Roads of the USA

The vast expanse of the USA, stretching from the amber waves of grain to the majestic purple mountain majesties, boasts a network of roads that are as diverse as the nation's tapestry of cultures. One such road, the Million Dollar Highway, is often touted as America's crown jewel of roadways, leading adventurers through awe-inspiring terrains and offering unparalleled vistas. Further north, the Iron Mountain Road, with its dizzying 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtails, and 3 tunnels, stands as a testament to man's desire to conquer nature, providing a thrilling drive that's not for the faint-hearted.

Journey to Colorado, and you'll find yourself face to face with the infamous Black Bear Pass - a road that promises not just breathtaking beauty, but also adrenaline-pumping excitement. For the off-road enthusiasts, Engineer Pass offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with Colorado's high mountain terrains, challenging drivers to push their limits amidst staggering beauty. Not to be outdone, Utah’s Canyonlands beckons with the Shafer Trail Road, an iconic route that cuts through the heart of some of the most stunning canyons, making you feel like you're driving through the very pages of history.

In the USA, each road is a journey, an exploration, a challenge, and a story. They are gateways to discovering the grandeur of the nation, to feeling the pulse of its land, and to embracing the spirit of adventure that is quintessentially American. Whether bathed in the golden hues of sunrise or shrouded in the mysteries of twilight, these roads promise experiences that linger long after the journey's end.

Located in the southwestern region of the United States, Arizona is the sixth largest state in the country in terms of area. Part of the Mountain West states, Arizona is best known for its desert landscape. It can be divided into three major land areas; the Colorado plateau, the Transition Zone and the Basin and Ridge Region. The state is also known for its climate, which has very hot summers and mild winters.

Old Maverick Road is a scenic desert back road located in Brewster County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It’s said to be the easiest off-road road in Big Bend National Park.

Located in the U.S. state of Arizona, Antelope Canyon Road is the access road to the most-visited and most-photographed slot canyon in the American Southwest. The road is actually a river bed.

Cascade River Road is a scenic mountain road located in Skagit County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

North Ogden Divide is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.887m (6,190ft) above the sea level, located in Weber County, in the US state of Utah.

Ski Apache is a ski resort at an elevation of 2.988m (9,803ft) above the sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico. If you've got a fear of heights, this drive could be a little stressful.

Whiteface Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.402m (4,599ft) above the sea level, located in Essex County, in the U.S. state of New York.

Targhee Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.161m (7,089ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Idaho and Montana, in USA.

Coal Bank Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.243m (10,640ft) above the sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Buffalo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.146m (10,321ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Routt and Grand counties in the U.S. state of Colorado. It is suitable for most SUVs and some passenger cars with careful tire placement in spots.

Arizona Snowbowl is a ski resort at an elevation of 2.912m (9,553ft) above the sea level, located in Coconino County, in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of the highest roads of Arizona. 

Mount Lemmon is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.792m (9,159ft) above the sea level, located in Pima County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. This favorite of Arizona cyclists is known for its hill climb. It's one of the highest roads of Arizona.

Old Dale Road is a scenic drive located in the Joshua Tree National Park, in the US state of California. This old mining road traverses the eastern portion of the park from north to south. It’s one of the famous backcountry roads in the Joshua Tree National Park.

High Rock Bay is a scenic spot located in northeastern Keweenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A variety of vehicles try to make it out to the end, but most will turn around. The road can be rough if there had been rain and it hasn't been graded.

Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Washington is the 18th largest state. Lying at the northwestern corner of the 48 conterminous states, it’s bordered by Canada in the north and Oregon in the south. On the east, it’s bordered by Idaho and, on the west, it’s bordered by the Pacific Ocean.

Located in San Miguel County in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Colorado, at an elevation of 3.482m (11,423ft) above the sea level, Tomboy ghost town is an old mining town from the 1880's that used to host 1,000 year-round residents. The mine closed in 1927 and the town ceased to exist though work in the mine tunnel continued until 1978.

Bobcat Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.995m (9,826ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Taos and Colfax counties in the U.S. state of New Mexico.

Last Dollar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.254m (10,676ft) above the sea level, located in San Miguel County, in in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s said to be one of Colorado's best back-country roads.

Chinook Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.655m (5,430ft) above the sea level, located in Yakima County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Francis Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.887m (9,471ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Davis and Morgan Counties, in the U.S. state of Utah. Most cars can make this bumpy journey, though it is a back-country road.

