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.
A drive to the top of Manastash Ridge in Washington
Manastash Ridge is a mountain pass at an elevation of 825m (2,706ft) above sea level, located in Kittitas County, in the US state of Washington.
How to drive the unpaved road to Grassy Mountain in Montana?
Grassy Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.438m (7,998ft) above sea level, located in Deer Lodge County, in the U.S. state of Montana. Elk, mule deer, badgers, coyotes, and black bears can be seen along the trail.
How to drive the unpaved road to White Bark Vista in California
White Bark Vista is a natural overlook at an elevation of 2.943m (9,655ft) above sea level, located in Fresno County, in the US state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California.
How to drive the curvy yet scenic TX-166 road in Texas
TX-166 is a winding mountain road running through the Davis Mountains located in Jeff Davis County, in the US state of Texas. It's one of the highest roads in Texas. It is a little-known drive through some of the most remote, isolated landscape in the state.
How to drive the unpaved road to Houghton Mountain in Colorado
Houghton Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.781m (12,404ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
How to drive the paved road to Elk Park Pass in Montana
Elk Park Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.936m (6,352 ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Montana.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Tobias Peak in California
Tobias Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.505m (8,218ft) above sea level, located in Tulare County, in the U.S. state of California.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Fox Mountain in New Mexico
Fox Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.864m (9,396ft) above sea level, located in Catron County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Kiowa Mountain in New Mexico
Kiowa Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.967m (9,734ft) above sea level, located in Rio Arriba County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
How to drive the paved road to Glorieta Pass in New Mexico
Glorieta Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.286m (7,500ft) above sea level, located in Santa Fe County, in the US state of New Mexico.
How to drive the unpaved road to Ord Mountain in California
Ord Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.380m (4,527ft) above sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.
How to drive the unpaved road to Snow Valley Peak in Nevada
Snow Valley Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.813m (9,229ft) above sea level, located in Carson City, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
Road trip guide: Conquering Old La Veta Pass in Colorado
La Veta Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.864m (9,396ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado.
What are the most dangerous roads in Texas?
Texas represents a unique intersection of extreme speed limits, aging infrastructure, and massive industrial logistics. The state consistently reports a fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles that exceeds the national average.
How to drive the unpaved road to Cottonwood Peak in Colorado
Cottonwood Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.447m (11309ft) above sea level, located in the Eagle County, in the US state of Colorado.
How to drive the high-mountain County Road 430 in Colorado?
Located in Mineral County, in the US state of Colorado, the challenging County Road 430 is a high mountain road, topping out at 3.591m (11,781ft) above sea level.
How to drive the unpaved road to UM Pass in Utah
UM Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.208m (10,524ft) above sea level, located in Sevier County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.
How to drive the unpaved road to Atlantic Peak in Colorado
Atlantic Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.778m (12,395ft) above sea level, located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
How to drive the paved road to Promontory Divide in Colorado
Promontory Divide is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.621m (8,599ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado.
State Highway 103 is a chillout in the high mountains of Colorado
Colorado State Highway 103 is a high mountain road located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Join us as we explore the story of this scenic road.
How to drive the scenic Colorado State Highway 165?
Colorado State Highway 165 (CO-165) is a high-altitude paved road located in Custer and Pueblo counties, in the US state of Colorado. It is known for crossing three distinct mountain divides in close succession along the Wet Mountains.
How to drive the unpaved road to Wofford Lookout in New Mexico
Wofford Lookout is a high mountain fire lookout tower at an elevation of 2.798m (9,179ft) above sea level, located in Otero County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
Road trip guide: Conquering Sunset Mountain in Idaho
Sunset Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.393m (7,851ft) above sea level, located in Boise County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.
How to drive the unpaved road to Mount Guyot in Colorado?
Mount Guyot is a high mountain peak located in southeastern Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. North of the mountain, an unpaved road climbs up to at an elevation of 3.571m (11,715ft) above sea level.
How to drive the unpaved road to Malemute Peak in Colorado
Malemute Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.899m (12,791ft) above sea level, located in Pitkin County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
How to drive the forbidden road to North Oscura Peak in New Mexico
North Oscura Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.437m (7,995ft) above sea level, located in Socorro County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
How to drive the paved road to Warm Springs Summit in Nevada
Warm Springs Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.916m (6,286ft) above sea level, located in Nye County, in the US State of Nevada.
