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.
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.
I-80 Nebraska: A Trucker’s Challenge
I-80 in Nebraska may look like any ordinary highway, but for truckers, it’s one of the most treacherous stretches in the United States. Truck drivers face dangerous conditions daily — a fact reflected in national statistics. According to Business Insider, truckers make up 2.4% of all road fatalities in the USA, despite being a small portion of drivers.
Driving the 9 steepest paved mountain passes of Colorado
Colorado, the heart of the American Rocky Mountains, contains the highest concentration of high-altitude paved arterials in North America. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of the peaks, the state’s topography demands extreme road geometries. For the driver, these nine passes represent a technical challenge where sustained gradients and thin air intersect, testing both vehicle cooling systems and braking endurance. In the "High Country," a descent can quickly transition from a scenic drive to a high-consequence survival exercise if brake fade is not managed correctly.
How to get by car to Tikaboo Peak: Nevada’s Best Legal View of Area 51
Tikaboo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,097m (6,879ft) above sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. The peak is widely considered the best remaining legal point from which the public may directly view the very secretive Area 51, a military airfield shrouded in mystery and the source of countless UFO stories and conspiracy theories.
Things to Know Before Driving Arizona State Route 261
State Route 261 is a very scenic high mountain road located in Apache County, in the US state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest roads in Arizona.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
How to get to Hacking Lake in Utah?
Hacking Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,244m (10,643ft) above sea level, located in Uintah County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
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 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.
Killer Krome: The Dark History of Miami’s State Road 997
Krome Avenue is arguably the most notorious road in South Florida. Known to locals as "Killer Krome," this highway is a magnet for dangerous road enthusiasts due to its haunting history, high-speed drag racing, and a staggeringly high fatality rate. Running along the edge of the Everglades, it serves as the final frontier between Miami's urban sprawl and the wilderness.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Travelling the historic Robidoux Pass in Nebraska
Robidoux Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.403m (4,603ft) above sea level, located in Scotts Bluff County, on the western border of the U.S. state of Nebraska.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A memorable road trip to Melendrez Pass in Arizona
Melendrez Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,763m (5,784ft) above sea level, located in Pima County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.
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.
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.
Great River Road is one of the Best Drives in America
The Great River Road is said to be one of the Best Drives in America, tracing the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana.
Adventure along the wild road to the lookout at Monument Peak in Meagher County
Monument Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,255 m (7,398 ft) above sea level, located in Meagher County, in the U.S. state of Montana. Drive the unpaved road at your own risk. Very bumpy in good weather, it is not a good idea in rain or snow.
How to get by car to Tip Top Mountain in California?
Tip Top Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,295m (7,529ft) above sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the US state of California. The road to the summit is rocky, with some great inclines and large, sharp rocks that require a little skill to maneuver. High-clearance 4WD vehicles only.
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.
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.
Nellis Cove Road is a drive worth taking on the shore of Lake Mohave
Nellis Cove Road is a scenic sandy road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, leading to the shore of Lake Mohave. It’s a stock-friendly track, but you’ll want four-wheel drive and tires that have some gripping power in the sand.
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.
How to drive the scenic New Castle-Buford Road in Colorado?
New Castle-Buford Road is a very scenic mountain drive located along Rio Blanco and Garfield counties in the U.S. state of Colorado.
A Brutally Steep Road to Lenawee Lift in Colorado
Lenawee Mountain is a high mountain peak located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. West of the summit, a chairlift service road tops out at 3,818 m (12,526 ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Road Trip Guide: Conquering the Cadillac Range Drive
Located in Radiator Springs, in Carburetor County, in the USA, the Cadillac Range Drive is a very scenic journey. The drive is definitely worth it. A drive not to be missed!
Famous American Roads for Your Travel Bucket List
The United States offers some of the most diverse and high-consequence driving environments in the world. From the narrow, exposed cliff-edges of the Pacific Coast to the high-altitude Appalachian ridges, a cross-country road trip is more than a vacation—it is a logistical exercise in vehicle endurance and situational awareness. Whether you are seeking historical immersion or technical driving challenges, these five routes represent the pinnacle of American road exploration.
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 Drive the Wild Road to Terrible Mountain in Colorado
Terrible Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,662m (12,014ft) above sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It is one of the highest roads in Colorado.
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 remote drive to Sheep Pass in Nevada
Sheep Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,536 m (5,039 ft) above sea level located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
The Wild Road to Sand Creek Pass in Colorado
Sand Creek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,741m (8,992ft) above sea level, located in Larimer County, in the US state of Colorado.