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.

Little Antelope Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.272m (7,454ft) above the sea level, located in White Pine County, along the central eastern boundary of the U.S. state of Nevada.

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.

The United States boasts a road network exceeding 6 million kilometers, ranging from complex urban interchanges to isolated mountain passes and desert corridors. For the veteran traveler, a successful transcontinental journey is defined by meticulous logistical preparation and a disciplined approach to navigation. Moving beyond local transits to explore the vastness of the American landscape requires a strategic mindset that prioritizes safety, documentation, and environmental awareness.

Operating a car transporter—a specialized multi-vehicle carrier—demands a higher level of navigational precision than standard freight transport. Due to the high center of gravity and the value of the articulated cargo, certain American corridors present extreme operational risks. From the high-altitude passes of the Rockies to the isolated gravel tracks of the Arctic, professional car haulers must evaluate road geometry, weather volatility, and infrastructure limits to prevent catastrophic cargo shifts or mechanical failure.

Pioneer Lift is a lift of the Winter Park Resort at an elevation of 3.264m (10,708ft) above the sea level, located in Grand County, Colorado, in United States.

Before embarking on a high-intensity road trip through isolated or technically demanding terrain, ensuring your vehicle is in peak mechanical condition is a non-negotiable safety standard. A "high-octane" journey—defined by steep gradients, extreme temperatures, and long distances—requires more than just a cursory check. A comprehensive, top-to-bottom inspection is necessary to mitigate the risk of mechanical failure in areas where roadside assistance is non-existent.

Graham Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.701m (8,861ft) above the sea level, located in Cassia County in south central Idaho.

The United States remains one of the world’s primary travel destinations, defined by a vast network of metropolitan centers that serve as hubs for cultural and social exchange. For the long-distance traveler, understanding the demographic landscape and social inclusivity of a city is as vital as route planning. From the high-density seaports of the Pacific Northwest to the sprawling desert corridors of Arizona, each metropolis offers a unique operational environment shaped by its residents and urban infrastructure.

Carter Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.036m (6,679ft) above the sea level, located in north-central Sevier County, Utah, United States. The climb is brutal: 15.04% average gradient.

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.

Forest Road 040 is a high mountain road located in Duchesne County, in the US state of Utah. Running entirely at elevations above 3,100 meters, this rugged track is one of the highest roads in Utah, offering a true backcountry driving experience within the Ashley National Forest. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.

Rainbow Summit is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.046m (9,993ft) above the sea level, located in Mono County, in the east central portion of the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California.

Ibex Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 635m (2,083ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Inyo and San Bernardino counties, in the eastern central part of the U.S. state of California.

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.

Lookout Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,237m (7,339ft) above sea level, located in Jefferson County, in the US state of Colorado.

Lookout Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,387m (7,831ft) above sea level, located in Ravalli County, in the US state of Montana.

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.

Portland, Oregon, serves as the primary logistical hub for the Pacific Northwest, a region defined by its rapid atmospheric shifts and complex river-adjacent infrastructure. As the season transitions into autumn and winter, the operational environment for motorists changes drastically. Understanding the unique road conditions of the "Rose City" and its surrounding corridors—such as the transit to St. Helens—is essential for maintaining safety during the high-precipitation months that define Northern Oregon.

California, the most populous state in the US with 38 million residents, features over 840 miles of diverse coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Navigating this vast territory requires a strategic approach to diverse road systems, from high-density urban interchanges to technical mountain passes. For the professional traveler, the California coast is not just a scenic destination but a complex environment where vehicle dynamics and topographical awareness are essential for a safe and efficient transit.

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.

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.

Tatie Peak is a high mountain peak located in Okanogan County, in the U.S. state of Washington. A gravel road on the way to the summit tops out at 1.961m (6,433ft) above the sea level. It's one of the highest roads of Washington.

Operating a motorcycle on the national road network involves inherent risks, ranging from environmental hazards to unpredictable interactions with other vehicles. When a collision occurs, the transition from incident to recovery requires a disciplined approach to evidence gathering and claims management. Navigating the legal and insurance logistics is essential to ensure that damages to the asset and personal injuries are fully compensated. This guide analyzes the professional protocols for filing a motorcycle accident claim on the roads, focusing on the strategic role of legal representation and the contingency fee model.

