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.
Henderson Mountain
Henderson Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.043m (9,983ft) above the sea level located in Park County, in Montana, USA. It's one of the highest roads of Montana.
Hahns Peak
Hahns Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.217m (10,554ft) above the sea level, located in Routt County, Colorado, in United States.
Requirements to Visit The Most Dangerous Roads in America
Road trips across America are often the staple of many people’s travel bucket lists. If you’re looking for adventure, America’s vast map of relaxing unchanging open roads might not be your cup of tea.
Skidoo Road
Skidoo Road is a very exciting desert drive in the Death Valley National Park, in USA. High-clearance vehicle required. Steep grade with protruding rocks at 3.5 miles. Sedans risk undercarriage damage. Subject to snow and mud conditions. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.
La Junta Peak
La Junta Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.926m (12,880ft) above the sea level, located in San Miguel County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Road trip guide: Conquering Lucky Boy Pass in NV
Lucky Boy Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.449m (8,034ft) above the sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
A steep old 4wd road to Ruby Mountain
Ruby Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.607m (11,833ft) 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.
Black Canyon Road
Black Canyon Road is a very scenic drive in Arizona, United States, located within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
Copper River Highway, one of the most scenic roads in Alaska
Located in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska, in USA, the Copper River Highway is a very scenic drive, a pure scenery gem.
Jones Gap, an awe-inspiring drive
Jones Gap is a mountain pass at an elevation of 893m (2,929ft) above the sea level, located on the border between South Carolina and North Carolina, in the Southeastern region of the United States.
Medicine Mountain
Medicine Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.039m (9,970ft) above the sea level, located in Big Horn County, in north-central Wyoming, USA.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Libby Flats
Libby Flats is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3.252m (10,669ft) above the sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Wyoming.
Reno Lookout
Reno Lookout is a high mountain lookout tower at an elevation of 2.775m (9,104ft) above the sea level, located in Greenlee County, Arizona, in USA. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Arizona.
A very bumpy, grueling road to Warrior Mountain
Warrior Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.433m (11,263ft) above the sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado just south of Hwy 103 (Squaw Pass Road).
Drake Peak
Drake Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.509m (8,231ft) above the sea level, located in the Warner Mountain Range of Lake County, Oregon, in USA. It’s one of the highest roads of Oregon.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Benton Crossing Road
Benton Crossing Road is the name of a very scenic drive with vast mountain views, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California.
Taking Your Chances on US Route 1
With the average number of car accidents in the United States standing at a whopping 6 million each year, it goes without saying that the country is home to some dangerous roads.
Driving through the challenging River Road in TX
River Road is a very scenic 4x4 trail located in Brewster County, in the western part of the U.S. state of Texas. It’s said to be one of the most scenic drives in Texas. The road is pretty challenging, as it travels through and across many desert washes.
Campito Mountain
Campito Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.294m (10,807ft) above the sea level, located in Mono County, in the east central portion of the U.S. state of California. It's one of the highest roads of California.
Walkers Peak
Walkers Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.735m (8,973ft) above the sea level located in the Salmon River Mountains, in Valley County, Idaho, in USA. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.
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.
Crossing the scenic Geysers Road Bridge
Geysers Road Bridge is a truss bridge with Phoenix columns located in Sonoma County, in Northern California, in USA. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Yellow Peak
Yellow Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.190m (7,185ft) above the sea level, located in Washoe County, in northwestern Nevada, in United States.
Road trip guide: Conquering McKinney Tanks Summit
McKinney Tanks Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.951m (6,400ft) above the sea level, located in Nye County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
Mount Bachelor
Mount Bachelor is a stratovolcano at an elevation of 2.461m (8,074ft) above the sea level, located in Deschutes County, in central Oregon, USA. It’s one of the highest roads of Oregon.
