7 Most Scenic Backroads from Coast to Coast Alternative Routes for Your American Road Trip
7 Most Scenic Backroads from Coast to Coast Alternative Routes for Your American Road Trip - The Going-to-the-Sun Road Montana Through Glacier National Park
7 Most Scenic Backroads from Coast to Coast Alternative Routes for Your American Road Trip - Blue Ridge Parkway North Carolina to Virginia Through the Appalachians
7 Most Scenic Backroads from Coast to Coast Alternative Routes for Your American Road Trip - Beartooth Highway Montana to Wyoming Through Red Lodge
The Beartooth Highway, connecting Red Lodge, Montana, to Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance, is frequently lauded as one of America's most visually stunning drives. This 68.7-mile stretch features intense elevation shifts and steep, winding curves, peaking at a breathtaking altitude of almost 11,000 feet. Every summer, once the winter snows clear, the highway welcomes travelers to experience its magnificent scenery and abundant outdoor recreational prospects. Although the drive itself is relatively short, the temptation to pause and savor the panoramic overlooks and the wild, untouched beauty of the landscape is strong. Designated as an "All-American Road," the Beartooth Highway promises an unforgettable, thrilling journey for anyone venturing through Montana's impressive natural landscape, though the sharp turns and altitude can be challenging for some drivers.
The Beartooth Highway, connecting Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeastern reaches of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, is a marvel of engineering and a showcase of nature's raw beauty. It also serves as US Highway 212. This route climbs to a staggering 10,947 feet at its highest point, Beartooth Pass, where one can observe the effects of altitude on both internal combustion engines and the human body. At such heights, the air thins noticeably, potentially leading to decreased engine performance and interesting physiological responses.
From the road, over 20 peaks surpassing 12,000 feet pierce the skyline, a testament to the erosive forces that have sculpted the Rocky Mountains over millennia. The Beartooth Range itself, composed of granite over two billion years old, offers a tangible connection to our planet's distant past and the immense timescales involved in geological processes.
Wildlife enthusiasts often find themselves captivated by the frequent sightings of grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. The thriving biodiversity here highlights the complex interplay between conservation efforts and the delicate balance of these alpine ecosystems. It is easy to conclude that they have been successful but it's never a given. The success (or failure) is not a given in many National Parks these days.
Each summer, rapid snowmelt feeds a network of alpine lakes, often with waters that remain shockingly cold even during the warmest months. The temperature differential between the valley floor and the summit, sometimes reaching 40 degrees Fahrenheit, underscores the dramatic climatic variations within short distances.
Spanning over 68 miles, the Beartooth Highway incorporates more than 20 designated pull-offs, a carefully planned balance between providing access to breathtaking vistas and preserving the pristine environment. This road is a case study in thoughtful infrastructure development. The highway is only open from late May to mid-October; the rest of the year you will find feet of snow, which poses obvious challenges in terms of annual maintenance and seasonal accessibility.
Finally, the road's sinuous path, ascending 5,000 feet in just a few miles, demands careful attention from drivers. It is a testament to the ingenuity of road builders who overcame significant engineering hurdles to create this high-altitude byway. It's also dangerous and a test to the driving skills of most and a reminder that Mother Nature still has a trick or two up its sleeve for most of us. The sheer amount of snow that gets moved is also astonishing.
7 Most Scenic Backroads from Coast to Coast Alternative Routes for Your American Road Trip - Overseas Highway Florida Keys From Miami to Key West
7 Most Scenic Backroads from Coast to Coast Alternative Routes for Your American Road Trip - Route 12 Utah Through Red Rock Country and Bryce Canyon
Utah's Route 12, spanning 123 miles through the heart of red rock country, is a fascinating study in contrasts. Officially designated a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road, it certainly earns those titles - though such titles should always be seen as somewhat subjective. This highway connects Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park, traversing a range of environments that might surprise the casual observer. The numbers don't necessarily add up as a 123-mile stretch would barely qualify as a 'backroad' to anyone who has driven through the American West extensively.
The road meanders through the rugged terrain of Dixie National Forest and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. These areas present a complex tapestry of high desert plateaus, deep canyons, and towering mountains. One can't help but wonder at the geological forces that shaped such varied landscapes within a relatively short distance, if 123 miles can be called short. It appears that the definition of 'short' is stretched quite a bit these days.
In 2002, Route 12 was officially designated as a scenic byway. A full 22 years later it feels like a very long time and one must wonder if the area is as pristine as it once was. It consistently ranks among the top ten scenic highways in the United States in various publications, although the criteria for such rankings often remain somewhat obscure, but we have to assume they did not only ask residents of Utah for their opinion.
The drive begins near Panguitch, close to Bryce Canyon, and ends in Torrey, near Capitol Reef. The stretch from Panguitch to Boulder is probably the most interesting part of the route. The segment from Boulder to Torrey seems rather an afterthought. Along the way, it showcases some of the supposed best natural gems in southern Utah. Such superlatives are common in descriptions of scenic routes, but they do spark curiosity about what exactly constitutes a 'gem' in this context.
Scenic Byway 12 is often touted for its endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and camping. One wonders, however, about the impact of so many visitors on the delicate ecosystems along the route. The constant flow of RVs and their demands on the infrastructure seem to have been underestimated by many. While the idea of a breathtaking journey through geological and ecological history is appealing, it's also crucial to consider the sustainability of such experiences. It is simply remarkable how long it took authorities to introduce a permit system to visit some of these 'hidden' gems.
The route is popular among road-trippers seeking remarkable scenic views and hidden gems. Yet, the very popularity of such routes often leads to their degradation, a paradox that is not often acknowledged in promotional materials. The sheer amount of visitors has taken its toll on many of these places. It is not uncommon to wait in line for hours just to get access to a 'pristine' environment. Route 12, with its intricate natural sculptures within Bryce Canyon National Park, is a prime example of the beauty that draws crowds, but it also raises questions about how to balance access with preservation. It will be interesting to see what happens when traffic increases exponentially in the coming years. The infrastructure may not be able to cope.