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.

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.

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.

Located at an elevation of 3,455 meters (11,335 feet), in the US state of California, Patriarch Grove is part of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and is notable for the Patriarch Tree, the largest bristlecone pine in the world. It's one of the highest roads in California.

Casita de Piedra Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,061m (10,042ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.

Traveling across the United States in a van or RV is already a rewarding adventure—but adding your dog into the mix makes it even more special. Road trips with pets can be more affordable, flexible, and relaxed than other forms of travel, giving you and your canine companion the chance to explore wide-open landscapes and spontaneous detours together.

Gilbert Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,948 meters (6,391 feet) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition played a crucial role in the exploration of the American West. This text examines the expedition's context, its key figures, and its lasting impact on the development of overland travel routes, specifically in relation to several mountain passes that are utilized by modern roads.

Slide Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,575m (11,729 ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the US state of Colorado.

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.

Mount Shavano is a high mountain peak located in Chaffee County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. An old mining road, southeast of the peak, climbs up to 3,217m (10,554ft) above sea level.

Cedar Mountain is a high mountain pass with an elevation of 2,339m (7,673ft) above sea level, located in Emery County in the U.S. state of Utah.

Centralia Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.876m (9,435ft) above sea level, located in Jefferson County, in the US state of Colorado.

Located in San Luis Obispo, in the U.S. state of California, Bubblegum Alley is a quirky and somewhat gross tourist attraction—a narrow alleyway covered in layers of chewed gum.

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.

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.

Ranchos Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,851m (9,353ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.

From perilous mountain passes to high-clearance interstate highways with deadly reputations, California's highway routes are beautiful and hazardous. Here is a map of the most dangerous pieces of highway where hands are steady and eyes are peeled.

Bonito Mountain is a high mountain pass 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’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

Sawmill Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,153m (10,344ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.

Coffeepot Crater is a large breached cinder cone, located in Malheur County, in the US state of Oregon.

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.

Main Boulder Road is a very scenic drive located in the U.S. state of Montana. The route closely follows the Boulder River and provides access to countless campgrounds.

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.

Mount Tom is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,889m (9,478ft) above sea level, located in Jefferson County, in the US state of Colorado.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trucking is one of the most demanding and essential professions in the United States. Every day, thousands of commercial drivers transport goods that keep the country moving. But with the size and weight of these vehicles, even a small mistake can have serious consequences. Safe driving practices are not just important — they’re critical for protecting both truckers and everyone else on the road.

Lockes Gap is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.035m (6,676ft) 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.

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.

The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is a designated All-American Road in the U.S. states of California and Oregon. Spanning approximately 500 miles (800 km), it follows the Cascade Range and passes numerous volcanic sites, including Crater Lake National Park, Mount Shasta, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. The route is recognized for its geological significance and connects a range of natural and cultural landmarks.

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.

Cougar Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,415m (7,923ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

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.

McMillan Peak is a high mountain located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. A gravel road east of the summit climbs up to an elevation of 3,587 m (11,768 ft) above sea level.

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.

Highway 93 is a north-south route that runs through the southeastern part of British Columbia, connecting with U.S. Highway 93 at the Canada-U.S. border. It follows the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) and Highway 95, passing through Radium Hot Springs, and crosses the Continental Divide into Alberta at Vermilion Pass, where it continues as Alberta Highway 93.

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.

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.

Sheep Ridge is a mountain peak located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. A gravel road, south of the peak, climbs up to 3,418m (11,213ft) above sea level.

Chilkat Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,061m (3,480ft) above sea level, located in the province of British Columbia, Canada.

Bald Knoll is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,881m (9,452ft) above sea level, located in Sevier County, in the U.S. state of Utah.

MT-569 is a high mountain road located in Deer Lodge County, in the U.S. state of Montana.

Blueberry-Paulson Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,517m (4,977ft) above sea level, located in British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province.

Gravity Hill in Bedford County, in the US state of Pennsylvania, is one of the most famous optical illusions in the United States. Located just south of New Paris, this quiet country lane makes cars, water, and even balls appear to roll uphill against gravity. What seems like a supernatural force is, in reality, a fascinating trick of perspective that draws curious travelers from across the country.

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.

Nestled in the lush redwoods of Santa Cruz, in the US state of California, Mystery Spot Road is home to one of the most famous gravity hill attractions in the world. Since its founding in 1939, the Mystery Spot has been baffling visitors with optical illusions that make balls roll uphill, people appear to lean impossibly, and everyday physics seem… optional.

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.