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.
A memorable road trip to Griffin Top in Utah
Griffin Top is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,283m (10,771ft) above sea level located in Garfield County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah. There are panoramic views from the summit.
A Paved Steep Road to Mount Baldy in Southern California
Mount Baldy is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,970m (6,463ft) above sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.
Road Trip Guide: Conquering Alamo Peak in New Mexico
Alamo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,825m (9,270ft) above sea level, located in Otero County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
Beyond the Clouds: A Guide to Colorado’s Highest Roads
Colorado is the ultimate high-altitude proving ground in the United States. Dominated by the Rocky Mountains, the state offers a landscape where pristine alpine tundra meets the rugged remains of the 19th-century Gold Rush. For the adventure motorist, Colorado is less about the destination and more about the ascent. This 5-day expedition focuses on the technical climbs and historic trails that define the "Centennial State."
A fire unpaved road to Keystone Peak in Arizona
Keystone Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,886m (6,188ft) above sea level, located in Pima County, in the US state of Arizona. This region bears the marks of past extensive mining and ranching.
How to Get by Car to the Lookout at the Summit of Moses Mountain in Washington?
Moses Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,066m (6,778ft) above sea level, located in Okanogan County, in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s one of the highest roads in Washington.
Navigating Avon Pass Road: Utah's Unpaved Adventure Route
Avon Pass is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 1,984m (6,509ft) above sea level. It's located on the boundary between Weber and Cache counties in the U.S. state of Utah.
How to Get to the Summit of Pastora Peak in Arizona?
Pastora Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,786m (9,140ft) above sea level, located in Apache County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of the highest roads in Arizona. The road is passable by most stock high-clearance 4wd vehicles.
What are the highest roads in Alaska?
Alaska, situated on the northwestern edge of the North American continent, is defined by its colossal, untamed scale. Bordered by Canada to the east, the state is framed by three oceans: the Arctic to the north, the Bering Sea to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It is a land of immense open spaces, severe cold, and widespread permafrost, where the sheer size of the geography dictates the pace of life and travel.
A desolate paved road to Emigrant Pass in Utah
Emigrant Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.404m (7,886ft) above sea level, located in Sevier County, in the US state of Utah.
How to drive the high mountain road to Carter Mountain in Wyoming?
Carter Mountain is a high mountain peak located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. East of the summit, a gravel road tops out at 3,445m (11,302ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads in Wyoming.
How to get by car to Montana Snowbowl?
Montana Snowbowl is a ski resort at an elevation of 1,520m (4,986ft) above sea level, located in Missoula County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
Road trip guide: Conquering Denver Pass in Colorado
Denver Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,660 m (12,007 ft) above sea level located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
San Mateo-Hayward Bridge is the longest bridge in California
Located in San Francisco, in the US state of California, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
A Memorable Road Trip to Mount Sheridan in Colorado
Mount Sheridan is a high mountain peak located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. South of the summit, an old mining road tops out at an elevation of 4,021 m (13,192 ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
A defiant road to Glacier Mountain in Colorado
Glacier Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,793 m (12,444 ft) above sea level, located in eastern Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Full-size vehicles should not attempt to drive all the way, as there are a few very narrow spots. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Road Trip Guide: Conquering Mount Tilton in Colorado
Mount Tilton is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,777m (12,391ft) above sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Conquering the Canwell Glacier Trail, one of the highest roads in Alaska
Canwell Glacier Trail is a very exciting and demanding journey located in Valdez-Cordova Census Area, in the US state of Alaska. This fantastic mountain trail follows the lateral moraine of the Canwell Glacier. It’s one of the highest roads in Alaska.
Driving the Scenic Coastal Drive Loop of California
Coastal Drive Loop is a very scenic road located at the far northwest corner of the U.S. state of California, running along the Pacific Ocean. Whales, sea lions, and pelicans may often be seen from overlooks high above the crashing surf. is one of the most scenic drives in the Redwood National and State Parks.
A memorable road trip to Smith Mountain in Adams County
Smith Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,442 m (8,011 ft) above sea level located in Adams County, in the US state of Idaho.
How to get to Mesa Seco in Colorado?
Mesa Seco is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,846 m (12,618 ft) above sea level, located in Hinsdale County, in the US state of Colorado. While Mesa Seco is technically a mountain peak, the road passes just a few meters east of the summit, making it effectively a mountain pass for vehicles. This makes it one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Great River Road is one of the Best Drives in America
The Great River Road is a 3,000-mile national scenic byway that follows the Mississippi River through ten US states, from its headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota down to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Marked by the green pilot’s wheel sign, the route combines state highways, county roads, and riverfront avenues.
How to drive through the scenic Macedonia Canyon in the Mojave Desert?
Macedonia Canyon Road is a scenic drive located in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California. 4WD, high clearance vehicle required.
