The Great American Road Trip: Peaks, Rivers & Hidden Coastlines

Base yourself in North America's highest incorporated city (10,152 ft) to acclimatize. Stroll the historic Victorian downtown and stock up on alpine provisions.

Tackle the tallest summit in the Rocky Mountains (14,440 ft). Start at the North Mount Elbert Trailhead at dawn, pacing yourself steadily through the pine forest onto the vast alpine ridge.

Drive the scenic Snowy Range Pass and take the trail toward the 12,013-foot peak. Early season conditions frequently leave steep snow patches; microspikes and trekking poles are essential.

Stop at Lake Marie along the Snowy Range Byway for crystal-clear reflections of the Medicine Bow quartzite cliff faces, perfect for landscape photography.

Soak in secluded natural thermal pools nestled against river banks along the Idaho geothermal corridor. Arrive in the early morning for peaceful solitude.

Park your camper van or rig along designated dispersed riverfront camp pullouts along the South Fork Payette River for a night under brilliant dark skies.

Launch a kayak or canoe onto the Caddo River for a tranquil, scenic float with clean ripples and gravel bars, an uncrowded alternative to busier regional waterways.

Rent paddles and secure life vests for navigating whitewater riffles and rapid chutes on the Ouachita and Ozark mountain streams.

Experience world-unique subterranean lodging built directly into a limestone cavern cliffside with an adjacent natural cascade.

Explore the vibrant Ozark enclave famous for Victorian architecture, steep winding alleys, and legendary ghost tours through the 1886 Crescent Hotel.

Experience downtown Eureka Springs after dark when seasonal festivals, costumed night walks, and lively street events bring the historic core to life.

Walk along the Buffalo National River cliffs on the Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) trail for an unforgettable sunset view over the Ozark forest canopy.

Immerse in the historic heart of Pensacola with its 19th-century brick streets, Spanish colonial history, and lively local eateries along Palafox Street.

Escape high-rise commercial beachfronts at Pensacola Beach Pier. Stroll sugar-white sand dunes facing the calm emerald waters of the Gulf.

Stroll down world-famous Bourbon Street in the evening. Keep your eyes open for authentic second-line brass band parades that often spontaneously take over the cobblestones.

Catch world-class traditional New Orleans jazz played acoustically in an intimate, historic music hall preserved since 1961.

Grab a classic plate of hot powdered-sugar beignets and chicory cafe au lait at this open-air French Quarter institution operating since 1862.

Take a tranquil walking tour beneath moss-draped live oaks admiring classic antebellum mansions and streetcar lines along St. Charles Avenue.

Base yourself in this quintessential New England coastal town, packed with maritime shops, craft breweries, and harbor tours.

Drive the summit road before dawn to witness the nation's earliest sunrise illuminating Frenchman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Vehicle reservations are mandatory during peak season.

Climb iron rungs and traverse exposed granite ledges on Acadia's most exhilarating cliffside trail, offering dizzying panoramas of Sand Beach below.

Feel the thundering power of the Atlantic crashing into a narrow cavern carved out of ancient pink granite along the Park Loop Road.

Walk the scenic 3.3-mile flat perimeter trail around Jordan Pond with postcard-perfect views of the twin glacially carved South and North Bubble mountains.

Relax on the lawn of the historic Jordan Pond House to sample freshly baked Maine popovers served warm with strawberry jam and tea.