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.
Camino del Aguila
Camino del Aguila is a very steep asphalted road located in San Diego County's North County region, in California, USA.
Sheep Mountain: Driving the remote NF-012 in the Salmon River Mountains
Sheep Mountain is a high-altitude peak located in the Salmon River Mountains of central Idaho. Tucked away in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, the track to the summit is called Sheep Mountain Road, officially designated as the NF-012. It is a rough, unpaved single-lane mountain track that cuts straight through sharp volcanic rock ridges and deep canyon drops with no side protections.
Dead Horse Point
Dead Horse Point is a natural viewpoint at an elevation of 1.814m (5,951ft) above the sea level, located in San Juan County, in the southeastern portion of the U.S. state of Utah. The summit features a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.
How to drive the wild road to American Summit in Alaska?
American Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,113m (3,652ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Alaska. It’s one of the highest roads in Alaska.
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.
Santa Fe Mountain
Santa Fe Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.173m (10,410ft) above the sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Silvertip Basin
Silvertip Basin is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.241m (10,633ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, Wyoming, United States. It’s one of the highest roads of Wyoming.
Bess Lake
Bess Lake is a high mountain sub-alpine lake at an elevation of 3.381m (11,092ft) above the sea level, located in Wayne County, in south-central Utah, in USA. Altitude and extreme weather is always a factor at any time of year. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.
Secret Pass: A Desert 4x4 Adventure in Arizona's Black Mountains
Secret Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,070m (3,510ft) above sea level, located in Mohave County, in the US state of Arizona. Tucked away in the rugged Black Mountains, west of Kingman, this unpaved route offers a true Mojave Desert experience through one of the most remote corners of the American Southwest.
Hainoa Crater
Hainoa Crater is a high mountain crater at an elevation of 2.406m (7,893ft) above the sea level, located on the island of Hawaii, USA.
How to get by car to Ryan Brothers Lake in Wyoming?
Ryan Brothers Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,181m (10,436ft) above sea level, situated in Carbon County, Wyoming. This area features one of Wyoming's highest roads to a remote alpine lake.
How to drive the unpaved road to Sunflower Hill in California?
Sunflower Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.135m (7,004ft) above sea level, located in Placer County, in the U.S. state of California.
Carport Or A Garage: How To Choose A Better Option
When it comes to protecting your car, you have two main options: a carport or a garage. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, which is why it can be difficult to decide which one is the best option for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of each option so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for your needs.
Coronet Drive: Driving the old mining road to 3,588m in Colorado
Coronet Drive is a high-altitude mountain road reaching an elevation of 3,588m (11,771ft) above sea level in Summit County, Colorado. Situated within the White River National Forest, this route offers a dramatic transition from a standard mountain drive to a technical off-road transit. Following the course of Pennsylvania Creek, the road serves as a primary link through the high country of the Rockies, where the legacy of old mining operations is visible in the rugged and unforgiving nature of the unpaved track.
The 8 Most Challenging Roads of Olympic National Park
Located on Washington's Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest, Olympic National Park is a maritime-alpine wilderness that presents significant challenges for even experienced drivers. Tucked into the northwestern corner of Washington State, the park—often described as "three parks in one"—encompasses glacier-capped peaks, temperate rainforests, and a rugged Pacific coastline across 922,650 acres. While U.S. Highway 101 circumnavigates the peninsula, the interior routes are characterized by extreme narrowness, blind curves, and surfaces vulnerable to severe Pacific storms.
How to drive the unpaved road to Lone Cone Pass?
Lone Cone Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.357m (11,015ft) above sea level located in San Miguel County, in the US state of Colorado.
How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Mount Davenport in New Mexico?
Mount Davenport is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.853m (9,360ft) above sea level, located in Catron County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Cronin Peak in Colorado
Cronin Peak is a high mountain peak located in Chaffee County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. An old mining trail west of the summit tops out at 3.914m (12,841ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Squaw Peak
Squaw Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.698m (8,851ft) above the sea level, located in Placer County, California. Views from the summit are pretty spectacular.
How to drive the unpaved road to Spanish Peak in Nevada?
Spanish Peak is a high mountain peak located in Nye County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. West of the summit and unpaved road climbs up to 3.012m (9,881ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of Nevada.
Things to Know Before Driving the Sol Duc Road in WA
Sol Duc Road is a very scenic drive with stunning views located in Clallam County, in the U.S. state of Washington, leading to Sol Duc Falls.
Mayflower Lake
Mayflower Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.441m (11,289ft) above the sea level, located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Summit Pass
Summit Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.597m (11,801ft) above the sea level, located in the Rio Grande County, in Colorado, USA. There are a few water crossings along the way.
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.
How long do points stay on a Florida driver's license?
In the state of Florida, driving is classified as a privilege, not a right. To manage the safety of its vast highway network, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) utilizes a graduated point system to track moving violations. Accumulating points on your record does more than increase insurance premiums; it serves as a primary metric for license suspension and revocation, effectively removing high-risk operators from the road.
The Wild Road to Onyx Peak
Onyx Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.782m (9,127ft) above the sea level, located in the southwestern part of San Bernardino County, in the US state of California.
