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.

Located in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California, Mueller Tunnel presents a significant challenge and it’s considered not entirely safe as the area is prone to rockslides and fires. Be extra cautious.

Fox Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.407m (11,177ft) above the sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Graves Creek Road is a very scenic drive with stunning views located in Jefferson County, in the US state of Washington.

Brown Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.133m (6,998ft) above the sea level, located in Jeff Davis County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.

Going-to-the-Sun Road is well-known as one of the most beautiful and dangerous roads in the country, but the nearby U.S. 89 offers a beauty all its own — as well as its share of hazards.

Located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, Cottonwood Cove Road is a very scenic drive leading to Cottonwood Cove Marina and Six Mile Cove.

Ah, the open road. The call of the wild. The thrill of the unknown. There's nothing quite like setting out on a 4-wheel drive adventure, leaving the concrete jungle behind and venturing into the great outdoors.

Secret Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.507m (4,944ft) above the sea level, located in Nye County in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Crystal Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.570m (11,712ft) above the sea level, located in Summit County, in central Colorado, United States.

Mountain Loop Highway is the name of a very scenic drive located in Snohomish County, in the US state of Washington.

Nevada is one of the US’ most interesting States which is home to jaw-dropping scenery as well as plenty of attractions and things to do. If you’re thinking about visiting the legendary state, we’ve put together a small list of reasons you should visit.

Columbia Ridge is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.398m (7,867ft) above the sea level, located in Idaho County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.

Aquarius Plateau is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3.016m (9,895ft) above the sea level, located within Garfield and Wayne counties in the US state of Utah.

Currant Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.135m (7,004ft) above the sea level, located in Nye County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Here's what should be on your hiking gear list and how to prepare for a journey from packing to everything else.

Whether you’re sunning yourself on cliff-lined beaches, exploring redwood forests, or seeing the stars in Hollywood, a road trip in California is a fantastic way to spend your time. With so many world-class attractions and stunning natural vistas, it’s not surprising that more than 200 million people visit The Golden State each year.

Black Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.005m (6,578ft) above the sea level, located in north-central Sevier County, Utah, United States.

Mount Diablo is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.172m (3,845ft) above the sea level, located in Contra Costa County, in the US state of California.

Byers Peak is a high mountain peak located in southern Grand County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. A gravel road to the north of the peak climbs up to 3.240m (10,629ft) above the sea level.

Garnet Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.516m (8,254ft) above the sea level, located in Gallatin County, in the U.S. state of Montana.

Down the sun-soaked roads of Florida, the engines rev to life as car auctions gain momentum. From the rare, vintage models to modern SUVs and electric vehicles, these auctions offer a remarkable array of choices that seem to capture the hearts of car enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike. But what draws these folks towards the car auction market, and more importantly, what advantages does it offer over conventional car buying methods? Let's explore.

Indian Ridge is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.647m (5,403ft) above the sea level, located in Lane County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Clear Creek Trail is a high mountain road located in Deer Lodge County, in southwestern Montana of the United States. The average gradient is 8.31%.

California is one of the largest states in the country and is by far the most populated with 38 million residents. It also contains 840 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and multiple large cities, making it an incredible place to visit for travelers from across the world. Whether you live in California already or are taking a vacation across the ocean, a trip along the California coast can provide you with tons of opportunities for adventure and wonder.

Bull of the Woods Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.542m (11,620ft) above the sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico.

Bald Butte is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.299m (7,542ft) above the sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Mount Fowlkes is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.030m (6,660ft) above the sea level, located in Jeff Davis County, Texas, in the United States. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.

Thunder Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.613m (8,572ft) above the sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California.

Forest Road 697 (Casto Canyon Trail) is a very scenic high mountain road located in Garfield County, in Utah, in the westcentral region of the United States of America.

For the vast majority of drivers, the idea of roadway safety is not their primary concern. Fortunately, there are city officials, state agencies, federal regulators, and multiple layers of law enforcement personnel who are charged with making sure streets, roads, and highways are as safe as possible. They accomplish this enormous task in a number of ways.

Navy Road is the name of a very scenic drive located in Santa Cruz Island, in the Channel Islands archipelago of California, in USA.

Traveling is fun, but traveling at night is even better, especially for singles. Being single and on the road is a blessing reserved for courageous people willing to put themselves out there. They know that’s the only way to have real fun and meet like-minded people. Single travelers choose cities where they can combine nightlife and dating. The cities on our list are famous for the vivid nightlife and many single people. Going there and meeting someone for one-night stands shouldn’t be a problem.

Texas is renowned for its varied landscape, yet it also boasts some of the country's most dangerous highways. The Interstate 45 (I-45) is notably perilous, ranking as the state's deadliest and second nationally.

Located in the south-central part of the US state of Utah, the park is a beautiful piece of scenic landscape, with a cold semi-arid climate weather. The park has something to offer to all visitors and provides a unique mix of historical landmarks and stunning landscapes.

Up Up Lookout is a 40-foot wooden tower at an elevation of 1.804m (5,918ft) above the sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Montana.

Maps are amazing and have played an integral role in human civilization for thousands of years. They include the earliest cave paintings and the real-time digital maps people use today. With maps, people can better navigate, explore, and understand their surroundings. Let’s look at 10 reasons maps are so useful.

Walnut Canyon Desert Drive is a scenic drive through the Chihuahuan Desert located in Eddy County in the U.S. state of New Mexico.

Bolan Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.902m (6,240ft) above the sea level, located in Josephine County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Webb Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.826m (5,990ft) above the sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of Montana.

Whereas there are several causes of motorcycle accidents, left turns are among the most common, and one of the deadliest. These are typically caused when a car making a left turn doesn’t see an oncoming motorcycle and cuts them off.

Pilot Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.833m (6,013ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Mariposa and Tuolumne counties in the U.S. state of California.

South Carolina's picturesque landscapes and charming towns often conceal a less visible but important issue: dangerous roads that pose risks to both locals and visitors. While the state's highways and roads offer scenic drives, some roads are known for their challenging conditions, high accident rates, and safety hazards.

The Great Alaska Highway connects America’s most isolated state with the lower 48. Constructed during World War II it serves as one of the few options to get up north to the Final Frontier without getting on a boat or plane. While driving up to Alaska sounds easy enough, this long voyage is not one to be underestimated.

Thornton Lake Road is a very scenic yet demanding drive located in Whatcom County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington.

Georgia is a stunning state with many gorgeous drives that will deepen your appreciation. This state offers something for everyone, from the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains to the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Spruce Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.337m (7,667ft) above the sea level, located in Yavapai County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.

Sterling Highway is a very scenic drive located in the south-central region of the U.S. state of Alaska, Opened in the fall of 1950, the drive runs through the western side of the Kenai Peninsula.

MacLaren Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.250m (4,101ft) above the sea level, in the US state of Alaska.

Drive Us to Your Road!

With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.