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 Sliderock Mountain in Montana?
Sliderock Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.386m (7,828ft) above sea level, located in Granite County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
The defiant Lime Creek Road in Colorado will take your breath away
Lime Creek Road is a very scenic yet challenging road located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to Arta Lake in Utah?
Arta Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.139m (10,298ft) above sea level, located in Wasatch County, in the U.S. state of Utah.
Road trip guide: Conquering McKinney Tanks Summit in Nevada
McKinney Tanks Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.951m (6,400ft) above sea level, located in Nye County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
How to drive the unpaved road to Reno Lookout in Arizona?
Reno Lookout is a high mountain lookout tower at an elevation of 2.775m (9,104ft) above sea level, located in Greenlee County, in the US state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest roads of Arizona.
How to drive the unpaved road to Tray Gap in Georgia?
Tray Gap is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.171m (3,841ft) above sea level, located in White County, in the US state of Georgia. Beauty and isolation are what you will find here.
How difficult is the unpaved Forest Road 445 to Don Fernando Peak in New Mexico?
Don Fernando Peak, also known as Sierra de Don Fernando, is a high mountain summit reaching an elevation of 3,147m (10,324ft) above sea level located in Taos County, in the US state of New Mexico.
A steep paved road to Pu’u O Kila Lookout in Hawaiʻi
Pu’u O Kila is a jaw dropping lookout at an elevation of 1.266m (4,153ft) above sea level, located in Kauaʻi County, in the US state of Hawaiʻi. The view to the coast is legendary.
How to drive the unpaved road to Casco Peak in Colorado?
Casco Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.925m (12,877ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
State Route 99: Why is it the Deadliest Highway in the United States?
State Route 99 (SR 99) in California’s Central Valley was declared the most dangerous freeway in the United States, with a record number of fatal crashes concentrated through Fresno County.
How to drive the unpaved road to Navajo Mountain in Utah?
Navajo Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.154m (10,347ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Utah.
How to cross the 200th Street Bridge in Iowa
Located in Washington County, in the U.S. state of Iowa, the 200th Street Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
How to drive the mining road to Mount Buckskin in Colorado
Mount Buckskin is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.881m (12,732ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive: Driving the 329-mile US-101 in Washington
The Olympic Peninsula Loop is a long-distance coastal and forest highway covering 329 miles (531 km) through the western sector of Washington State. Running mainly along the paved US-101 highway, the loop circumnavigates the Olympic National Park, forcing drivers to deal with relentless rain deluges, heavy logging truck traffic, and sudden asphalt washouts.
Can I cross the Victor Avenue Bridge in Iowa?
Located in Buchanan County, in the US state of Iowa, the Victor Avenue Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Travel guide to the top of Coney Summit in Colorado
Coney Summit is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.059m (13,316ft) above sea level, located in Hinsdale County, in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to Palette Lake in Colorado
Palette Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.713m (12,181ft) above sea level, located in Chaffee County, in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Why 76% of Americans Think They Are Safe Drivers (And Why They Are Wrong)
There is a profound disconnect between perceived driving competence and actual on-road behavior in the United States. While a vast majority of motorists self-identify as "safe" or "expert" drivers, forensic traffic data and behavioral surveys paint a more alarming picture. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "Illusion of Superiority," creates a dangerous environment where overconfidence leads to a systematic disregard for basic safety protocols, turning high-speed arterials into zones of high-consequence risk.
How to drive the unpaved road to Yellow Peak in Nevada?
Yellow Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.190m (7,185ft) above sea level, located in Washoe County, in the US state of Nevada.
How to drive the challenging Fordyce Creek Trail in California?
Fordyce Creek is an extremely tough 11.9-mile (19.1 km) off-road trail located in Nevada County, in the US state of California. Set within the Tahoe National Forest, this hard-core 4x4 track is widely recognized as one of the most technical rock-crawling routes in the United States, featuring massive boulder fields and deep water crossings.
Drews Gap is a drive worth taking in Oregon
Drews Gap is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.617m (5,306ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.
Vehicle Maintenance and Logistics for Technical Mountain Roads
Driving on technical mountain roads or high-altitude passes significantly accelerates the wear and tear of critical vehicle components. From braking systems to suspension geometry, the mechanical stress of navigating steep gradients and unpaved surfaces requires a specific logistical approach to maintenance and repair. Ensuring a vehicle can handle these environments is essential for long-distance transit safety.
