Utah Joins California, Colorado, Minnesota, Virginia and Alaska to Define the Epic American Drive: Ignite Your Engine with Record Low Gas Prices and Conquer the Most Breathtaking Road Trips

Published on December 14, 2025

The call of the open road is louder than ever. Now, you should listen. A perfect storm of financial relief and spectacular scenery makes this the ultimate season for a Road Trip. We know you crave adventure and the data backs your desire to drive. AAA confirms an absolute game-changer: gas prices sit at their lowest point in four years, fueling a record surge in road travel. This economic boost means your journey can stretch farther and last longer. But where should you point your wheels? We drilled down into official government sources—analyzing safety, infrastructure and sheer scenic density. That research reveals an elite group of six states that define the truly great American drive. From the monumental canyons of Utah and the vast wilderness of Alaska, to the coastal drives of California and the mountain roads of Colorado, we unlock the best routes. We also include the safe, historic paths of Virginia and the excellent highways of Minnesota. Get ready. We give you the definitive guide to the nation’s most breathtaking, safest and budget-friendly road trip destinations.

The Fuel Economy Driver: Why the Road Trip Rules

The sheer volume of people driving is stunning. AAA forecasts 109.5 million Americans will travel by car during the year-end holidays. This number is a 2% jump from last year. Driving is the overwhelming favorite for a reason: low cost. Air travel is expensive. Domestic flights now average nearly $900 per ticket, up 7% from last year. Who wants to pay nearly a thousand dollars just to fly? Instead, drivers are filling up their tanks for less money. The national average price for gasoline is down significantly from last holiday season’s $3.04 average. This dramatic price drop gives travelers freedom. They can spend that saved money on hotels, local food and unique experiences. The road trip has officially won the 2025 holiday travel battle.

Utah: The Mighty Five and Unrivaled Safety

Utah is the undisputed champion for maximizing scenic payoff in a short drive. It is a stunning state. Utah is home to five major National Parks. People call them the “Mighty 5.” These parks include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. These natural wonders are concentrated close together. This creates an incredibly efficient and unforgettable road trip loop. You can see the best of the American West without wasting days on monotonous highways.

But Utah offers more than just beauty. It offers peace of mind. Safety is paramount on any long road trip. Utah sets the standard for highway safety. Its fatality rate is incredibly low at just 0.81 deaths per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). This figure is far better than the national average. Furthermore, the state keeps its roads in excellent condition. Only 2.9% of Utah’s bridges are rated in “Poor” condition by the FHWA. When you take a road trip through Utah, you combine natural grandeur with smart, safe, well-maintained roads. It is the perfect formula.

California: The Ultimate Scenic Diversity Challenge

You cannot discuss the American road trip without mentioning California. This massive state offers a breathtaking array of landscapes. California holds the national record for National Parks. It boasts nine of them. You can drive from the snow-capped granite cliffs of Yosemite to the silent, extreme heat of Death Valley. Then you can find the iconic coastline of the Pacific Coast Highway. This variety makes California the go-to destination for the most diverse road trip possible.

A drive through California is an epic journey. It requires good infrastructure. The state manages over 25,000 bridges. While the sheer volume means 5.9% are rated as “Poor,” the major highway system remains robust and capable. Its size does present a slight safety challenge, with a VMT fatality rate of 1.28. However, the sheer volume of world-class road trip options in California makes it a must-do state.

Colorado: The National Scenic Byway Leader

For the true driving enthusiast, Colorado stands alone. A great road trip is not just about the destination. It is about the winding path to get there. Colorado has more officially designated National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads than any other state in the research. These are not just any roads. The U.S. Department of Transportation specifically designates them for their extraordinary scenic, natural and historical value. Driving in Colorado means every mile is a postcard.

In addition to its incredible routes, Colorado features four National Parks, including the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park. The state maintains its vital infrastructure well. Only 4.8% of its bridges are rated in “Poor” condition. This is a testament to the state’s commitment to maintaining its mountain road trip pathways. The VMT fatality rate of 1.32 is slightly above average, but the reward is world-class, purpose-built scenic driving. Colorado delivers an unparalleled motoring experience for your road trip.

Minnesota: Underrated Safety and Smooth Infrastructure

Minnesota may surprise some travelers. It does not boast the sheer mountain peaks of Colorado or Utah. But for a comfortable, safe and pleasant road trip, Minnesota shines. This state is a standout in two critical areas: safety and infrastructure. It is an excellent choice for a family road trip.

Minnesota has the safest roads among all the top states. Its VMT fatality rate is just 0.70. This is one of the lowest rates in the entire country. Road trippers can drive confidently knowing the state prioritizes highway safety. Furthermore, Minnesota has a well-maintained system. Just 4.4% of its bridges are in “Poor” condition. Its roads are smooth and reliable. While it lacks major National Parks, its scenic routes along the Great Lakes and through its vast National Forests offer quiet, beautiful road trip routes. Minnesota proves that a great road trip is often defined by a stress-free journey.

Virginia: Historical Routes and the Appalachian Anchor

Virginia anchors the ultimate East Coast road trip. The state is rich in history. It is also the key location for the Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service manages this Parkway. It is one of the nation’s most famous and beloved scenic drives. Parkways are different from standard roads. They are specifically designed for leisure driving, scenery and recreation. Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway through Virginia is a classic American road trip.

Virginia ensures a reliable drive. Only 3.4% of its bridges are rated as “Poor.” The state’s infrastructure is clearly a priority. Highway safety is also excellent. The VMT fatality rate is 1.04, which is significantly below the national average. This commitment to safety and maintenance makes Virginia the clear choice for a road trip combining historical significance and stunning natural drives on the Eastern seaboard.

Alaska: The Grand Scale Wilderness Road Trip

Alaska offers the grand finale of the American road trip. This journey is not for the faint of heart. It is for those who crave absolute, untamed wilderness. Alaska is vast. It is epic. It is truly the last frontier. The state has eight National Parks. This is the second-highest number in the nation. Parks like Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias are immense and define remote travel.

The sheer scale of an Alaska road trip is incredible. It includes America’s longest designated scenic byway—the 3,500-mile Alaska Marine Highway All-American Road (a ferry system!). The state’s VMT fatality rate is 1.07. This is a commendable number considering the isolation and challenging conditions of many of its routes. While 7.9% of its small bridge inventory is rated “Poor,” the reward is unparalleled access to North America’s wildest landscapes. This road trip delivers an adventure of a lifetime.

The Perfect Time to Plan Your Drive

The evidence is clear. The time to take that epic road trip is now. Over 109 million travelers are choosing the road. They are taking advantage of a major financial gift: low gas prices. Utah, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Virginia and Alaska offer the best blend of attractions, safety and infrastructure quality. These states provide the variety, from the high peaks of Colorado to the quiet lakes of Minnesota and the vast Alaska wilderness. Use this detailed research to pick your perfect route. Ignite your engine. The road is waiting. Go explore Utah. Go see California. Go drive through Colorado. Go enjoy Minnesota. Go trace history in Virginia. Go conquer Alaska.

Source- AAA