (11,018 feet) – One of the highest and most scenic points on the route.

• Ouray, CO – Known as the “Switzerland of America,” this charming town is a perfect place to relax in the Ouray Hot Springs.

• Silverton, CO – A historic mining town with Wild West vibes.

🔥 Pro Tip: Drive southbound from Ouray to Silverton for the best views—just take it slow on those hairpin turns!

3. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1, California)

Why You Need to Drive It: The ultimate coastal road trip—rugged cliffs, ocean views, and iconic landmarks.

No list of bucket-list drives is complete without Highway 1 along California’s Pacific Coast. Stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this route is packed with dramatic sea cliffs, picturesque beaches, and charming coastal towns. Whether you do the full stretch or just the iconic Big Sur portion, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

🛑 Must-Stop Spots:

• Bixby Bridge – One of the most famous and photographed bridges in California.

• McWay Falls – A stunning waterfall that drops straight onto a secluded beach.

• 17-Mile Drive – A scenic detour through Pebble Beach with incredible ocean views.

🔥 Pro Tip: Drive it southbound for better ocean views and easier pull-offs.

4. Beartooth Highway (Montana/Wyoming)

Why You Need to Drive It: High-altitude adventure with glacier views and epic switchbacks.

If you want big-mountain scenery, Beartooth Highway delivers. This 67-mile stretch between Red Lodge, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park climbs to a staggering 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the U.S. Expect glaciers, alpine lakes, and endless mountain vistas.

🛑 Must-Stop Spots:

• Beartooth Pass (10,947 feet) – The highest point on the road with insane panoramic views.

• Rock Creek Vista Point – A great overlook at the start of the climb from Red Lodge.

• Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance – The perfect way to end this epic drive!

🔥 Pro Tip: This road is only open seasonally (late May to mid-October) due to snow, so check conditions before you go!

5. Highway 128 (Utah)

Why You Need to Drive It: A hidden gem with towering red rock canyons and a riverside ride.

Often overshadowed by the more famous roads in Utah, Highway 128 (aka the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway) is one of the most underrated scenic drives in the U.S. This route, starting in Moab, follows the Colorado River, winding through towering red rock cliffs, sandstone formations, and hidden canyons. It’s like driving through a movie set.

🛑 Must-Stop Spots:

• Fisher Towers – Dramatic rock spires that are a favorite among photographers.

• Castle Valley – Home to iconic rock formations that have been featured in countless films.

• Big Bend Recreation Area – A great spot for a picnic by the river.

🔥 Pro Tip: Drive this at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning light on the red rocks!

Honorable Mention: Columbia River Gorge

(Oregon/Washington)

Why You Need to Drive It: Lush waterfalls, towering cliffs, and one of the most scenic river drives in the U.S.

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway is an iconic Pacific Northwest drive that winds along the Columbia River, showcasing cascading waterfalls, misty forests, and dramatic cliffs. It’s a paradise for waterfall lovers, with multiple stops just minutes apart.

🛑 Must-Stop Spots:

• Multnomah Falls – Oregon’s tallest and most famous waterfall.

• Vista House at Crown Point – A breathtaking overlook with panoramic views of the gorge.

• Latourell Falls – A stunning waterfall known for its unique basalt column formations.

🔥 Pro Tip: Visit in the fall for stunning foliage and fewer crowds!

Final Thoughts

These five roads (plus a bonus pick!) are the definition of epic road-tripping—each offering a unique mix of adventure, scenery, and unforgettable moments. Whether you love coastal cliffs, towering mountains, desert landscapes, or high-altitude passes, these drives deserve a spot on your bucket list.

🚗 Which one is your favorite? Have you driven any of these? Let us know in the comments!