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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

For the vast majority of drivers, the idea of roadway safety is not their primary concern. Fortunately, there are city officials, state agencies, federal regulators, and multiple layers of law enforcement personnel who are charged with making sure streets, roads, and highways are as safe as possible. They accomplish this enormous task in a number of ways.

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.

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.

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.

Walnut Canyon Desert Drive is a scenic drive through the Chihuahuan Desert located in Eddy County in the U.S. state of New Mexico.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

State Route 111 (SR 111) is a significant state highway in the US state of California, spanning from Calexico in the south to Whitewater near Palm Springs in the north. It serves as a crucial north-south route through the Coachella Valley and Imperial Valley.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Little Guard Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.837m (6,026ft) above the sea level, located in Shoshone County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.

Castle Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.420m (7,939ft) above the sea level, located in Nevada County, in the U.S. state of California.

As a new visitor in the United States, it is definite that you must have had plans of what to do when you get to the United States before even traveling to the country. Visitors have prioritized education and employment over every other thing that visitors can do in the 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.

Tamarisk Road is a scenic sandy road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, on the shore of Lake Mohave. It’s a stock friendly track but you’ll want four wheel drive and tires that have some gripping power in the sand.

Nolina Peak is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.496m (4,908ft) above the sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.

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.

Monument Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.185m (10,449ft) above the sea level, located in Sevier County, in the U.S. state of Utah. 

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.

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.

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.

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.