The United States is home to some of the world’s most iconic and scenic
routes, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes
and cultures.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely drive along the
coast or a scenic road trip through picturesque regions, these RV road trips
offer something for everyone.
Below are some of the top favorite RV road trips
in the U.S. worth taking.
Best U.S. Road Trips for RV
Travelers
1. Route 66: The Classic American Road Trip
Distance: 2,448 miles
Route: Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California
There’s no road trip more iconic than Route 66. This historic highway, often called the
“Main Street of America,” stretches from the bustling city of Chicago all the
way to the sandy beaches of Santa Monica, California. Along the way, you’ll
encounter classic Americana, from old-school diners and motels to quirky
roadside attractions like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Wigwam Village in
Arizona.
RV travelers love Route 66 for its diverse scenery,
which ranges from the flat plains of the Midwest to the breathtaking desert
landscapes of the Southwest. Key stops along the route include the Gateway Arch
in St. Louis, the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest in Arizona, and the Santa
Monica Pier at the journey’s end.
For an additional scenic detour, consider exploring
the Texas Hill Country, known for its charming towns, vineyards, and natural
attractions.
This trip is ideal for those looking to experience
a mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Plus, with Cruise America
rental locations in major cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, getting started
on this adventure is easy.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway: A Scenic Drive Through the
Appalachians
Distance: 469 miles
Route: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North
Carolina
For those who love the beauty of mountainous
landscapes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must. This scenic
drive stretches nearly 500 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting
Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park with North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains
National Park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its vibrant
fall foliage, making it a popular destination in the autumn months. However,
it’s a beautiful drive any time of year, with rolling green hills, stunning
overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and opportunities to explore hiking
trails, waterfalls, and quaint mountain towns. Highlights include Mabry Mill,
one of the most photographed spots on the Parkway, and the Linn Cove Viaduct,
an engineering marvel that seems to float over the mountainside.
Another scenic destination for nature enthusiasts
is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, known for its stunning landscapes
and diverse natural beauty.
RV travelers will appreciate the ample campgrounds
along the route, providing scenic spots to park for the night and soak in the
natural beauty. Cruise America has rental locations nearby, making it easy to
pick up your RV and hit the road.
3. 17-Mile Drive: A Stunning Coastal Experience
Distance: 17 miles
Route: Pacific Grove to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
For a shorter but equally breathtaking road trip,
17-Mile Drive in California offers a coastal experience like no other. This
picturesque route runs along the Pacific coast, offering sweeping views of the
ocean, rocky cliffs, and lush golf courses. The drive begins at Pacific Grove
and winds through the exclusive Pebble Beach community before ending at the
charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Highlights along 17-Mile Drive include the Lone
Cypress, one of the most photographed trees in the world, and the scenic vistas
at Point Joe and Spanish Bay. The area is also known for its wildlife, with
seals, sea lions, and bird species frequently spotted along the shoreline.
While 17-Mile Drive is short, it’s perfect for
those looking to add a leisurely coastal drive to a longer California road
trip. With Cruise America rental locations throughout California, starting your
journey along the coast is a breeze. Another coastal destination with unique
attractions is Key West, known for its scenic Overseas Highway, Seven Mile
Bridge, and vibrant local wildlife and beach culture.
4. Utah’s Route 12: Red Rock Wonders
Distance: 122 miles
Route: Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park
For lovers of red rock landscapes and dramatic
desert vistas, Utah’s Route 12 is a road trip like no other. This All-American
Road winds through the heart of southern Utah’s canyon country, offering
unparalleled access to two national parks and several state parks. Arches
National Park, with its iconic Delicate Arch, is another must-see landmark in
the region, perfect for those planning comprehensive road trips exploring the
natural beauty of the southwestern United States.
Beginning at Bryce Canyon National Park, known for
its otherworldly hoodoos and vibrant colors, Route 12 takes travelers through
the stunning Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and on to Capitol Reef
National Park, a lesser-known gem featuring colorful cliffs, arches, and
canyons.
Highlights along the route include:
The
scenic viewpoint overlooks at Red Canyon.
Hiking
opportunities in Kodachrome Basin State Park.
The
surreal landscapes of Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.
Route 12 is ideal for those who want to experience
the rugged beauty of the American Southwest while enjoying the comfort of an
RV. Cruise America has rental locations in nearby cities, making it easy to
start your journey.
5. Pacific Coast Highway: A Drive Along the West
Coast
Distance: 655 miles
Route: San Francisco, California, to San Diego, California
Few road trips offer the dramatic coastal views
of California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
This famed route hugs the coastline from San Francisco to San Diego, offering
panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and charming seaside
towns.
