Best Scenic Drives for RVs in the American Southwest

While technically extending into the Southeast, the southern terminus connects to major Southwest access points. This 469-mile National Parkway offers gentle curves, frequent pull-offs, and no commercial vehicles, making it ideal for recreational vehicles seeking scenic mountain views.

Located in Glacier National Park, this engineering marvel offers spectacular alpine views. Note that most standard RVs are too long for this road; it is best enjoyed by shuttle or smaller Class B campers. Check length restrictions carefully before attempting.

Connecting Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park, this route traverses diverse landscapes from red rock canyons to high plateaus. Several pullouts accommodate larger vehicles, though some narrow sections require caution during peak tourist seasons.

A short, accessible loop in Olympic National Park featuring old-growth forests. While not a long drive, the surrounding Hoh Rainforest access roads are well-maintained for RVs, offering lush, green scenery distinct from the arid Southwest.

A lesser-known gem in Idaho near the Wyoming border, offering dramatic canyon views. The paved road is generally suitable for RVs, providing a quieter alternative to busier national park roads with stunning geological formations.

Stretching along the Oregon-Washington border, this route features numerous waterfalls and river views. Wide shoulders and designated RV parking areas make it a favorite for travelers, though winter ice can be a concern.

Reaching 10,947 feet, this high-altitude road offers breathtaking mountain scenery. It is open seasonally and can be challenging for large RVs due to steep grades and narrow lanes; best suited for experienced drivers with robust vehicles.

The highest highway in California, crossing the Sierra Nevada. While stunning, the steep grades and lack of services at altitude make it difficult for large RVs. Smaller motorhomes may manage, but trailers are discouraged due to winding sections.

Also known as the Million Dollar Highway, this section between Ouray and Silverton is renowned for its beauty. However, the lack of guardrails and narrow widths make it risky for large RVs; a shuttle service is recommended.

Located just outside Las Vegas, this 13-mile loop offers stunning red rock formations. The road is fully paved and wide enough for most RVs, with several large pullouts designed specifically for recreational vehicles and large trucks.

This route through Zion National Park includes a famous tunnel. Most RVs must take the alternate route around the park due to height and width restrictions. The surrounding scenic roads offer incredible views without the tight constraints.

Exploring the rugged terrain of New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns area, this road offers unique volcanic landscapes. The surface can be rough, so larger, high-clearance RVs are advised, and weather conditions must be monitored closely.

While the main park road is restricted, the surrounding Montana landscapes offer scenic drives suitable for RVs. The Flathead Lake scenic byway provides water views and easy access to campgrounds, serving as a relaxing complement to park visits.

Offering views of ancient cliff dwellings, this road is quiet and less crowded. The pavement is generally good, but the road is narrow and steep in places, requiring careful maneuvering for larger RVs, especially near the overlooks.

A key transit route in Southern California with surprisingly good scenic overlooks. While busy, the wide shoulders and paved surfaces make it navigable for RVs, offering a glimpse of the San Gabriel Mountains without the difficulty of mountain climbing.

The road to this unique basalt column formation is short but scenic. Accessible by RV, though parking can be limited in summer. The surrounding Ansel Adams Wilderness offers additional scenic driving opportunities for larger vehicles.

Connecting to Zion, this route passes through Cedar Breaks National Monument. The high elevation and stunning amphitheater views are spectacular, with paved roads suitable for RVs, though cold weather can persist even in summer.

Known as the Million Dollar Highway, this section between Ouray and Silverton is iconic. Due to its narrow, unguarded cliffs, it is not recommended for large RVs. However, the nearby Ouray area offers RV-friendly scenic alternatives.

Following the Mississippi River, this scenic byway offers lush river views. While not in the Southwest, its northern sections provide excellent RV camping and driving opportunities with wide, paved roads and frequent rest areas.

Though on the West Coast, not the Southwest, this iconic route is often grouped in general scenic lists. Many sections are tight and cliff-side, unsuitable for large RVs. However, specific stretches in Northern California accommodate RVs with careful planning.