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.

For any motorist entering the United States, navigating the country’s primary metropolitan hubs is a necessary challenge. From the high-density grid of New York City to the sprawling desert arteries of Las Vegas, each region presents unique driving conditions. Mastering these urban roads requires a professional approach to traffic telemetry, complex interchanges, and local regulations that govern some of the busiest transit zones in North America.

Fox Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.407m (11,177ft) above the sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Tip Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.006m (9,862ft) above the sea level, located in Piute County, in south-central Utah, United States.

Forest Road 1877 is a high mountain road located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of New Mexico.

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

The United States offers a diverse landscape of transit corridors, ranging from high-altitude mountain passes to complex coastal highways. For motorcycle operators, these roads represent the ultimate test of situational awareness and vehicle control. Successfully executing a long-distance motorcycle mission requires more than just a bike; it demands a technical understanding of the terrain and a rigorous safety protocol. This guide analyzes the most iconic and challenging routes in the USA, providing essential data for a secure and high-performance journey.

The Western United States offers some of the most technically rewarding and visually striking roads in the country. Fall is the optimal window for driving these roads, as cooling temperatures and changing foliage create a unique environment for long-distance transit. From high-altitude alpine loops to exposed desert tracks, mastering these scenic roads requires a professional approach to vehicle handling and route timing to avoid peak congestion and seasonal weather shifts.

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.

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.

Mount Fowlkes is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.030m (6,660ft) above the sea level, located in Jeff Davis County, Texas, in the United States. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.

Ben Harrison Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.348m (7,703ft) above the sea level, located in Grant County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Pigeon Forge serves as the primary gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a region defined by dense forest canopies and high-elevation road networks. Driving these roads requires a focus on technical handling and situational awareness, as the terrain features steep gradients and sharp, unpredictable curves. Mastering the transit through this mountain corridor involves managing heavy tourist traffic while maintaining vehicle performance in one of the most visited natural areas in the United States.

Las Vegas features some of the highest-density urban road networks in the United States, with traffic fatalities reaching their highest levels in over a decade. The primary flashpoints for these incidents are major intersections, where complex multi-lane configurations and high-speed transit increase the probability of red-light violations and catastrophic collisions. For any motorist driving these roads, understanding the specific risks of these "black spots" is essential for professional risk mitigation.

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.

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.

Operating a vehicle on complex road networks requires more than basic mechanical skill; it demands a disciplined psychological and technical approach. Statistically, human error accounts for the vast majority of road fatalities, often due to a lapse in situational awareness or a failure in vehicle maintenance. Adhering to professional safety protocols is the only way to mitigate risk and ensure a controlled transit through high-exposure environments.

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 Mountain Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,905m (6,250ft) above sea level, located in Salt Lake County, in the U.S. state of Utah.

Careless driving is a common traffic violation, but many drivers don’t realize the impact it can have. It can lead to fines, higher insurance costs, and points on your license. But how many points do you get for careless driving? 

Forest OHV Trail 33089 is a very scenic high mountain road located in Garfield County, in Utah, in the westcentral region of the United States of America.

KHIW-FM Essex is a radio station at an elevation of 1.097m (3,599ft) above the sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California.

Vinyl wraps have transitioned from purely aesthetic modifications to essential protective layers for vehicles operating in harsh environments. On high-exposure roads, a wrap serves as a sacrificial barrier against UV radiation, road debris, and chemical contaminants. Maintaining the structural integrity of this polymer film requires specific detailing protocols; improper care can lead to premature degradation, adhesive failure, and permanent damage to the underlying paintwork.

The United States features an extensive network of long-distance trails and secondary roads that serve as critical infrastructure for endurance cycling. For operators utilizing trek road bikes, these routes offer a unique challenge in surface management, thermal regulation, and self-sufficient logistics. From the high-exposure coastal roads of California to the rugged badlands of North Dakota, driving these roads on two wheels requires a professional approach to route planning and mechanical readiness.

Head-on collisions represent only a small percentage of total road incidents but account for over 10% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. The physics of two vehicles moving in opposite directions resulting in a direct frontal impact creates an extreme release of energy, often leading to catastrophic structural failure and severe injury. For any driver operating on high-exposure road networks, understanding the immediate logistical and legal requirements following a head-on impact is essential for survival and liability protection.

Gem Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.857m (6,092ft) above the sea level, located in Sanders County, in the U.S. state of Montana.

