Eight Great National Park Scenic Drives Slow down, the views are spectacular By Dave G. Houser Photos courtesy of the National Park Service and Nova Scotia Tourism
National parks aren’t just for campers and hikers. In fact, many U.S. and Canadian national parks are best seen from your car—so you can readily appreciate the awesome scale, diverse beauty, timelessness, and untamed spirit of Mother Nature’s wonders. That’s not to imply that you shouldn’t get out and breathe some fresh air, smell the flowers, capture some photos, or take a hike. But if time is limited (as it is for many of us) or you are still leery of Covid or the flu, the safest and most comfortable way to get an overview of the wilderness and wildlife is a scenic drive trip. Before you go, remember to check the car or RV to be sure it’s fully serviced, including tire pressures and fluid levels. National parks are often in remote areas where services are few and far between. That includes cell and Wi-Fi service, so it would be a good idea to download some directions and routing info to your phone, tablet, or laptop in advance of your trip. There are no Golden Arches in the parks (thank goodness) so it would be a good idea as well to pack some snacks, water, and perhaps some picnic supplies.
We’ve hand-picked eight unforgettable byways from Death Valley to Canada’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park to help inspire your next road trip.
Death Valley Scenic Byway, Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada
Death Valley is well known for its spectacular mountains, shimmering salt flats, rainbow- colored ravines, rich history and, of course, its extreme temperatures. The park’s elevation changes are also extreme, ranging from 282 feet below sea level at Badwater Basin (the nation’s low point) to 11,049 feet at the top of Telescope Peak. The scenic byway follows Hwy 190 through the center of the park, with entry points on the west side from the town of Olancha (convenient from Los Angeles) and on the east side at Death Valley Junction (convenient from Las Vegas). Driving from east to west, here are some of the park’s not-to-be-missed attractions: Heading toward Panamint Springs, your first stop should be Father Crowley Vista Point, where a short hike leads to Rainbow Canyon. In addition to
Map by William Tipton
EIGHT GREAT NATIONAL PARK SCENIC DRIVE
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