Get the road trip paraphenailia packed because we are headed out on not one, not two, but 5 mini road trips to showcase the top 5 scenic mountain roads in the USA. Narrowing down all of the amazing mountain roads across the country into a list of 5 was not easy task, however, as you’ll soon see, these roads have a unique quality to them while all being rooted with the same characteristics. All are incredible feats of engineering, they pass through some of the most beautiful country in thier regions, and they all have multiple payoffs before, during and after your travels. They are all also closed for musch or all of the winter months. So you might be asking yourself, “Matt, why talk about these now, as we approach winter?”. Well, it’s time to be planning your summer 2019 vaca and I challenge, ney double dog dare, you to turn your process upside down and instead of picking a destination, choose one of these montain passageways and work your way out either side and build your vacation from there. Up for it? Let’s get to the list so that you can start planning…
1 ~ Tioga Pass – Yosemite National Park, California
Elevation at Tioga Pass – 9,943′
If you are a regular to The WBNL Podcast it is no surprise to you that this one is on the list. 
Yosemite National Park is my thoughtful spot, my home base and most definitely where I find Wandering Zen. It is also home to one of the very best alpine roads in the country. CA-120 or the Tioga Road is the only eastbound exit in this area of the Sierras and it takes you on a different adventure with each trip. From Yosemite Valley to Lee Vining you are looking at about an 80-mile drive which should take you a couple hours with no stops. Of course, that is an impossible feat because there are many sites to see as well as some of the very best hiking in the park. Here are some of the highlights:
- Tuolumne Grove
- Olmstead Point
- Tenaya Lake
- Tuolumne Meadows
- Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
- Lembert Dome
- Dog or Elizabeth Lake
- Tioga Pass
- Whoa Nellie Deli
- Mono Lake
Road Condition Updates – Click HERE
2 ~ Going to the Sun Road – Glacier National Park, Montana
Elevation at Logan Pass – 6,647′
I mentioned earlier that all of these roads were major engineering projects of their time and the Going to the Sun Road demonstrates that at nearly every turn. The 50 miles long Going-to-the-Sun road was dedicated in 1933 and shares its name with the nearby Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. It was an incredible feat of engineering when built and remains a testament to the human spirit to this day. The road was literally built in and around the landscape and offers up spectacular views of the park from Lake McDonald up through Logan Pass and down into the St. Mary area.
Being the only east-west connection, and if you are lucky enough to enjoy Glacier for 
multiple days, you will more than likely spend quite a bit of time wandering this roadway. It is certainly a beautiful drive, no doubt about that, however, the road does lead to quite a few great places that you can get out of your car to enjoy the wonders of the area.
We’ve already talked about Logan Pass and some of the great things that await you but there are many roadside pull-outs and vista points that you don’t want to miss. Plan on no less than 2-3 hours to traverse the road, but allow more time if you plan on getting out of your car for a bit. Sights not to miss:
- Lake McDonald Lodge
- Trail of the Cedars
- Weeping Wall
- Logan Pass Visitor Center
- The Continental Divide at Logan Pass
- Hidden Lake Nature Trail
- Garden Wall
- Jackson Glacier Overlook
- Sunrift Gorge
- Park Cafe & Grocery in St. Mary
Road Condition Updates – Click HERE
3 ~ Mt. Washington, New Hampshire
Elevation at the Summit – 6,289′
Driving up the tallest mountain in the northeastern United States can be hair-raising. The narrow, steep, and curvy roadway delivers an adventure that will stay with you for a while. You climb through four climate zones and will, most likely encounter varying weather conditions during your accent.
The Mount Washington Observatory sits at the end of the road. More than a quarter million people visit the summit of Mount Washington each summer by car, train, or foot. But in winter, sub-zero temperatures, hurricane-force winds, blowing snow and incredible ice claim the peak, creating an arctic outpost in a temperate climate zone. Known as the Home of the World’s Worst Weather, Mount Washington’s winter conditions rival those of Mount Everest and the Polar regions. The record wind speed was 231 mph, set on April 12, 1934!
The Mount Washington Hillclimb Auto Race, also known as the Climb to the Clouds, is one of the oldest auto races in the country. It was first run on 1904, predating the Indianapolis 500 and the Pikes Peak Hillclimb. The race record set in the inaugural year was 24 min. – can you guess what it was in 2017? It was an amazing 5 min. 44.72 seconds. If you’ve been on the road, that time will blow your mind!
Road Condition Updates – Click HERE
4 ~Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Moutain National Park, Colorado
Highest Elevation (between Gore Range and Lava Cliffs -12,183′
With more than 8 miles of the road above 11,000 feet, the Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the United States and it offers up amazing views of Rocky Mountain National Park along its 48+ miles. You will be above the treeline for much of the journey so stop often because the views of the glacier-carved peaks are unique at each overlook. Here are a few of the must-stop locations:
- Fairview Curve Overlook
- The Continental Divide at Milner Pass
- Alpine Visitor Center
- Gore Range Overlook
- Rock Cut Overlook
- Forest Canyon Overlook
- Rainbow Curve Overlook
- Old Fall River Road
Road Condition Updates – Click HERE
5 ~ North Cascades Highway, North Cascades National Park, Washington
Elevation at Washington Pass – 5477
The North Cascades Highway is one of the most beautiful stretches of Washington’s Cascade Loop. The towering peaks rise out of nowhere and go on forever. The highway winds its way through pristine forests and the lakes, albeit actually reservoirs, are stunning with their glacial silty green water which is mesmerizing. The lakes will draw you to their vistas but do not miss the observation point at Washington Pass. It is beautifully engineered and you will become one with the landscape that surrounds 
you.
94 percent of North Cascades NP is designated as the Stephen Mather Wilderness Area.
As with all of the roads that have come before, there is a ton to see and do here:
- Winthrop, WA
- Washington Pass Overlook
- Ross Lake Overlook
- Diablo Lake Overlook
- Gorge Creek Falls
- Gorge Creek Trail
- North Cascades NP Visitor Center
Road Condition Updates – Click HERE
So, which of these roads will make it into your next Summer road trip? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- San Francisco through Yosemite and then north to Lake Tahoe and then back to SF
- Boston up to Mt Washington and then north into Maine to Acadia National Park and then take the coast back to Bean Town
- Denver to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, through Glenwood Canyon, Aspen, and the Trail Ridge Road, then back to the Mile High City
- Seattle through the North Cascades Highway and then south through Mt Rainier National Park and back to the Emerald City
- Seattle to the Cascade Loop north through the North Cascades highway and then through Idaho and into Montana on to the Going to Sun Road and back the home of Starbucks and the Seahawks (this one is a bit more adventurous – I’m in, let’s do it!)
I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed with any of them.