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.
An Unforgettable Drive to Rhyolite Mountain in Teller County
Rhyolite Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,230 m (10,597 ft) above sea level, located in Teller County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Driving the 4x4 road to Bonito Mountain in Colorado
Bonito Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,673 m (12,050 ft) above sea level, located in Rio Grande County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It stands as one of the highest roads in Colorado, offering a true high-alpine driving experience.
How to get by car to Yellow Mountain in California?
Yellow Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.465m (8,087ft) above sea level, located in Modoc County, in the U.S. state of California.
6 Reasons to Choose a Cabin for Your Smoky Mountains Trip
When planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains, choosing the right base is a tactical decision. Sevierville is a key hub for accessing some of the most famous roads in Tennessee. While hotels are an option, renting a cabin offers specific advantages for drivers and groups who need more space, secure parking, and direct access to mountain routes. For a successful driving expedition, a cabin provides the infrastructure needed to manage your vehicle and your schedule with total autonomy.
How to Get to Kerr Lake by Car in Southern Colorado?
Kerr Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,482m (11,423 ft) above sea level, located in Conejos County in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to Thurston Peak in Utah
Thurston Peak is a high mountain located in the U.S. state of Utah. A minor gravel road, north of the peak, climbs up to 2,990m (9,809ft) above sea level.
Driving the unpaved road to Brooks Mountain in Jeff Davis County
Brooks Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.185m (7,168ft) above sea level, located in Jeff Davis County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.
Centralia Mountain: Driving the 9% Service Track in Jefferson County
At an elevation of 2,876m (9,435ft) above sea level, Centralia Mountain is a high summit in Jefferson County, Colorado. Located west of Denver within the Front Range, the peak is home to various communication towers, making the road to the top a vital but restricted service corridor.
Driving the unpaved road to Black Mountain in Jeff Davis County
Black Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.008m (6,587ft) above sea level, located in central Jeff Davis County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.
The Ultimate Trip on Government Wash Road to Lake Mead
Government Wash Road is a scenic sandy drive leading to Lake Mead, a large reservoir on the Colorado River, located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada.
Safety Guide: Driving the Highest Passes in the US
America’s loftiest roads are gorgeous and unforgiving. Grades run long, shoulders stay narrow, and the air gets thin enough to bother engines and people. If you’re aiming for Colorado fourteeners or western summit byways, a little planning turns a white-knuckle climb into a day you’ll actually enjoy.
Exploring Lakeview Drive in North Carolina: The Mysterious Road to Nowhere
Lakeview Drive, commonly known as the Road to Nowhere, is a unique and scenic drive located near Bryson City, in the US state of North Carolina. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s both a historical landmark and a popular destination for tourists, hikers, cyclists, and even paranormal enthusiasts.
Driving the Wild Road to Cerro Pelon in the Manzano Mountains
Cerro Pelon is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,058m (10,032 ft) above sea level, located in Cibola County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.
A wild unpaved road to Table Rock Lookout in Oregon
Table Rock is a summit at an elevation of 2,375m (7,791ft) above sea level, located in Baker County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.
Driving the high mountain MT-569 Road in Anaconda
MT-569 is a high mountain road located in Deer Lodge County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
What You Need to Know About Driving Forest Road 4725 in San Juan County
Forest Road 4725 is a high mountain unpaved road located in San Juan County, in the US state of Utah.
How to Get by Car to Coffeepot Crater in Oregon?
Coffeepot Crater is a large, remarkably well-preserved breached cinder cone located in Malheur County, in the southeastern corner of Oregon. It is the centerpiece of the Jordan Craters Volcanic Field, a 27-square-mile landscape of twisted basalt and jagged lava flows that looks more like the lunar surface than the Pacific Northwest.
Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to Lily Lake near Leadville
Lily Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,233m (10,606ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the US state of Colorado.
How to drive to Blue Lake in south Montana?
Blue Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2,901m (9,517ft) above sea level, located in Sweet Grass County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
Lockes Gap: Driving the high unpaved road in the Davis Mountains of Texas
Lockes Gap is a high-altitude mountain pass located in Jeff Davis County, Texas. Cut into the volcanic rock of the rugged Davis Mountains in West Texas, this dirt track sits at an elevation of 2,035 meters (6,676 ft) above sea level. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.
