The American Southwest is a treasure trove of dramatic landscapes—from towering red rock formations to winding desert vistas. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country American Southwest travel adventure, these scenic drives US offer unforgettable views. Read on for the ultimate list of road trip routes that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
1. Highway 12, Utah (“All-American Road”)
Length: 124 miles
Highlights: Starts in Panguitch, UT, and traverses Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to Bryce Canyon. You’ll pass hoodoos, narrow canyons, and sweeping plateaus. Don’t miss the iconic “Hogsback” ridge and the scenic overlooks near Capitol Reef.
2. Route 163, Arizona & Utah
Length: 64 miles
Highlights: Connects Kayenta, AZ, to Bluff, UT, through the heart of Monument Valley. Dramatic sandstone buttes rise from the desert floor—perfect for sunset photography. Stop at the visitor center for Navajo-guided tours.
3. State Route 172, Arizona
Length: 12 miles
Highlights: This short but spectacular drive curves along the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon’s Desert View Drive. Panoramic overlooks include Moran Point, Lipan Point, and the Desert View Watchtower—each revealing distinct canyon strata and Colorado River bends.
4. US 191 through Canyonlands & West Milford Loop, Utah
Length: 216 miles (loop)
Highlights: Begin in Moab, UT, and head north on US 191, looping through Island in the Sky (Canyonlands). Key stops include Dead Horse Point State Park, Green River overlook, and the turnoff for the West Milford Road—a less-traveled, red-rock corridor.
5. Scenic Byway 143 (Brian Head‐Duck Creek), Utah
Length: 59 miles
Highlights: Starting in Parowan, UT, you’ll climb to Brian Head Peak (11,307′) through aspen groves and meadows. Descend past Navajo Lake and Duck Creek, where alpine forests give way to sagebrush plains—an unexpected contrast in the high desert.
6. State Route 12 & Burr Trail, Utah
Length: 133 miles
Highlights: Pairing Scenic Byway 12 east of Boulder, UT, with the rugged Burr Trail switchbacks leads you to Lake Powell. Experience slickrock sections, narrow canyons, and remote trailheads—ideal for hikers seeking slot-canyon adventures.
7. US 89, Arizona & Utah
Length: 652 miles (select 200-mile segment)
Highlights: The stretch between Kanab, UT, and Page, AZ, traverses Zion National Park’s eastern entrance, the Vermilion Cliffs, and near Horseshoe Bend. Seasonal wildflowers and towering cliffs make this a prime road trip route in spring and fall.
8. Monument Valley Loop Drive, Arizona
Length: 17 miles (dirt road)
Highlights: A self-guided loop within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. While not a paved highway, this iconic drive winds through iconic Mittens formations, with close-up views of Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei spires. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
9. Route 66 (Historic) — Flagstaff to Seligman, Arizona
Length: 150 miles
Highlights: Cruise the Mother Road’s nostalgic segment through high-elevation pines, Route 66 diners, and retro gas stations. Key stops include Williams, Ash Fork, and Hackberry General Store—arthouse Americana at its finest.
10. Scenic Byway 12 (Capitol Reef Loop), Utah
Length: 100 miles (loop)
Highlights: Explore Capitol Reef National Park’s less-crowded backroads. The loop via SR 24 and SR 12 passes through Capitol Gorge, Fruita orchards, and the Cathedral Valley gravel road—offering solitude among monoliths and petroglyph panels.
Tips for Your American Southwest Travel
- Best Time to Go: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Vehicle Preparation: High clearance and AWD recommended for dirt sections; carry spare water and tire repair kit.
- Local Regulations: Check tribal access rules for Monument Valley and Burr Trail.
- Camping & Amenities: Reserve campsites early; fuel and supplies can be sparse between towns.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer paved scenic byways or rugged dirt loops, these top 10 scenic drives US showcase the American Southwest’s awe-inspiring geology and cultural heritage. Plan your itinerary around the best weather, prepare your vehicle for remote stretches, and you’ll create an unforgettable road trip route through one of America’s most spectacular regions.