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.

A paved road to Battle Mountain Pass in Colorado

Battle Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,825 meters (9,267 feet) above sea level, located in Eagle County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Boulder Mountain Pass is the highest point of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12

Boulder Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,928m (9,606ft) above sea level, located in Garfield County, in the US state of Utah.

Driving the rugged road to Kite Lake near Silverton in Colorado

Kite Lake is an alpine turquoise lake at an elevation of 3.700m (12,139ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado.

What you need to know about driving the Stampede Trail in Alaska

Stampede Trail is a remote mountain road located within the Denali National Park, in the U.S. state of Alaska.

How to get by car to Leslie Gulch in Oregon?

Leslie Gulch is a very scenic canyon with breathtaking rock formations located in Malheur County, in the US state of Oregon.

How long is the unpaved Road to Nowhere in Alaska?

The Road to Nowhere is the humorous nickname for the Gravina Island Highway, a gravel road located in the Gravina Islands of the Alexander Archipelago in the US state of Alaska.

How to drive to Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains?

Newfound Gap is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.541m (5,055ft) above sea level, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, in the USA.

A steep paved road to Mount Harrison in Idaho

Mount Harrison is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.823m (9,261ft) above sea level, located in Cassia County, in the US state of Idaho. It's one of the highest roads of Idaho.

Rat Trap Pass in Washington: A Drive for the Brave at Heart

Rat Trap Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 970m (3,182ft) above sea level, located in Snohomish County, in the US state of Washington. The drive is pretty challenging for even the most seasoned adventurers.

What are the highest roads in Nevada?

Located in the western and southwestern regions of the United States, Nevada is a vast land of discovery and adventure, defined by its spectacular topography. Though its name means "snowy," the state is famous for its arid valleys and sandy alkali deserts. However, most of Nevada lies within the Great Basin, a unique, high-altitude domain characterized by the Basin and Range geology—hundreds of isolated, north-south running mountain ranges and high desert plateaus.

Navigating Racetrack Valley Road: Death Valley's Rugged Challenge

Racetrack Valley Road, in northern Death Valley National Park, in the US state of California, offers an exhilarating drive. Equipped with good tires, a 4x4, and a high-clearance vehicle, you can tackle one of the Death Valley's most challenging backcountry roads.

Driving the stunning road to Grand Mesa Summit, the largest flat top mountain in the world

Located in the US state of Colorado, the Grand Mesa Summit rises to an elevation of 3,307m (10,849ft) above sea level. It’s said to be the world’s largest flat-topped mountain.

How to drive to Gray’s Peak in Colorado

Gray’s Peak is a high mountain peak located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. A very rough road climbs up to 3,488m (11,443ft) above sea level near the summit. The road is somewhat rough, so a 4x4 vehicle with good clearance is recommended.

Adventure along the Gold Butte Back Country Byway in Nevada

Gold Butte Back Country Byway is a scenic road across the desert, located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada. You'll enjoy some great views of rich desert landscapes.

Driving the unpaved Nucla-Delta Road to Columbine Pass in Colorado

Columbine Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.790m (9,154ft) above sea level located in Montrose County, in the US state of Colorado.

A paved road to Satus Pass in the Cascades

Satus Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 950m (3,116ft) above sea level, located in Klickitat County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Driving the scenic Waldo Canyon Road in New Mexico

Waldo Canyon Road is a short yet scenic unpaved road located in Santa Fe County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.

Travel Guide to Bannock Pass on the Montana-Idaho border

Bannock Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.342m (7,684ft) above sea level located on the border of Montana and Idaho, in the USA.

Discover Arizona's Hidden Gem: The 4x4 Adventure to Mount Elden

Mount Elden is a lava dome at an elevation of 2.841m (9,320ft) above sea level, located in central Coconino County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest roads of Arizona.

Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway is Utah's Hidden Gem

Located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway runs along the edge of Dark Canyon Wilderness, just south of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. This rough dirt and gravel track is challenging and unsuitable for regular cars, especially when rutted.

A sensational paved road to Echo Summit in California

Echo Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,255m (7,398ft) above sea level, located in El Dorado County, in the US state of California.

Guadalupe Pass in Texas: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Guadalupe Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,659m (5,442ft) above sea level, located in Culberson County, in the U.S. state of Texas.

