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.

Augustine Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 733m (2,404ft) above the sea level, located in Riverside County, in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California.

While the Going-to-the-Sun Road captures most of the attention in Northwest Montana, U.S. Highway 89 (US 89) offers a different, more isolated set of challenges. Spanning 400.5 miles (644.5 km) from Yellowstone to the Canadian border, this high-altitude artery traverses the Little Belt Mountains and the eastern edge of Glacier National Park. Beyond its scenic value, the US 89 is defined by its "Open Range" status, where the lack of physical barriers between livestock and the roadway creates a high-risk environment for even the most experienced drivers.

Telephone Canyon Road is a short mountain road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Antelope Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.343m (7,687ft) above the sea level, located in Lassen County, in the northeastern portion of the U.S. state of California.

Salsberry Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.006m (3,300ft) above the sea level, located in Inyo County, in the eastern central part of the U.S. state of California.

Elk Camp Summit is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.459m (11,348ft) above the sea level, located in Pitkin County, Colorado, United States.

Gird Point is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.295m (7,529ft) above the sea level, located in Ravalli County, Montana, in USA.

Robinson Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.317m (7,601ft) above the sea level, located in White Pine County, along the central eastern boundary of the U.S. state of Nevada.

Mount Owen is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.542m (11,620ft) above the sea level, located in the Ruby Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America, in Gunnison County, Colorado, United States.

Distracted driving remains one of the primary catalysts for roadway fatalities in the United States, accounting for approximately 3,000 deaths annually. Unlike impairment from controlled substances, distraction is often a cumulative result of environmental factors and cabin ergonomics. In an era of integrated touchscreen interfaces and mobile connectivity, maintaining a low cognitive load is essential for professional drivers navigating high-risk corridors where split-second decisions are the difference between safety and a catastrophic collision.

Dollarhide Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.657m (8,717ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Blaine and Camas counties in the U.S. state of Idaho.

A freight broker serves as the essential strategic link between shippers and carriers, orchestrating the movement of goods across the vast and often treacherous interstate corridors of the USA. As e-commerce and global supply chains expand, the demand for logistics experts who can navigate transportation rates, regulatory compliance, and equipment requirements has reached unprecedented levels. Operating as a broker is not merely about negotiation; it is about managing the complex mechanics of terrestrial freight movement.

Bonanza King is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.120m (6,955ft) above the sea level, located in Trinity County, northern California, in USA.

Weather is a primary factor in approximately 11% of fatal roadway accidents in the United States. Beyond simple visibility issues, extreme meteorological events directly alter the mechanical relationship between the tire and the road surface. From the thermal expansion of asphalt in the Southwest to the cryogenic stress on northern corridors, understanding the physics of weather-related road degradation is essential for maintaining vehicle control in high-risk environments.

Galena Saddle is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.833m (9,294ft) above the sea level, located in Douglas County, in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Nevada.

Green Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.204m (7,230ft) above the sea level, located in Idaho County, Idaho, in USA.

Treasure Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.805m (9,202ft) above the sea level, located in White Pine County, along the central eastern boundary of the U.S. state of Nevada.

Managing the lifecycle of a vehicle’s insurance policy is a critical administrative task for any driver in the United States. Whether you are upgrading your coverage, selling an expedition vehicle, or placing a car into long-term storage, the cancellation process must be handled with precision to avoid legal lapses or financial penalties. Most states operate under strict "continuous coverage" mandates, where even a 24-hour gap in insurance can trigger fines or the suspension of vehicle registration.

Forest Road 564 is a very scenic high mountain road located in the San Juan Mountains, in Montezuma County, the southwesternmost county in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Speed management is a critical skill for any long-distance driver in the United States. Beyond the safety implications, navigating the vast network of state-specific speed laws and automated enforcement systems requires a proactive approach. Understanding how to use modern technology and situational awareness can help you maintain a steady pace while avoiding the costly setbacks of traffic citations.

Pennsylvania’s road network is defined by its complex topography, carving through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic seaboard. Operating within a "Commonwealth" legal framework, the state manages one of the most extensive and historically significant infrastructure systems in the USA. However, travelers must account for a aging network where approximately 30% of surfaces are rated as poor, requiring a tactical approach to suspension management and route selection, especially on its surprise-filled on-ramps.

Robbs Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.039m (6,689ft) above the sea level, located in El Dorado County, California, in USA.

Odart Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.600m (8,531ft) above the sea level, located within the Fort Apache Reservation in the U.S. state of Arizona.

The San Andreas Fault, a geological marvel dividing California, offers unique insights into Earth's dynamics. Comprising the Southern, Central, and North segments, it beckons adventurers to witness its influence on the landscape.