How to get by car to Chepeta Lake in Utah?
Chepeta Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,228 m (10,590 ft) above sea level, located in Duchesne County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
Driving the scenic Ibex Spring Road in Death Valley NP
Ibex Spring 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 Death Valley National Park.
A mining road to the ghost town of Belfort in California
Belfort is an abandoned mining village located in Mono County, in the east-central portion of the U.S. state of California, near the Nevada border. It’s one of the highest roads of California.
How to Get by Car to Swamp Lake in California
Swamp Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2,929m (9,609ft) above sea level, located in Fresno County, in the US state of California. Damage is possible even for the most capable vehicle. It's one of the highest roads in California.
Road trip guide: Conquering Badger Pass in Montana
Badger Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,063 m (6,768 ft) above sea level, located in Beaverhead County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
Driving the road to Miller Lake in Montana is not a piece of cake
Miller Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2,571m (8,435ft) above sea level, located in Deer Lodge County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
Driving the paved road to the historic Marsh Pass in Arizona
Marsh Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,860 m (6,102 ft) above sea level, located in Navajo County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.
How to get by car to Piney Lake in Colorado?
Piney Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2,864 m (9,396 ft) above sea level, located in Eagle County, in the US state of Colorado. It is one of the highest lakes in the state that you can drive to. The road is a bit rough.
How To Travel The Scenic Encinal Canyon Road
Encinal Canyon Road is the name of a very scenic yet demanding drive located in western Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s said to be one of the 5 Best Driving Roads in Malibu. It’s one of the Top Scenic Drives in Malibu.
How to get by car to Capilla Peak in New Mexico?
Capilla Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,859m (9,379ft) above sea level, located in Torrance County, in the US state of New Mexico.
How to drive the scenic Blue Lakes Road in California
Blue Lakes Road is a very scenic drive located in the heart of Alpine County, in the US state of California. The road runs entirely over 2.200m above sea level.
A 5-star road to Kingman Pass in Yellowstone NP
Kingman Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,170 m (7,119 ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
The Defiant Road to Sedgwick Peak in Idaho is for Experienced Drivers Only
Sedgwick Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,791m (9,156ft) above sea level, located in Bannock County, in the U.S. state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest roads in Idaho.
How to Get by Car to Big Windy Peak in Idaho?
Big Windy Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,170m (10,400ft) above sea level, located in Lemhi County, in the US state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest roads in Idaho.
An Old Mining Road to Whale Peak in Colorado
Whale Peak is a high mountain peak located in the U.S. state of Colorado. A mining road, north of the summit, climbs up to an elevation of 3,940m (12,926ft) above sea level. The road is very rough. It's one of the highest roads in Colorado.
How to get by car to Convict Lake in California
Convict Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2,328 m (7,637 ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California. It got its name after an incident in 1871, where a group of convicts escaped from prison in Carson City.
How to get by car to Bearwallow Mountain in New Mexico?
Bearwallow Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,039 m (9,970 ft) above sea level, located in Catron County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.
How to get by car to Black Mesa in Colorado
Black Mesa is a high mountain at an elevation of 3,427 m (11,243 ft) above sea level, located in Dolores County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Chester Warner Valley Road is a pretty drive in Lassen Volcanic NP
Chester Warner Valley Road is a scenic drive located in Lassen Volcanic National Park in the U.S. state of California.
Interstate-84 Highlights: Navigating Rattlesnake Pass in Utah's Box Elder County
Rattlesnake Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.620m (5,314ft) above the sea level, located in Box Elder County in the US state of Utah.
How to get by car to Lewis Lake in Wyoming?
Lewis Lake is a high mountain, crystal-clear snow-melt lake at an elevation of 3,290 m (10,793 ft) above sea level, located in Albany County, in the US state of Wyoming. It's one of the highest roads in Wyoming.
Highway 180 Journey: A Scenic Drive from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Unveiled
Situated in Coconino County, in the US state of Arizona, Highway 180 offers a picturesque drive from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon, meandering through mountains and forests.
Amasa Back Trail is a classic ride of Moab
Amasa Back Trail is a challenging trail located in Grand County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the classic rides of Moab.
How to conquer the defiant Edison Butte OHV Trail in Oregon?
Edison Butte OHV Trail is a very exciting trail with some awesome scenic views, located in Deschutes County, in the US state of Oregon. It’s a rocky trail that involves lava ridges for extra excitement.
Picturesque Routes for the Ultimate Road-trip & Vacation in the Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Mountains in Northeastern Pennsylvania represent a complex topographical transition for drivers on the U.S. East Coast. This upland region is defined by a dense network of interstate corridors and historic state routes that navigate through deep forests, river gaps, and high-plateau terrain. For the strategic driver, reaching the Poconos requires balancing high-speed transit with technical mountain navigation, especially during the hazardous icing events of the winter season.