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 Prepare For the Ultimate Fishing Trip Into the Wild

Logistics and Survival for High-Isolation Fishing Drives

Planning a fishing expedition into the true wilderness—far beyond the reach of localized infrastructure—requires a strategic approach to logistics and safety. Whether your objective is high-altitude trout in the Himalayas or tuna in isolated maritime sectors of the Atlantic, the challenge lies in the transit and the environmental volatility of the terrain. For the adventure-driven angler, success depends on mechanical autonomy, precise navigation, and a disciplined gear strategy designed for "no-service" zones.

Lone Mountain

How to drive the unpaved road to Lone Mountain in Montana

Lone Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.953m (9,688ft) above sea level, located in Madison County, in the US state of Montana.

California's Central Valley Has Some of the Worst Roads in the USA

Road Conditions in California’s Central Valley: A Regional Overview

The Central Valley of California represents one of the most stressed road environments in the United States. Federal road condition data consistently ranks the region's urban and rural arterials among the most deteriorated in the nation. This systematic degradation of the pavement is not merely a matter of driver discomfort; it is a critical safety variable that introduces unpredictable hazards, increases vehicle mechanical failure rates, and compromises the integrity of the state's primary agricultural logistics corridors.

Big Bear Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to Big Bear Peak in Colorado?

Big Bear Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.709m (12,168ft) above sea level, located in San Miguel County, in the US state of Colorado. 

Slide Mountain

How to drive the unpaved road to Slide Mountain in Nevada

Slide Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.928m (9,606ft) above sea level, located in Washoe County, in the US state of Nevada. The mountain is well known for its rock slides. It’s one of the highest roads of Nevada.

Salton Sea

How to get by car to Salton Sea in California?

The Salton Sea is an inland saline lake straddling Imperial and Riverside counties, in the US state of California. It’s one of the Earth’s Lowest Elevations at -227 ft (-69 m) below sea level.

Navajo Point

How to drive the unpaved road to Navajo Point in Utah

Navajo Point is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.188m (10,459ft) above sea level, located in Iron County, in the U.S. state of Utah. 

Las Vegas Convention Center Loop

Driving the breathtaking Las Vegas Convention Center Loop

Las Vegas Convention Center Loop is the name of an underground tunnel system located in Las Vegas, in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada.

Mazuorka Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to Mazourka Peak in California?

Mazourka Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,870m (9,416ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It's one of the highest roads in California.

Cave Mountain

How to drive the unpaved road to Cave Mountain in Nevada?

Cave Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.277m (10,751ft) above sea level, located in White Pine County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It’s one of the highest roads of Nevada.

Apache Point Observatory

What are the driving conditions on the road to Apache Point Observatory?

The Apache Point Observatory is a high-altitude research facility at an elevation of 2,801m (9,189ft) above sea level, located in Otero County, in the US state of New Mexico. The access is via Apache Point Road, a short mountain spur that connects the observatory with the Sunspot Highway (NM Hwy-6563). 

Lewis and Clark Highway

How to drive the paved Lewis and Clark Highway in Washington?

The Lewis and Clark Highway is a very scenic drive located along the southern border of the US state of Washington. Following the route of Washington State Route 14 (SR-14), the road is fully paved and provides vast vistas along the Columbia River.

Schultz Pass

Can I drive the unpaved road to Schultz Pass in Arizona?

Schultz Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.468m (8,097ft) above sea level located in Coconino County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.

7 Safety Tips For Driving At Night On The American Roads

7 Safety Tips For Driving At Night On The American Roads

Driving at night presents a significantly higher risk profile than daylight transit. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatal crashes are three times more likely to occur after dark. The primary challenge is the drastic reduction in peripheral vision and the physiological effect of glare, which can temporarily blind a driver and increase reaction times on complex routes.

Scenic Loop Drive

How to drive the paved Scenic Loop Drive in North Dakota?

Scenic Loop Drive is a very scenic drive located in the US state of North Dakota.

Wildhorse Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Wildhorse Peak in Idaho

Wildhorse Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.913m (9,557ft) above sea level, located in Custer County, in the US state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest roads in Idaho.

Sheriff Reservoir

How to drive the unpaved road to Sheriff Reservoir in Colorado?

Sheriff Reservoir is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 2.987m (9,799ft) above sea level, located in Rio Blanco County, in the US state of Colorado.

Badger Mountain

A memorable road trip to Badger Mountain in Colorado

Badger Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.427m (11,243ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Colorado.

Mount Pilchuck

The road to Mount Pilchuck in Washington isn’t an easy one

Mount Pilchuck is a mountain peak located in Snohomish County, in the U.S. state of Washington. A graveled road leads to the Mount Pilchuck Trailhead parking area, at an elevation of 964m (3,162ft) above sea level.

Cook Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Cook Peak in California?

Cook Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.604m (5,262ft) above sea level, located in Kern County, in the U.S. state of California.

Cougar Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to Cougar Peak in Montana

Cougar Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.041m (6,696ft) above sea level located in Sanders County, in the US state of Montana.

Wilson Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to Wilson Peak in Colorado

Wilson Peak is a high mountain peak located in San Miguel County, in the US state of Colorado. West of the peak, an old mining road climbs up to at an elevation of 3.719m (12,201ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.

Garfield Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to Garfield Peak in Colorado

Garfield Peak is a high mountain peak located in in the U.S. state of Colorado. South of the peak, a gravel road climbs up to at an elevation of 3.771m (12,372ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.