A road with sweeping views to Nez Perce Pass between Idaho and Montana

Nez Perce Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.012m (6,601ft) above sea level, located on the border of Idaho and Montana, in USA. Travel at your own risk.

Driving the sensational road to Conway Summit in California

Conway Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.482m (8,143ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the US state of California.

Rock Creek Vista Point is a must-stop on the Beartooth Highway

Rock Creek Vista Point is a scenic overlook at an elevation of 2,804m (9,199ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the US state of Montana, along the Beartooth Highway. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the United States.

Driving The Iconic Taylor Highway in Alaska

Taylor Highway is a very a scenic drive running through the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area in the US state of Alaska, known for its history of gold mining. It’s one of the highest roads in Alaska.

Adventure along the wild road to Picket Pin Mountain in Montana

Picket Pin Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.867m (9,046ft) above sea level located in Sweet Grass County, in the U.S. state of Montana.

Driving the Mount Lowe Fire Road in California

Mount Lowe Fire Road is a gravel fire trail located in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California. The road is unsafe for travel and closed to motorized vehicles.

A very bumpy, grueling road to Shoshone Lake in Wyoming

Shoshone Lake is a high-mountain lake at an elevation of 2,901m (9,517ft) above sea level, located in Fremont County, in the US state of Wyoming.

Warm Springs Canyon Road is an exciting drive in Death Valley NP

Warm Springs Canyon Road is a very exciting desert drive located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.

Driving the steep road to Cajon Summit in California

Cajon Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.301m (4,268ft) above sea level, located in the County of San Bernardino, in the US state of California. It is a critical transportation route that connects the high desert region with the Inland Empire and the Los Angeles Basin.

A hairpin-steep road to Cabresto Lake in New Mexico

Cabresto Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.821m (9,255ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the US state of New Mexico.

How to Drive New Mexico State Road 126?

New Mexico State Road 126 (NM-126) is a very scenic drive located in the heart of Sandoval County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It offers breathtaking views, but the graded dirt road section can be intimidating.

Discover Port Mahon Road, a Coastal Drive in Delaware

Located at the mouth of the Mahon River, Port Mahon Road in Kent County, in the US state of Delaware, offers a drive through a coastal area perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Bodie Masonic Road is an awe-inspiring route through remote areas of California

Bodie Masonic Road is a scenic trail straddling California and Nevada in the USA. It’s one of the highest roads of California, topping out at 2.831m (9,288ft) above sea level.

Road trip guide: Conquering Urad Lake in Colorado

Lake Urad is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.288m (10,787ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. Full size vehicles should not attempt to drive all the way, as there are a few very narrow spots.

A road you'll never forget to Sheep Mountain in Park County of Montana

Sheep Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.185m (10,449ft) above sea level located in Park County, in the US state of Montana. It's one of the highest roads in Montana.

A road with 23 hairpin turns to Saxon Mountain in Colorado

Saxon Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.494m (11,463ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the US state of Colorado. The road to the summit is very steep, with an average gradient of 8.17 %. The trail is currently closed because of safety concerns.

Darland Mountain is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure in Washington

Darland Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,129m (6,984ft) above sea level, located in Yakima County, in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s one of the highest roads in Washington.

How to Travel the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway in Utah

Mount Nebo Scenic Byway (Nebo Loop) is a drive with rewarding views located in the Uinta National Forest, in the US state of Utah. The road tops out at 2,850m (9,353ft) above sea level at the Monument trailhead. It’s a mountain road with spectacular views of the Wasatch Range.

How to drive the rugged and rocky Old Ore Road in Big Bend NP?

Located in Texas's Big Bend National Park, in the USA, the Old Ore Road offers a journey into history, tracing the path of early 20th-century mule and pack trains from Mexican mines to the Marathon railroad station. It's a primitive dirt road in the Big Bend National Park.

Brynwood Hillclimb is one of the steepest roads in Oregon

Tucked away in the West Hills of Portland, in the US state of Oregon, Brynwood is said to be the steepest climb in the state. It hits a 24% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Reaching the top will leave your lungs burning.

Conquering the drained Lake Emma in San Juan County by car

Lake Emma is a drained lake at an elevation of 3,809m (12,496ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado. Mining was being conducted under the lake when, in June 1978, the roof of the stope collapsed, flooding the mine and draining the lake. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.