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.
Driving an old mining road to Mount Lincoln in Colorado
Mount Lincoln is a high mountain peak located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. An old mining road climbs up to 4.297m (14,097ft) above sea level, just below the peak. It's one of the highest roads of USA.
How to have the ultimate road trip to Bodie, a ghost town in California
Situated high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Bodie is a ghost town in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California. The town sits at an elevation of 2,554m (8,379ft) above sea level.
Willamette Pass is a classic road trip in Oregon
Willamette Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.563m (5,128ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Oregon.
A scenic paved road to Santiam Pass in central Oregon
Santiam Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.471m (4,826ft) above sea level located in the US state of Oregon.
Beef Basin Trail is a challenging 4wd road in Utah
Beef Basin Trail is a challenging four-wheel drive located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Utah. The road is easy as long as it is dry.
Driving the 3 tight hairpin turns on the W Road of Chattanooga
Located in Hamilton County, in the US state of Tennessee, the infamous W Road is a short mountain road with 3 really tight hairpin turns. The turns are so steep that ‘you can see your taillights ahead of you’. The road is prohibited to semi-trailer trucks.
A Road Trip to Powder River Pass in Wyoming
Powder River Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.946m (9,666ft) above sea level, located in Johnson County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
Peru Creek Trail is a truly outstanding SUV adventure in Colorado
Peru Creek Trail is a very scenic mountain road located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Cochetopa Pass is an unforgettable road in Colorado
Cochetopa Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.076m (10,091ft) above sea level, located in Saguache County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Navigating the Steep Curves of Antelope Pass in Arizona
Antelope Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.875m (6,151ft) above sea level, located in Coconino County, in the US state of Arizona. The climb is very steep climbing up 1,000 feet in 3 miles.
South Grade Road in California features 21 hairpin turns
South Grade Road is a very challenging yet dangerous drive located in San Diego County, in the US state of California. The road features 21 switchbacks.
How to get to Cerro Gordo, California's Silver Mining Ghost Town, by car?
Cerro Gordo (Spanish for "Fat Hill") is a silver mining ghost town located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California.
Holland Road in Washington is haunted by a girl that was hit by a car while riding her horse
Located in Kitsap County, in the U.S. state of Washington, Holland Road is supposedly haunted by a girl that was hit by a car while riding her horse.
Tripoli Road in New Hampshire: A Scenic Drive Through White Mountain National Forest
Tripoli Road (Forest Road 30) is a scenic drive located in the White Mountain National Forest, in Grafton County, in the US state of New Hampshire.
The spectacular Captain William Moore Bridge in Alaska
This unique and historically significant bridge is located in the borough of Skagway, in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is considered one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Driving the high-altitude road to Cumbres Pass in Colorado
Cumbres Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.057m (10,029ft) above sea level, located in Conejos County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Onion Valley Road is one of the steepest climbs of California
Located in the heart of Owens Valley, in Inyo County, in the US state of California, Onion Valley Road is one of the steepest roads of California: this climb averages nearly 8%.
Mount Greylock is the Highest Road of Massachusetts
Mount Greylock is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.064m (3,491ft) above sea level, located in Berkshire County, in the US state of Massachusetts.
McCarthy Road is a drive you'll never forget in Alaska
McCarthy Road is an epic road trip in a very Alaskan sort of way, located deep in the heart of Valdez-Cordova Census Area, in the USA. Rough road conditions and potholes are common.
The road to the summit of Mount Locke in Texas
Mount Locke is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.070m (6,790ft) above sea level, located in Jeff Davis County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.
A 5-star road to Chief Joseph Pass in the Rocky Mountains
Chief Joseph Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.218m (7,276ft) above sea level, located on the Montana-Idaho border in the northwestern United States.
The Snake is a challenging drive with 489 curves in Tennessee
The Snake is an outstanding ride in the US state of Tennessee, featuring 489 curves. It's a popular route for drivers and motorcyclists due to its challenging turns and scenic views.
Conquer the Thrilling Road to Elwood Pass in Colorado's San Juan Mountains
Elwood Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.559m (11,676ft) above the sea level located in Rio Grande County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. There are a few water crossings along the way.
Royal Gorge Bridge: The Vertigo-Inducing Suspension Bridge of Colorado
Located near Cañon City, Colorado, the Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the most spectacular suspension bridges in the world. Built in 1929, it held the title of the "World's Highest Bridge" for 74 years (until 2003). Today, it remains a world-class tourist attraction and a marvel of engineering that hangs precariously over the Arkansas River. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Driving the paved road to Westgard Pass in California
Westgard Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.236m (7,335ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the US state of California.