Maggie Gulch mine

How to drive the 4wd trail to Maggie Gulch Mine in Colorado

Maggie Gulch mine is an old mining site at an elevation of 3.755m (12,319ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado. It's one of the highest roads of Colorado.

Hanson Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to Hanson Peak in Colorado

Hanson Peak is a high mountain peak located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. East of the summit, a gravel road climbs up to at an elevation of 3.890m (12,762ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.

Eagle Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to lookout at Eagle Peak in New Mexico

Eagle Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.987m (9,801ft) above sea level, located in Catron County, in the US state of New Mexico.

Lobo Overlook

How to drive the scenic unpaved road to Lobo Overlook in Colorado

Lobo Overlook is a natural viewpoint at an elevation of 3.585m (11,761ft) above sea level located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The summit offers breathtaking panorama views of the San Juan Mountains and west towards Pagosa Springs.

Cerro Saragate

How to drive the unpaved road to Cerro Saragate in New Mexico

Cerro Saragate is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.151m (10,337ft) above 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.

Gobblers Knob

How to drive the unpaved road to Gobblers Knob in California

Gobblers Knob is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.002m (6,568ft) above sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the US state of California.

Ward Mountain

How to drive the steep unpaved road to Ward Mountain in Nevada

Ward Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.336m (10,944ft) above sea level, located in south-central White Pine County, in the US state of Nevada. It’s one of the highest roads of Nevada.

320th Avenue Bridge

How to cross the 320th Avenue Bridge in Iowa

Located in Poweshiek County, in the US state of Iowa, the 320th Avenue Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Virginia Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to Virginia Peak in Nevada?

Virginia Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.551m (8,370ft) above sea level, located in Washoe County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Monument Ridge

How to drive the unpaved road to Monument Ridge in Montana

Monument Ridge is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.919m (9,576ft) above sea level, located in Madison County, in the US state of Montana.

Apache Peak

How to drive the unpaved road to Apache Peak in Arizona

Apache Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.334m (10,938ft) above sea level, located in Apache County, in the US state of Arizona. It's one of the highest roads in Arizona.

Bitterroot Big Hole Road

Bitterroot-Big Hole Road is a Very Scenic Drive in Montana

Located in the U.S. state of Montana, Bitterroot-Big Hole Road is a very exciting journey through history. It is a narrow one-lane road.

Silver Plume Mountain

Can I drive the unpaved road to Silver Plume Mountain in Colorado?

Silver Plume Mountain is a high mountain peak located in Clear Creek County, in the US state of Colorado. East of the summit, a minor unpaved road climbs up to at an elevation of 3.756m (12,322ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.

Glenn Highway

The paved Glenn Highway in Alaska is not something to miss

Glenn Highway (part of Alaska Route 1) is a very scenic drive located in the US state of Alaska. The road takes you through several towns and natural wonders of Alaska.

Truckers: Avoid the 5 Most Dangerous Roads in the United States

The 5 Most Dangerous Roads for Truckers in the USA

For commercial vehicle operators, the American interstate and highway system presents a diverse spectrum of catastrophic risks. While human error remains a primary variable, certain corridors are inherently hazardous due to structural deficiencies, extreme topographical shifts, and volatile meteorological patterns. For a "big rig" driver, navigating these five high-consequence roads requires a technical understanding of vehicle physics, brake endurance, and the specific logistical isolation of each region.

Blackbird Mountain

How to drive the unpaved road to Blackbird Mountain in Idaho

Blackbird Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.761m (9,058ft) above sea level located in Lemhi County, in the US state of Idaho. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.

Chopaka Mountain

How to drive the unpaved road to Chopaka Mountain in Washington

Chopaka Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.903m (6,243ft) above sea level, located in Okanogan County, in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s one of the highest roads of Washington.

The Deadliest California Roadways for Motorcyclists

The Deadliest California Roadways for Motorcyclists

California features some of the most demanding roads in the United States, where mountain terrain and heavy traffic create extreme conditions for motorcycles. When wheels leave the city streets and enter high-altitude passes or major freight corridors, the risk of a severe crash spikes due to sharp switchbacks, canyon drop-offs, and high-speed commercial traffic.

Saddleback Mountain

Can I drive to Saddleback Mountain in Colorado

Saddleback Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.843m (9,327ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Tollhouse Road

How to drive the paved Tollhouse Road in California

Tollhouse Road is the name of a challenging drive located in Fresno County, in the U.S. state of California, with stunning mountain views.

Stonehouse Road

How to drive the unpaved Stonehouse Road in Nevada?

Stonehouse Road is a short gravel road located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, in the US state of Nevada. It’s a 4wd track.

Freds Mountain

How to drive the unpaved road to Freds Mountain in Wyoming

Freds Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.004m (9,855ft) above sea level, located in Teton County, in the US state of Wyoming.

Fishhook Lake

How to drive the unpaved road to Fishhook Lake in Wyoming

Fishhook Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.249m (10,659ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest roads of Wyoming.

Big Hole Pass

Road trip guide: Conquering Big Hole Pass in Montana

Big Hole Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,256 m (7,401 ft) above sea level, located in Beaverhead County, in the U.S. state of Montana.

Highland Lakes

Take the Scenic Route and Discover Highland Lakes in California

Highland Lakes are a pair of freshwater alpine lakes at an elevation of 2.631m (8,631ft) above sea level, located in Alpine County, in the U.S. state of California.