How to drive the unpaved road to Helmet Peak in Colorado
Helmet Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.481m (11,420ft) above sea level, located in Montezuma County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Driving the iconic road to Lands End Observatory in Colorado
Lands End Observatory is a high mountain observatory at an elevation of 3.033m (9,950ft) above sea level, located in Mesa County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Driving the wild Sandstone Canyon Trail in California
Sandstone Canyon Offroad Trail is a delightful yet challenging drive running through a narrow canyon, with impressive high rock walls, located in San Diego County, in the US state of California.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Bear Valley Mountain in Idaho
Bear Valley Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.528m (8,293ft) above sea level located in Valley County, in the US state of Idaho.
Leatherman Peak: Driving the vertical Sawmill Gulch Road in Idaho
Leatherman Peak is a high mountain summit located in Custer County, in the US state of Idaho. A grueling gravel road climbs its western flank to reach 2,742m (8,996ft) above sea level, making Forest Road 411 (Sawmill Gulch Road) one of the highest roads of Idaho.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Mineral Peak in Montana?
Mineral Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.233m (7,326ft) above sea level, located in Missoula County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
Take the Curvy Kingsbury Grade Road and Discover Daggett Pass in Nevada
Daggett Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,239m (7,345ft) above sea level, located in northwestern Douglas County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
Richardson Highway: a historic trip from Valdez to Fairbanks in Alaska
Richardson Highway is the name of a very scenic drive located in the heart of Alaska's mining districts, connecting Valdez to Fairbanks. It was the first major road built in the state.
Austin Pass in Washington is an absolute must for road lovers
Austin Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,423m (4,668ft) above sea level, located in Whatcom County, in the U.S. state of Washington.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Monument Ridge in Wyoming?
Monument Ridge is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.518m (8,261ft) above sea level, located in Sublette County, in the US state of Wyoming.
How to drive the paved road to Bear Lake Summit in Utah?
Bear Lake Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.383m (7,818ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Utah.
The sandy road to Peekaboo Slot Canyon in Utah
Located in Kane County, in the U.S. state of Utah, Peek-a-boo Gulch is a short slot canyon Driving here is a challenging option. This is not the road to practice your sand driving skills if you are inexperienced.
How to drive the unpaved road to Alta Lakes in Colorado?
Alta Lakes is a series of three lakes at an elevation of 3.484m (11,430ft) above sea level, located in San Miguel County, in the US state of Colorado. The scenery is worth the trip.
How to drive the unpaved road to Lem Peak in Idaho
Lem Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.083m (10,114ft) above sea level, located in Lemhi County in the U.S. state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest roads of Idaho.
How to drive the paved road to Keller Peak in California
Keller Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.405m (7,890ft) above sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the US state of California.
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Flesher Pass in Montana
Flesher Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.872m (6,141ft) above sea level, located in Lewis and Clark County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
How to drive the paved road to Eagle Point Resort in Utah?
Eagle Point Resort is a high mountain resort at an elevation of 3.154m (10,347ft) above sea level, located in eastern Beaver County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.
How to drive the steep unpaved road to the lookout at Fairview Peak in Oregon?
Fairview Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.812m (5,944ft) above sea level located in Lane County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.
How to drive the unpaved road to Cove Mountain in Utah?
Cove Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.254m (10,675ft) above sea level located in Sanpete County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
How to drive the unpaved road to Jersey Jim Lookout Tower in Colorado?
Jersey Jim is a high mountain lookout tower at an elevation of 3,002m (9,849ft) above sea level, located in Montezuma County, in the US state of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to Brooklyn Lake in Wyoming?
Brooklyn Lake is a small, picturesque lake at an elevation of 3.243m (10,639ft) above sea level, located in Albany County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest roads of Wyoming.
How to drive the scenic Boca Chica Road in Florida?
Boca Chica Road is a short paved road located in Monroe County, in the lower Florida Keys, in the US state of Florida.
How to drive the unpaved road to Blowhard Mountain in Utah
Blowhard Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.264m (10,708ft) above the sea level, located in Iron County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.
How to get by car to Black Lake in Idaho?
Black Lake is an alpine lake at an elevation of 2,206m (7,237ft) above sea level, located in Adams County, a rural county in the US state of Idaho.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Gass Peak Road in Nevada
Gass Peak Road is a very scenic drive located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada.
How to drive the scenic road through Glenwood Canyon in Colorado?
Located in the US state of Colorado, the 12.5-mile stretch of Interstate-70 through Glenwood Canyon is a marvel of engineering.