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.

Fall Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.811m (5,941ft) above the sea level, located in Grant County, in eastern Oregon, in USA. The road to the summit is well graveled in most areas and should be usable with most vehicles.

When planning a road trip, especially one that involves substantial risks, you have to ensure your car is in top-notch condition. This is important to avoid any mishaps on the trip and you will have to get your car checked from top to bottom.

Forest Road 0169 is a high mountain road located in Sanpete County is a county in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah running entirely over 2.800m above the sea level.

Forest Road 1271 is a short mountain road located in Sanpete County is a county in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah running entirely over 3.280m above the sea level.

Bald Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.626m (5,334ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Latah and Benewah counties, in the U.S. state of Idaho. The road to the summit is a bit bumpy with some areas which need to be taken slowly.

Sterling Highway is a very scenic drive located in the south-central region of the U.S. state of Alaska, Opened in the fall of 1950, the drive runs through the western side of the Kenai Peninsula.

Georgia is a stunning state with many gorgeous drives that will deepen your appreciation. This state offers something for everyone, from the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains to the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Located between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a sanctuary of natural splendor, cultural importance, and extraordinary experiences. You may think you have discovered everything about this renowned destination, but prepare to be surprised!

Fredonyer Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.423m (7,949ft) above the sea level, located in Lassen County, in the northeastern portion of the U.S. state of California.

Logan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.209m (7,247ft) above the sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Mount Powell is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.667m (8,750ft) above the sea level, located in McKinley County, in the northwestern section of the U.S. state of New Mexico.

Located in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California, Mueller Tunnel presents a significant challenge and it’s considered not entirely safe as the area is prone to rockslides and fires. Be extra cautious.

Not only is Interstate 45 widely considered the most dangerous road in Texas, but it may even be the deadliest highway in the entire nation. Some claim that I-45 is more hazardous than any other stretch of asphalt in North America — even more dangerous than the icy roads of Canada’s Northwest Territories.

In 2021, the state of Arizona had 5,873,322 drivers registered by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division. With approximately 62% of the state’s population consolidated in Maricopa County according to the United States Census Bureau, we wondered how safe the region’s roadways are to travel upon. Generally, areas that see the highest rates of traffic tend to have an increased number of collisions, along with more congested roadways.

Have you ever been driving on a snowy or icy road and felt like you were skating on thin ice? Winter driving can be treacherous, and even the most experienced drivers can be caught off guard by slippery conditions. But what if there was a way to make winter driving safer? What if roads could salt themselves?

Squaw Peak Road is a very scenic mountainous drive in Utah County, in the U.S. state of Utah.

Vanity Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.381m (7,811ft) above the sea level, located in Custer County, in the center of the U.S. state of Idaho.

Whether you’re sunning yourself on cliff-lined beaches, exploring redwood forests, or seeing the stars in Hollywood, a road trip in California is a fantastic way to spend your time. With so many world-class attractions and stunning natural vistas, it’s not surprising that more than 200 million people visit The Golden State each year.

Pancake Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.993m (6,538ft) above the sea level, located in White Pine County, along the central eastern boundary of the U.S. state of Nevada.

If you are injured in a car accident, you may face medical appointments, time off work, and physical and emotional challenges.

Lookout Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.387m (7,831ft) above the sea level, located in Ravalli County, Montana, in USA.

Sylamore Scenic Byway is the name of a picturesque road located in Stone County, in the U.S. state of Arkansas.

Maps are amazing and have played an integral role in human civilization for thousands of years. They include the earliest cave paintings and the real-time digital maps people use today. With maps, people can better navigate, explore, and understand their surroundings. Let’s look at 10 reasons maps are so useful.

A recent nationwide survey of driving experiences ranked several Northeastern states among the safest in the country, with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York taking the top three spots. Yet, just as the region itself is diverse, so too are its roads—ranging from congested urban streets to tranquil rural highways.

Sandy Wash is a scenic unpaved road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, on the shore of Lake Mohave. Experienced 4-wheel drive recommended.

Arizona State Route 273 is a very scenic high mountain road located in Apache County, in the US state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest roads of Arizona.

Portland is one of those cities where there’s always something going on. From music to art to comedy, there’s no shortage of creative outlets and unique experiences to be had in the city, and autumn is one the best times to explore.

Union Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.073m (6,801ft) above the sea level, located in Granite County, Montana, in USA.

According to surveys, the USA is the world’s third most popular visitor destination. And no wonder. This diverse country offers so much to travelers in terms of sightseeing and socializing, from its many theme parks, restaurants, spectacular landscapes, and music festivals to its famously inclusive residents.

Cerro Rubio is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.002m (9,849ft) above the sea level, located in Los Alamos County, in north central New Mexico, USA. 

If you have been riding your motorcycle, you know that an accident can happen anytime. To handle this, you will want to file a motorcycle accident claim. While there are many steps, here is what you should remember when filing the claim.

Repeater Road is a very exciting journey in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, climbing up to 1.886m (6,187ft) above the sea level. The road ends at an abandoned RF radio site.

Located in the south-central part of the US state of Utah, the park is a beautiful piece of scenic landscape, with a cold semi-arid climate weather. The park has something to offer to all visitors and provides a unique mix of historical landmarks and stunning landscapes.

James Ridge is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.625m (8,612ft) above the sea level, located in Otero County, New Mexico, in USA.

Beaver Creek mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.488m (11,443ft) above the sea level, located in Eagle County, Colorado, United States.

Bean Hill is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.771m (9,091ft) above the sea level, located in Iron County, in southwestern Utah, United States.

Located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, Cottonwood Cove Road is a very scenic drive leading to Cottonwood Cove Marina and Six Mile Cove.

We all know roads can be dangerous, but there are also plenty of other auto obstacles that could be putting you at risk — including the predatory financial practices that lenders and dealerships use when selling cars.

Yellow Mountain North is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.538m (11,607ft) above the sea level, located in San Miguel County, Colorado, in USA.

There are many reasons why having vehicle insurance while on the road is considered a smart move. One of the most important reasons is that it can help protect you financially in the event of an accident. If you are involved in an accident and you do not have insurance, you could be held liable for any damages that occur.

Southern hospitality and the state's natural beauty work in tandem to make South Carolina a destination worth visiting. It is ranked as one of the smallest states in the country. Yet, from the foothills of the Upstate mountains to the sandy beaches of the coastal zone, it has a lot to offer to all types of tourists.

Hiking has several perks: fresh air, beautiful nature, nice views. It is believed to be beneficial for people's overall well-being and relationships.

Margy's Hut is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 3.454m (11,332ft), located in Pitkin County, in central Colorado, United States.

Tower Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.088m (6,850ft) above the sea level, located in Umatilla County, in northeastern Oregon, USA.

Breakdowns and accidents are inevitable. Vehicles break down every day and get parked illegally on pathways. Stranded vehicle owners depend on tow trucks to transport their cars to impound lots and repair shops. If you live in an area with a lot of dangerous roads, starting a towing business makes a lot of sense. It is a good business for mechanically-inclined entrepreneurs looking to be their own bosses. Use this short guide to start a successful towing company.

Saddle Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.526m (8,287ft) above the sea level, located in Ravalli County, in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana.

Cold Springs Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.233m (7,326 feet) above the sea level, located in the County of Madera, at the geographic center of the U.S. state of California.

Sure, overseas adventures are great, but some of the most unforgettable trips are right here in our own backyard. From classic road trips to natural wonders, these destinations are packed with American character — and worth adding to your travel wish list.

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With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.