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.

Wickiup Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.821m (9,255ft) above the sea level, located in Garfield County, in the U.S. state of Utah. 

The trucking industry is the backbone of the American economy, with over 13 million trucks registered in the U.S. However, sharing the road with an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler requires more than just basic driving skills; it requires an understanding of heavy vehicle physics and official safety protocols.

Barfoot Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.509m (8,231ft) above the sea level, located in Cochise County, in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Arizona.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 3,000 fatal accidents involving large commercial vehicles occur annually in the United States. The 18-wheeler, a staple of transcontinental logistics, presents unique operational challenges due to its mass and braking distance. Understanding the primary causes of these incidents—ranging from driver fatigue to mechanical failure—is essential for fleet managers and operators to mitigate risk and ensure the safety of the transport network. This guide analyzes the critical logistical factors that contribute to heavy truck accidents and the protocols required to prevent them.

Mine Camp Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.115m (10.222ft) above the sea level, located in Millard County, in the U.S. state of Utah. 

Gold Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.487m (8,159ft) above the sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in Southern California, United States. The average gradient is 12.37%.

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

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.

Attempting these routes requires advanced planning, especially concerning road accessibility. While some passes remain open year-round, many are subject to seasonal closures and unexpected weather events, even during summer months.

Chalk Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.667m (12,030ft) above the sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Analyzing regional transit data is a fundamental logistical task for improving road safety and operational efficiency. In 2020, South Carolina remained among the top ten states for heavy vehicle incidents, despite a decrease in overall traffic volume. Understanding the statistical causes of these accidents—ranging from HOS (Hours of Service) violations to mechanical failures—is essential for fleet managers to mitigate risks on these high-traffic corridors. This guide breaks down the technical data and logistical protocols required to maintain safety in the trucking industry.

Located in western Washington, in USA, the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive is a very scenic drive through some of the best forests in the state. It’s a spectacular way to see the natural beauty and wildlife of Washington State.

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.

Jackson Peak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.477m (8,126ft) above the sea level, located on the northern fringes of the vast Boise Mountain Range, in the western United States, in Boise County, Idaho.

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.

Spanish Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.012m (9,881ft) above the sea level, located in Nye County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Nevada.

Rose Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.653m (8,705ft) above the sea level, located in Greenlee County, in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Arizona.

Ford Ridge is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.858m (9,376ft) above the sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Utah.

Located in southern Madison County, Arkansas, in United States, Mill Creek Trail is a challenging trail, leading the rider through remote forest areas of the Ozark National Forest.

Jureano Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.546m (8,353 ft) above the sea level located in the Salmon River Mountains, in Idaho, USA.

Mount Tom is a high-altitude fire observation point at an elevation of 2,751m (9,026ft) above sea level, located in Fresno County, California. Situated within the Sierra National Forest, the summit features a historic fire lookout tower built by the CCC in 1934, which remains one of the prominent landmarks in the region.

Cape Horn is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.031m (9,944ft) above the sea level, located in La Plata County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

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.

Mount Union is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.431m (7,975ft) above the sea level, located in central Yavapai County, Arizona, in USA.

Duck Creek Point is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.515m (8,251ft) above the sea level, located in Lemhi County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.

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.

The geography of Nevada is defined by a rhythmic succession of linear mountain ranges separated by wide, arid basins. Beyond the high-density illumination of the Las Vegas strip, the state’s road network traverses some of the most geologically volatile and isolated terrain in North America. Navigating these roads requires a strategic approach to logistics—specifically fuel management and thermal regulation—as many corridors cross high-altitude passes and vast alkali flats with zero service availability.

Pigeon Spring Road is a pretty steep gravel road located in Gila County, in the central part of the U.S. state of Arizona.

Every year, more than 30,000 fatalities occur on American roads due to a combination of human error, mechanical failure, and environmental hazards. In the field of road logistics, preventing these incidents is not just a matter of safety, but a fundamental operational requirement. Implementing defensive driving protocols and maintaining strict vehicle standards are essential to mitigate the risks associated with high-speed transit and heavy traffic. This guide analyzes six logistical strategies to ensure maximum safety and incident prevention on any mission.

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

Mineral Hill is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,590m (8,497ft) above sea level, located in Idaho County, within the north-central region of the U.S. state of Idaho. As the third highest summit in the Gospel Hump Wilderness, it offers a window into the state's rugged mining past and some of the most technical off-road driving in the area.

Indian Head is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.039m (9,970ft) above the sea level, located in Utah County, in the U.S. state of Utah.

Silver Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.311m (10,862ft) above the sea level, located in Inyo County, California, United States. It’s one of the highest roads of California.

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.

Olson Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.578m (8,458ft) above the sea level, located in Deer Lodge County, in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana. Elk, mule deer, badgers, coyotes, and black bears can be seen along the trail.

Forest Road 053 is a high mountain road located in Custer County in the center of the U.S. state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Idaho.

Old Blewett Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.243m (4,078ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Kittitas and Chelan counties, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Sun Notch is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.176m (7,139ft) above sea level, located in southern Oregon, in the USA.

Betty Jumbo Mine is an abandoned tungsten mine at an elevation of 2.219m (7,280ft) above the sea level, located in Inyo County, in the US state of California.

Pajarito Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.158m (10,360ft) above the sea level, located in Los Alamos County, in north central New Mexico, USA. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of New Mexico.

Car-camping on high-isolation roads is more than a recreational choice; it is a strategic requirement for long-range expeditions where service nodes are non-existent. When navigating corridors like the Dalton Highway or the Trans-Taiga Road, your vehicle must function as a self-contained life-support system. Mastering the logistics of vehicle-based habitation—from thermal management to payload organization—is essential for maintaining operational readiness in environments where the nearest shelter may be hundreds of miles away.

The traditional "rite of passage" of obtaining a driver’s license is undergoing a fundamental shift in the United States. For previous generations, operating a vehicle was synonymous with independence; however, for Millennials, the decision to engage with the road is increasingly viewed through the lens of risk assessment and logistical cost. Beyond the financial barriers, a heightened awareness of road fatalities and the inherent dangers of high-exposure corridors has led many to reconsider the necessity of personal vehicle operation.

Motorcycle operations involve a higher degree of risk due to vehicle instability and exposure to road surface irregularities. In the U.S., more than 5,000 fatal crashes are recorded annually, many of which are linked to specific infrastructure failures and traffic logistics. For any professional road user, understanding the technical reasons behind these accidents—from pavement conditions to braking differentials—is vital for risk mitigation. This guide analyzes the primary factors affecting motorcycle safety on modern road networks.

Cougar Ridge is a high mountain ridge at an elevation of 2.792m (9,160ft) above the sea level, located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Saddle Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.538m (8,326ft) above the sea level, located in Catron County, New Mexico, United States.

Miller Flat Road is a very scenic journey in the heart of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, in Utah, USA.

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.

Lands End Observatory is a high mountain observatory at an elevation of 3.033m (9,950ft) above the sea level, located in Mesa County, in the U.S. state of 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 the sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.

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