10 of the Most Dangerous and Picturesque Roads in the World
The world is full of picturesque but dangerous roads. Often, these two definitions are pretty much inseparable. Here are the top ten such roads in the world.
Some people travel for excitement, some for a cultural experience, and some for the natural beauty of new places. Well, you can combine all those goals into one and drive some of the most beautiful roads in the world. Beware, though, that such beauty comes at a high cost of danger.
1.Tianmen Winding Mountain Road, China
Tianmen Winding Mountain Road is one of the most famous, picturesque, and yet dangerous roads in the world. It is a mountain road with dozens of turns and twists that are so stiff and narrow that one may feel dizzy only by looking at it. Though, there is a lot to see there. China is rich in natural sights of majestic beauty. This road is surely one of them. It opens a unique and breathtaking view of the North of China. What’s more, the road leads to the Heaven Reaching Ladder, which is believed to be the last distance between people and the gods.
2.Shafer Trail Road-Shafer Canyon Road, USA
Not many people know about this road, and even fewer drivers would risk getting their car to that path. Shafer Trail Road-Shafer Canyon Road is not for self-doubters. You have to be confident in your skills if you want to drive that roar. Besides, you can easily avoid getting on it, as the road doesn’t lead to any major city. However, driving there can be great fun as long as you don’t mind unpaved and narrow roads.
3.Bayburt-Of Road, Turkey
Driving the Bayburt-Of Road is both exciting and terrifying. One wrong move, and you can be in free fall of those stiff cliffs. The road doesn’t even have any guardrails to protect you. It’s located high in the mountain and opens a mesmerizing view of nearby peaks. Still, it’s not the road to drive if you are not ready or aware of the risks it comes with.
4.Umbrail Pass, Switzerland-Italy
It’s one of the highest paved roads in Europe, and it is surely one of the most dangerous you can find there, especially in the cold season. No need to talk about the beauty of the Alps. They are world-famous for their appearance. However, you should also know about the difficulty of driving those roads, especially in winter. Though, at such altitude, you can find snow there almost at any month of the year.
5.Kahekili Highway, Hawaii
No one really thinks of Hawaii as a dangerous place to be. Due to tourism and its advertisement, everyone tends to think of Hawaii as a paradise on Earth. Well, we disagree. The Kahekili Highway that leads from Kapalua to Wailuku is not for the faint-hearted. It has numerous curves that only skilled dives can pass without stressing. Also, don’t forget to research Hawaii’s fauna and flora before going there. Roads are not the only dangerous thing there. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Check out some of these biology essay examples to find the info you need for the drive.
6.Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan
The Fairy Meadows Road is not for those who want to get from point A to point B. It’s the road for all the extreme seekers who come for a unique driving experience and one of a kind view of the rocky mountains. Don’t enter that road unless you are confident in your chances of leaving it in one piece.
7.Col du Chaussy, France
Some people come to the countryside of France for free samples on culture. Others come for the food and wine. However, few come to see one of the most beautiful roads ever created. Col du Chaussy is one of the most fascinating roads in the Alpes region. The road has 17 slow curves, with a constant elevation.
8.Cañete Canyon Road, Peru
Speaking of picturesque, Cañete canyon road is definitely a must-see for those who search for beauty in their travels. With tunnels carved directly through the hills, this mountain road is one of the most mesmerizing routes you can ever take. This drive will last you less than half an hour. Though, a memory about it will haunt you for years. However, the main danger here may come from any hanging rocks that can fall from above.
9. 24 Zigzags, China
This particular bit of the road is relatively short, but it’s packed with emotions. It’s scary. It’s sickening. It’s shocking. All at the same time. Driving the 24 Zigzags on the way to Qinglong town is not for the driving newbies. You have to be extremely careful to pass all 24 endless turns in these mountains. This road carried significant importance during World War 2. You can learn about it from the Midtermguru writers.
10.Petit Alpe d’Huez, Spain
This particular road may not be the most dangerous or challenging road on this list, yet, it is one of the most beautiful roads you can take in Europe. It’s jokingly called ‘small Alpe’ due to the curves and elevation it has. It is rather short though difficult to ride. However, the view of the town in the valley and the mountains around it are simply stunning.