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.
The breathtaking road to Meridian Peak in CO
Meridian Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.789m (12,432ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Summit and Eagle counties in the U.S. state of Colorado. This is truly a breathtaking trail. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Mountain Baldy
Mountain Baldy is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.793m (9,163ft) above the sea level located in the Salmon River Mountains, in Lemhi County, Idaho, in USA. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.
A scenic paved road to Mores Creek Summit in ID
Mores Creek Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.871m (6,138ft) above the sea level, located in Boise County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.
Ocate Mesa
Ocate Mesa is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.157m (10,357ft) above the sea level, located in Colfax County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of New Mexico.
North Rim Lookout
North Rim Lookout is a high mountain lookout tower at an elevation of 2.798m (9,179ft) above the sea level, located in Coconino County, in northern Arizona, in USA. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Arizona.
London Mountain
London Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.695m (12,122ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
A memorable road trip to Stillwater Pass
Stillwater Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.246m (10,649ft) above the sea level located in Grand County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The pass divides the Never Summer Wilderness Area and the Arapaho National Forest.
A memorable road trip to Santa Rosa Mountain in CA
Santa Rosa Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.456m (8,057ft) above the sea level, located in Riverside County, in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California.
I-15 in Nevada, a bigger risk than casinos in Las Vegas
The I-15 or Interstate 15 is a paved highway located in the U.S. state of Nevada. It is the main route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Little Truckee Summit, a 5 stars road in the Sierra Nevada
Little Truckee Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.954m (6,411ft) above the sea level, located in Sierra County, in the U.S. state of California.
Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.847m (9,339ft) above the sea level, located in Tulare County, in the U.S. state of California. It's one of the highest roads of California.
Ella Mountain
Ella Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.280m (7,480ft) above the sea level, located in Lincoln County, Nevada, in United States.
Sheep Mountain
Sheep Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.912m (9,553ft) above the sea level, located in Johnson County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
Willow Mountain
Willow Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.503m (8,211ft) above the sea level, located in Ravalli County, in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana. Elk, mule deer, badgers, coyotes, and black bears can be seen along the trail.
The Wild Road to Almagre Mountain
Almagre Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.774m (12,381ft) above the sea level, located in Teller County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Latigo Canyon Road is an awe-inspiring drive in Malibu
Latigo Canyon Road is a very technical drive located in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California. The road is a test for any kind of rider. It’s one of the Top Scenic Drives in Malibu.
Utah State Route 44
UT-44 is a very scenic winding mountain road located in northern Utah, in USA.
Osha Mountain
Osha Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.240m (10,629ft) above the sea level, located in Colfax County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of New Mexico.
Calamity Pass
Calamity Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.956m (9,698ft) above sea level located in Jackson County, in the US state of Colorado.
The paved road to Willow Creek Summit in ID
Willow Creek Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.183m (7,161ft) above the sea level located in the Custer County of central Idaho, in the United States.
North Lake road
North Lake road is a mountainous journey located in California's Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California.
Mentasta Pass, a paved road in Alaska
Mentasta Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 739m (2,424ft) above the sea level, located in Alaska, in United States.
A memorable road trip to McKays Peak in AZ
McKays Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.793m (9,163ft) above the sea level, located in Navajo County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of the highest roads of Arizona.
Blackhead Peak
Blackhead Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.301m (10,830ft) above the sea level, located in Archuleta County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Mount Hopkins
Mount Hopkins is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.612m (8,569ft) above the sea level, located in the Santa Rita Range, in Santa Cruz County, southern Arizona, USA.
Larkspur Mountain
Larkspur Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.430m (11,253ft) above the sea level, located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, in USA.
Lake Isabelle
Lake Isabelle is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.619m (11,873ft) above the sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Spruce Mountain
Spruce Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.129m (10,267ft) above the sea level, located in Elko County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It's one of the highest mountain roads of Nevada.
Corey Peak
Corey Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.201m (10,501ft) above the sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It's one of the highest mountain roads of Nevada.
Butch Cassidy Pass
Butch Cassidy Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.217m (3,992ft) above the sea level, located in Nye County, in southern Nevada, USA.
Woodchuck Pass
Woodchuck Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.937m (9,636ft) above the sea level, located in Sheridan County, Wyoming, in USA.
How to get to Yaki Point by car?
Yaki Point is a natural viewpoint at an elevation of 2.213m (7,262ft) above the sea level, located in Coconino County, in the US state of Arizona.
Abajo Loop Scenic Backway
Abajo Loop Scenic Backway is a very exciting journey located in San Juan County, in the southeastern portion of the U.S. state of Utah. The trail loops up through the forested Abajo Mountains north of Blanding, climbs to nearly 11,000 ft, then descends to Monticello. The road is single-lane dirt/gravel and is impassable when wet.
Revenue Mountain
Revenue Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.725m (12,221ft) above the sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Road trip guide: Conquering Burned Mountain
Burned Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.048m (10,000 ft) above the sea level, located in Rio Arriba County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico.
South Summit Ridge
South Summit Ridge is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.483m (11,427ft) above the sea level, located in Garfield County, Utah, United States. It's one of the highest mountains roads of Utah.
Patricks Knob
Patricks Knob is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.086m (6,843ft) above the sea level located in Sanders County, in Montana, USA.
Pioneer Mountain
Pioneer Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.004m (9,855ft) above the sea level, located in Madison County, in the U.S. state of Montana. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Montana.
Kaibab Plateau
Kaibab Plateau is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 2.817m (9,200ft) above the sea level, located in Coconino County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of the highest mountain roads of Arizona.
Famous American Roads for Your Travel Bucket List
Who doesn't love checking off their bucket list, especially if it’s for something fun? With cabin fever at an all-time high from the pandemic mandates, many people are taking to the roads as the best way to social-distance and still get out and about.
Petes Hole Reservoir
Petes Hole Reservoir is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 2.718m (8,917ft) above the sea level, located in Sanpete County, in central Utah, USA.
Cerro del Oso
Cerro del Oso is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.261m (10,698ft) above the sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of New Mexico.
Big Ridge
Big Ridge is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.383m (11,099ft) above the sea level, located in Duchesne County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Utah.
Bartlett Mountain
Bartlett Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.016m (13,175ft) above the sea level, located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
A mining road to the ghost town of Belfort in California
Belfort is an old 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.
The unpaved road to Mount Mamma
Mount Mamma is a high mountain peak located in Chaffee County, Colorado, USA. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Driving the 9 steepest paved mountain passes of Colorado
Located in the western United States, Colorado is notable for its majestic mountains. It’s classified as one of the mountain states, located in the Rocky upland part of the country. Due its topography, the roads can also get extremely steep. If you’re not used to it, driving there can feel like you’re falling off the side of a cliff.
Arta Lake
Arta Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.139m (10,298ft) above the sea level, located in Wasatch County, in the U.S. state of Utah.