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.
Old Maverick Road is the easiest off-road road in Big Bend NP
Old Maverick Road is a scenic desert back road located in Brewster County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It’s said to be the easiest off-road route in Big Bend National Park.
Archer Avenue is one of the most haunted roads in the Chicago area
Archer Avenue is probably one of the most haunted areas in all of the Chicago area, in the USA. Along this route, there are a number of locations that boast more than their share of ghosts. The paranormal activity on the roadway seems to be anchored at both ends by cemeteries, both of which have their own ghost stories.
North Ogden Divide is an awe-inspiring road in Utah
North Ogden Divide is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,887m (6,190ft) above sea level, located in Weber County, in the US state of Utah.
Cascade River Road in Washington is not suitable for large RVs
Cascade River Road is a picturesque mountain route situated in Skagit County, in the U.S. state of Washington.
A bumpy paved road to Ski Apache in New Mexico
Ski Apache is a ski resort at an elevation of 2.988m (9,803ft) above sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico. If you've got a fear of heights, this drive could be a little stressful.
Antelope Canyon Road in Arizona is pure adventure
Located in the U.S. state of Arizona, Antelope Canyon Road is the access road to the most-visited and most-photographed slot canyon in the American Southwest. The road is actually a riverbed.
A paved road to the top of Whiteface Mountain in New York
Whiteface Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,402m (4,599ft) above sea level, located in Essex County, in the U.S. state of New York. At this elevation it's said to be the highest paved road in NY.
A paved road to Targhee Pass in the Henrys Lake Mountains
Targhee Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.161m (7,089ft) above sea level, located on the border between Idaho and Montana, in the USA.
An epic road to Mount Lemmon in Arizona
Mount Lemmon is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.792m (9,159ft) above sea level, located in Pima County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. This favorite of Arizona cyclists is known for its hill climb. It's one of the highest roads in Arizona.
Travel guide to the top of Coal Bank Pass in Colorado
Coal Bank Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.243m (10,640ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
A scenic unpaved road to Buffalo Pass in Colorado
Buffalo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,146m (10,321ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It is suitable for most SUVs and some passenger cars with careful tire placement in spots.
Arizona Snowbowl is one of the highest roads of Arizona
Arizona Snowbowl is a ski resort at an elevation of 2.912m (9,553ft) above sea level, located in Coconino County, Arizona. It's one of the highest roads in Arizona.
How to get by car to High Rock Bay in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula?
High Rock Bay is a very scenic spot located in northeastern Keweenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A variety of vehicles try to make it out to the end, but most will turn around. The road can be rough if there has been rain and it hasn't been graded.
What are the highest roads in Washington?
Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Washington is the 18th largest state. Lying at the northwestern corner of the 48 conterminous states, it’s bordered by Canada in the north and Oregon in the south. On the east, it’s bordered by Idaho and, on the west, it’s bordered by the Pacific Ocean.
Old Dale Road is an old mining road in Joshua Tree NP
Old Dale Road is a scenic drive located in Joshua Tree National Park, in the US state of California. This old mining road traverses the eastern portion of the park from north to south It’s one of the famous backcountry roads in the Joshua Tree National Park.
Driving the scenic Arizona State Route 260
Arizona State Route 260 is a very scenic high mountain road located in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona.
How to get by car to Tomboy ghost town in Colorado?
Located in San Miguel County in the U.S. state of Colorado, at an elevation of 3.482m (11,423ft) above sea level, Tomboy ghost town is an old mining town from the 1880s that used to host 1,000 year-round residents. The mine closed in 1927, and the town ceased to exist, though work in the mine tunnel continued until 1978.
The remote Kleinschmidt Grade Road in Idaho will test your nerves
Located in Adams County, in the US state of Idaho, Kleinschmidt Grade Road (Forest Road 050) will test your nerves. It is recommended that beginner riders avoid this road. Keep your eyes on the road, not the scenery.
Bobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico
Bobcat Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,995m (9,826ft) above sea level, located in Carson National Forest, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
Chinook Pass is a premier drive in Washington
Chinook Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.655m (5,430ft) above sea level, located in Yakima County, in the U.S. state of Washington.
Last Dollar Pass is one of Colorado's best back-country roads
Last Dollar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.254m (10,676ft) above sea level, located in San Miguel County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s said to be one of Colorado's best backcountry roads.
A narrow dirt road with steep drop offs to Francis Peak in Utah
Francis Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.887m (9,471ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Utah. Most cars can make this bumpy journey, though it is a back-country road.
Norris Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP
Norris Canyon Road is a highly scenic route in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It runs entirely over 2,300m (7,500ft) above sea level.