The PCH is home to some of California’s most iconic
attractions, including Big Sur, where towering cliffs meet the crashing waves
of the ocean, and Hearst Castle, an opulent estate built by media magnate
William Randolph Hearst. Further south, travelers can explore the sandy beaches
of Malibu, the historic Santa Monica Pier, and the bustling boardwalks of
Venice Beach. Similarly, the Seven Mile Bridge is a significant landmark along
the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys, offering a scenic drive with stunning
ocean views and connecting various islands.
RV travelers will find numerous campgrounds along
the route, many of which offer beachfront views. This road trip is perfect for
those looking to experience the best of California’s natural beauty while
enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of its coastal towns. Cruise America has
several rental locations along the California coast, making it easy to embark
on this scenic drive.
6. The Great River Road: A Journey Along the
Mississippi
Distance: 3,000 miles
Route: Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana
For a different kind of road trip, consider the
Great River Road, which follows the path of the mighty Mississippi River from
its source in Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. This route passes
through 10 states and offers travelers a unique glimpse into America’s
heartland.
The Great River Road is perfect for history buffs
and nature lovers alike. Along the way, you’ll find charming river towns,
historic sites like Mark Twain’s boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, and
sprawling wildlife refuges teeming with birdlife. Key stops include the lively
city of New Orleans, the historic Vicksburg National Military Park, and the
scenic bluffs of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. Another key destination for nature
lovers is Acadia National Park, known for its rugged coastal beauty, high ridgelines,
and landmarks like Cadillac Mountain and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
RV travelers can enjoy the slower pace of this
journey, with numerous campgrounds and RV parks located along the route. With
Cruise America rental locations in several cities along the Mississippi River,
starting your Great River Road adventure is easy.
National Parks Road Trips
7. Glacier National Park Road Trip
For those who crave the raw beauty of the
wilderness, a road trip to Glacier National Park in Montana is a must.
Known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and abundant wildlife, Glacier
National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to all levels of
adventurers. The crown jewel of the park is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile
marvel that takes you through the heart of the park, offering stunning vistas
of rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and alpine meadows.
As you traverse this iconic route, you’ll have the
chance to explore the park’s many lakes, glaciers, and diverse ecosystems.
Activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching are popular here,
with opportunities to spot grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to soak in the natural beauty,
Glacier National Park is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences
for every outdoor enthusiast.
8. Yellowstone and Grand Teton Road Trip
Embark on a journey through two of the most iconic
national parks in the U.S.: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Located in Wyoming and Montana,
these parks offer a unique combination of geothermal wonders, stunning mountain
scenery, and abundant wildlife. Start your adventure in Yellowstone, where you
can marvel at the famous Old Faithful geyser, explore the vibrant Grand
Prismatic Spring, and hike through diverse landscapes teeming with wildlife.
Continue your road trip to Grand Teton National
Park, where the jagged peaks of the Teton Range rise dramatically above the
valley floor. Here, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking
and camping to fishing and wildlife watching. The parks are home to a wide
range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and elk, making them a
paradise for nature lovers. A road trip through Yellowstone and Grand Teton is
a journey through some of America’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
9. Zion and Grand Canyon Road Trip
For a road trip that combines the grandeur of two
of the most iconic national parks in the U.S., head to Zion and the Grand Canyon. Located in Utah and Arizona, these
parks offer a unique blend of stunning rock formations, deep canyons, and
abundant wildlife. Begin your adventure in Zion National Park, where you can hike the famous
Angel’s Landing trail for breathtaking views of the canyon below.
Next, make your way to the Grand Canyon, one of the
most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. Here, you can explore the
park’s many hiking trails, take in the panoramic views from the South Rim, and
enjoy activities such as camping and rock climbing. The parks are home to a
diverse array of wildlife, including mule deer, peregrine falcons, and condors.
A road trip through Zion and the Grand Canyon is a must for any nature lover or
outdoor enthusiast.
Mountain Road Trips
10. Rocky Mountain Road Trip
The Rocky Mountains, stretching from British
Columbia, Canada, to New Mexico, offer some of the most breathtaking mountain
scenery in the western U.S. This stunning range is a paradise for outdoor
enthusiasts, with a unique combination of towering peaks, abundant wildlife,
and endless recreational opportunities. Start your journey in Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can
explore over 300 miles of hiking trails, spot elk and moose, and take in the
panoramic views from Trail Ridge Road.
Continue your road trip through the Rockies
to Grand Teton National Park, where the dramatic
Teton Range provides a stunning backdrop for hiking, camping, and wildlife
watching. Don’t miss the chance to visit Yellowstone National Park, where
geothermal wonders and diverse ecosystems await. The Rocky Mountains are home
to a wide range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black
bears, making it a must-visit destination for any nature lover. Whether you’re
seeking adventure or simply looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of the
mountains, a road trip through the Rockies promises an unforgettable
experience.
Posted by: Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc
Posted on: 18/10/2024