Not every breathtaking view requires a strenuous hike! Some of the most iconic landscapes in the U.S. are easily accessible without a long trek, making them perfect for a road trip or for anyone who wants to enjoy stunning views without a strenuous climb. In this guide, I’ll share 10 scenic no-hike destinations that offer incredible landscapes with little to no walking involved.
1. Crater Lake, Oregon: A Scenic No-Hike Destination
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and is famous for its vivid blue color. The best way to take in the beauty of this scenic no-hike destination is by driving along Rim Drive. This scenic route offers several pull-off points for photo ops and overlooks, such as Watchman Overlook and Cloudcap Overlook.
Seasonal Travel Tip:
Crater Lake is most accessible in Early summer or early fall, while winter brings heavy snowfall that can close certain areas of Rim Drive. Please check NPS website for the most up to date information.
Accessibility Info:
While the main scenic points are accessible by car, the Rim Drive can be snowed in during the winter months, making the summer and fall months the best time to visit. There are some viewpoints that may be difficult for wheelchair access due to their elevated locations, so be prepared for a few steps at some spots.
2. Grand Canyon, Arizona: One of the Best Scenic No-Hike Destinations
The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and you don’t need to hike to appreciate its immense beauty. The most accessible views are at Mather Point and Desert View Watchtower, where you’ll find panoramic vistas just steps from the parking area. This scenic no-hike destination provides an unbeatable view of the canyon’s stunning landscape.
Seasonal Travel Tip:
The Grand Canyon sees its highest crowds in the summer, so visit in early spring or late fall to enjoy more solitude and cooler temperatures. We personally visited in January and that is a great time to avoid crowds, but be weary of snow and ice.
Accessibility Info:
Mather Point and Desert View Watchtower are both easily accessible from the South Rim with paved paths and wheelchair-accessible viewpoints, making them ideal for visitors with mobility issues or strollers.
3. Swiftcurrent Lake, Montana: A Hidden Scenic No-Hike Gem
Located in Glacier National Park, Swiftcurrent Lake offers stunning views of towering peaks reflected in the water. The best part? You can enjoy this stunning scenic no-hike destination from Many Glacier Hotel’s deck. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the mountains glow in warm hues.
Seasonal Travel Tip:
Swiftcurrent Lake is best visited in late summer or early fall to catch the vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage and avoid the crowds of peak tourist season.
Accessibility Info:
The view from the Many Glacier Hotel is directly accessible, and no hike is required. However, note that parts of the park can be rugged and inaccessible in winter, so check for road closures before visiting.
4. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona: A Scenic No-Hike Wonder
Horseshoe Bend is a famous meander in the Colorado River near Page, Arizona. The viewpoint is just a short 0.6-mile walk, but it’s flat and well-maintained, making it an easy scenic no-hike destination. For the best photos and fewer crowds, aim to visit at sunrise or sunset.
Seasonal Travel Tip:
Spring and fall offer the best weather for visiting Horseshoe Bend, as summer temperatures can soar over 100°F. Early mornings or late evenings also help you avoid the peak heat.
Accessibility Info:
While the walk to Horseshoe Bend is short, it is on a paved path with some slight elevation changes, which may be slightly challenging for strollers or wheelchairs. It’s still manageable for most visitors.
5. Artists Palette, California: A Scenic No-Hike Stop in Death Valley
Located in Death Valley National Park, Artists Palette features vibrant, multi-colored hills formed by mineral deposits. You can access this stunning spot easily from Artists Drive, making it a perfect scenic no-hike destination for those exploring the park by car.
Seasonal Travel Tip:
Death Valley can be incredibly hot in summer, so the cooler months of late fall and early spring are ideal for visiting Artists Palette.
Accessibility Info:
The Artists Palette viewpoint is accessible from the Artists Drive loop, but the road can be winding and narrow, so it may not be suitable for RVs or larger vehicles. Be cautious of high temperatures in summer.
6. Bryce Canyon Viewpoints, Utah: Scenic No-Hike Canyon Views
Bryce Canyon is known for its otherworldly hoodoos, and you can enjoy the views from several easily accessible viewpoints. Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point are all right off the main road, making them great scenic no-hike destinations for travelers who want to take in the unique rock formations without leaving the car.
Seasonal Travel Tip:
Bryce Canyon experiences snowfall in the winter, which adds a unique beauty to the park. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are perfect for fewer crowds and mild weather.
Accessibility Info:
All of Bryce Canyon’s main viewpoints are accessible by car and have paved paths to the viewpoints, making them wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. Some of the rim paths may require a little extra effort for those with limited mobility.
7. Big Tree Wayside, California: A Scenic No-Hike Redwood Adventure
If you want to experience the grandeur of the towering redwoods without a hike, Big Tree Wayside in Redwood National and State Parks is a must-see. A short, flat path leads directly to one of the tallest and oldest trees in the park, making it a great scenic no-hike destination.