A Wild Mining Road to MacKay Peak in Idaho
MacKay Peak is a high mountain peak located in Custer County, in the U.S. state of Idaho. A mining road that leads high up its slopes, south of the peak, tops out at 2,913m (9,557ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads in Idaho.
Driving the mining road to Silver Lake near Silverton
Silver Lake is a high mountain lake located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado. A gravel road, to the north of the lake, ends at 3,403 m (11,164 ft) above sea level.
How to Get to Horsethief Lookout Tower by Car in Arizona
Located in Yavapai County, in the U.S. state of Arizona, Horsethief Lookout Tower sits at an elevation of 2,045m (6,709ft) above sea level.
Driving the scenic MT-278 Road through the mountains of Montana
Montana State Highway 278 (MT-278) is a very scenic road, running through the mountains of Beaverhead County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
McMillan Peak: Driving the Steep 4x4 Road in the San Juan Mountains
Located in San Juan County, Colorado, McMillan Peak is a high mountain summit reaching an elevation of 3,587m (11,768ft) above sea level. Situated in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, the peak is known for its steep access road and the prominent telecommunications antenna located near the summit.
Sheep Ridge: Driving the rugged Forest Service Road in Colorado’s Pike National Forest
Sheep Ridge is a mountain peak situated in Park County, Colorado, reaching an elevation of 3,418m (11,213ft) above sea level. For off-road enthusiasts, the real draw is the rugged forest service road that climbs the southern ridge, offering a short but technical high-altitude driving experience in the heart of the Pike National Forest.
How to get to the top of Chase Mountain in Oregon
Chase Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,936m (6,351ft) above sea level, located in Klamath County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.
How to get by car to the summit of Hamaker Mountain in Oregon
Hamaker Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,012m (6,601ft) above sea level, located in Klamath County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.
How long is the unpaved road to Leidy Peak in Utah?
Leidy Peak is a mountain peak at an elevation of 3,361 meters above sea level, located in Uintah County, Utah. The track to the top is one of the highest roads in Utah, crossing the Uintah Range through a landscape of loose rocks and thick forest.
Is the road to Lucky Strike Mine in Utah’s San Rafael Swell dangerous?
Lucky Strike Mine is a forgotten uranium and vanadium ghost town tucked away at 1,771m (5,810ft) above sea level in Emery County, Utah. Located in the heart of the San Rafael Swell, specifically within the rugged Reds Canyon area, this site is a relic of the 1950s uranium boom. Driving to the mine is more than a scenic trip; it is an entry into a remote, unmonitored desert environment where the road surface, the lack of communication, and the lingering radiation from the old shafts create a high-stakes adventure for any off-road driver.
How to get by car to Whitetail Mountain in Texas?
Whitetail Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.216m (7,270ft) above sea level, located in central Jeff Davis County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.
Driving the breathtaking 4x4 road to Lo 7 Hill in Colorado is not easy
Lo 7 Hill is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,603 m (8,540 ft) above sea level, located in Rio Blanco County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Peak to Peak Highway: Driving Colorado’s Oldest and Most Scenic Byway
Established in 1918, the Peak to Peak Highway is Colorado's oldest scenic byway. Spanning 55 miles (89 km) through the heart of the Front Range, this route offers matchless views of the Continental Divide. It is an essential mountain corridor that connects Rocky Mountain National Park with historic gold-mining districts, blending alpine nature with the rugged ghost towns of the Old West.
Can I drive to the perimeter of Area 51 in Nevada?
Area 51 is a highly classified United States Air Force facility located within the Nevada Test and Training Range in Lincoln County, Nevada. While the base itself is strictly off-limits to the public, you can legally drive to the perimeter gates through remote desert tracks.
How steep is the 4x4 road to Mount Leecher in Washington?
Mount Leecher is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1,531m (5,022ft) above sea level, located in Okanogan County, in the US state of Washington. The road to the top is a 7.9 km (4.9 miles) unpaved spur branching off the NF-4150 road in the North Cascades.
