Travel's Best Road Trips 2015 Pictures

Buckle up for the ride of a lifetime with Travel’s Best Road Trips 2015, our coveted list chosen by our panel of experts featuring the most picturesque and awe-inspiring drives around the world.

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Photo By: Adam Kliczek [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Photo By: By D. Vincent Alongi (Sea to Sky HwyUploaded by Skeezix1000) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Photo By: Wolfgang Staudt from Saarbruecken, Germany (Lake Powell) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Heritage Highway 89, Utah

"This route links several distinct areas of scenic beauty and Western history. Glass and woodworking studios reflect this heritage, and the towns boast numerous well-preserved historic buildings," says travel writer Mark Sedenquist. "Visit the Butch Cassidy Museum in Richfield; take a dip in the Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe; and shop for antiques in Sevier. Finish up exploring other wonderful destinations within easy reach, including Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks."

Skyline Drive, Virginia

"This road through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia has the views to live up to its name, but get out and hike for the real reward," says 100RoutesAcrossAmerica.com founder Shannon Entin. "Stop at a camp store — if only to observe the Appalachian Trail hikers gathered to rest, refuel and socialize. Strike up a conversation, and you'll hear true tales of stamina and fortitude."

Olympic Peninsula, Washington

"Seattle is known for its robust ferry system, which connects the islands of Washington state. From downtown Seattle, you can drive onto a ferry that will take you across the Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island, the start of a fantastic road trip around the Olympic Peninsula," says award-winning travel journalist Mike Shubic. "Fantastic inns, restaurants and outdoor activities await. On a clear day, drive to the top of Hurricane Ridge for views of Vancouver Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca."

Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming

"Beartooth Highway itself is the highest-elevation highway in the Northern Rockies and one of the most rugged areas in the Lower 48 states (20 peaks surpass 12,000 feet in elevation)," says RoadTrippers.com CEO James Fisher. "Hit the Rock Creek Vista Point rest area (which is at 9,000 feet above sea level) and the West Summit (whose highest point is at 11,000 feet) to feel the full significance of Beartooth’s elevation. Note that gnarly weather is a factor, so double-check that the passes are open before you make the trek."

Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia, Canada

"The Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler, British Columbia, is a beautiful drive with lots of great attractions along the way. The road hugs the North Shore Mountains, offering picturesque views of the many small islands in the Pacific Ocean," says avid road tripper Michelle Bucher. "Take a ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola, which takes you to the top of the iconic Stawamus Chief. This mountain is known worldwide for its rock climbing and hiking trails, as well as its stunning vistas of the valley below."

Great River Road, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa

"Start in picturesque Dubuque, IA, home of the shortest, steepest railway in the world and an aquarium that showcases the fish of the Mississippi," says travel writer Mark Sedenquist. "Head north on the Great River Road to Prairie du Chien, WI, a river town with a colorful past. Visit villages such as Harpers Ferry and Lansing, IA, or check out the world’s largest six-pack of beer in La Crosse, WI."

Gulf Coast, Alabama

"Road trip along the Gulf of Mexico, and you'll want to spend most of your time — and food budget — on Alabama's coast. Yes, you'll love its sugary white-sand beaches and Caribbean-like waters, but the real treasure here is the food," says 100RoutesAcrossAmerica.com founder Shannon Entin.

Page-Lake Powell, Arizona and Utah

"Located on the central border of Arizona and Utah is one of the most stunning recreational areas in the country, Page-Lake Powell," says award-winning travel journalist Mike Shubic. "It’s extremely scenic, with tall canyons, red-rock formations and sand dunes, and it’s an unparalleled place for activities such as houseboating, waterskiing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping and so much more."

17-Mile Drive, California

"The 17-Mile Drive through the Monterey Peninsula rivals the Pacific Coast Highway in quintessential California fame and beauty," says RoadTrippers.com CEO James Fisher. "This loop hugs the coastline, running alongside Pebble Beach Golf Links, past the landmark Lone Cypress and through the Del Monte Forest."

Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada

"Just a short 2-hour road trip north of Las Vegas, you’ll find State Highway 375, aka the Extraterrestrial Highway. This is the place where more UFO sightings are reported than anywhere else in America. Highway 375 is located fairly close to Area 51, making it a unique road-trip experience," says avid road tripper Michelle Bucher. "Along the way, you’ll pass several alien-themed shops and roadside attractions."

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Travel's Best Road Trips 2015 Pictures

Related To:

Heritage Highway 89, Utah

Skyline Drive, Virginia

Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming

Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia, Canada

Great River Road, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa

Gulf Coast, Alabama

Page-Lake Powell, Arizona and Utah

17-­Mile Drive, California

Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada

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17-Mile Drive, California