The infamous Jug Bridge of Maryland
Located in Frederick County, in the northern part of the U.S. state of Maryland, the Jug Bridge ruins and its connecting roads are all that remains of what was once a beautiful and historic piece of American infrastructure. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Salinas Peak
Salinas Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.730m (8,956ft) above the sea level, located in the White Sands Missile Range of Sierra County, south-central New Mexico, in the United States. There is no public access to this peak nor is photography permitted.
Barillas Peak
Barillas Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.847m (9,340ft) above the sea level, located in San Miguel County, New Mexico, United States.
Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.766m (9,074ft) above the sea level, located in the Glass Mountain Range, Mono County, in the U.S. state of California.
200th Street Bridge
Located in Iowa, in USA, the 200th Street Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Hawley Mountain
Hawley Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.223m (7,293ft) above the sea level, located in Boise County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.
Helmet Peak
Helmet Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.481m (11,420ft) above the sea level, located in Montezuma County, the southwesternmost of the 64 counties in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Alta Lakes
Alta Lakes is a a serie of three lakes at an elevation of 3.484m (11,430ft) above the sea level, located in San Miguel County, Colorado, United States. This is a long and bumpy trail, but the scenery is worth the trip.
Mount Lewis
Mount Lewis is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.933m (9,622ft) above the sea level, located in Lander County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Nevada.
Top 10 dangerous roads for drivers in the USA
When it comes to selecting the ideal roads for drivers, long uninterrupted stretches where you can push the car to its limits seems viable. But, when you are experiencing the unexpected, danger comes in hovering. Though there are many thrilling road sections in the world where you can enjoy to the fullest, we have some popular patches in the U.S. itself.
Switzerland Trail
Switzerland Trail is a very scenic journey in Boulder County, Colorado, United States. This trail had lots of twists and turns, bumps and wonderful sites to see. It’s an old railroad grade that zigzags across the mountains of Boulder County.
Blue Ridge Parkway: One of America’s Prettiest Roads
The United States is filled with winding roads that allow you to view incredible scenery. Pacific Coast Highway winds its way along California's coast. Highway 101 in Oregon allows people to look at the state's stunning shoreline. Then there is the Blue Ridge Parkway in the eastern part of the country.
Mulholland Drive is a Glamorous Road through the Breathtaking Views of Los Angeles
Located in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains in the US state of California, Mulholland Drive is one of the most iconic roads in the country, providing a captivating journey through Los Angeles. The views of the city skyline and distant landscapes are unparalleled.
Granite Pass, the highest point of Kelbaker Road
Granite Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.233m (4,045ft) above the sea level, located within the Mojave Desert, in San Bernardino County, California, USA.
Witches Rock Road in Connecticut is said to be the scary of scaries
Witches Rock Road is located in Hartford County, in the US state of Connecticut and has a long story of witchcraft. It's one of the Top Haunted Roads in the world.
Mount Callaghan
Mount Callaghan is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.107m (10,193ft) above the sea level, located in Lander County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Nevada. Thanks to a communications structure located near the highest point on this mountain which can be seen easily from highway 305, a road has been built which makes access easier.
Sheriff Reservoir
Sheriff Reservoir is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 2.987m (9,799ft) above the sea level, located in Rio Blanco County, in northwest Colorado, USA.
170th Street Rock Creek Bridge
Located in Keokuk County, Iowa, in USA, the 170th Street Rock Creek Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Don Fernando Peak
Don Fernando Peak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.147m (10,324 ft) 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.
KPQ-FM Wenatchee Radio Broadcaster
KPQ-FM Wenatchee is a high mountain radio broadcaster at an elevation of 2.081m (6,827ft) above the sea level, located in Chelan County, in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Washington.
The Olympic Hot Springs Road in WA, closed to vehicles due to road washout
Located in Clallam County, in the U.S. state of Washington, Olympic Hot Springs Road is totally washed out and closed to vehicles indefinitely.
Bear Valley Mountain
Bear Valley Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.528m (8,293ft) above the sea level located in Valley County, in Idaho, USA.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a very scenic loop road located in Gatlinburg, a mountain town in in Sevier County, eastern Tennessee, in USA. The road is open to cars only (no trucks or RVs).