Desert Routes
Dunes, open space and remote highways.
About this category
Desert road trips feel like driving through another planet. Vast open landscapes, endless horizons, and minimal human presence define these routes. They are often extremely peaceful but require serious preparation due to isolation and environmental conditions.
Scenic routes
Ruta 40 Epic Long Highway Road Trip
Legendary long highway crossing entire Argentina.
Namib Desert Dune Scenic Drive
Endless desert landscapes and red dunes.
Gobustan Desert Scenic Drive
Desert landscapes and ancient rock carvings.
Mongolia Central Steppe Scenic Highway Route (Ulaanbaatar Corridor)
Endless open steppe landscapes.
Salar de Uyuni High Altitude Scenic Drive
Driving across the world's largest salt flat.
Patagonia Scenic Loop Road
Remote southern landscapes with glaciers.
Utah National Parks Scenic Loop Drive
Arches, canyons and desert landscapes.
Red Centre Outback Desert Drive
Outback desert road through Uluru region.
Route 12 Utah Desert Scenic Drive
Red rock landscapes and high plateaus.
Atacama Desert Scenic Drive
Mars-like desert landscapes, salt flats and volcano views in the driest place on Earth
Death Valley Scenic Drive
Extreme desert drive through salt flats, dunes and vast volcanic landscapes in Death Valley National Park
Monument Valley Scenic Drive
Iconic desert road through towering sandstone buttes and vast Navajo landscapes
What to expect
Expect long stretches of straight roads with very few landmarks. The sense of scale is unique — distances feel larger than they are, and visual references are often minimal. Heat shimmer, sand dunes, and empty highways are common features of desert driving.
Risks & challenges
The biggest risks in desert driving are environmental and logistical. Extreme heat can affect both vehicles and drivers, and breakdown assistance may be far away. Sandstorms can reduce visibility suddenly, and fuel or water availability may be limited over long distances.
How to prepare
Always carry extra water and fuel when entering desert regions. Avoid driving during peak daytime heat if possible. Use offline navigation tools and plan routes carefully, as mobile coverage can be unreliable in remote desert areas.