Devil's Gate Pass: A Scenic Road Through California's Mountains
Devil's Gate Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.292m (7,519ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California.
The spectacular Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Located in Virginia, this bridge–tunnel is 23-mile (37 km) long. It opened in 1964 and links the Delmarva Peninsula with Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads. As its name implies, the structure functions as both a bridge and a tunnel. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Traveling along the scenic Covington Flat Road in California
Covington Flat Road is a very scenic drive located in Joshua Tree National Park, in the U.S. state of California. The road offers fascinating landscapes and access to some of the park’s largest Joshua trees, junipers, and pinyon pines. It’s one of the famous backcountry roads in Joshua Tree National Park.
Lulu Pass in Montana is worth the white-knuckle drive
Lulu Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.009m (9,872ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the US state of Montana. It's one of the highest roads of Montana.
How to Get By Car to Skilak Lake in Alaska?
Skilak Lake is a very deep lake with exceptionally clear water located on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, in the USA. The road to the lake offers spectacular views of lakes and glaciers.
Driving the rough Wildrose Road in Death Valley
Wildrose Road is a very scenic drive located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. The road is drivable by most of the vehicles.
How to drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, one of the most scenic roads in Utah?
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, straddling Washington and Kane counties in the US state of Utah, is one of the most picturesque drives in the state. Running through Zion National Park, the road with its gentle curves promises an enthralling driving experience.
Why is the Secret Normandy Road in Middletown Restricted to Civilians?
Located in Middletown, in the US state of New Jersey, Normandy Road is New Jersey’s less traveled road. The road is completely off limits to civilians and reserved exclusively for use by the military.
Salmon River Road in California: You can’t be scared of steep narrow roads
Located in Siskiyou County, in the U.S. state of California, Salmon River Road is a narrow road with ledges and cliffs through a dramatic river canyon.
Shrine Pass in Colorado - A Comprehensive Guide for Off-Road Enthusiasts
Shrine Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.410m (11,187ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. This dirt road is passable by all but the lowest passenger cars.
Mount Constitution is the highest road in the San Juan Islands
Mount Constitution is a mountain peak at an elevation of 735m (2,411ft) above sea level, located on Orcas Island, in San Juan County, in the US state of Washington.
A scenic unpaved road to Cordova Pass in southern Colorado
Cordova Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.428m (11,248ft) above sea level, located in Huerfano County, in the US state of Colorado.
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a picturesque 50-mile route in California
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a scenic road located in Fresno County, in the U.S. state of California. Be ready for the route's many curves, and allow plenty of time to stop for photo ops.
American Flag Mountain is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure in Colorado
American Flag Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.878m (12,723ft) above sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Rowher Flat Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation in California
Situated within Los Angeles County, in the US state of California, the Rowher Flat Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area presents a captivating array of trails, granting visitors with breathtaking vistas and an extensive array of exhilarating challenges.
Driving the scenic Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii
Chain of Craters Road is an amazing drive located on the island of Hawaii, in the USA, that will take you from 4,000 feet to sea level and back again. Stretching 19 miles, the road is an exceptionally scenic and spectacular drive.
A Desert Trip: The Scenic Pinto Basin Road in the Joshua Tree NP
Pinto Basin Road is a very scenic desert drive located in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California.
Steel Pass is a truly outstanding 4wd adventure in Death Valley
Steel Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.565m (5,134ft) above sea level located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. Experienced 4WD drivers only.
Discovering the history and beauty of Dead Indian Pass in Wyoming
Dead Indian Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,465 m (8,087 ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
Exploring Skyline Drive: A Scenic Journey Through Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive is a very scenic drive running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the US state of Virginia, that runs the entire length of the Shenandoah National Park. Inclement weather may necessitate closure of Skyline Drive at any time.
The Scenic Journey Along State Route 153: From Beaver to Piute in Utah
State Route 153 (SR-153) is a very scenic drive linking Beaver and Piute counties, in the US state of Utah. The road tops out at 10,242 feet (3.122m) above sea level.
Palisades Interstate Parkway offers beautiful views of the Hudson River
Palisades Interstate Parkway is a very scenic highway straddling the U.S. states of New Jersey and New York. The road shows the best of the states, with beautiful views of the Hudson River.
Driving the challenging road to Hellroaring Plateau in Montana
Hellroaring Plateau is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3,020m (9,908ft) above sea level, located in the heart of Carbon County, in the US state of Montana. The road to the top challenges even the most seasoned drivers with its rugged terrain; it's one of the highest roads in Montana.