There's nothing quite like the open road. The adventure of packing up your car and setting out into the wild is an experience unlike any other. Whether you're an experienced road tripper or a beginner just itching for your first getaway, there's one key element you should definitely look out for - majestic mountain scenery. From the jagged, breathtaking peaks of the Rockies to the lush, vibrant hues of the Appalachian Mountains, the North American continent is home to some of the world's most spectacular mountain vistas. Here are five road-trip routes in the United States and Canada that offer the best mountain scenery.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, USA
Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana, is a road-tripper's paradise. As you drive through this winding 50-mile stretch, you'll have the perfect view of some of the most stunning mountainous landscapes in North America. Jagged peaks pierce the clear blue sky, while glacier-fed lakes shimmer like mirrors at their feet. If you're lucky, you might spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep grazing along the road.
Image by Sergio Cerrato - Italia from Pixabay
2. Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada
Canada's Icefields Parkway, stretching 144 miles between Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, is another must-visit for mountain lovers. This spectacular highway offers jaw-dropping views of mountain peaks, glaciers, and turquoise-blue lakes. Don't miss a chance to visit the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rockies. You can take a guided tour and even walk on the glacier itself.
Image by Jörg Vieli from Pixabay
3. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia, USA
Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile stretch between North Carolina and Virginia, is a delightful visual treat. Named for the distinctive blue haze that often cloaks the mountains, this route offers stunning panoramas of the Appalachian Range. The Parkway is especially stunning during fall, when the mountains explode into a wave of colours. With abundant hiking trails, campsites, and historic sites, there's plenty to explore on this picturesque mountain route.
Image by Paul Mears from Pixabay
4. Sea-to-Sky Highway, British Columbia, Canada
The Sea-to-Sky Highway, running from Vancouver to Whistler, features the shimmering Pacific Ocean on one side and the towering Coast Mountains on the other. The views along this 75-mile route are simply incredible. Highlights include the Stawamus Chief, a granite monolith that's a favourite among rock climbers, and the turquoise waters of Garibaldi Lake. Time your trip right, and you might catch a glimpse of eagles, black bears, or even whales.
Image by Samuel Low from Pixabay
5. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado, USA
Part of U.S. Route 550, this 25-mile stretch between Silverton and Ouray is both beautiful and treacherous. The road clings to the side of the mountain, with no guardrails and steep drop-offs. But if you can handle the thrill, you're rewarded with astounding views of the San Juan Mountains. Whether cloaked in the greens of summer or the whites of winter, the Million Dollar Highway offers an unforgettable road trip experience.
Image by Abhay Bharadwaj from Pixabay
In conclusion, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring mountain scenery on the highways of the United States and Canada. So pack up your car, hit the road, and take in the views that the mountains have to offer.