Pro Tips for Selling 4x4 Vehicles for High-Risk Roads
The market for used 4x4 vehicles and expedition platforms in the United States has seen a significant increase in demand. For owners of off-road trucks and SUVs, selling a vehicle is no longer just a transaction, but an evaluation of mechanical readiness for challenging environments. Whether your vehicle was built for the rock crawls of Moab or the frozen reaches of the Arctic, documenting its specialized upgrades and structural integrity is essential for achieving a professional-grade valuation in today’s high-demand landscape.
10 Weird Motorcycle Laws In The US That You Didn't Know About
Motorcycle legislation in the United States is designed to standardize safety across diverse jurisdictions. However, embedded within state vehicle codes are obscure regulations that range from the archaic to the highly specific. While many of these statutes are rarely enforced in a modern context, they offer a technical look at how authorities have attempted to regulate noise, visibility, and livestock interactions on the American road network over the last century.
How to drive the unpaved road to Vanderbilt, a ghost town in Nevada
Vanderbilt is a mining ghost town at an elevation of 2,247 meters (7,372 ft) above sea level, located in Eureka County, in the US state of Nevada. Visiting the remains of the old settlement today offers a direct look into the region's mining past.
Potosi Mountain South
Located in the Spring Mountains of Clark County, in Nevada, Potosi Mountain South is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.491m (8,172ft) above the sea level.
Carrizo Mountain
Carrizo Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 661m (2,168ft) above the sea level, located in Imperial County, California, in USA.
Chicago’s Top Attractions and Must-See Experiences
Chicago, Illinois, stands as one of the most culturally significant and architecturally complex cities in the United States. Known for its striking skyline and vibrant arts scene, the city also presents a unique challenge for drivers, from the congested "L" train corridors to the high-speed transit of the Lake Shore Drive. Whether you are visiting for its history or its world-class museums, understanding the city's grid and traffic flow is essential for any traveler.
5 Tips for Buying a Vehicle for Off-Road Adventures in the USA
Operating a vehicle on high-consequence technical roads across the United States requires a platform that prioritizes structural integrity over aesthetic appeal. The distinction between a standard crossover and a dedicated expedition vehicle is defined by its mechanical architecture: chassis type, drivetrain configuration, and low-range capabilities. For the overlander, selecting the right platform is the most critical decision in risk mitigation, ensuring the vehicle can withstand the torsional stress of uneven terrain and the abrasive nature of unpaved surfaces.
Raft Lake
Raft Lake is a high mountain sub-alpine lake at an elevation of 3.390m (11,122ft) above the sea level, located in Wayne County, in south-central Utah, in USA. Altitude and extreme weather is always a factor at any time of year. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.
Road trip guide: Conquering Stemple Pass in MT
Stemple Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.945m (6,381ft) above the sea level, located in Lewis and Clark County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
How to get by car to the lookout at Thompson Peak in California?
Thompson Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,366m (7,762ft) above sea level, located in the northeastern part of California, USA. Situated within the Plumas National Forest, the summit offers an extensive view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada range and the high desert of the Great Basin.
Success Summit
Success Summit is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.742m (8,996ft) above the sea level, located in White Pine County, along the central eastern boundary of the U.S. state of Nevada. On the ascent up to the pass, the traveler goes through groves of aspen trees.
Meadow Peak
Meadow Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.045m (6,709ft) above the sea level, located in Flathead County, Montana, in USA.
Taking the scenic route and driving to Stevenson's Creek Falls in California
Stevenson's Creek Falls, nestled in Fresno County, in the US state of California, stands as one of the state's grandest waterfalls with an impressive drop of approximately 1,280 feet.
How to drive the paved road to Quartz Mountain Pass in Oregon?
Quartz Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.679m (5,508ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.
Munkres Pass
Munkres Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.881m (9,452ft) above the sea level, located in Johnson County, Wyoming, in USA.
Turkey Gulch Road
Turkey Gulch Road is a challenging drive located in Clear Creek County, Colorado, in United States. The average gradient is 14,8%.
Battle Mountain
Battle Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.503m (11,492ft) above the sea level, located in Eagle County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Car Modifications That Make Driving More Dangerous in the USA
Vehicle modification in the United States is often driven by aesthetic preference rather than engineering necessity. However, altering a vehicle’s factory specifications—specifically its suspension geometry, window transparency, and wheel diameter—can severely compromise its performance on technical roads. When navigating high-consequence environments, the margin for error is thin; a modification that prioritizes "status" over "dynamics" can transform a manageable transit into a catastrophic mechanical failure.
Road trip guide: Conquering Castle Butte in ID
Castle Butte is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.032m (6,666ft) above the sea level, located in Idaho County, in the US state of Idaho.
Devils Head
Devils Head is a lava dome at an elevation of 2.786m (9,140ft) above the sea level, located in Coconino County, in the north central part of the U.S. state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Arizona.
South Tent Mountain
South Tent Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.157m (10,357ft) above the sea level, located in Sanpete County, in the U.S. state of Utah.
June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop (California State Route 158) is a very scenic drive in Mono County, in the east central portion of the U.S. state of California passing four alpine lakes, towering mountains and incredible alpine scenery.