Seasonal Travel Tip:
The redwoods are stunning year-round, but visiting in late spring or fall helps avoid the summer crowds, which can be heavy.
Accessibility Info:
The Big Tree Wayside is fully accessible with a paved path that leads to the giant redwood. It’s a great stop for those with limited mobility or families with strollers.
8. Tunnel View, California: Scenic Views of Yosemite
Yosemite’s Tunnel View is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the park, offering a panoramic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. It’s located right off the main road, making it an easy scenic no-hike destination that anyone visiting Yosemite can enjoy.
Seasonal Travel Tip:
Fall and spring offer fewer visitors and mild temperatures, making them ideal for visiting Tunnel View. Winter can also provide a beautiful, snow-dusted view of Yosemite Valley.
Accessibility Info:
The viewpoint at Tunnel View is easily accessible from the road with no hiking required, and the paved paths leading up to it make it wheelchair-friendly.
9. Cadillac Mountain Summit, Maine: Drivable Ocean Views
Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park offers stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean, and the best part is that you can drive directly to the summit. This makes it one of the best scenic no-hike destinations on the East Coast. It’s especially stunning at sunrise, as this is one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sun rise.
Note: A permit is required to drive up to the summit from May 21 through October 26, 2025.
Seasonal Travel Tip:
The best time to visit Cadillac Mountain is from late spring to early fall when the road to the summit is open. Winters can bring snow and closures, so check road conditions before planning your visit.
Accessibility Info:
The summit is accessible by car with a permit, and visitors can park right at the top to enjoy the stunning views. The area is generally accessible for those with mobility issues.
10. Sunrise Visitor Center, Washington: A Scenic No-Hike View of Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier’s Sunrise Visitor Center offers one of the most stunning views of the mountain without requiring a hike. The drive up provides breathtaking panoramas of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape. This high-altitude scenic no-hike destination is perfect for those who want to take in the grandeur of this towering peak.
Seasonal Travel Tip:
Summer is the best time to visit when the wildflowers are in bloom, but the road to Sunrise Visitor Center opens seasonally, usually in late June or July, and closes by October.
Accessibility Info:
The visitor center and viewpoint are accessible by car, though the high altitude may make some visitors feel short of breath. This is a popular spot for families, and the views are accessible to all.
Planning Your Trip
When planning a road trip to explore these scenic no-hike destinations, it’s important to consider airport proximity and the most efficient route to maximize your time in the parks. Here are some specific tips:
- Fly into a Major Airport:
Choose a major airport that’s close to your starting point. For example:- Phoenix, Arizona is a great entry point for visiting both Horseshoe Bend and the Grand Canyon.
- Salt Lake City, Utah provides access to Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park, with a scenic drive between the two.
- Portland, Oregon works well for exploring Crater Lake and also offers a short drive to Columbia River Gorge.
- Rent a Car for Flexibility:
Renting a car will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and access multiple scenic no-hike destinations. Be sure to choose a vehicle suitable for the terrain, especially if you plan on visiting areas with unpaved roads, like Artists Palette in Death Valley or Swiftcurrent Lake. - Plan Your Route Efficiently:
Many of these destinations are relatively close to one another, so you can visit multiple spots in one trip. For example:- From Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park, you’re only about 1.5 hours away by car, which makes for a smooth and scenic road trip through southern Utah’s famous national parks.
- Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are only about a 2-hour drive apart, so you can easily fit both into a single day or weekend road trip.
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
To enhance your experience and avoid the largest crowds, try to visit during these times:
Avoid Holidays and Weekends:
If possible, avoid visiting on major holidays and weekends, when parks and viewpoints are most crowded. Weekdays, especially early in the season, are your best bet for a more serene experience.
Early Morning:
Arrive early, especially at popular viewpoints like Grand Canyon’s Mather Point or Cadillac Mountain Summitin Acadia. The early morning light is perfect for photography, and you’ll experience quieter, more peaceful surroundings.
Shoulder Seasons:
Traveling during the shoulder seasons—late spring (April to June) or early fall (September to October)—is ideal. The weather is generally pleasant, and the parks are less crowded than in peak summer months. For example, Yosemite’s Tunnel View and Sunrise Visitor Center at Mount Rainier are much less congested during these months, allowing for better views and a more relaxed experience.
Ready for More Scenic Adventures?
If you loved learning about these scenic no-hike destinations, be sure to check out more of my blog posts for even more tips and recommendations on exploring the U.S. National Parks, planning your next road trip, and finding hidden gems you can visit without a hike. Whether you’re looking for more scenic viewpoints or tips on budget-friendly park visits, I’ve got you covered!
