7 of the most gorgeous scenic drives in the National Park System

Be sure to book in advance if you wish to visit the incredible shield and popcorn formations of Lehman Caves, which sit near the start and end point of this out-and-back drive. From the caverns, it’s a breathtaking 14 miles to the Wheeler Peak Campground, where you’ll turn your vehicle around. Along the way, be sure to stop at Mather Overlook for a quick photo opp. Hikers seeking to stretch their legs won’t want to miss the 2.8-mile trek to the Wheeler Bristlecone Grove, where you can witness trees that are over 3,000 years old.

From the Kelso Depot, travelers have a choice: turn left and head straight for a bout of sand sledding at the Kelso Dunes, or turn right and make a beeline for the park’s famous lava tube. The former requires a 3-mile hike to a large expanse of singing sand dunes. The latter involves a 5-mile drive down bumpy Aiken Mine Road and a .25-mile trek to the tube. If you’re staying in the area overnight, we heartily recommend that you see both of these natural marvels.

From Chinle, which sits inside Navajo Nation, take Route 7 east to Cottonwood Campground before turning right onto South Rim Drive. From here, it’s 14.5 miles to the turnaround point for this out-and-back drive. Along the way, be sure to pull over at the Tsegi Overlook for sweeping river views and a glimpse at modern day Navajo farming. From White House Overlook, get your heart rate up on the moderate 2.5-mile White House Trail, which offers hikers an up-close look at a 1,000-year-old cliff dwelling. Finish up this incredible drive with a picnic lunch at Spider Rock Overlook, which showcases two rust-red, skyscraper-sized stone pillars.

Don’t be alarmed by the long, slow approach on a dusty dirt road—most 2WD vehicles will be able to get to Black Canyon’s North Rim without any issues. If you’re itching to get out and stroll, you could park at the ranger station and venture out on an easy 3-mile hike out to the aptly-named Exclamation Point for incredible canyon views. Or, simply take a left onto North Rim Road and make time to pull over at each of its six overlooks. We’re big fans of the Narrows View, which showcases this dramatic canyon at its narrowest point.

Next, motor onto the one-way scenic drive and take your time winding through sky-high cacti. Pull over to stretch your legs on the easy Desert Ecology Trail, a .25-mile loop which details the park’s incredible flora and fauna via interpretive signs. From here, continue making your way around the loop, catching epic glimpses of the arid, rocky Rincon Mountains. Pull over at the Javelina Picnic Area and scramble onto Javelina Rocks for a fantastic sunset spot with great cactus views.

Enjoy panoramic views of the dunes and New Mexico’s Organ Mountains as you make your way to the Dune Life Nature Trail for a short stroll. This family-friendly one-mile loop follows Katie the Kit Fox around a series of interpretive signs designed to introduce visitors to the plants and animals that make this desert ecosystem so unique. After this mellow hike, hop back into your vehicle and meander onto Dunes Drive’s hard-packed gypsum sand road, which continues to Heart of the Sands Picnic Area. From here, no hiking is required to play on the dunes. Kids and kids at heart can spend hours flinging themselves down the glittering white dunes.

Travel counter-clockwise around the north side of Whiskeytown Lake, pulling over at the Oak Bottom Marina and Tower House Historic District for photo opps. At the latter, stroll around the circa-1852 Camden House, which was miraculously saved from the fire. This historic residence was built by Charles Camden, a business man and incredibly successful California gold miner. When you’ve had your fill of park history, head towards the dirt South Shore Drive, which winds along the enormous lake’s southern edge.