What are the most spectacular roads in the USA?

The vast expanse of the USA, stretching from the amber waves of grain to the majestic purple mountain majesties, boasts a network of roads that are as diverse as the nation's tapestry of cultures. One such road, the Million Dollar Highway, is often touted as America's crown jewel of roadways, leading adventurers through awe-inspiring terrains and offering unparalleled vistas. Further north, the Iron Mountain Road, with its dizzying 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtails, and 3 tunnels, stands as a testament to man's desire to conquer nature, providing a thrilling drive that's not for the faint-hearted.

Journey to Colorado, and you'll find yourself face to face with the infamous Black Bear Pass - a road that promises not just breathtaking beauty, but also adrenaline-pumping excitement. For the off-road enthusiasts, Engineer Pass offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with Colorado's high mountain terrains, challenging drivers to push their limits amidst staggering beauty. Not to be outdone, Utah’s Canyonlands beckons with the Shafer Trail Road, an iconic route that cuts through the heart of some of the most stunning canyons, making you feel like you're driving through the very pages of history.

In the USA, each road is a journey, an exploration, a challenge, and a story. They are gateways to discovering the grandeur of the nation, to feeling the pulse of its land, and to embracing the spirit of adventure that is quintessentially American. Whether bathed in the golden hues of sunrise or shrouded in the mysteries of twilight, these roads promise experiences that linger long after the journey's end.

Devil's Gate Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.292m (7,519ft) above the sea level, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California.

Cerro Gordo (Spanish for "Fat Hill") is a silver mining ghost town located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California.

Skyline Drive is a very scenic drive running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, that runs the entire length of the Shenandoah National Park, in USA. Inclement weather may necessitate closure of Skyline Drive at any time.

Located in Fairfax County, Virginia, in USA, the Bunny Man Bridge legend has many variations, including the urban legend of a man in a bunny suit killing people with an axe. There is also a legend of long ago, a mental hospital transported their patients to a new facility and a man escaped. He left half eaten bunny carcasses in the woods and killed kids who came near the train bridge tunnel.

Elwood Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.559m (11,676ft) above the sea level located in Rio Grande County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. There are a few water crossings along the way.

Westgard Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.236m (7,335ft) above the sea level, located in northern Inyo County, in the eastern central part of California, USA.

Nestled within a tranquil forest in south central Pennsylvania, near Breezewood, an intriguing historical remnant awaits discovery. Once a part of the USA's interstate network, a 13-mile (21 km) section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike was forsaken in the 1950s. This happened when modern bypasses, traversing over the mountains, replaced this stretch of road, as its single-lane tunnels were identified as the cause of severe traffic congestion.

Buckle up and brace yourself, for we're about to embark on a roller-coaster journey through Colorado's towering titans. From the whispering pines to the snow-capped peaks, Colorado is not just a state; it's a state of mind for thrill-seekers.

Radical Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.846m (12,618ft) above the sea level, located in Summit County, in the US state of Colorado. It is extremely dangerous because your vehicle will likely roll if it gets sideways on the hill. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.

Poncha Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.751m (9,025ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Saguache and Chaffee counties, in the US state of Colorado.

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.

Antelope Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.875m (6,151ft) above the sea level, located in Coconino County, in the US state of Arizona. The climb is very steep climbing up 1,000 feet in 3 miles.

Perched at an impressive 3,020m (9,908ft) above sea level, the Hellroaring Plateau offers a thrilling drive. Located in the heart of Carbon County, Montana, it challenges even the most seasoned drivers with its rugged terrain, it's one of the highest roads of Montana.

Elk Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.405m (11,171ft) above the 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 of Wyoming.

Lulu Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.009m (9,872ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, Montana, in USA. It's one of the highest roads of Montana.

Rabbit Ears Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.873m (9,426ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Jackson and Grand counties, in the US state of Colorado.

Crater Rim Drive is a scenic loop road located in the Puna District on the Island of Hawaiʻi in the Hawaiian Islands. This road skirts the edge of Kilauea Caldera, offering numerous stunning views and points of interest along the way.

Del Norte County, in the US state of California, conceals a gem - Howland Hill Road. Not only is it a mesmerizing drive through the towering redwoods, but it also holds the distinction of being a filming location for the 1983 movie, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

Rattlesnake Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.296m (7,532ft) above the sea level, located in Carbon County, in the US state of Wyoming.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Old Coulterville Road is a 4x4 scenic trail located in Mariposa County, in the U.S. state of 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.

The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, situated in Washington and Kane counties, in the US state of Utah, offers one of the most picturesque drives in the state. It serves as a captivating preview of the wonders within Zion National Park. With its gentle curves, the road promises an enthralling driving experience.

Mount Elden is a lava dome at an elevation of 2.841m (9,320ft) above the sea level, located in central Coconino County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Arizona.

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.

Racetrack Valley Road, located in the desolate northern section of Death Valley National Park in California, USA, promises an exhilarating drive. Those attempting the journey should come equipped with good tires, 4x4, and a high-clearance vehicle. This route is among the most challenging backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.

Inspiration Point is a high mountain peak with an elevation of 2,869m (9,412ft) above sea level, located in Box Elder County, in the US state of Utah.

Mount Washburn is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.122m (10,243ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. Visitors can not drive to the summit although biking is allowed.

Geyser Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.231m (10,600ft) above the sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.

Babyshoe Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.326m (4,350ft) above the sea level, located in Skamania County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Sylvan Pass is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2,607m (8,553ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Teton and Park counties, in the US state of Wyoming.

Sawtell Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.017m (9,898ft) above the sea level, located in Fremont County in the U.S. state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest roads of Idaho. Because of the steepness of the road, trailers are not advised.

Nestled between Idaho and Oregon, the Hells Canyon Road (NF-454) offers travelers a mesmerizing drive through the USA's deepest gorge. Known as one of Idaho's most captivating routes, this road promises a memorable experience.

Kite Lake is an alpine turquoise lake at an elevation of 3.700m (12,139ft) above the sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado.

Nestled within Texas's Big Bend National Park, the Old Ore Road offers an adventurous journey into the past. This road traces the steps of early 20th-century mule and pack trains that transported ore from Mexican mines to the Marathon railroad station. It’s one of the famous primitive dirt roads in the Big Bend National Park.

Satus Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 950m (3,116ft) located in Klickitat County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Nestled in Snohomish County, in the US state of Washington, Rat Trap Pass stands at an elevation of 970m (3,182ft) above the sea level, and offers a challenging journey for even the most seasoned adventurers.

Newfound Gap is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.541m (5,055ft) above the sea level, located along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, in USA.

Battle Mountain Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.825m (9,267ft) above the sea level, located in southeastern Eagle County, Colorado, in United States.

The historic Route 66, often referred to as the mother of all rides, is one of the essential icons of America. Whether you're an American or someone from abroad, the allure of this iconic highway is universally captivating. Spanning over two thousand miles, it runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, taking travelers on a journey that encapsulates the very essence of America.

Nestled in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway skirts the edge of Dark Canyon Wilderness, offering travelers a breathtaking drive just south of Canyonlands National Park in the US state of Utah. However, this rough dirt/gravel track is not for the faint-hearted or for regular cars, especially when it gets rutted.

Saxon Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 3.494m (11,463ft) above the 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.

Warm Springs Canyon Road is a very exciting desert drive located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.

Italian Bar Road is a mostly unpaved road located in Tuolumne County, California, in United States.

Located on the boundary of Mesa and Delta counties in the US state of Colorado, the Grand Mesa Summit rises to an elevation of 3,307m (10,849ft). This prominent landmark holds the distinction of being the world’s largest flat-topped mountain.

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