Commercial truck accidents involve complex variables due to vehicle scale and federal regulations. Understanding the primary causes is essential for road safety and legal liability assessment.

Driving safety in the United States is not uniform across metropolitan areas. While individual driving behavior is a critical factor, regional infrastructure, traffic enforcement levels, and local demographic shifts create varying degrees of risk. Understanding the "fatality rate per 100,000 residents" provides a professional benchmark for assessing urban safety. For travelers and commercial operators, identifying these high-risk zones is essential for adjusting defensive driving tactics and route timing.

Singatse Peak is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.940m (6,364ft) above the sea level, located in Lyon County, Nevada, USA. The climb is brutal: the average gradient is 9.26%.

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.

Located in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is defined by the Waterpocket Fold—a 100-mile long warp in the Earth's crust. This remote landscape features a cold semi-arid climate and a complex network of roads that range from scenic paved bypasses to high-clearance dirt tracks. For the off-road enthusiast and the professional traveler, navigating Capitol Reef is an exercise in desert logistics, where seasonal weather volatility and rugged terrain demand precise vehicle preparation.

Interactions with aggressive drivers, commonly known as "road rage," represent a significant escalating risk on Texas roadways. Statistical data indicates that over 2,510 crashes in 2022 were directly attributed to aggressive driving maneuvers. In an environment where intense emotions can lead to physical altercations or high-speed collisions, understanding the tactical and legal protocols for de-escalation is essential for professional driver safety and risk mitigation.

Highland Mary Mine is an abandoned gold mine at an elevation of 3.432m (11,259ft) above the sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

The Northeastern United States features a highly diverse road network, ranging from the aging, high-capacity corridors of the I-95 to the isolated, scenic routes of northern New England. While states like Massachusetts and New York statistically rank among the safest for motorists, the region presents a stark contrast in risk levels. Professional navigation in the Northeast requires a dual strategy: managing extreme urban congestion and situational awareness on narrow, historic rural highways.

Deer Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.221m (7,286ft) above the sea level, located in Ravalli County, Montana, in USA.

County Road 861 is a very scenic high mountain road located in the San Juan Mountains, Gunnison County, in the U.S. State of Colorado. The road runs entirely over 2.760m above the sea level.

Bear Lake is an alpine lake at an elevation of 2.890m (9,481ft) above the sea level, located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road is usually crowded during peak tourist season.

The American landscape is best deciphered through its diverse road network, which transitions across transcontinental mountain ranges, coastal shelves, and arid basins. A "scenic drive" in the United States is often more than an aesthetic experience; it is a logistical challenge that tests a vehicle’s suspension, thermal management, and a driver’s situational awareness. From the high-precipitation corridors of the Pacific Northwest to the hurricane-exposed bridges of the Florida Keys, these routes represent the pinnacle of American civil engineering and environmental integration.

Forest Road 0161 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 3.200m above the sea level.

Treasure Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.380m (11,089ft) above the sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Carter Meadows Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.883m (6,177ft) above the sea level, located in Siskiyou County, in the northernmost part of the U.S. state of California.

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.

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.

Butte Valley Road, situated in Inyo County, in the US state of California, offers one of the most challenging drives within Death Valley National Park. For those considering the journey, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended.

Providence Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.929m (9,609ft) above the sea level, located in Cache County,  on the northern edge of Utah, United States.

Sex Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.767m (5,797ft) above the sea level, located in Sanders County, in the U.S. state of Montana.

Forest Road 4723 is a short high mountain road located in San Juan County, in the southeastern part of Utah, United States. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Utah.

Bear Creek Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.297m (7,536ft) above the sea level, located in Custer County, in the center of the U.S. state of Idaho. 

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.

Modjeska Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,680m (5,511ft) above sea level, located in Orange County, in the U.S. state of California.

Cascade Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,100m (10,170ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest roads in Wyoming.

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