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 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.

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.

How to drive the unpaved road to Success Summit in Nevada?

Success Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.742m (8,996ft) above sea level, located in White Pine County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. On the ascent up to the pass, the traveler goes through groves of aspen trees.

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.

How to drive the scenic June Lake Loop in California?

June Lake Loop (California State Route 158) is a very scenic drive located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California, running across four alpine lakes, towering mountains and incredible alpine scenery.

Road trip guide: Conquering Elbow Lake in Utah

Elbow Lake is a high mountain sub-alpine lake at an elevation of 3.396m (11,141ft) above sea level, located in Wayne County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.

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.

How to drive the unpaved road to Carrizo Mountain in California?

Carrizo Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 661m (2,168ft) above sea level, located in Imperial County, in the US state of California.

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.

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.

America’s Most Stunning Off-Road Trail Adventures

The transition from scenic asphalt to primitive off-road trails requires a fundamental shift in driver mindset and vehicle preparation. Across the United States, thousands of miles of Forest Service roads and historic trails offer access to isolated wilderness, but they also present significant mechanical and environmental risks.

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.

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.

How to drive the unpaved road to Munkres Pass in Wyoming

Munkres Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.881m (9,452ft) above sea level, located in Johnson County, in the US state of Wyoming.

How to drive the unpaved road to Meadow Peak in Montana

Meadow Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.045m (6,709ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Montana.

Driving to Sun Notch: The highest viewpoint over the Phantom Ship

Sun Notch is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,176m (7,139ft) above sea level, located on the southern rim of the Crater Lake caldera in Oregon. It is one of the highest points accessible by vehicle on the East Rim Drive, providing a breathtaking perspective over the deepest lake in the United States.

Road trip guide: Conquering Castle Butte in Idaho

Castle Butte is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.032m (6,666ft) above sea level, located in Idaho County, in the US state of Idaho.

How to drive the unpaved road to Devils Head in Arizona

Devils Head is a lava dome at an elevation of 2.786m (9,140ft) 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 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.

Most Dangerous Roads in South Florida Near West Palm Beach

The Most Dangerous Roads in Palm Beach County, FL

South Florida’s road network is characterized by extreme traffic density and high-velocity urban transits. In the first half of 2023, Florida recorded over 175,000 traffic incidents, with Palm Beach County emerging as a primary cluster for multi-vehicle collisions.

How to drive the unpaved NF-20 Road to Grouse Creek Gap in Oregon

Grouse Creek Gap is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.020m (6,640ft) above sea level, located in Jackson County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

How to drive the unpaved road to Battle Mountain in Colorado

Battle Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.503m (11,492ft) above sea level, located in Eagle County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Sacramento Peak: Driving the Forest 64 Road in New Mexico

Sacramento Peak is a high mountain summit at an elevation of 2,904 meters (9,529 ft) above sea level located in Otero County, in the US state of New Mexico. Located south of Cloudcroft within the Lincoln National Forest, the peak is reached via Forest 64 Road, an unpaved mountain track that climbs through the high-altitude pine forests of the Sacramento Mountains.

How to drive the unpaved road to Mount Pluto in California?

Mount Pluto is an extinct volcano at an elevation of 2.626m (8,615ft) above sea level, located in Placer County, in the U.S. state of California.

How to drive the bumpy road to Cerro Pelado in New Mexico

Cerro Pelado is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.085m (10,121ft) above sea level, located in Sandoval County, in the US state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico.

How to drive the unpaved Wooden Pole Powerline Road in Nevada?

Wooden Pole Powerline Road is a rough and bumpy road located in the heart of Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

How to drive the unpaved Turkey Gulch Road in Colorado

Turkey Gulch Road is a challenging mountain drive located in Clear Creek County, in the US state of Colorado. The average gradient is 15.17%.

How to drive the 4x4 road to Almagre Mountain South in Colorado?

Almagre Mountain South is a high-altitude peak at an elevation of 3,771m (12,372ft) above sea level, located in Teller County, Colorado. Logistically, the summit is reached via the Forest Service Road 379, also known as Mt. Baldy. Technically, this is one of the highest vehicular routes in the state, requiring a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to navigate a surface that remains largely unmaintained and exposed to severe alpine erosion.

Maverick Mountain: Driving the 30-Mile Dirt Track in Fort Apache

Maverick Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 2,465 meters (8,086 ft) above sea level, located within the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation in Graham County, in the US state of Arizona.

Road trip guide: Conquering Peerless Mountain in Colorado

Peerless Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.022m (13,195ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.

The Loneliest Highway to Sacramento Pass in Nevada

Sacramento Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.185m (7,168ft) above sea level, located in White Pine County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Iron Mountain Road (FS 482): The complete 4x4 guide through the Crazy Mountains

Iron Mountain Road, officially Forest Service Road 482, is a 37.3-kilometer (23.2 miles) unpaved track located in Sweet Grass County, in the US state of Montana. The route cuts through the Crazy Mountains within the Gallatin National Forest, climbing over Ellis Mountain, Sliderock Mountain, and Iron Mountain along a single dirt line.

How to drive the unpaved road to South Tent Mountain in Utah

South Tent Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.157m (10,357ft) above sea level, located in Sanpete County, in the U.S. state of Utah.

How to drive the unpaved road to Palomar Mountain High Point Lookout in California?

Palomar Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.874m (6,148ft) above sea level, located in northern San Diego County, in the US state of California.

Fantastic Caverns is Missouri’s Only Drive-Through Cave

Located in Greene County, in the US state of Missouri, Fantastic Caverns offers a unique tram-based tour that takes visitors through the heart of a natural cave system. It’s a must-see for anyone exploring scenic drives or road adventures in southwestern Missouri. It’s one of the few roads in the world that runs through a cave.

Is the road to West Mountain in Utah difficult to drive?

West Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,314m (10,872ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Utah. It is one of the highest roads of Utah.

How to drive the unpaved road to Haystack Mountain in Idaho

Haystack Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.613m (8,572ft) above sea level located in Lemhi County, in the US state of Idaho.

How to drive the 14 hairpins of Eddy Peak Road in Montana?

Eddy Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,093m (6,866ft) above sea level, located in Sanders County, Montana. Situated in the northern part of the Lolo National Forest, the drive to the summit via Eddy Peak Road is a demanding high-altitude transit that requires specialized 4x4 equipment and technical driving skills.

How to drive the 4x4 road to Bald Mountain in Wyoming?

Bald Mountain is a high-altitude peak at an elevation of 3,246m (10,649ft) above sea level, located in Park County, Wyoming. Technically, the road to the summit is a relic of the region’s industrial past, starting from the historic Kirwin ghost town. This route is classified as one of the highest mountain roads in Wyoming and requires a specific technical approach due to its unmaintained mining-track geometry.