Stunning Desert Highways of the American Southwest

Often cited as one of the most beautiful roads in America, this route connects Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. It offers dramatic views of towering sandstone cliffs, hoodoos, and deep canyons that shift color throughout the day.

This high-altitude road cuts through the Coconino National Forest and into the Village of Oak Creek. Drivers are treated to stunning contrasts between dark pine forests and vibrant red sandstone monoliths, especially near Sedona.

The Mother Road traverses the desert heartland, offering a nostalgic journey through historic towns and expansive sagebrush plains. It combines automotive history with striking desert vistas, including the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest areas.

Located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this road winds along the shores of Lake Powell amidst towering red cliffs. It provides access to secluded beaches, historic forts, and some of the most photographed desert water landscapes.

This remote and rugged highway stretches across the Canyonlands region, offering solitude and spectacular views of the Green and Colorado Rivers. It passes by distinctive geological formations and ancient petroglyphs, ideal for off-road adventurers.

This scenic drive leads to the Valley of Fire State Park, featuring some of the oldest exposed sandstone formations on Earth. The bright red rocks contrast sharply with the surrounding desert scrub, creating a surreal and photogenic landscape.

Winding through the Navajo Nation, this road offers sweeping views of the Painted Desert and Monument Valley. It provides access to historic sites and stunning vistas of buttes and mesas under expansive desert skies.

A short but spectacular spur off the Red Rock Scenic Byway, this road leads to the base of the iconic Cathedral Rock formation. It is a popular spot for hiking, photography, and experiencing the intimate scale of Sedona's red rock landscape.

This high-elevation route traverses the Mogollon Rim, offering views from the edge of the Colorado Plateau into the Verde Valley below. It passes through pine forests and open desert grasslands, showcasing the transition between ecosystems.

Located near Capitol Reef National Park, this road offers panoramic views of the Waterpocket Fold and surrounding desert valleys. It is known for its isolation, stunning sunset colors, and proximity to historic homesteads.

A comprehensive loop connecting Utah's 'Mighty 5' national parks, this route showcases the pinnacle of desert scenery. It includes diverse landscapes from slot canyons to vast plateaus, offering a complete immersion into the region's geological wonders.

This drive explores the Sonoran Desert, home to the iconic organ pipe cactus and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy views of the Mexican border mountains and discover hidden desert washes and ancient petroglyphs.

While not a paved highway, the access roads to this otherworldly landscape offer a driving experience through strange, eroded sandstone formations. The area resembles the surface of Mars, with twisted spires and colorful badlands.

Connecting Sedona and Flagstaff, this road features dramatic switchbacks and views of the Mogollon Rim. It offers a scenic alternative to I-17, with pull-offs for spotting bald eagles and enjoying the transition from forest to desert.

This route leads to the historic Goulding's Lodge near Monument Valley, offering views of the iconic buttes. It serves as a gateway to the surrounding Navajo Nation lands and provides access to lesser-known viewpoints of the valley.

This road borders the expansive gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park, offering a stark white contrast to the surrounding desert mountains. It provides access to hiking trails and camping areas within the unique desert ecosystem.

Located within the Navajo Nation, this drive offers views into the deepest canyon in Arizona, with cliffs rising up to 1,100 feet. It is rich in cultural history and provides spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the canyon floor.

This winding road follows the shoreline of Lake Mead, offering views of the desert meeting the blue waters of the reservoir. It provides access to historic structures like the old St. Thomas town site and stunning desert vistas.

A remote and challenging route through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this road offers solitude and rugged beauty. It passes through vast desert landscapes with minimal traffic and spectacular views of slot canyons and cliffs.

This historic route connects Tombstone to Bisbee, passing through the San Simon Valley and mountainous terrain. It offers a mix of desert landscapes, historic mining towns, and panoramic views of the surrounding desert ranges.