Adventure Awaits: 6 Most Adventurous Road Trips

If you’re feeling restless and confined, an adventurous road trip might be exactly what you need to shake off that cabin fever. Instead of traveling by air you can often save yourself some cash by taking your car. Driving gives you better flexibility and you can travel and explore at your own pace.

It’s a good way to find peace and solitude if you go solo. Alternately you can bring friends or the family to build stronger bonds and make lasting memories. Few things bring people together like the shared experience of a legendary road trip.

Discover hidden gems while you decompress on one of these adventurous road trips.

1. Dalton Highway, Alaska

The Dalton Highway stretches further north than any other road in the United States and is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world. This adventurous road trip is ambitious and should only be attempted by experienced drivers. Remote sections of this road are not paved and driving conditions may quickly deteriorate with the possibility of heavy rain or snow.

This trip is just under 500 miles and could theoretically be driven in about 11 hours but you should give yourself a few days to allow for exploring and to accommodate road conditions. Begin by touring the city of Fairbanks and then head north and take in the sights and varied geographies of the area. Make a stop at the Gates of the Arctic National Park, Brooks Range, and Yukon River before you reach Prudhoe Bay for an exhilarating Arctic Ocean tour.

2. The Trans-Canada Highway, Canada

This epic road trip spans from Victoria on the Pacific coast all the way to St John’s on the Atlantic coast. It’s a once in a lifetime adventure and the opportunity to explore Canada so we recommend dedicating a whole summer to this trip. There are more than 4600 miles of road to navigate and plenty of things worth stopping for along the way.

The main route of the Trans-Canada Highway passes through nine of Canada’s ten provinces as well as major cities including Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Fredericton. Spend a few days at Glacier National Park as well as the iconic Banff and take in the natural beauty of the great lakes and the Laurentian Plateau. Where the Trans-Canada Highway passes through communities you can find restaurants, gift shops, and other tourist oriented businesses.

3. The Road to Hana, Hawaii

The Road to Hana is the most famous drive in Hawaii and it’s a thrilling experience that’s not for the faint of heart. It’s only about 60 miles but there are over 600 hairpin turns many of which sit on the edge of a cliff. Those who are brave enough to make this adventurous road trip will be rewarded with stunning ocean views and the lush vegetation of Hawaii.

Start at Kahului and take the Hana Highway all the way to Wailua Falls. The drive is about 2 and a half hours and it’s entirely possible to make it there and back for a day trip. Be sure to leave plenty of time for exploring the various swimming holes, lagoons, and waterfalls along the way.

4. Route 66, USA

If you’re looking for the classic American road trip then the iconic Route 66 is for you. This is an easy drive on a well paved road but the trip is more than two thousand miles and a solid 33 hour drive. You will need days if not weeks to enjoy this adventurous road trip in its entirety. Consider breaking this drive up into sections and doing each part as a separate trip if you’re short on time.

The drive begins in Chicago and touches several other cities worth exploring such as St.Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Los Angeles where the trip comes to an end. Plan to make a pit stop at the Grand Canyon for unbelievable photo ops. This route is made for road trips and you will find vendors and attractions at every turn with ample opportunities to soak up American history and bring home some souvenirs too.

5. Parks Tour, USA

This adventurous road trip is for nature lovers, backpackers, and camping aficionados. The opportunity to visit 7 national parks and a few must see pit stops means this is not the kind of trip that can be rushed. The drive measures almost 2500 miles and would take around 42 hours to complete but you will need a minimum of a week to explore all the fabulous stops on this trip.

From Phoenix head to the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon for unbelievable views. For the remainder of this trip you’ll hit one park after another starting with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Escalante Petrified Forest and Arches National Park. The next leg of the journey will take you to Grand Teton and Yellowstone followed by Glacier National Park. After that you’ll be heading west to Seattle where you will find Olympic National Park waiting for you.

6. Overseas Highway, Florida

The Overseas Highway will thrill both the casual weekend warriors and the most adventurous explorers. This drive takes you right over the ocean for unbelievable views so be sure to have a camera handy. It’s a little over 150 miles and should take no more than 3 and a half hours to complete, making it a good option for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Begin your journey in Miami and head south to Key West. For those seeking an adventurous road trip, stop at Key Largo and explore the reefs and shipwrecks on the ocean floor. The quiet beaches of Islamorada are a perfect place to rest and grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the sun. If you’re looking for a unique place to spend the night try the underwater hotel Jules’ Undersea Lodge but be prepared to scuba dive to your room.

When you’re out on the road safety should be a priority. A fundamental part of staying safe on your adventurous road trip is making sure your vehicle is up to the task. Before you set off, make a pit stop at myAutoloan and see how we can help.