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 scenic road to South Lake in California?
South Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.999m (9,839ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California.
How to Prepare for Safe Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Navigating the 750 miles of trails in Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra National Forest requires a rigorous logistical approach to safety. Since 1972, the park has recorded 13 cases of unresolved disappearances, highlighting the technical risks of the high-altitude topography and volatile weather systems. Preventing Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents depends on a combination of precise route-finding, redundant communication systems, and a professional understanding of the environmental friction and thermal challenges of the wilderness.
Driving the unpaved Snake Creek Road to Johnson's Mill in Nevada
Johnson's Mill is a historic mining site at an elevation of 3,074 meters (10,085 ft) above sea level located in White Pine County, in the US state of Nevada. It is one of the highest roads of Nevada.
Driving the idyllic Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway across California's Sierra Nevada
Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway is the name of an idyllic drive located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, in the US state of California.
Driving to Kerr Notch: The best view of Crater Lake’s Phantom Ship
Kerr Notch is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,038m (6,686ft) above sea level, located on the southeastern rim of Crater Lake in Oregon. It is one of the most significant geological and historical points on the Rim Drive, offering a unique perspective on the massive volcanic collapse that created the deepest lake in the USA.
An Unforgettable Drive to Blewett Pass in Washington
Blewett Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.254m (4,114ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Washington.
How to drive the unpaved road to Mount Hamilton in Nevada
Mount Hamilton is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.091m (10,141ft) above sea level, located in White Pine County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It's one of the highest roads of Nevada.
The Ultimate Road Trip To Smith and Morehouse Reservoir in Utah
Smith and Morehouse Reservoir is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 2.358m (7,736ft) above sea level, located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Utah.
How to drive the unpaved road to Arrastre Lake in Wyoming?
Arrastre Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.120m (10,236fft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest roads of Wyoming.
How to drive the unpaved Last Chance Road in California
Last Chance Road (USFS Road 44-22) is a very demanding drive located in Placer County, in the US state of California.
Surprising Things That Can Cause A Dangerous Accident or Breakdown in the USA
While most drivers on America’s roads focus on hazards like speeding or distracted driving, the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) suggests that up to 96% of accidents could be avoided by addressing less obvious factors. From the backroads of Maine to the highways of Ohio, some of the most dangerous threats are also the most surprising.
How to drive the paved road to Barker Dam in California?
Barker Dam is a high mountain dam at an elevation of 1.301m (4268ft) above sea level, located in Riverside County, in the US state of California.
Travel guide to Hunt Mountain, in the Big Horn Range
Hunt Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.062m (10,045ft) above sea level, located in Big Horn County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
Driving an old mining road to Glacier Peak in Colorado
Glacier Peak is a high mountain summit at an elevation of 3,917m (12,851ft) above sea level, located on the boundary of Summit and Jefferson counties, in the US state of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Bare Cone in Montana?
Bare Cone is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.386m (7,828ft) above sea level, located in Ravalli 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 Gentry Mountain in Utah?
Gentry Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.066m (10,059ft) above sea level, located in Emery County, in the U.S. state of Utah.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Pegleg Mountain in California?
Pegleg Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.166m (7,106ft) above sea level, located in Lassen County, in the U.S. state of California.
How to drive the difficult road to Star Point in Utah
Star Point is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.067m (10,062ft) above sea level located in the Carbon County, in the US state of Utah.
How to drive the road to Highland Peak in Nevada?
Highland Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.862m (9,389ft) above sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the US state of Nevada.
How to drive the unpaved road to South Pass in Colorado
South Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.248m (10,656ft) above sea level located in the Saguache County, in the US state of Colorado.
How To Prepare For Your First Challenging Hike in the USA
Transitioning from vehicular transit to on-foot exploration in the American wilderness involves a significant escalation in risk management. Many of the most dangerous roads in the U.S. serve as the only access points to high-altitude, technical trails where atmospheric volatility and topographical isolation are constant factors. For the expeditionary traveler, preparing for a challenging trek requires more than physical fitness; it demands a disciplined approach to gear redundancy, thermal management, and search-and-rescue (SAR) protocols.
How to drive the unpaved road to Middle Mountain in Colorado
Middle Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.610m (11,843ft) above sea level, located in Chaffee County, in the US state of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to Sunset Pass in Utah?
Sunset Pass is a high mountain pass an elevation of 1.806m (5,925ft) above sea level, located in Garfield County, in the US state of Utah. The road is normally an easy drive, but recommended doing it in dry weather. It may be washed out or impassable after rains.
How to drive the unpaved road to Benson Ridge in New Mexico
Benson Ridge is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.906m (9,534ft) above sea level, located in Otero County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
How to drive Mahogany Road to Gunsight Pass in Oregon?
