Top 12 Scenic Routes for Road Trips in 2026

Road trips remain one of the most accessible ways to explore dramatic scenery and connect with the land. We've curated twelve routes that combine photographic potential, accessibility, and real-world travel considerations. Each entry includes where to stop for sunrise or golden hour, recommended vantage points, and safety notes for photographers on the move.

1. Coastal Ribbon Drive — Big South Coast Loop

Why go: Cliffside overlooks with layered headlands and strong ocean light. Best for sunrise and foggy mornings. Look for sea stacks and intertidal pools to add foreground interest.

Photography tip: Use a polarizer to darken skies and enhance reflections in wet rocks. Time low-tide for exposed tide pools.

2. Alpine Ridgeway — Northern High Pass

Why go: Dramatic passes, glacial-fed lakes, and sweeping alpine meadows. Golden hour draws long shadows and warms the scree fields. We recommend short hikes from roadside pullouts to reach less exposed viewpoints.

3. Desert Light Loop — Redstone Basin

Why go: Late afternoon brings saturated reds and sculpted shadows. Sunrise delivers cool tones and long perspective shadows. Beware of heat during midday and bring plenty of water.

4. River Canyon Scenic Highway

Why go: Narrow canyons with layered walls, river reflections, and seasonal greenery. Use the river as a leading line in compositions. Late spring offers strong flows and verdant banks.

5. Northern Archipelago Drive

Why go: Chain of islands, lighthouse perches, and migrating birds. Consider ferry schedules and plan weather buffers — island fog can obscure views but also creates unique mood shots.

6. Treetop Corridor — Old Growth Byway

Why go: Ancient forests and cathedral canopy light. Look for shafts of light in the mornings when ground fog lingers; wide lenses and vertical frames work well to emphasize towering trunks.

7. Volcanic Coast Loop

Why go: Basalt formations, black sand beaches, and dramatic coastal erosion. Late afternoon provides warm side light for sculpted columns. Respect signage and safety zones near volcanic cliffs.

8. High Desert Plateau Route

Why go: Vast panoramas and long layered horizons. This route is excellent for night sky photography; minimal light pollution yields fantastic milky way shots during new moon windows.

9. Lakes & Mirror Roads

Why go: Many small lakes and braided waterways offer mirror reflections at dawn when winds are calm. Scout ahead for sheltered coves to reduce wind interference.

10. Historic Coastal Highway

Why go: Picturesque towns, cliffside pullouts, and accessible viewpoints. Combine portrait studies of coastal towns with sweeping landscape frames for travel features.

11. Glacier Vista Drive

Why go: Up-close glacial faces, ice-blue pools, and meltwater streams. Bring warm layers and plan for sudden weather shifts — glaciers create localized microclimates.

12. Wildflower Ridge

Why go: Seasonal explosion of color across rolling hills. Spring and early summer are prime windows. Use low-angle light to accentuate flower textures and include insects for scale and life.

Practical tips for scenic road trips

• Plan with buffer days — weather can change quickly and scenic light is unpredictable.
• Carry a basic toolkit for the car and a portable battery bank for charging camera gear.
• Respect local rules and private property; pull over only at designated spots when possible.
• Scout using satellite maps and Street View, but be ready to explore on foot for better vantage points.

Safety and conservation

Many of these routes pass through fragile ecosystems or lands with limited services. Follow Leave No Trace principles, check for seasonal closures, and be mindful of wildlife. Plan fuel stops and emergency contacts when traveling remote roads.

Final note

Scenic routes are as much about the small discoveries as the grand vistas. Pull off for a quiet side road, follow a creek, and bring a sense of curiosity. The best images often come from places you weren't expecting to find.

"A road trip is an invitation to slow down and look — every mile is an opportunity to see a scene you might otherwise have missed."