Vermont Street is the curviest street of San Francisco
Located in the Potrero Hill district of San Francisco, in the US state of California, Vermont Street is said to be the crookedest street in the United States. Hold on to the steering wheel and get ready for a series of hairpin turns on a stretch of roadway that few travelers and locals know about.
Travel guide to Fremont Pass in Colorado
Fremont Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.455m (11,335ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Cadillac Summit Road, a trip to the highest point on the east coast of the USA
Cadillac Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 457m (1,499ft) above sea level located on Mount Desert Island, in Hancock County, in the US state of Maine. It is the highest point on the east coast of the U.S.
North Cascades Highway is one of Washington's Ultimate Road Trips
North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) is a very scenic drive located in North Cascades National Park, in the US state of Washington. The road is part of the Cascade Loop, a 436-mile (702 km) driving tour through the Cascades in the northern areas of Washington.
O'Neil Pass is the highest paved road of South Dakota
O'Neil Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 2,046m (6,712ft) above sea level, located in Lawrence County, in the U.S. state of South Dakota. It’s said to be the highest paved road of South Dakota.
Jones Pass in Colorado may be intimidating to novice drivers
Jones Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.804m (12,480ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road to the summit has a relatively good road surface given its high altitude. It's one of the highest roads of Colorado.
An old mining road to Mount Patterson in California
Mount Patterson is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,560m (11,679ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California.
Seward Highway is an awe-inspiring route in Alaska
Seward Highway is a very scenic drive located in the U.S. state of Alaska. The drive is full of amazing scenery. Every direction is gorgeous and interesting.
Eureka Summit is the highest point on the Glenn Highway
Eureka Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.016m (3,332ft) above sea level, located in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, in the U.S. state of Alaska.
How to get by car to Carson ghost town in Colorado?
Carson is a mining ghost town situated at an elevation of 3,531m (11,584ft) above sea level located in Hinsdale County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Driving to Clingmans Dome, the Highest Point in the Smokies
Clingmans Dome is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,025m (6,643ft) above sea level, located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, in the southeastern United States.
Driving to Crown King, a mining town in Arizona
Crown King is a high mountain mining town at an elevation of 1,765m (5,790ft) above sea level, located in Yavapai County, in the US state of Arizona. Much of the road to the town uses an old railroad bed running across the desert, over gold mines, and through the forest.
The closed road to Devil’s Slide Trestles in Colorado
Devil’s Slide Trestles is a narrow-gauge unstable railroad located in Boulder County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It was built to allow the defunct Denver & Salt Lake Railroad to cross the Continental Divide via Rollins Pass.
Kelbaker Road is a scenic drive across the Mojave Desert
Kelbaker Road is a very scenic drive across the Mojave Desert, in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.
Molas Pass is a challenging climb on the Million Dollar Highway
Molas Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.328m (10,918ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Red Grade Road is a beautiful drive with lots of wildlife in Wyoming
Red Grade Road is a very treacherous drive located in Sheridan County, in the US state of Wyoming. It is rough and steep and requires a suitable vehicle.
Travel guide to Corkscrew Pass in Colorado
Corkscrew Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,732m (12,244ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado. The road is suitable only for 4-wheel-drive vehicles. It’s narrow and steep on some switchbacks. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
An Explorer's Guide to Boriana Mine in Arizona
Boriana Mine is an abandoned tungsten mine at an elevation of 1,711m (5,613ft) above sea level located in Mohave County, in the US state of Arizona. High clearance and four-wheel drive vehicles only.
White Mountain Road has taxed the nerves of more than a few drivers in California
White Mountain Road is a very scenic mountain road located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California.
Potosi Mountain is one of the gnarliest roads of Nevada
Potosi Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,580m (8,464ft) above sea level, located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada.
What are the highest roads in Oregon?
Located in the Pacific Northwest region on the West Coast of the United States, Oregon is a state divided by mountains. It’s bounded to the north by Washington state; to the east by Idaho; to the south by Nevada and California; and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states in the U.S. It is most known for its diverse landscape that includes a rugged coastline, mountains, dense forests, valleys, high desert and large cities.
Crossing rivers on the scenic Halfmoon Road in Colorado
Halfmoon Road (FSR 110) is a challenging road located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Many parts of the road cross rivers and water sections. In the spring, water crossings may be too deep to safely cross.
Frying Pan Road is an awe-inspiring route through White River NF
Frying Pan Road is a very scenic uphill drive located in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road runs entirely above 2,000m (6,500ft) above sea level.
Hunter Mountain is a Most Tricky Scenic Drive in Death Valley NP
Hunter Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,185m (7,168ft) above sea level located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.
Driving the haunted Crawford Road in Virginia
Crawford Road is said to be one of the most haunted roads in the US state of Virginia, a source of local haunting lore for decades. Many people have reported hearing the ghostly sounds of a battle as well as sighting spectral soldiers in the area.