What are the most spectacular roads in the USA?
Located in North America, the USA is a true paradise for drivers, as it hosts more than 2,000 roads listed as the most spectacular in the world.
Featuring mountains, deserts, coasts, and snow, in the USA you’ll get your dream road. And you’ll never want to wake up. For instance, at the top of your list, you need to drive the Million Dollar Highway, the most beautiful road in America, and probably in the world. Built in the late 1880s, you'll be on the "outside" for a while with a hell of a view to your right (let the passenger enjoy the view; you'll want to watch the road). Another paved option must be the Iron Mountain Road, featuring 17 miles, 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtails, and 3 tunnels in the Black Hills of South Dakota. No list would be complete without the winding Tail of the Dragon: 318 curves in 11 miles. Spanning Tennessee and North Carolina, it is one of the most scenic drives in the USA. You also can’t skip driving Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America, climbing up to 4,310m (14,130ft) in Colorado. It is said to be the highest paved road in North America.
For those who prefer unpaved experiences, the country hosts some of the most defiant yet scenic roads in the world. You can’t miss Black Bear Pass, a high mountain adventure in the Colorado Rockies. Climbing up to 3,915m (12,844ft) above sea level, it's one of the highest roads in Colorado. You can also discover the beauty of Engineer Pass, a mountain pass at an elevation of 3,901m (12,800ft) above sea level in Colorado. It’s mostly a first-gear ride because the road is rough and rocky. The legendary Shafer Trail Road in Utah's Canyonlands National Park is an iconic drive located on the east-central edge of Utah. At times, the road is so narrow that only one car can pass. And Lippincott Mine Road in California is for experienced 4WD drivers using high-clearance vehicles only. You'll need a good map, as the routes are not marked and there are no signs. It’s one of the challenging backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.
Driving the scenic Elk Mountain Summit Drive in Wyoming
Elk Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.405m (11,171ft) above sea level, located in the eastern-central part of Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest roads in Wyoming.
Driving the challenging road to Mount Princeton in Colorado's Rocky Mountains
Mount Princeton is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,699 meters (12,137 feet) above sea level, located in Chaffee County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
How to get by car to Ski Santa Fe in New Mexico?
Ski Santa Fe is a ski resort at an elevation of 3.167m (10,390ft) above sea level, located in Santa Fe County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico.
How to get by car to Pinyon Peak lookout in Idaho?
Pinyon Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,032m (9,947ft) above sea level, located in Custer County, in the U.S. state of Idaho. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.
A paved mountain road to Rabbit Ears Pass in Colorado
Rabbit Ears Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.873m (9,426ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a breathtaking ride through the Zion National Park
Located in Washington County, in the US state of Utah, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a great drive with stunning views along the canyon.
The 10 American Cities With the Most Drunk Driving Incidents
Driving safety in the United States is frequently compromised by alcohol impairment, a factor that accounts for nearly one-third of all traffic-related fatalities. While major metropolises like New York or Chicago benefit from high-density public transit that lowers DUI (Driving Under the Influence) rates, smaller urban centers and rural hubs often face a different reality. Identifying these high-risk areas is crucial for any driver planning long-distance transit or nocturnal travel through these regions.
Alamo Road in Nevada: if you get stuck during summer, you die
Alamo Road is a very remote drive located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. Passenger vehicles aren't recommended. Conditions are hazardous.
Carlsbad Caverns switchbacks in New Mexico: a 20 degree grade
Tucked beneath the scenic Chihuahuan Desert, in Eddy County in the U.S. state of New Mexico, near the base of the Guadalupe Mountains, the switchbacks are the natural entrance to the Big Room, in Carlsbad Caverns. Pedestrians only.
A scenic paved road to the alpine Bear Lake in Colorado
Bear Lake is an alpine lake at an elevation of 2.893m (9,491ft) above sea level, located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road to the picture-postcard lake, sitting at the base of the Continental Divide, is usually open in winter.
Sylvan Pass in Wyoming: A Paved Gateway Through Yellowstone NP
Sylvan Pass is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2,607m (8,553ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Wyoming.
Driving the Red River Bridge on the Oklahoma and Texas border
Located on the Oklahoma and Texas border, in USA, the Red River Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Hells Canyon Road is A Majestic Drive Along the Snake River Between Idaho and Oregon
Hells Canyon Road (NF-454) runs between Idaho and Oregon, taking travelers through the USA's deepest gorge, Hells Canyon. This route is known for its stunning views and the driving experience itself.
Juniper Pass in Colorado is an absolute must for road lovers
Juniper Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.368m (11,049ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Driving the epic unpaved road to Baldy Mountain in Colfax County
Baldy Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.714m (12,185ft) above sea level, located in Colfax County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico.
Crossing the Haunted Bunny Man Bridge in Northern Virginia
Located in Fairfax County, in the US state of Virginia, the Colchester Overpass, commonly known as Bunny Man Bridge, is said to be haunted. According to local lore, this bridge is one of the most dangerous locations in the state.
Driving the rough road to Barcroft Field Station in California
Barcroft Field Station is a weather station at an elevation of 3.800m (12,470ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the US state of California It's one of the highest roads of California.
Mount Washburn via Chittenden Road: A Scenic Unpaved Journey in the Heart of Yellowstone
Mount Washburn is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.122m (10,243ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. Visitors can not drive to the summit although biking is allowed.
How to drive the wild road to Babyshoe Pass in Washington?