Arizona State Route 260 is a very scenic high mountain road located in north-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona.

Located in Adams County, in the state of Idaho, near the Oregon border, in USA, the Kleinschmidt Grade Road (Forest Road 050) will test your nerves.  It is recommended that beginner riders avoid this road. Keep your eyes on the road, not the scenery.

Norris Canyon Road is the name of a highly scenic trip in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It runs entirely over 2.300m above the sea level.

Fremont Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.455m (11,335ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Lake and Summit counties, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) is a very scenic drive located in the North Cascades National Park, in Washington, USA. The road is part of the Cascade Loop, a 436 miles (702 km) driving tour through the Cascades, in the northern areas of Washington.

Cadillac Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 457m (1,499ft) above the sea level located on Mount Desert Island, in Hancock County, in the US state of Maine. It is the highest point on the east coast of the U.S.

O'Neil Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 2.046m (6,712ft) above the sea level, located in Lawrence County, in the U.S. state of South Dakota. It’s said to be the highest paved road of South Dakota.

Jones Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.804m (12,480ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Clear Creek and Grand counties, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road to the summit has a relatively good road surface given its high altitude. It's one of the highest roads of Colorado.

Located in the Potrero Hill district of San Francisco, in Northern California, Vermont Street is said to be the crookedest street in the United States. Hold on to the steering wheel and get ready for a series of hairpin turns on a stretch of roadway that few travelers and locals know about.

Mount Patterson is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.560m (11,679ft) above the sea level, located in Mono County, in the east central portion of the U.S. state of California, near the Nevada border. It’s one of the highest roads of California.

Seward Highway is a very scenic drive located in the U.S. state of Alaska. The drive is full of amazing scenery. Every direction is georgeous and interesting.

Eureka Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.016m (3,332ft) above the sea level, located in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, in the U.S. state of Alaska. It’s the highest point on the Glenn Highway.

Carson is a mining ghost town situated at an elevation of 3,531m (11,584ft) above the sea level located in Hinsdale County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Devil’s Slide Trestles is a narrow gage unstable railroad, located near the infamous Rollins Passin Boulder County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It was built to allow the the defunct Denver & Salt Lake Railroad to cross the Continental Divide via Rollins Pass.

Clingmans Dome is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.025m (6,643ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, in the southeastern United States.

Kelbaker Road is the name of a very scenic drive through the Mojave Desert, in San Bernardino County, in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California.

Crown King is a high mountain mining town at an elevation of 1.765m (5,790ft) above the sea level, located in Yavapai County, in the US state of Arizona. Much of the road to the town uses an old railroad bed running across desert, over gold mines, and through forest.

Molas Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.328m (10,918ft) above the sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Corkscrew Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.732m (12,244ft) above the sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado. The road is suitable only for 4 wheel drive vehicles. Narrow and steep on some switchbacks. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.

White Mountain Road is a very scenic mountain road located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California.

Red Grade Road is a very treacherous drive located in Sheridan County, in the US state of Wyoming. It is rough and steep and requires a suitable vehicle.

Halfmoon Road (FSR 110) is the name of a challenging road located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Many parts of the road cross rivers and water sections. In the spring, water crossings may be too deep to safely cross.

Potosi Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.580m (8,464ft) above the sea level, located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada.

Located in the Pacific Northwest region on the West Coast of the United States, Oregon is a state divided by mountains. It’s bounded to the north by Washington state; to the east by Idaho; to the south by Nevada and California; and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states in the U.S. It is most known for its diverse landscape that includes a rugged coastline, mountains, dense forests, valleys, high desert and large cities.

Frying Pan Road is a very scenic uphill drive located on the boundary of Pitkin and Eagle counties, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road runs entirely above 2.000m above the sea level.

Henness Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.115m (6,938ft) above the sea level, located in Sierra County, in the U.S. state of California. In its entirety, the trail is suitable for high-clearance vehicles.

Pennock Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.793m (9,163ft) above the sea level, located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The trail can often be very dusty.

Located in York County, Crawford Road is said to be one of the most haunted roads in the US state of Virginia. It’s a source of local haunting lore for decades. Many people have reported hearing the ghostly sounds of a battle as well as sighting spectral soldiers in the area.