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.
The scenic Iceberg Pass on the Trail Ridge Road
Iceberg Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.605m (11,827ft) above sea level, located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It's one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Lulu Pass in Montana is worth the white-knuckle drive
Lulu Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.009m (9,872ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the US state of Montana. It's one of the highest roads of Montana.
Exploring Skyline Drive: A Scenic Journey Through Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive is a very scenic drive running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the US state of Virginia, that runs the entire length of the Shenandoah National Park. Inclement weather may necessitate closure of Skyline Drive at any time.
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.
Driving the 3 tight hairpin turns on the W Road of Chattanooga
Located in Hamilton County, in the US state of Tennessee, the infamous W Road is a short mountain road with 3 really tight hairpin turns. The turns are so steep that ‘you can see your taillights ahead of you’. The road is prohibited to semi-trailer trucks.
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.
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.
L Road in Nebraska is haunted by the screams of 7 sisters
Located in Otoe County, in the US state of Nebraska, L Road is supposedly haunted by the screams of 7 sisters. If you’re sensitive to sibling drama, you’ll want to stay off this old road.
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.
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.
Adventure along the Gold Butte Back Country Byway in Nevada
Gold Butte Back Country Byway is a scenic road across the desert, located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada. You'll enjoy some great views of rich desert landscapes.
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.
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 challenging road to Hellroaring Plateau in Montana
Hellroaring Plateau is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3,020m (9,908ft) above sea level, located in the heart of Carbon County, in the US state of Montana. The road to the top challenges even the most seasoned drivers with its rugged terrain; it's one of the highest roads in Montana.
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.
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.
How to get a green card for your parents as a US citizen
If you are a US citizen and are older than 21 years, you can apply for permanent residence of your parents in the US and help them acquire a green card. A parent is considered a "close relative" under US law.
The 10 American Cities With the Most Drunk Driving Incidents
If you are expecting to find big cities on this list like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, think again. Likely due to the prevalence of good public transportation systems and alternative transport options like taxis and plenty of ride-share options, these cities are all below the national average for drunk DUI rates.
Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the world’s highest suspension bridges
Located in Cañon City, Colorado, in USA, it’s actually a tourist attraction. It was built in 1929 and was, until 2003, the highest bridge in the world, with a height of 1,053 feet. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
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.
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.
How to drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, one of the most scenic roads in Utah?
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, straddling Washington and Kane counties in the US state of Utah, is one of the most picturesque drives in the state. Running through Zion National Park, the road with its gentle curves promises an enthralling driving experience.
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 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.
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.
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."
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.
Driving the scenic Crater Rim Drive around Kilauea Caldera in Hawaii
Crater Rim Drive is a loop road located in the Puna District on the Island of Hawaiʻi, skirting the edge of Kilauea Caldera.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Discover Arizona's Hidden Gem: The 4x4 Adventure to Mount Elden
Mount Elden is a lava dome at an elevation of 2.841m (9,320ft) above sea level, located in central Coconino County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest roads of Arizona.
Driving the rugged road to Kite Lake near Silverton in Colorado
Kite Lake is an alpine turquoise lake at an elevation of 3.700m (12,139ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado.
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 Mount Lowe Fire Road in California
Mount Lowe Fire Road is a gravel fire trail located in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California. The road is unsafe for travel and closed to motorized vehicles.
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.
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.
How to drive to Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Newfound Gap is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.541m (5,055ft) above sea level, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, in the USA.
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.
Rat Trap Pass in Washington: A Drive for the Brave at Heart
Rat Trap Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 970m (3,182ft) above sea level, located in Snohomish County, in the US state of Washington. The drive is pretty challenging for even the most seasoned adventurers.
Navigating Racetrack Valley Road: Death Valley's Rugged Challenge
Racetrack Valley Road, in northern Death Valley National Park, in the US state of California, offers an exhilarating drive. Equipped with good tires, a 4x4, and a high-clearance vehicle, you can tackle one of the Death Valley's most challenging backcountry roads.
A paved road to Satus Pass in the Cascades
Satus Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 950m (3,116ft) above sea level, located in Klickitat County, in the U.S. state of Washington.
A road with 23 hairpin turns to Saxon Mountain in Colorado
Saxon Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.494m (11,463ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the US state of Colorado. The road to the summit is very steep, with an average gradient of 8.17 %. The trail is currently closed because of safety concerns.
Driving the stunning road to Grand Mesa Summit, the largest flat top mountain in the world
Located in the US state of Colorado, the Grand Mesa Summit rises to an elevation of 3,307m (10,849ft) above sea level. It’s said to be the world’s largest flat-topped mountain.