Discovering the wonders: 5 essential itineraries of the national parks of the American West

Radiant with majesty and splendor, the American West harbors unmatched natural treasures worthy of exploration. Five routes unveil breathtaking panoramas, spectacular canyons, and free-roaming wildlife, placing the traveler face to face with a wild and preserved world. These roads, true invitations to contemplation, offer much more than simple journeys: they reveal landscapes of striking and varied beauty, steeped in history and culture. From the astonishing Highway 12 to the sublime Going-to-the-Sun Road, each route evokes wonder. Each of these roads embodies the quintessence of American nature and promises unforgettable encounters, between sky and earth.

Highlights

Highway 12 (Utah): A 197 km route linking the Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef parks. Landscapes of canyons and hoodoos.

Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana): Summer road of 80 km in Glacier National Park, offering spectacular views and opportunities for wildlife observation.

Highway 9 (Utah): Access to Zion National Park, featuring dizzying canyons and the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel.

Moab Scenic Byways (Utah): Includes three scenic routes leading to the Arches and Canyonlands parks, with unique landscapes.

42-Mile Scenic Drive (Wyoming): A 68 km loop in Grand Teton National Park, offering views of lakes and majestic peaks.

Highway 12, Utah: between red cliffs, canyons, and vast plateaus #

The Highway 12, also known as Scenic Byway 12, stretches for 197 kilometers, revealing countless enchanting landscapes in southern Utah. A true masterpiece, this road traverses the national parks of Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, offering a natural spectacle at every turn. The canyon formations with their glowing hues, the prominent mesas, and the badlands create an impressive palette of landscapes. Bryce Canyon National Park is adorned with amphitheaters of hoodoos, these fairy chimneys sculpted by erosion, presenting a harmonious blend of orange and pink hues.

Continuing the route, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument reveals luxurious canyons, trails leading to natural arches, as well as captivating waterfalls. Discovering Waterpocket Fold, within Capitol Reef, proves unforgettable with its geological layers blending red, brown, and white colors. This geological fold unveils visual wonders in a breathtakingly tortured landscape.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana: the celestial road of Glacier National Park #

Located in Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a unique experience accessible only from mid-June to September. Extending for 80 kilometers, this iconic route showcases breathtaking landscapes of Montana. The labyrinthine ascent of this mountain-side road proposes dizzying panoramas, especially at Logan Pass which peaks at 2026 meters. Stops such as Jackson Glacier Overlook and St. Mary Lake allow for wildlife observation, from mountain goats to marmots, as well as black bears, although encounters remain exceptional.

Every turn reveals visual treasures, from glacial cliffs to lakes scattered with alpine meadows, offering stunning views of the surrounding glacial valleys. This route enchants nature lovers, inviting them to admire the hidden wonders of the park.

Mount Carmel Road (Highway 9), Utah: among the dizzying canyons of Zion National Park #

The Highway 9, nicknamed Mount Carmel Road, is the iconic passage to Zion National Park. Stretching for about 30 kilometers, this winding road penetrates narrow canyons, revealing lush valleys surrounded by impressive red cliffs. The Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel, carved into the rock, offers a picturesque view of the steep walls, providing the first impression of the splendid Zion landscapes.

The road meanders along the Virgin River, inviting many stops to admire spectacular sites such as The Sentinel and Checkerboard Mesa. The hikes that emerge from this road, particularly those leading to Emerald Pools, allow for access to unexplored corners, offering total immersion in the raw beauty of this park.

The Moab Scenic Byways, Utah: gateways to arches and carved gorges #

In Moab, the scenic routes unfold into several must-see itineraries to admire the national parks of Arches and Canyonlands. Three scenic routes meander through the surroundings, each showcasing natural wonders. The Route 128, for example, follows the meanders of the Colorado River, where red sandstone cliffs confront the river. The Route 279 runs alongside petroglyph panels, testifying to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Finally, the Route 313 provides direct access to Canyonlands, offering a taste of these vast impressive canyons.

The landscapes sculpted by wind and water emerge as natural treasures, with majestic arches and spectacle gorges. The scenic routes of Moab reveal a diversity of geographical jewels, appealing to both photography enthusiasts and hiking lovers.

42-Mile Scenic Drive, Wyoming: a panoramic loop in the heart of the Tetons #

In the heart of Grand Teton National Park, the 42-Mile Scenic Drive offers a picturesque route of 68 kilometers. This loop traverses coniferous forests, winding towards Jackson and Jenny Lakes, both nestled at the foot of the snow-capped peaks. The panoramic view embraces the Jackson Hole valley, where green plains and granite cliffs contrast strikingly.

The trails accessible from this road, such as those leading to Taggart Lake or String Lake, allow for an intimate exploration of this preserved nature. Between waterfalls and vast forests, these paths unveil hidden treasures, away from the more traveled trails. This route proves an essential passage to appreciate the majesty of the Tetons.