The Most Drivable National Parks Across the U.S.

The drive to Mount Rainier National Park is part of the adventure. With two of Washington’s most scenic byways skirting the park, you can take a full tour of the Central Cascades, where old-growth forests, waterfalls, and mountain views are plentiful. At the center of it all stands Mount Rainer, towering at nearly 14,500 feet. But rather than just gazing up at the mountain, you can actually climb it with a drive on Sunrise Road. The smooth 11-mile trek reaches an elevation of 6,400 feet and offers panoramic views of glaciers, wildflower-filled meadows, and rugged peaks. And thanks to the elevation, the park offers a nice respite from the heat of summer. However, this same road is typically closed in the winter months, so plan accordingly.

Toyo Tires Tip: For the most accurate tire pressure reading, always check before you start driving when your tires are still "cold."

With more miles of roadway than any other national park and extreme heat through much of the year, Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore on wheels. Nearly 1,000 miles of paved AND dirt roads provide ample opportunities for recreation and exploration, including some of the state's best off-roading and overlanding. But if you’re imagining a desolate wasteland, then you will be surprised by the diverse landscapes. One of the few paved routes in the park is Badwater Road. Badwater connects many of the park's highlights, including the multicolored hills of Artists Point, the unusual craggy spires of the Devils Golf Course region, and Badwater Basin (which also happens to be the lowest point in the U.S.).

Toyo Tires Tip: If you don't feel comfortable checking your own tire pressure and tread, or if you're unsure if you need to replace your tires, most dealerships and tire centers can easily check this for you. Click here to find a dealer near you.

Interstate 10 connects Los Angeles and Phoenix, making it a fantastic road-trip route. And just off the highway, you’ll find Joshua Tree National Park. You can easily take a whirl on Park Boulevard to check out the curious-looking namesake trees growing in the Mojave Desert sands. Giant boulders dot the landscape, giving your eyes more to ponder. With a proper vehicle, good tires, ample supplies, and a well-marked map, you can easily exit the smooth, main road to tour more remote areas of the park via its rugged trails. While the terrain is generally monochromatic, the spring wildflower season has practically become a holiday, as visitors fill the park to admire the colorful blossoming buds.

Toyo Tires Tip: Weather and mileage can cause subtle changes in tire pressure. And while your vehicle may have an advanced tire pressure monitoring system in-place, you should still manually check your pressure every month. Underinflated tires are not only dangerous to drive on but can make your vehicle less fuel efficient.

Five national parks in one state equals one mighty road trip. A journey through Utah’s “Mighty 5” can take a week or more. If you can’t do the whole 1,000-mile journey, plan a trip to Arches National Park for a taste of Utah’s epic landscapes. This park is known for its towering red rocks, with over 2,000 natural arch formations. The 18-mile Arches Scenic Drive connects many popular sites and trailheads, with offshoots to highlights like the Windows Section and the Delicate Arch Viewpoint (where you can view the iconic 52-foot-tall formation featured on Utah’s license plates). Spring and fall are delightful times to enjoy outdoor recreation in the region thanks to the milder temperatures.

Toyo Tires Tip: Always bring an emergency kit with you on every road trip. In addition to some basic first-aid items, the kit should have flares, jumper cables, bottled water, a flashlight, and a tire pressure gauge.

Colorado is known for the epic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, but did you know the state is also home to sweeping sand dunes? The rolling hills of Great Sand Dunes National Park create an interesting backdrop for a scenic drive. You can go from the snowy peaks of the mountains down to the dry sands of the desert valley. The Medano Pass Primitive Road promises adventure—but only to those with a 4WD vehicle. This 22-mile route reaches elevations above 10,000 feet and crosses the Medano Creek nine times. The trip to and from the park is also part of the adventure if you take the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway, which snakes by Zapata Falls, historic Fort Garland, and several Fourteeners.

Toyo Tires Tip: Before and after a road trip, check your tires for any punctures, cracking, or irregular wear—especially if you've done any off-roading or overlanding.

Imagine looking out from your car window onto an expansive desert, dotted with the world’s largest cacti. This is what you’ll find at Saguaro National Park, located just outside of Tucson, Arizona. If you are roadtripping on Interstate 10, take an easy detour through the park. The nine-mile Cactus Forest Drive is a great way to experience the highlights, including views of the Sonoran Desert and the iconic saguaro cacti (which can grow to over 40 feet tall). Sunset is a magical time, as the cacti are silhouetted against a canopy of color.

Toyo Tires Tip: Looking for an easy way to check your tire tread? Simply grab a penny, flip it over so Lincoln's head is upside down, and place the penny into the groove of the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it’s time for a replacement.

Just getting to Big Bend National Park involves quite a drive due to its location in the Chihuahuan Desert of southwest Texas. However, once you get there, you’ll want to stay behind the wheel and explore for hours, if not days. For adventurers with proper 4WD vehicles, primitive dirt roads take you deep into the backcountry. More developed dirt roads lead to valleys of giant yuccas, hot springs, and an awe-inspiring balanced rock. For a smooth ride, check out the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which gives you a taste of the park’s many landscapes, including steep canyons, vast deserts, mesas, and endless vistas. Though the summer heat can be a drawback, you’ll likely find perfect weather throughout the rest of the year.

Toyo Tires Tip: It’s no fun getting caught in a thunderstorm with bad wiper blades. To help, run a wet towel along your front and back blades every few months to get rid of dirt and build up.

If spotting black bears is on your bucket list, turn your wheels toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Not only does this park offer bountiful fishing, hiking, and camping, it’s also an easy place to enjoy from your car. Pick up a guidebook at any visitor center to find the hidden gems along any of the popular driving routes. The beloved Cades Cove Loop Road is a smooth 11-mile drive through a wide-open valley, with rolling views of the mountains along the horizon. Contrasting scenery can be enjoyed on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which runs through a verdant old-growth forest. Take a day trip along the Newfound Gap Road, which crosses the entire span of the park, connecting the towns of Cherokee, North Carolina, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Toyo Tires Tip: Remember that a spare tire will often have more limitations than a typical tire, including speed and recommended driving distance. Familiarize yourself with these details by reading your vehicle owner's manual and checking the sidewall of the spare.