Route 66 is not here
Which is the loneliest road in America? 10 scenic and uncrowded routes
Image: Tomas Anunziata
The vast roads of America boast hundreds, possibly thousands, of beautiful scenic roads for visitors to travel and enjoy. But in the age of Instagram—where every gorgeous sunset or idyllic lake must be photographed and shared with the world—it can be difficult to delight in the natural wonders of the road with a sense of calm and solitude. Thankfully, there are still gorgeous stretches of land that, for some reason, have yet to capture the attention of the masses and remain relatively undisturbed. So, make haste and hurry to discover these 10 beautiful scenic routes before the smartphone-yielding hordes find them!
1
The Loneliest Road, Nevada
Nevada is a state that offers plenty of wide, ample, and uncrowded places, for sure. The US Route 50 cuts through the heart of the state, offering solitude and stark desert beauty. The name "Loneliest Road in America" was bestowed upon this route by a 1986 Life magazine article claiming that there was not much to see—but that claim couldn’t be further from the truth.
Route 50 has plenty of ghost towns, historic mining communities, stunning state parks, unsurpassed recreational opportunities , and a selection of authentic Sagebrush Saloons.
2
Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, California
Yes, the Pacific Coast Highway, stretching along the coast of California, is one of the most famous and beautiful road trips in the world. But, as evidenced by the diverse landscapes of the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, the Golden State has so much more to offer.
Alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and desert expanses make up a jaw-dropping panorama all along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range . The elevated mountainous terrain also offers breathtaking views of Mono Lake, whose famous salt waters are visible from miles away.
3
The Blues Highway, Tennessee, and Louisiana
It may sound like the title of a movie, or an album but, in this case, at least, the Blues Highway is a real road, stretching from Nashville, Tennessee, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Also known as Highway 61, this iconic route passes through Delta Blues landmarks, the French Quarter in New Orleans, and the historic jazz legacy of Preservation Hall.
As for natural beauty along the way, the Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Parkway offers a look into the area’s Native American history, as well as features stunning views of southern cypress swamps.
4
The San Juan Skyway, Colorado
A spectacularly scenic high-elevation drive, the San Juan Skyway loop provides breathtaking views and access to historic mining towns. The route goes along U.S. Route 550 from Durango to Silverton, Ouray, and Ridgway, and then along Colorado State Highway 62 to Placerville, Colorado State Highway 145 to Telluride, Rico, Dolores, and Cortez, before completing the loop back to Mancos and Durango via U.S. Route 160.
Along this 236-mile journey, which takes about six hours to drive, you'll encounter, subalpine forests, historic mountain towns, expansive cattle ranges, and prehistoric Native American ruins.
5
High Peaks Scenic Byway, New York
The drive along the Adirondack Mountains is not named High Peaks Scenic Byway for nothing. This upstate New York route is a short, but stunning slice of nature. Coming in at just under 30 miles long, the byway begins in the town of Keene and runs to Lake Placid, leading travelers along the highest peaks of the Adirondacks, by breathtaking bodies of water such as Chapel Pond and Roaring Brook Falls, and through charming towns and dense forests.
There are plenty of places to pull over and take in the fresh air and scenery along the drive, as well as numerous trails for those seeking more active adventures such as canoeing, biking, fishing, or cross-country skiing.
6
The Black Hills, South Dakota
There is so much more to the Black Hills than Mount Rushmore. This isolated mountain range in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming covers an area 125 miles long and 65 miles wide. It encompasses rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, otherworldly buttes, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and intricate cave systems.
The name "Black Hills" originates from the Lakota term Paha Sapa, meaning "hills that are black." Seen from a distance, these pine-covered hills, rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie, appear dark, almost black.
7
North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota
The Great Lakes boasts countless scenic drives, and the North Shore Scenic Drive is among the most spectacular. Stretching approximately 154 miles from Duluth, Minnesota, to the Canadian border, the route offers unparalleled views of the northern shores of Lake Superior .
The drive takes travelers through charming towns and rugged coastal landscapes , with plenty of opportunities to stop for food and drink while also taking in expansive forests, cascading waterfalls, and beaches studded with colorful agate stones.
8
Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, New Mexico
The Trail of the Ancients is a scenic byway winding through the rugged landscapes of the Four Corners region, where the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet. The byway unveils ancient cliff dwellings, underground constructions, and intricate rock art, providing a glimpse into the ancient culture that once thrived in the area.
At the heart of the trail lies New Mexico’s Chaco Culture National Historical Park, known for its intricate stone ruins of what was once a major gathering place for the ancestral Puebloans.
9
The Finger Lakes Loop, New York
The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York has plenty of wineries, waterfalls, and charming villages waiting to be discovered. Visitors can explore the area by car, spend the day on a bicycle, take a hike in the woods, paddle on kayak adventures, or tour the many wineries— offering endless opportunities for exploration.
This four-season playground is framed by some of Mother Nature’s finest work, with eleven freshwater lakes fanning out like fingers across the region.
10
Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway, Wyoming
Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway is a section of US 14A that ends just west of the boundary for Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. At 27 miles, the steep, two-lane stretch travels among soaring mountain peaks, high-altitude deserts covered in grass and sagebrush, as well as conifer and aspen forests.
The byway gets its name from the Medicine Wheel, a sacred and historic limestone circle that sits near the summit of Medicine Mountain. American Indians constructed the wheel in stages sometime over the last 1,000 years, and still use it for ceremonies today.