Babyshoe Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.326m (4,350ft) above sea level, located in Skamania County, in the U.S. state of Washington.
Driving the paved mountain road to Poncha Pass in Colorado
Poncha Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,751 m (9,025 ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado.
Williams Pass in Colorado is for experienced drivers only
Williams Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.593m (11,788ft) above sea level located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s only open a few weeks a year.
The road to Dallas Divide in Colorado provides stunning views in Autumn
Dallas Divide is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2,743m (8,999ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Discovering the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike in Breezewood
Located within a forest in the US state of Pennsylvania, there's an intriguing historical relic. Once part of the USA's interstate network, a 13-mile (21 km) section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike was abandoned in the 1950s.
Driving the scenic Howland Hill Road in California
Howland Hill Road, located in Del Norte County, in the US state of California, is a popular drive through redwoods and the filming location for the 1983 movie, "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi."
Rattlesnake Pass is the road less traveled in Wyoming
Rattlesnake Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.296m (7,532ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the US state of Wyoming.
Travelling through the Mulberry Bridge
Mulberry Bridge is a 144 ft long bridge over the Elk River, located in Lincoln County, in the US state of Tennessee. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
The haunted Twin Tunnels of Pennsylvania
The Twin Tunnels of Downingtown, located in Chester County, in the US state of Pennsylvania, are known for their dark history. It’s one of the most haunted tunnels on Earth.
Driving the unpaved road to Inspiration Point in Utah
Inspiration Point is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,869m (9,412ft) above sea level, located in Box Elder County, in the US state of Utah.
What are the real driving challenges for senior residents in the USA?
Moving to the United States as a senior is not just a change of address; it is a total immersion into a country where the car is the only way to survive. Unlike the walkable cities of Europe or Asia, the US is built on a scale that can be overwhelming for older drivers. From 8-lane urban motorways to the massive trucks that dominate the landscape, getting behind the wheel in America requires more than a valid license—it requires a complete mental shift to handle the speed, the size of the roads, and the absolute necessity of driving for every daily task.
Boner Bridge is the oldest iron bridge in Indiana
Located in Southern Indiana, in USA, Boner Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. Only 5 bridges like it are left in existence. It’s 256ft long. This metal bridge, also known as Pyeatt's Mill Bridge, was built in 1869 by the King Bridge Company.
Bridge to Nowhere: an abandoned bridge on a washed-away road of California
Hidden deep in the San Gabriel Mountains, in the US state of California, the Bridge to Nowhere is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Driving the scenic North Carolina Highway 12 with sand and water
North Carolina Highway 12 (NC 12) is a very scenic coastal route located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It’s often inundated with water and sand.
Driving the historic road to Walker Pass in California
Walker Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.603m (5,259ft) above the sea level, located in Kern County, in the U.S. state of California.
Discover the Sierra Vista Byway: A Scenic 83-Mile Drive through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California
Sierra Vista Byway is a very scenic drive meandering for 83 miles through outstanding scenery with remarkable views of the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in the U.S. state of California.
Navigating Italian Bar Road, a California's historic gravel track
Italian Bar Road is a mostly unpaved road located in Tuolumne County, in the US state of California. Pay attention to turkeys, deer, bears or bobcats.
Driving the thrilling Emigrant Canyon Road in Death Valley
Emigrant Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,674m (5,492ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. Do not attempt this climb in the summer.
The narrow shelf road to Radical Hill in Colorado is a nerve-wracking challenge
Radical Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.846m (12,618ft) above sea level, located in Summit County, in the US state of Colorado. It is extremely dangerous because a vehicle will likely roll if it gets sideways on the hill. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
A Well-Graded Gravel Road to Sawtell Peak in Idaho
Sawtell Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.017m (9,898ft) above sea level, located in Fremont County in the U.S. state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest roads of Idaho. Trailers are not advised due to its steepness.
A curvy paved road to Craig Pass in the heart of Yellowstone
Craig Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,525m (8,284ft) above sea level, located in Teton County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
A truly outstanding SUV road to Geyser Pass in Utah
Geyser Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.231m (10,600ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.
How to drive the Black Eagle Mine Road in California?
Black Eagle Mine Road is a challenging drive located in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California. The trail runs through an old mining district. It’s one of the famous backcountry roads in the Joshua Tree National Park.
The Legendary Route 66: America's Mother Road
Route 66, an iconic American highway, stretches over two thousand miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, representing the heart of the United States. It’s known as The mother of all rides.
The road to Wheeler Pass in Nevada is pure adventure
Wheeler Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,345m (7,693ft) above sea level, located in Clark County, Nevada. The trail to the summit has rocky and eroded sections on both sides of the pass.
Driving the Historic Old Coulterville 4x4 Trail in California
Old Coulterville Road is a 4x4 scenic trail located in Mariposa County, in the U.S. state of California.
A Scenic Drive Along Little River Gorge Road in Tennessee
Located in eastern Tennessee, in the USA, the Little River Road offers a beautiful winding drive along the Little River.
Tackling Texas' Toughest Trail: The Black Gap Road Adventure in Big Bend
Black Gap Road is a short trail located in Brewster County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It’s one of the famous primitive dirt roads in the Big Bend National Park. 4-wheel drive is required at all times.
Greenie Peak is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure in New Mexico
Greenie Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,432m (11,259ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the US state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico. The road provides spectacular views of snow-capped mountains.
A paved road to Battle Mountain Pass in Colorado
Battle Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,825 meters (9,267 feet) above sea level, located in Eagle County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.