7 Scenic Road Trip Ideas For Nature Lovers

Are you thinking about your next trip-of-a-lifetime? Road trips are one of the best ways to experience great scenery and flexibility in choosing where to go. While daydreaming about where to go for my next trip, these road trip ideas were the most appealing!

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1. Canadian Rockies

British Columbia, Alberta

I have always wanted to see those beautiful blue lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains. There are so many trails in summer, ranging from short walks/no walks to half-day hikes, and even multi-day hikes for those looking for a challenge.

The alpine lakes, glaciers, and mountains are definitely the things I would look forward to the most, not forgetting the scenic drives. Look at Jasper National Park and Banff National Park! The lakes and landscapes are so captivating, wouldn’t you want to go hiking there?

Source: Unsplash

Ideal time to go: Jun – Sep

Personally I prefer to see an unfrozen lake, so summer would be better. Do note that many places say to book accommodations 6 months in advance, so plan early if this is what you want to do!

Estimated duration: 2 weeks

Several itineraries suggest 2 weeks if you are incorporating hikes. However if you are tight on time, 7-10 days seems to be doable too.

2. USA West Coast

California, Oregon, Washington

I had the opportunity to visit California in early 2018 for my overseas exchange. Although I visited many national parks all over the state, I missed out on the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains because it was still winter. It would be amazing to do a long trip along the west coast in summer. I have been following this blog that has a lot of inspiration for traveling in the Pacific Northwest.

Photos taken in Yosemite, Big Sur and San Francisco

California is home to the famous Yosemite Natio n al Park, the scenic Pacific Coast Highway drive and many deserts like Joshua Tree National Park. The Sierra Nevada area in California has many beautiful alpine lakes that you can hike to – including Mono Lake, Five Lakes, etc. Did you know that you can enjoy natural hot springs in Oregon? The waterfalls there also look amazing. There is so much to see at the coast, and camping on the beaches of Washington or California sounds amazing. Not forgetting the beautiful cities that you will pass through on your road trip.

Ideal time to go: Jun – Sep

Estimated duration: 2-3 weeks

Sure, you do not have to do all three states in one trip. This idea was just to show you the appeal of the west coast. It could also connect you to the Grand Canyon area if you pass by Southern California. Oh boy, I am spoilt for choice! Do check out Outdoorsy to rent a RV/campervan and fulfil your bucket list.

3. Iceland Ring Road

When you think of Iceland, do you think of the blue lagoon, the glaciers, ice caves, and the magnificent waterfalls? Sure, Iceland is getting more tourist-y but the landscape is so unique and extreme! They even have volcanoes, geysers and something called a Diamond Beach. My personal dream is to stay in cute cabins, try camping along the way, and enjoy the hot springs.

Source: Unsplash

Ideal time to go: Jun – Aug; Oct – Nov

Personally I would go in summer so that I can maximise the day, and the weather will be more favorable. This means I have to forgo the Northern Lights, which is mostly a winter activity.

Estimated duration: 1-2 weeks

The reason why Iceland is on the grad trip list instead of a side trip from Europe is because I think it is best to dedicate a longer period of time to experience Iceland at a slower pace (shorter drives). If you are going in winter, sunlight is only 3-4 hours so you might want to spend a longer time there.

4. New Zealand Road Trip

This is where I would go if I wanted a chill but nature-filled trip with good friends/loved ones. Imagine sitting around a campfire as you chat and stargaze. Have you thought about renting a camper van to explore New Zealand? Split into the north and south islands, there is something for everyone. The attractions are generally far from each other, but this is why it is best enjoyed at a slower pace, where you enjoy the scenic drive one day at a time.

Source: Unsplash

Auckland’s coasts look nice and sunny, and the Southern Alps are probably the highlight (Arthur’s Pass) with alpine views continuing in Wanaka. The Queenstown area is a lake lover’s paradise.Milford Sound and Lake Tekapo are so beautiful. especially when the colorful lupins are captured! Seeing all these photos of the peaks and fjords makes me daydream about waking up to these views.

