Planning an adventure? These are the best road trips for pickup trucks in the U.S., combining scenic views, varied terrain, and room to haul your gear.
Whether you’re craving elevation climbs, open coastal highways, or truck-friendly national parks, these routes are built for long-haul comfort and capability. Let’s hit the road, pickup style.
Best Road Trips for Trucks in the U.S.
Looking for unforgettable views, rugged trails, and smooth highway cruising? Here are the top 5 road trips for pickup trucks:
1. Beartooth Highway (Montana–Wyoming)
Terrain: Mountainous, winding roads
Best Season: Late May to early October
Gear Tip: Bring warm layers, extra coolant, and a truck bed storage system for quick access to roadside essentials.
This legendary 4×4 road trip route climbs nearly 11,000 feet to Beartooth Pass. With switchbacks, jaw-dropping overlooks, and snow even in June, it’s a rite of passage for serious pickup truck travel.
Make sure your brakes, suspension, and cooling system are in peak shape for the ascent.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Terrain: Rolling forest hills, paved scenic drive
Best Season: Spring bloom or fall foliage
Gear Tip: Pack a cooler, hiking boots, and a tonneau cover to keep gear secure and dry.
Looking for more relaxed pickup truck road trip ideas? This 469-mile stretch was made for slow, scenic drives with plenty of pull-offs. It’s ideal for camping with a truck, especially if you want a mix of comfort and fresh mountain air.
3. Pacific Coast Highway (California SR-1)
Terrain: Oceanfront cliffs, coastal towns
Best Season: March to November
Gear Tip: Sunshade, surfboard rack, and backup camera help with tight coastal parking.
When it comes to coastal road trips in America, few match the drama of Highway 1. Pickup drivers love the views, but also the utility.
It’s perfect for hauling beach gear, road bikes, or even an inflatable kayak. Plus, the cool ocean breeze is free air conditioning.
4. Moab to Monument Valley (Utah)
Terrain: Desert, red rock canyons, off-road trails
Best Season: March–May, September–October
Gear Tip: All-terrain tires, recovery kit, and a full-size spare are non-negotiable.
This one’s for off-road lovers. From Arches and Canyonlands to the cinematic beauty of Monument Valley, it’s one of the best off-road road trip destinations in the West.
Tackle dirt roads or detour to slickrock trails if your pickup is equipped with the right travel-ready features.
5. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Terrain: Alpine cliffs, glacier lakes
Best Season: July to September
Gear Tip: Binoculars, camera, and a bed rack for daypacks and emergency supplies.
This high-elevation drive through Glacier National Park is narrow and jaw-dropping. It’s a top pick among truck-friendly national parks, though length limits (21 feet max) mean full-size crew cabs might be restricted.
Double-check seasonal closures via the NPS site before you go.
What to Bring Before You Roll
A great road trip starts with smart prep. Before you hit the highway or a dusty trail, pack your truck gear checklist to stay safe and self-reliant. Essentials include:
- Spare tire and a jack
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Printed maps (cell service isn’t guaranteed).
For overnight stops, bring a camp stove, cooler, and rain shell. Secure your gear using bed covers or storage bins to keep everything dry and organized.
Want to outfit your rig right? Check out our Best Camp-Ready Trucks: Gear, Mods, and Packing Lists for setup tips.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Pickup drivers, you’ve got an advantage—space, comfort, and freedom to wander where sedans fear to tread.
Whether it’s highway travel in a truck or remote dirt roads, these routes let you lean into your truck’s power and practicality. So fuel up, plan, and roll out!