Black Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.005m (6,578ft) above the sea level, located in north-central Sevier County, Utah, United States.

The Great Alaska Highway connects America’s most isolated state with the lower 48. Constructed during World War II it serves as one of the few options to get up north to the Final Frontier without getting on a boat or plane. While driving up to Alaska sounds easy enough, this long voyage is not one to be underestimated.

Driving through North Carolina’s backcountry after dark presents a unique set of challenges, from dense fog to roads steeped in local folklore. Many of these routes are the site of historical accidents and unexplained phenomena that continue to attract motorists seeking a high-exposure driving experience. Whether these incidents are rooted in myth or environmental anomalies, driving these roads at night requires peak situational awareness and a reliable vehicle setup to manage the technical and psychological demands of the terrain.

New York Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.427m (11,243ft) above the sea level, located in the White River National Forest, in Eagle County, Colorado, United States.

Forest Road 220 is a high mountain road located in Blaine County, Idaho, in USA, running entirely over 2.300 meters above the sea level.

San Francisco presents one of the most complex urban driving environments in the United States, defined by extreme vertical gradients, historic infrastructure, and high-density bridge corridors. Successfully navigating the city in a limited timeframe requires a professional approach to route timing and vehicle management. From the structural masterclass of the Golden Gate Bridge to the restricted access zones of the waterfront, driving these roads demands precision and a deep understanding of the city’s unique topographical challenges.

Spruce Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,337m (7,667ft) above sea level, located in Yavapai County, Arizona. Situated within the Prescott National Forest, the drive to the summit is famous for providing some of the most outstanding panoramic views in the Sierra Prieta range, making the climb a favorite for desert travelers seeking high-country vistas.

Quartz Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.580m (5,183ft) above the sea level, located in Spokane County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Aquarius Plateau is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3.016m (9,895ft) above the sea level, located within Garfield and Wayne counties in the US state of Utah.

Winter driving across the United States has become increasingly unpredictable, with extreme weather patterns affecting regions from the Sierra Nevada to the southern plains. Operating a vehicle in sub-zero conditions requires a fundamental shift in driving mechanics and logistical preparation. Whether managing high-altitude mountain passes or ice-covered interstates, a professional approach to traction control and visibility is the only way to mitigate the inherent risks of winter road networks.

Antelope Creek Road is a winding desert road located in Yavapai County, in the US state of Arizona.

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. 

Indian Ridge is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,647m (5,403ft) above sea level, located in Lane County, Oregon. It is situated within the Willamette National Forest and serves as a site for fire surveillance.

MacLaren Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.250m (4,101ft) above the sea level, in the US state of Alaska. It’s one of the highest roads in Alaska.

Usery Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 647m (2,122ft) above sea level, located in Maricopa County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.

Brown Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.133m (6,998ft) above the sea level, located in Jeff Davis County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.

Renting a Recreational Vehicle (RV) offers unparalleled autonomy for long-distance expeditions, but it introduces significant operational challenges for the driver. Managing a large-scale motorhome on American road networks requires a professional approach to vehicle dimensions, fuel logistics, and weight distribution. For those transitioning from standard passenger vehicles, mastering the handling and technical requirements of an RV is essential before attempting complex mountain passes or remote desert routes.

Bald Butte is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,299m (7,542ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, Oregon. Tucked away in the south-central part of the state, it offers a perfect blend of volcanic landscapes, sage basins, and total solitude.

Temple Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.746m (9,009ft) above the sea level, located in Cache County, on the northern edge of Utah, United States.

Indian Rock is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.195m (7,201ft) above the sea level, located in Grant County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Sherman Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.022m (9,914ft) above sea level, located in Tulare County, in the U.S. state of California. It's one of the highest roads in California.

Operating a vehicle in the United States is more than a convenience; it is a high-responsibility task that requires constant vigilance and a deep understanding of traffic dynamics. Accidents on the roads are rarely "random" events; they are typically the result of specific failures in situational awareness or vehicle control. By implementing a professional defensive driving protocol and utilizing modern safety technologies, operators can significantly reduce the probability of a collision. This guide analyzes the most common accident types and provides technical strategies to maintain operational safety at all times.

KWLI-FM Eagle is a radio broadcaster at an elevation of 3.198m (10,492ft) above the sea level, located in Eagle County, Colorado, United States.

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.