Ideal time to go: Dec – Mar

Estimated duration: 2-3 weeks

If you are planning to do both north and south islands, 3 weeks might be the best. Otherwise, I think 2 weeks will be a good duration for the south island.

5. Alaska Road Trip

Alaska has a sense of mystery whenever it’s winter time, but in the warmer seasons it’s so welcoming with the wildlife and beautiful landscapes! I love that there are so many hiking options in Alaska, and I imagine it would be amazing to camp there in summer.

Source: Unsplash

There are about 10,000 glaciers to visit and you can see many of them in Kenai Fjords National Park. One of the most popular places to view wildlife is in Denali National Park – imagine spotting eagles, moose, bears, and more! Similar to Iceland, you can experience the midnight sun in summer, or chase the northern lights in winter. There are also other outdoor activities like skiing and fishing. The towering mountains, lush forests, and the feeling of serenity in Alaska are things I would love to experience.

Ideal time to go: May – Sep

Spring to summer would be the best time to see wildlife, and enjoy the comfortable weather in Alaska.

Estimated duration: 2-3 weeks

I think Alaska is one of those places where you can extend for as long as you want. There are so many national parks in the state and it would be great to take your time with each place. Explore as many hikes as you want, and take detours as and when you like.

6. Hokkaido Road Trip

If you live in Asia, I am sure you have heard many good things about Hokkaido – its food, landscapes, and climate. Japanese people are also so kind and polite, that it makes the experience so much more enjoyable.

With volcanic landscapes like Daisetsuzan National Park and plenty of lakes and onsens, it’s no wonder Hokkaido is such as popular destination for road trips. For example, you can take an 8-day road trip around this island.

Photos taken in Central Hokkaido (Daisetsuzan National Park and Lake Toya) in 2018

You could start in either Sapporo or take a domestic flight to start further north in Asahikawa. This is where you will find Japan’s largest national park – Daisetsuzan National Park, home to a range of dormant volcanoes and lots of scenery via hiking/cablecar. Although Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu are amazing, I wish I had time to go further north to enjoy Lake Akan and the lakes in Shiretoko National Park. Consider camping at several of these locations in summer/autumn – a popular activity for the Japanese.

Ideal time to go: Mar – May; Sep – Nov

Winter is a great time for skiing and onsen hopping, but personally I would not do a road trip at this time due to the amount of snow on the roads. The attractions would likely be covered in snow too.

Estimated duration: 1-2 weeks

I spent 5 days in Central Hokkaido, and 4 days in South Hokkaido (excluding Hakodate). If I visit again, I would love to spend another 5 days in East Hokkaido.

7. Mongolia Wilderness Tours

There is something raw about the stories people tell after their trip to Mongolia. You can have a taste of the nomadic lifestyle as you stay overnight in a ger/yurt, and get in touch with nature as you ride a horse through the vast grassy plains. This is not really recommended as an independent travel, but you can hire a driver or follow a tour with 5-6 people, perhaps on a jeep.

Source: Unsplash & Google Images

You can choose to explore North, Central, South or West Mongolia. Many tour from Ulaanbatar – including going to the Gobi Desert and Gorkhi Terelj National Park for a traditional ger stay. To get to west Mongolia, you need to take a domestic flight or a long bus ride (30 hours), but it is lovely there with large lakes and towering peaks in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. North Mongolia is also quite popular with Khuvsgul Lake, where you get to do many activities, such as horse riding, fishing, seeing reindeer herders, and hiking.

Ideal time to go: May – Aug

Estimated duration: 1-3 weeks

1 week allows you to see Ulaanbatar city and the nearest national park to it. If you have more time, you can venture out further north or south and even explore west Mongolia. Many people book tours after they get to Ulaanbatar through their guesthouse/hotel. Check out our unforgettable road trip which took us to a homestay with the Eagle Hunters!

I hope this post has given you some inspiration or ideas (most photos in this post are from Unsplash). Check out my road trip packing list as you get ready! It really is a nature lover’s dream come true to plan your own itinerary with flexibility. Subscribe to my mailing list for more ideas and itineraries!