10 scenic highways long-haul truckers won't want to miss

As a long-haul trucker, most of your time is spent on the road — and with that comes the perk of witnessing some of the most breathtaking views across the United States. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most scenic truck driver routes you don’t want to miss throughout your travels.

Scenic highway 1: San Juan Skyway, Colorado

The San Juan Skyway is a 233-mile loop that winds through the San Juan National Forest, which is home to the 14,000-foot San Juan Mountains. Driving on this highway is like driving through time. You will see Pueblo Indian ruins and the modern mountain towns of Telluride and Silverton. If possible, make a stop at one of the many restaurants for food with a good view.

‍Scenic highway 2: Westbound routes from Montana to Idaho

The 700-mile highway passes through many scenic locations, including Lookout Pass in Idaho. This route is filled with lush meadows, forests, and mountains that dot the landscape.

‍‍Scenic highway 3: I-70 through Utah and Colorado

Scenic highway 4: Seward Highway, Alaska

‍The Seward Highway is a drive full of views you won’t get at home or in an office. This highway is a popular sightseeing destination because of the natural landmarks that cannot be seen anywhere else in the country.

From Beluga Point, you will have a view of mountains in the background covered with fog and clouds. Also along the highway is Turnagain Arm, a waterway that is popular for wildlife watching along the gorgeous coastlines that boast an abundance of wildlife. Moose Pass is a breathtaking Alaskan countryside in Chugach National Forest that makes for a scenic rest stop.

Scenic highway 5: Pacific Coast Highway, California

‍Scenic highway 6: US 83 (the Road to Nowhere)

US 83 is ‍1,885 miles of prairie grasslands and countryside between Canada and Mexico, a memorable and quiet drive with many breathtaking views and exciting stops. You can make a stop at The World’s Largest Buffalo Skull in Abilene, Texas, or from the road, take a glance at the Dismal River as it runs through the Sandhills of Nebraska. The moniker, ‘The Road to Nowhere,’ stems from the seemingly endless landscape. However, many noteworthy stops exist, from the city skylines to arid deserts that dot the highway.

Scenic highway 7: Route 12, Utah

Utah’s Route 12 is a 122-mile route that passes through old pioneer towns and impressive red rock structures that tower from the ground. It is designated an All American Road because of the unique features that cannot be seen anywhere else in the country. This route is a drive where you want to look out for all the unique natural land formations.

Scenic highway 8: Pikes Peak Ocean to Ocean (PP-OO) Highway

‍PP-OO is a historic highway that takes you from San Francisco to New York City, tying the industrial centers of the U.S. to the mountains and more. Stop in Colorado Springs, and you’ll catch a stunning view of the snow-capped Pikes Peak. Or, stop in Springfield, Illinois, for some historical sights. Along this road, you’ll see everything from agriculture to mining districts.

Scenic highway 9: I-64 to West Virginia

This scenic highway will provide you with sights and sounds of the Appalachian as you drive through the 189 miles of I-64 in West Virginia. The overlooks of the valleys will make you feel as though you are in a painting, especially during the color-changing autumn months. If you are looking for a spot to stretch, try the popular Tamarac marketplace, which is a rest stop just off I-64 in Beckley.

‍Scenic highway 10: Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and the Carolinas

The best routes are strategically planned

A career in trucking allows you to travel the country and see some of the most beautiful places in the United States. While this is a big benefit, it is also important to make sure you plan the most efficient routes to maximize your monthly profits.