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 the unpaved road to Relay Peak in Nevada?
Relay Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.102m (10,177ft) above sea level, located in Washoe County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It's one of the highest roads of Nevada.
The most scenic drives in Redwood National and State Parks
Located along the northern California coast, in the USA, the Redwood National and State Parks comprise a unique partnership between the National Park Service and California State Parks, preserving some of the tallest trees on Earth. The parks span Del Norte and Humboldt counties and include Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Together, they protect ancient redwood forests, rugged coastlines, oak woodlands, upland prairies, and diverse wildlife habitats.
How to cross the bridge on the Red Bridge Road?
Located in Linn County, in the US state of Iowa, the bridge on the Red Bridge Road is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
How to drive the unpaved road to Mount Bachelor in Oregon?
Mount Bachelor is a stratovolcano at an elevation of 2.461m (8,074ft) above sea level, located in Deschutes County, in the US state of Oregon. It’s one of the highest roads of Oregon.
How to drive the unpaved road to Woodchuck Pass in Wyoming
Woodchuck Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.937m (9,636ft) above sea level, located in Sheridan County, in the US state of Wyoming.
How to drive the mining road to Estes Mountain in Idaho?
Estes Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.900m (9,514ft) above sea level, located in central Custer County, in the US state of Idaho. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.
How to cross the historic Geysers Road Bridge in California?
Located in Sonoma County, in the U.S. state of California, the Geysers Road Bridge is a historic pin-connected iron Pratt truss bridge supported by Phoenix columns. Spanning 45.25 meters (148.47 ft) over Big Sulphur Creek near Cloverdale, it carries the paved mountain stretch of Geysers Road through the Mayacamas Mountains.
How to drive the unpaved road to Wenatchee Mountain in Washington?
Wenatchee Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.059m (6,755ft) above sea level, located in Chelan County, in the US state of Washington. It’s one of the highest roads of Washington.
The steep and historic 4x4 road to the summit of Walkers Peak in Idaho
Walkers Peak is a high mountain summit reaching 2,735m (8,973ft) above sea level, located in Valley County, in the US state of Idaho. It is situated in the Salmon River Mountains, right in the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, one of the most remote areas in the United States. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.
How to drive the unpaved road to Terry Flat in Arizona?
Terry Flat is a large meadow at an elevation of 3.033m (9,950ft) above sea level, located in Apache County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest roads of Arizona.
How to drive the historic Lolo Motorway in Idaho
The historic Lolo Motorway is the name of a very scenic drive travelling through the central part of Idaho, in the United States.
170th Street Rock Creek Bridge: A historic 7-ton truss bridge in Iowa
Hidden in the rural landscape of Keokuk County, Iowa, the 170th Street Rock Creek Bridge is a remarkable survivor of early 20th-century engineering. This iron structure is recognized as one of the most spectacular bridges in the world due to its historical integrity and its position on a remote backroad that feels frozen in time.
A Most Tricky Scenic Road to Italian Pass in Colorado
Italian Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.584m (11,758ft) above sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Patricks Knob in Montana
Patricks Knob is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.086m (6,843ft) above sea level located in Sanders County, in the US state of Montana.
How to drive the unpaved Skidoo Road in Death Valley?
Skidoo Road is a remote 7-mile (11.3 km) unpaved backcountry track located in Inyo County, in the US state of California, within Death Valley National Park. Climbing through the Panamint Range to an elevation of 1,734 meters (5,689 ft) above sea level, it is one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.
How to drive the unpaved road to Carnero Pass in Colorado
Carnero Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.100m (10,171ft) above sea level located in the Saguache County, in the US state of Colorado.
How long is the unpaved road to La Junta Peak in Colorado
La Junta Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.926m (12,880ft) above sea level, located in San Miguel County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
How difficult is the chairlift access road to Golden Bear Peak in Colorado?
Golden Bear Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,725m (12,221ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
How to drive the FDR Drive in New York City?
The Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive, commonly known as the FDR Drive, is a 15-kilometer (9-mile) freeway running along the eastern edge of Manhattan in New York City, in the U.S. state of New York.
How to drive the unpaved road to Mount Bigelow in Arizona?
Mount Bigelow is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.571m (8,434ft) above sea level, located in in Pima County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.
How to drive the unpaved road to Red Mountain in Clear Creek County?
Red Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.754m (12,316ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
How to drive the steep mining road to Mount Wilcox in Colorado?
Mount Wilcox is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,770m (12,368ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Clear Creek and Summit counties in the northern part of Colorado. Situated within the White River National Forest, the summit is reached via a technical spur off a historical mining route. Logistically, it is one of the highest driveable points in the state, offering a raw look at high-altitude Front Range terrain.
How to get by car to the summit of Mount Lewis in Nevada?
Mount Lewis is a high mountain peak situated in Lander County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. The summit, located in the Shoshone Range in the north-central part of the state, reaches an elevation of 2,933 meters (9,622 ft) above sea level. It is considered one of the highest roads in Nevada.
A truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to Funnel Lake in California
Funnel Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.176m (10,419ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California.
Is the road to Cathey Peak in New Mexico paved?
Cathey Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.940m (9,645ft) above sea level, located in Otero County, in the US State of New Mexico.
