#scenic-drives

#scenic-drives

When the weather warms up and the late winter rains turn trees green and fields into wildflower wonderlands, it's the perfect time to take a drive. Whether your preferred landscape is mountains, deserts, forests, plains, or coastal views, there's a spring road trip in the United States for you. Explore historic sites, regional food, wineries, or nature-all from the front seat.

You may have heard of the Colorado River-it starts at the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park and is known for whitewater rafting -but one of the best ways to experience its grandeur and natural beauty is on a scenic drive. The Colorado River Headwaters Byway spans 80 miles, from Highway 34, north of Grand Lake, to State Bridge.

Some ski trips start building the adrenaline before you even park in the ski area lot. Sometimes the road to get there can feel like a journey of its own, climbing over high passes, tracing narrow canyon walls, and then suddenly opening to big mountain views that make you want to stop and soak it all in. A handful of routes across North America turn the drive itself into part of the reward, serving up scenery that rivals the runs you came for.

When visiting Grand Canyon National Park, most visitors head straight for the iconic South Rim. Yet just east of the busy Grand Canyon Village lies a stretch of road with equally jaw-dropping vistas and far fewer crowds. Desert View Drive, a 25-mile scenic route along Arizona Highway 64, is a low-key wonder that rewards those willing to wander slightly off the park's busiest paths.

The rolling hills seem endless-but drive far enough, and the landscape shifts. Suddenly, around 32 miles southwest of Marfa, the pavement ends, the ground drops away precipitously, and the gentle plains give way to craggy rocks and steep, dramatic mountains. If you keep driving, you'll descend into Pinto Canyon along the Pinto Canyon Road, one of the most stunning drives in the state of Texas.

Hacienda Restaurant offers bold Latin American flavors, including slow-cooked meats and fresh house-made salsas, emphasizing traditional Mexican and Spanish cooking.

Driving in France showcases a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from the Mediterranean coast to the ascent along the Pyrenees and the Emerald Coast's stunning vistas.