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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Located in Coconino County, in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona, Desert View Drive is a highly scenic road that leads into the central part of the Grand Canyon.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Tremont Road, located in Blount County in the US state of Tennessee, offers a picturesque drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fields Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.246m (7,368ft) above the sea level, located in Grant County, Oregon, in USA. The average gradient is brutal: 15.92%.

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.

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.

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.

Forest Road 196 is a high mountain road located in Duchesne County, Utah, United States. It runs entirely over 3.000m above the sea level.

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.

Harvey Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.238m (7,342ft) above the sea level, located in Plumas County, California, in USA.

Slide Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.390m (7,841ft) above the sea level, located in San Bernardino County, Southern California, United States.

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.

Negrito Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.620m (8,595ft) above the sea level, located in Catron County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.

Forest Road 248 is a high mountain road located in Cache County, on the northern edge of Utah, United States.

A road trip is one of the best ways to enjoy the country and spend some quality time with your loved ones. However, long road trips come with certain risks, such as poor weather conditions, car problems, or issues like accidents and theft. To help reduce these risks, here are some useful tips to follow:

Forest Road 310 is a challenging mountain road located in Routt County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It runs entirely over 3.100m above the sea level.

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.

Stark Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.243m (7,358ft) above the sea level, located in Mineral County, Montana, in USA.

Modjeska Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.680m (5,511ft) above the sea level, located in Orange County, in the U.S. state of California.

Many cars get into accidents every year. The average driver can be involved in about four accidents in his life! The United States has more than four times as many car accidents as any other country. Let's talk about what to do with a damaged car.

Cedro Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.371m (7,778ft) above the sea level, located in Bernalillo County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.

California is one of the largest states in the country and is by far the most populated with 38 million residents. It also contains 840 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and multiple large cities, making it an incredible place to visit for travelers from across the world. Whether you live in California already or are taking a vacation across the ocean, a trip along the California coast can provide you with tons of opportunities for adventure and wonder.

Every state has laws that express that it is a crime for anyone driving a vehicle to do so while impaired by alcohol or any other drugs, including prescription medications. And, if you are arrested while driving under the influence and convicted, you will receive a criminal sentence.

Francie's Cabin is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 3.471m (11,387ft), located in Summit County, in central Colorado, United States.

Round Hill is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.424m (11,233ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, Colorado, United States.

Forest Road 227 is a high mountain road located in Duchesne County, Utah, United States. It runs entirely over 3.000m above the sea level.

Bertha Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.503m (8,211ft) above the sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in Southern California, United States.

Dog Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.112m (6,929ft) above the sea level, located in Lake County, Oregon, in USA.

Little Annie Road is a very scenic drive in the heart of Pitkin County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Drive Us to Your Road!

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.