At Service King, we know a lot can happen in a lifetime. That’s why we were surprised to discover that the average person only takes 7 road trips their entire life! With over 4 million miles of roads in the United States alone, how can you be sure that the trip you choose is worth your time?
In this chapter of the Service King Road Trip Giveaway, we’re making sure your next road trip is memorable (and hopefully more affordable) by not only giving you a chance to win a $500 gas card by following and commenting on our post on Instagram, but by scouring every American mile to make this list of the best road-trip highways.
So whether you’ve got a couple hours to get away or a couple weeks, we’re sure you’ll love driving:
The Lonesome Highway (Texas)
If you're on a Texas road trip and looking to find a little solace, head west on Highway 285 until it meets Highway 180, then continue on further until you hit some epic mountain views. Called The Lonesome Highway, this quiet stretch of road leads to the breathtaking Guadalupe Mountains and is best paired with a little Rodney Crowell. You won’t see many cars along the way, but you will get plenty of gorgeous candy coloured skies and wide-open Texas plains. Just make sure you’ve got a full tank and a plan in case of emergencies because there’s not a soul to be found along this scenic road, hence the nickname.
Length: 59 mi
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Scenic Byway 12 (Utah)
Designated an All-American Road, this highway isn’t the quickest route between Panguitch and Torrey, Utah - but it’s by far the most inspirational. Fully-paved and open year round, you’ll find great views of jagged red-rock formations, deep slot canyons, green alpine forests, and rolling meadows. It’s just short enough to drive it all in one go, or make stops along the way to check out all the unique sites, including a number of national parks, state parks, national monuments, scenic overlooks and plenty of great restaurants and shops.
Length: 123 mi
Time Needed: 3-4 hours
Blue Ridge Parkway (Tennessee - North Carolina - Virginia)
They call this “America’s Favorite Drive” and with millions of visitors each year, they might not be wrong. An experience like no other, this slow-paced and relaxing road reveals stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. Along the way you’ll find the highest peak in the eastern United States, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies and the deepest gorge this side of the Grand Canyon.
Length: 469 mi
Time Needed: 3-4 days
Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 (California)
Built in the 1930’s and covering most of California’s coastline, this legendary cruise will keep you constantly wondering what’s around the next bend. You can cover the entire route in about 10 hours without stopping, but do that and you’ll miss out on mind-blowing scenery, quirky pit stops and more. Instead, we recommend spending at least three days making the drive, and be sure you go north to south, that way you enjoy unobstructed oceanside views the entire trip.
Length: 656 mi
Time Needed: 3 days
Historic Route 66 Highway (8 Different States from Illinois to California)
You can’t make a list of road trip highways without mentioning Route 66. It truly is the “Mother Road”. One of the most famous highways in all of the United States, this legendary road takes a diagonal path across our country and gives you a marvelous cross-section of America - from the cornfields of the midwest all the way to the warm sunshine of our western beaches. And don’t even think about hurrying down this highway - it’s best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so you can soak in everything. Instead, get ready for weeks of historic wonder, whether you’re looking for roadside attractions, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops or kitschy Americana, you’re sure to get your kicks on Route 66.
Length: 2,448 miles
Time Needed: 2-4 weeks
Now that you know which highways have the best sights, remember that no matter how many miles you go, Service King will always be there when you need us. And of course, there’s one more “site” we want to make sure you don’t miss:
The Service King Road Trip Giveaway (Instagram)
Want a chance to win a $500 gas card for your next road trip? Jump on the Information Superhighway and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Then, every other week you can enter for a shot to win by commenting on our Instagram post. You’ll have five chances to enter overall!
Length: As far as here to there.
Time Needed: Less than a minute