Gunsight Pass is a high-altitude desert gap at an elevation of 1,930m (6,332ft) above sea level, located in Malheur County, in the southeastern corner of Oregon. The pass is crossed by Mahogany Road, a remote 33 km (20.5 miles) unpaved track running near the Idaho border through the Succor Creek drainage basin.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Shafer Butte in Idaho
Shafer Butte is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.315m (7.595ft) above sea level, located in Boise County, in the US state of Idaho.
The 57 deadliest road stretches in Georgia: A driver’s black list
Driving through Georgia is a game of patience and reflexes, especially once you hit the massive interchanges around Atlanta. The reality of the road here is dictated by heavy truck traffic, sudden lane changes, and a complete lack of space when things go wrong. If you want to stay out of the wrecking yard, you need to know exactly which sections of the asphalt are eating cars and lives at a higher rate than the rest.
The Wild Road to Josephus Lake in Idaho
Josephus Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.150m (7,053ft) above sea level, located in Custer County, in U.S. state of Idaho.
Teller County Road 1 is a 5-star road in Colorado
Teller County Road 1, also known as Teller 1, is a very scenic drive located in Teller County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Why are some roads in the USA more dangerous than others?
The danger of a road in the United States is rarely where you expect it. While mountain passes with thousand-foot drops like the Million Dollar Highway grab the headlines, they often have fewer accidents than a boring, straight rural highway. The reason is simple: when a road looks lethal, you pay attention. The real killers are the "invisible" hazards—the roads that make you feel safe right before a tire blow-out or a patch of black ice sends you into the ditch.
How to drive the unpaved road to Butler Peak in California?
Butler Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.570m (8,431ft) above sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the US state of California. A vehicle with decent ground clearance and good tires shouldn’t have an issue.
How to drive the unpaved road to Mount Ogden in Utah
Mount Ogden is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.915m (9,563ft) above sea level, located in Weber County, in the U.S. state of Utah.
How to drive the unpaved road to Monument Peak in California
Monument Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.040m (9,973ft) above sea level, located in El Dorado County, in the US state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California.
How to drive the unpaved road to Haystack Gate in Colorado
Haystack Gate is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.963m (9,721ft) above sea level located in the US state of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Dixie Mountain in California?
Dixie Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.525m (8,284ft) above sea level, located in Lassen County, in the US state of California.
Driving the terrific Wolverine Loop Road in Utah
Wolverine Loop Road is an exciting drive with great views, located in Garfield County, in the US state of Utah.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Whitehawk Mountain in Idaho?
Whitehawk Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.553m (8,375ft) above sea level located in Valley County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.
The unforgettable drive to Lava Point Overlook, the best spot to watch a sunset
Lava Point Overlook is a vantage point at an elevation of 2.386m (7,828ft) above the sea level, located in Washington County, in the US state of Utah.
A memorable road trip to Isabel Pass in Alaska
Isabel Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.005m (3,297ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Valdez–Cordova Census Area and Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, in the U.S. state of Alaska. It’s one of the highest roads in Alaska.
Colorado Rockies: The Essential 4-Pass High-Altitude Driving Itinerary
The Colorado Rockies are home to some of the most spectacular, high-altitude driving passes in the contiguous United States. This itinerary focuses on four essential passes—Aspen Summer Road, Monarch Pass, Berthoud Pass, and Red Mountain Pass—each offering distinct challenges, extreme elevations, and breathtaking views of the Continental Divide.
How to drive the unpaved Lost Trail Road in Colorado?
Lost Trail Road is a high mountain trail located in Gunnison County, in the US state of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to Gooseberry Point in Utah?
Gooseberry Point is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.154m (10,347ft) above sea level located in Iron County, in the US state of Utah.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Signal Peak in New Mexico?
Signal Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.744m (9,002ft) above sea level, located in Grant County in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
How to drive the unpaved Forest Road 162 in Utah
US Forest Service Road 162 is a very challenging high mountain road located in Garfield County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah running entirely over 3.000m above sea level.
How to drive the unpaved Quebradas Back Country Byway in New Mexico?
The Quebradas National Back Country Byway is a beautiful scenic drive located in Socorro County, in the US state of New Mexico. Quiet and remote, no cell phones can be heard out here.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Ulysses Mountain in Idaho?
Ulysses Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.333m (7,654ft) above sea level located in Lemhi County, in the US state of Idaho.
How to drive the unpaved road to Farwell Mountain in Colorado
Farwell Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.302m (10,833ft) above sea level, located in Routt County, in the US state of Colorado.
How to drive the paved road to Powder Mountain Resort in Utah
Powder Mountain is a ski resort at an elevation of 2.517m (8,257ft) above sea level, stretching between Weber and Cache counties in the U.S. state of Utah.