Great American Roadways You Need to Travel: Part 2

There’s always another adventure out there waiting to be discovered. If you’re craving expansive scenic views and road that stretches on for miles, then the only thing that will satisfy your wanderlust is a roadtrip. So pack up the family (or fly solo), hook up your trailer or RV, and hit the road! Here are five more Great American Roadways that are calling your name.

1. Going to the Sun Road | Montana

It doesn’t get more All-American than a scenic mountain drive through the Rocky Mountains, weaving through Glacier National Park in Montana. Going to the Sun Road crosses through the Continental Divide with 50 miles of snow-covered peaks, sub-alpine meadows, winding hairpin turns, and plenty of lakeside views. Make sure to plan this roadtrip accordingly, as the road is only open from May to October due to the winter snowdrifts that can reach up to 100 feet.

2. Hana Highway | Maui

After two and a half hours on this 52-mile stretch from Kahului to Hana, you’ll understand why all of the t-shirts say, “I survived the road to Hana.” Hana Highway is filled with lush landscapes, steep sea-cliffs, and Jurassic Park-esque views. When you arrive in Hana, the tiny town offers tourists a nude red sand beach and a glimpse of some endangered monk seals as they sunbathe along the coastline. Keep driving a little passed Hana to find the Pools of ‘Ohe’o (also known as the Seven Sacred Pools), one of the most popular attractions in East Maui.

3. Bluebonnet Trail | Texas

If you’re really looking for the “Great American” experience, then hitch a ride along the Bluebonnet Trail. This road between Austin and Houston boasts the best scenery that Texas has to offer – especially during March, April, and May, when the wild bluebonnets are at their best. Bluebonnet Trail will take you through a chain of seven interconnected lakes on the Colorado River, including the famous Lake Buchanan, which offers plenty of camping and lodging (in houseboats too!) to let you relax and enjoy some good ‘ole Texas barbecue.

4. Tamiami Trail | Florida

There are only two ways to cross the bottom of the Florida peninsula: Alligator Alley (I-75) and Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41). While both roads will take you on a trip through the Everglades, where alligator sightings are a dime a dozen, Tamiami Trail brings you up close and personal with the Everglades scenery. The road will also take you over the historic 1-mile bridge designed to return water flow to Everglades National Park (one of the largest construction projects in the history of the National Park Service).

5. Route 12 | Utah

For State Route 12, the name really says it all: “Highway 12 - A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.” Route 12 puts Utah and all of its red rock glory on display, winding through both Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. The roadway can be a little tricky to navigate and will require paying close attention to maps if you want the full effect of the sandstone cliffs and purple sage bluffs. If you’re feeling especially daring, take a drive through The Hogback, a narrow, cliff-side ridgeline road.

Want to keep reading? Check out “Great American Roadways You Need to Travel: Part 1” for more.