How to drive the paved road to Currant Creek Pass in Colorado
Currant Creek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.891m (9,485ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the US state of Colorado.
Ptarmigan Peak: Ultimate 4wd destination in Colorado
Ptarmigan Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.681m (12,076ft) above sea level, located in Eagle County, in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to Thompson Pass in Wyoming?
Thompson Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.669m (8,756ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Wyoming.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Woody Mountain in Arizona
Woody Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.440m (8,006ft) above sea level, located in Coconino County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.
6 Strategic Escapes from the New York Metropolitan Area
Escaping the high-density grid of New York City requires navigating a complex network of parkways and river corridors. Beyond the city limits, the topography shifts rapidly from coastal plains to the rugged elevations of the Hudson Highlands and the Catskill foothills. For the overlander or the driving enthusiast, these six destinations offer a mix of historical engineering and technical secondary roads, ideal for mid-range vehicle testing and tactical retreats into the regional wilderness.
How to drive the unpaved road to Lookout Mountain in Washington?
Lookout Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.683m (5,522ft) above sea level, located in Okanogan County, in the US state of Washington.
How to drive the unpaved road to Lake Mountain in Idaho?
Lake Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.827m (9,274ft) above sea level located in Lemhi County, in the US state of Idaho. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.
How to drive the unpaved road to Vermilion Pass in Montana
Vermilion Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.838m (6,030ft) above sea level located in Sanders County, in the US state of Montana.
How to Get by Car to Trail Peak in Idaho?
Trail Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,147m (10,324ft) above sea level, located in Lemhi County, in the US state of Idaho. It is one of the highest roads in Idaho.
Travel is the Best Education: Planning an Educational Road Trip in the USA
Traveling across the United States is one of the most effective ways to broaden your horizons and gain a new perspective on history, geography, and culture. For students and lifelong learners, hitting the road offers a practical education that no classroom can replicate. However, combining a rigorous study schedule with a cross-country itinerary requires precise logistical planning.
The road to Blair Mountain in Colorado is a chillout in high mountains
Blair Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,496m (11,469ft) above sea level, located in Garfield County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to Inner Basin in Arizona
Inner Basin is a high mountain ravine at an elevation of 2.997m (9,832ft) above sea level, located in Coconino County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest roads of Arizona.
How to drive the unpaved road to Parker Mountain in Idaho
Parker Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.622m (8,602ft) above sea level located in Lemhi County, in the US state of Idaho.
How to drive the paved UT-14 road to Cedar Canyon Summit?
Cedar Canyon Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.023m (9,917ft) above sea level located in Iron County, in the US state of Utah.
How to get by car to the lookout at Long Tom Mountain in Idaho?
Long Tom Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.493m (8,179ft) above sea level located in Lemhi County, in the US state of Idaho.
Legal Pitfalls Drivers Should be Careful to Avoid Before Hitting the Streets of USA
Summer is in full swing, and that means more people hitting the roads for vacations and weekend getaways. While you're out there enjoying the sun and scenery, it's important to be aware of the legal pitfalls that can come with driving.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Sourdough Peak in Idaho
Sourdough Peak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.076m (6,811ft) above sea level located in Idaho County, in the US state of Idaho.
How to drive the unpaved road to Feltham Creek Point in Idaho
Feltham Creek Point is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.744m (9,002ft) above sea level located in Custer County, in the US state of Idaho. It's one of the highest roads of Idaho.
How to drive the unpaved Forest Road 1950 in New Mexico
Forest Road 1950 is a high mountain road located in the US state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico, climbing up to 3.067m (10,062ft) above sea level.
How to drive the unpaved road to George Peak in Utah
George Peak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.928m (9,606 ft) above sea level, located in Box Elder County, in the US state of Utah.
How to drive the unpaved road to Burro Pass in Utah?
Burro Pass is a high mountain pass located in Grand County, in the US state of Utah. South of the pass, Forest Road 0240 climbs through the La Sal Mountains to reach 3,197m (10,488ft) above sea level, ending at the Burro Pass Trailhead parking area.