Explore Roads Less Traveled With the Family

For when you want to take the scenic route and not be in bumper-to-bumper traffic with everyone who had the same idea, check out some of these off-the-grid routes.

Pack up the car, strap in the kids and head out on the road less traveled on your next family road trip. According to America’s Quietest Routes, these top five highways and byways should be on your list.

Although a bit out of the way of your average road trip, the Dalton Highway in Alaska on State Route 11 is the ultimate nature-sighting ride with more than 400 miles of road lined with robust natural beauty. Take a tour and view the Arctic Ocean or head out on your own, viewing everything from wildlife, lush forests and seemingly untouched lakes from Fairbanks to Deadhorse, Alaska. Just be sure to fill up the car with everything you might need, as this destination is remote and there is about 240 miles between service stations.

Begin at the Nevada state line and travel along US Route 50 in Utah for more than 300 miles of geological wonders and pristine deserts. Take the scenic route through Canyonlands National Park and observe Arches National Park. Step out and stretch your legs, or continue on to Great Salt Lake Desert before ending at the Colorado state line.

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Plan something toward the end of summer in time for peak fall foliage season along US Route 201 in Maine. Known as Old Canada Road, travel 150 miles from Cumberland County to the Canadian Boarder with fall leaves, tree-lined roads and The Forks rolling by.

A list of scenic tours wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Arizona. Get out on the open road of US Route 160 through Arizona with incredible red rocks, sandstone and rock formations accenting your trip. Begin at Tuba City and end at the New Mexico state border with stops including Navajo National Monument and an ancient Pueblo cliff village.

Next on America’s Quietest Routes list is State Route 139 from Susanville, Calif., to the Oregon state line. Drive along 140 miles around Eagle Lake, through Modoc National Forest and Lava Beds National Monument. Take in the mix of scenery from the car, or hop out for a memorable hike through some of the lush, rugged and varying terrain.