Scotts Bluff Summit Road is the oldest concrete road in Nebraska
Scotts Bluff Summit is a scenic overlook at an elevation of 1.407m (4,616ft) above sea level, located in Scotts Bluff County, on the western border of the U.S. state of Nebraska.
How to drive the unpaved road to Monarch Ridge South in Colorado
Monarch Ridge South is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.634m (11,922ft) above sea level, located in Chaffee County, in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado. The average gradient is 7.45%.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Hawley Mountain in Idaho
Hawley Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.223m (7,293ft) above sea level, located in Boise County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.
How to drive the unpaved road to Osha Pass in New Mexico
Osha Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3034m (9,954ft) above sea level, located in Colfax County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Hahns Peak in Colorado
Hahns Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.217m (10,554ft) above sea level, located in Routt County, in the US state of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Bald Mountain in California?
Bald Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.766m (9,074ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California.
How to drive the 4x4 Boathouse Cove Road in Nevada?
Boathouse Cove Road is a remote 7.3-mile (11.7 km) unpaved backcountry trail located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada, within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Running along the Northshore of Lake Mead, the track descends south from Nevada State Route 167 (Northshore Road) to the shore of the Virgin Basin.
How to drive the unpaved road to Mount Callaghan in Nevada?
Mount Callaghan is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.107m (10,193ft) above sea level, located in Lander County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It’s one of the highest roads of Nevada.
How to drive the unpaved Forest Service Road 12 to Medicine Mountain?
Medicine Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,039m (9,970ft) above sea level, located in Big Horn County, Wyoming. Situated within the Bighorn National Forest, the access to the summit via Forest Service Road 12 is a technical high-altitude drive characterized by extreme weather exposure and sensitive logistical constraints.
Top Vehicles for America’s Deadliest Routes
When the pavement ends on high-consequence routes like Engineer Pass or the Dalton Highway, the distinction between a standard SUV and a true expedition vehicle becomes a matter of survival. Navigating unpaved, rocky, or ice-saturated terrain requires more than just all-wheel drive; it demands superior ground clearance, heavy-duty suspension articulation, and mechanical locking differentials. This analysis reviews the elite platforms engineered to maintain traction and structural integrity where standard vehicles fail.
A paved road to Campbell Pass in New Mexico
Campbell Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.219m (7,280ft) above sea level, located in McKinley County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
Selecting the Ultimate 4x4 Platform for High-Risk Routes
Selecting a used 4x4 vehicle for high-consequence off-road expeditions is a technical challenge that goes beyond aesthetics. In remote areas where recovery services are non-existent, your vehicle is your primary life-support system. Whether you are navigating the rocky passes of the San Juan Mountains or the isolated tundra of the Dalton Highway, understanding the mechanical hierarchy of off-road platforms is essential for ensuring both operational success and personal safety.
The forbidden road to Salinas Peak in New Mexico: Can you drive it?
Salinas Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.730m (8,956ft) above sea level, located in Sierra County, in the US state of New Mexico. There is no public access to this peak nor is photography permitted.
How to drive the scenic paved road to Elk Lake in New York
Elk Lake is a mountain lake at an elevation of 645m (2,116ft) above sea level, located in Essex County, in the US state of New York. The road is lost in space and time.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Drake Peak in Oregon
Drake Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.509m (8,231ft) above sea level, located Lake County, in the US state of Oregon. It’s one of the highest roads of Oregon.
5 Essential Safety Protocols for Driving Remote and Dangerous Routes
Traveling through mountain passes, isolated coastal routes, and remote inland tracks offers unmatched freedom, but it also demands a higher level of preparation. Beyond the basics, ensuring your safety on high-risk routes requires specific protocols that can prevent a scenic drive from turning into a life-threatening situation.
Driving the paved but steep Wauconda Pass in Washington
Wauconda Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,316 meters (4,317 ft) above sea level, located on the line between Okanogan and Ferry counties in the U.S. state of Washington.
How to drive the unpaved road to Eagle Peak in California
Eagle Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.753m (9,032ft) above sea level, located in Tuolumne County, in the U.S. state of California.
"The Dragon": America's Most Dangerous Road And A Racer's Paradise
This 18-kilometer highway abounds with steep turns, bends, and junctions, and is very popular with fans of fast driving. I decided to look at it with my own eyes.In the 1950s, the federal government paved the highway and turned it into Highway 129. This road, which connects sleepy villages deep in the Appalachian forests, is of secondary importance, and it was not used much until the 1990s, when information about 318 turns began to circulate in online forums.
How to drive the scenic Road UT-211 in the Canyonlands National Park
UT-211 is a very scenic road located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Utah. Driving in is beautiful with amazing views along the way.
How to drive the unpaved road to Barillas Peak in New Mexico
Barillas Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.847m (9,340ft) above sea level, located in San Miguel County, in the US state of New Mexico.
How to drive the unpaved road to Windy Gap in Colorado?
Windy Gap is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.354m (11,004ft) above sea level located in Montezuma County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
How scenic is the Black Canyon Road of Arizona?
Located in the US state of Arizona, the Black Canyon Road is a very scenic drive. The dirt road feels more remote than it is.