Houston, Texas, remains one of the most challenging environments for motorists in the United States. Statistical data indicates a high frequency of collisions, with an incident occurring approximately every 59 seconds across the state. In a metropolitan area defined by high-speed interchanges and heavy industrial traffic, understanding the primary catalysts for accidents and the mandatory legal protocols following a crash is essential for protecting both your physical safety and your legal standing.

Etna Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.827m (5,994ft) above the sea level, located in Siskiyou County, in the northernmost part of the U.S. state of California.

Winter operations in the United States demand a specialized understanding of vehicle dynamics and environmental hazards. From the sub-zero tundra of Alaska to the frozen expanses of Lake Erie, the transition to ice-covered terrain requires meticulous preparation. For the winter traveler, success depends on managing mechanical stress, thermal regulation, and navigational accuracy in landscapes where a minor error can lead to a critical survival situation.

Morgan Territory Road is a very scenic yet curvy drive located in Contra Costa County, in the US state of California. It’s said to be haunted.

Tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. On the diverse and often extreme terrains of the USA—from the sun-baked asphalt of Arizona to the icy passes of the Rockies—selecting the correct rubber is a critical safety decision. Understanding tread dynamics and carcass construction is essential before visiting a service center to ensure your vehicle is equipped for the challenges ahead.

Oreana Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.833m (9,294ft) above the sea level, located in Douglas County, in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Nevada.

Gold Strike Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 734m (2,408ft) above the sea level, located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Sand Point is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.506m (8,221ft) above the sea level located in Judith Basin County, in Montana, USA.

Executing a long-distance road mission across the United States requires precise route planning and a deep understanding of the national road infrastructure. For operators and travelers alike, these journeys offer more than just transit; they provide a direct connection to the geographical and architectural diversity of the country. From historical corridors to high-altitude mountain passes, the USA offers some of the most iconic roads in the world. This guide analyzes the primary scenic routes for a comprehensive cross-country experience, focusing on logistical stopovers and technical road features.

Forest Road 140 is a scenic drive through the high mountains of Garfield County, in south central Utah, United States. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.

Gold Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.259m (10,692ft) above the sea level, located in Piute County, in south-central Utah, United States. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.

Jacks Peak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.057m (10,029ft) above the sea level located in the Millard County, in Utah, USA.

O'Neal Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.930m (9,612ft) above the sea level, located in White Pine County, in northeastern Nevada in the western United States. It’s one of the highest roads of Nevada.

Naylor Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.476m (11,404ft) above the sea level, located in southwestern Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

If the late summer sunshine is calling your name, you aren’t alone! Many are taking advantage of the remaining warm weather to hit the road, but unfortunately summer is also the time when collisions are more common, especially those involving two-wheel vehicles.

Queen City Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.819m (5,967ft) above the sea level, located in Nye County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It’s the highest point on the Extraterrestrial Highway.

Meadow Creek is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.699m (8,854ft) above the sea level, located in Valley County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.

Summit Camp is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.134m (10,282ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.

The United States offers some of the world’s most geographically diverse driving corridors, ranging from the high-altitude passes of the Rockies to the coastal shelves of the Pacific. For experienced drivers and overlanders looking for a more deliberate pace, these historic highways provide a deep connection to the nation’s topography and heritage. Navigating these long-distance routes requires more than just mechanical readiness; it demands an appreciation for the evolving landscape and a commitment to road safety on tracks that vary from modern freeways to narrow, historic byways.

Riding a motorcycle offers unparalleled freedom and mechanical connection to the road, but it comes with a significantly higher risk profile than any other form of motor vehicle transport. Without the structural protection of a vehicle frame, riders are directly exposed to impact forces. Analyzing the statistical patterns of crashes is essential for developing better defensive driving strategies on both urban and remote routes.

Iron Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.892m (9,488ft) above the sea level, located in Inyo County, California, United States. It’s one of the highest roads of California.

Arizona’s distracted driving statutes enforce a comprehensive ban on all hand-held mobile device usage while operating a vehicle. While these laws apply to all motorists, they were specifically architected to mitigate the vulnerability of novice drivers. In the high-speed urban corridors of Phoenix and the isolated desert routes of the state, managing the "Cognitive, Visual, and Manual" load is a legal and operational necessity for ensuring survival in complex traffic environments.

Mountain Loop Highway is the name of a very scenic drive located in Snohomish County, in the US state of Washington.

Bent Peak is a high mountain peak located in Hinsdale County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. A minor gravel road south of the peak climbs up to 3.953m (12,969ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.

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