A Memorable Road Trip to Browns Pass in Park County
Browns Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,475m (11,400ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Magruder Road Corridor: The Ultimate Test of Remote Off-Road Navigation
The Magruder Road Corridor, officially Forest Service Road 468, stretching between Elk City, Idaho, and Darby, Montana, is one of the most remote and primitive tracks in the lower 48 states. Carving a thin line between two massive wilderness areas—the Selway-Bitterroot and the Frank Church-River of No Return—this 101-mile (162 km) forest road offers no services, no cell signal, and no room for mechanical error. It is a high-altitude transit through the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains, where the environment remains as rugged and unforgiving as it was a century ago.
How to get by car to Walton Peak in Colorado?
Walton Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,224 m (10,577 ft) above sea level, located in Routt County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
How difficult is the unpaved road to Jack Mountain in Montana?
Jack Mountain is a high mountain summit reaching an elevation of 2,667m (8,750ft) above sea level in Jefferson County, Montana. Tucked away south of Helena, the state capital, the peak sits within the massive Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The road to the top is a primitive and abandoned fire lookout track that has not seen regular maintenance for years, turning a 21-kilometer climb into a brutal test of suspension and tire grip in the heart of the Montana wilderness.
How to get by car to North Walton Peak in Colorado?
North Walton Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,090 m (10,137 ft) above sea level, located in Routt County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
How to drive the Three Forks Road of Arizona?
Three Forks Road is a stunning drive with awesome views of streams, forest, and meadows, located in Apache County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest roads in Arizona.
How to Get by Car to the Lookout at the Summit of Buck Mountain in Washington?
Buck Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,868m (6,128ft) above sea level, located in Okanogan County, in the U.S. state of Washington.
Is Ohio State Route 170 the Best Technical Drive in the Rust Belt?
Ohio State Route 170 (SR 170) is a north-south highway that offers a surprising technical escape through the rolling terrain of eastern Ohio. Specifically, the segment from Calcutta to Poland is a favorite for those seeking a rhythmic driving experience. Unlike the flat, grid-like roads common in the Midwest, this route follows the natural contours of the Little Beaver Creek valley, providing a series of sweepers and elevation changes that demand constant throttle adjustment. It is one of the most scenic drives in the USA.
The Ultimate Guide to Driving State Route 14 in Washington (2026)
Wind slams against the basalt cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge with zero warning. Unwary motorists drift across the double-yellow line of State Route 14. And you? You're steering through shadows cast by 4,000-foot volcanic canyon walls, fighting unpredictable gusts that batter your vehicle's side profile.
CB Radio: The Lifeline of the Dalton Highway
On Alaska’s remote Dalton Highway, standard safety tools like cell phones are useless. With hundreds of miles of zero signal and extreme arctic conditions, survival depends on a technology that predates the internet: the CB (Citizens Band) radio. For truck drivers and expeditionary travelers alike, the "CB" is more than a communication tool—it is a critical safety system used to navigate blind corners, heavy dust clouds, and life-threatening mechanical failures.
Driving the Cherokee Orchard Road in Tennessee
Cherokee Orchard Road serves as the vital logistical link between the urban grid of Gatlinburg and the high-density forest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More than just an access route, this road is a steep mountain ascent that prepares the motorist for the technical demands of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Driving this road requires managing a high volume of pedestrian traffic, narrow lane widths, and a continuous vertical incline that tests vehicle cooling systems from the moment you leave the city limits.
Driving an easy dirt road to Muddy Pass in Eagle County
Muddy Pass is a high mountain pass located in Eagle County, within the north-central sector of the U.S. state of Colorado. Traversed by Muddy Creek Road, the unpaved mountain route runs through ranch lands and scrub oak terrain north of the town of Wolcott, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,632 meters (8,635 ft) above sea level.
Is the Slab Road crossing in Kingsland dangerous to drive?
The Slab is a legendary low-water crossing located in Llano County, in the U.S. state of Texas. Situated just outside of Kingsland, this section of Ranch Road 3404 is a popular summer destination that can turn deadly in a matter of minutes due to extreme flash flooding.