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.

Kancamagus Highway is a very scenic drive located in Grafton County, in the U.S. state of New Hampshire. It is said to be one of the most popular fall foliage road trips in the world.

Tuna Canyon Road is a very scenic yet demanding drive located in western Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s said to be one of the 7 Best Driving Roads in Malibu. The road is very steep (up to 18%). It’s one of the Top Scenic Drives in Malibu.

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

Cadillac Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 457m (1,499ft) above 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.

Located in the Pacific Northwest region, Washington State is a study in spectacular geographical contrasts, lying at the northwestern corner of the 48 conterminous states. Nicknamed the Evergreen State because of its dense forests, its territory—bordered by Canada, Oregon, Idaho, and the Pacific Ocean—is split into distinct zones. The state's vertical core, and the source of its highest roads, is the colossal Cascade Mountains.

Spanning over 500,000 acres along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the Great Smoky Mountains represent one of the most technically demanding yet rewarding landscapes for recreational vehicle (RV) travel in the United States. Navigating the "Smokies" requires more than just a map; it demands an understanding of steep gradients, high-altitude weather patterns, and the unique atmospheric chemistry—specifically the biogenic isoprene emissions—that gives these peaks their iconic blue mist.

Clear Lake is an alpine turquoise lake at an elevation of 3.653m (11,984ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Be sure to have experience in back roads if you attempt this trail. The drive is not for the faint of heart.

Big Sur Coast Highway is a very scenic drive hugging the California coast, in the USA. This twisting, cliff-hugging coastal scenic drive runs from Monterey to San Luis Obispo.

High Rock Bay is a very 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 has been rain and it hasn't been graded.

Located in Adams County, in the US state of Idaho, 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.

Mount Baker Highway is a very scenic drive located within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the US state of Washington. The end of the road at Artist Point is only open for 3-4 months in late summer and early fall.

Capulin Volcano is an extinct cinder cone volcano at an elevation of 2,405m (7,890ft) above sea level, located in Union County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the most accessible volcanoes in the world.

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.

Whiteface Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,402m (4,599ft) above sea level, located in Essex County, in the U.S. state of New York. At this elevation it's said to be the highest paved road in NY.

Coyote Flat is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3.061m (10,042ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California.

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 route in Big Bend National Park.

Buffalo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,146m (10,321ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It is suitable for most SUVs and some passenger cars with careful tire placement in spots.

O'Neil Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 2,046m (6,712ft) above 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.

Located in El Dorado County, in the U.S. state of California, Mosquito Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Homestake Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.954m (6,410ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Montana.

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

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

Located west of Clarksdale, in Christian County, Illinois, in USA, Witches Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

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

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

Crawford Road is said to be one of the most haunted roads in the US state of Virginia, 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.

Cascade River Road is a picturesque mountain route situated in Skagit County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Norris Canyon Road is a highly scenic route in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It runs entirely over 2,300m (7,500ft) above sea level.

Mengel Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.314m (4,311ft) above sea level located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. Famous for the site where Charles Manson was captured by police, it is a favorite Jeep trail in Death Valley. Rough 4WD vehicle needed.

Bobcat Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,995m (9,826ft) above sea level, located in Carson National Forest, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.

Crown King is a high mountain mining town at an elevation of 1,765m (5,790ft) above 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 the desert, over gold mines, and through the forest.

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

Texas has a long list of traffic rules to keep roads safe. Some are obvious. Obeying speed limits and stopping at red lights are no-brainers. Others are not so obvious. Do you know it is a crime in Texas to honk at horse riders (you can spook the horses, leading to accidents) or use hazard lights while moving?

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

Top of the World is a natural viewpoint at an elevation of 2,149m (7,050ft) above sea level, located in Moab, Grand County, in the U.S. state of Utah. At the top, you are treated to one killer view from a 3,000-foot cliff overlook. It features one of the most scenic drives and best views in Moab—or perhaps all of Utah.

Boriana Mine is an abandoned tungsten mine at an elevation of 1,711m (5,613ft) above sea level located in Mohave County, in the US state of Arizona. High clearance and four-wheel drive vehicles only.

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

Frying Pan Road is a very scenic uphill drive located in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road runs entirely above 2,000m (6,500ft) above sea level.

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

Located in the Pacific Northwest region on the West Coast of the United States, Oregon is a state of spectacular contrasts, geologically divided by its colossal mountain ranges. Bounded by Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California, and the Pacific Ocean, Oregon is celebrated as one of the most geographically diverse states in the U.S. While known for its rugged coastline, vast forests, and fertile valleys, the state's vertical core is the Cascade Range and other towering mountain systems.

Clingmans Dome is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,025m (6,643ft) above sea level, located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, in the southeastern United States.

Located in San Miguel County in the U.S. state of Colorado, at an elevation of 3.482m (11,423ft) above sea level, Tomboy ghost town is an old mining town from the 1880s 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.

Located in Otoe County, in the US state of Nebraska, L Road is supposedly haunted by the screams of 7 sisters. If you’re sensitive to sibling drama, you’ll want to stay off this old road.

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

Old Dale Road is a scenic drive located in 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.

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 in California.

While advancements in vehicles and road safety have made driving generally safer in the USA, certain roads, like Missouri's Highway 63, remain hazardous even in modern times.

Mount Patterson is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,560m (11,679ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California.

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