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I like the I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Large variation of terrain going from urbanity of Phoenix to saguaros and rocky boulder-like mountains to almost a plains-like area on plateaus with huge mountains and canyons to green grasslands (just before Sedona) to full-on pine tree forest and snow-capped summits. All of this in about two hours.
Just my luck … the only time I was ever on I-17 was at night, on our way from the Petrified Forest to Phoenix. It was dark by the time we got to Flagstaff. I knew we were missing out on some incredible scenery but the timing couldn't be helped.
I'll put in a vote for I-89 to the Canadian border. And, although it isn't an Interstate, the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Not only is the Pennsylvania Turnpike very scenic, but there's really not much in the way of steep grades despite traversing mountainous terrain. In fact, the only truly steep grades are a four-mile segment east of the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel, and another four-mile segment east of Breezewood. The ascent east of New Stanton is very gradual, almost undetectable at times. By comparison, I-68 in West Virginia and Maryland has several long, steep grades, and it'll remain a four-lane Interstate while the Pennsylvania Turnpike is gradually reconstructing and widening the entire highway to six lanes, including a replacement for the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel (either a new tunnel with three lanes in each tube, or a six-lane bypass to the north of the existing tunnel).
I'll take the grades if I'm virtually the only one on it, which is how 68 always feels to me. Not to mention it's 70 mph almost the entire way.
For some reason, the Turnpike just consistently seems to cause me inordinately more aggravation than 68 or even 80. Factor in having to actually pay for that experience and it's just not worth the trouble whenever I can conveniently avoid it.
I 15 is the best drive. Every part of it is scenic and beautiful. Honorable mention to I 40 between Abq and Barstow and I 81
The worst is I 95..... yuck and boring
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I love the mountain drives and beautiful scenery--especially in the fall and winter!
