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.

Grayback Mountain is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure in Colorado

Grayback Mountain is a high mountain peak with an elevation of 3,853 m (12,641 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, offering great views of the surrounding mountains.

A very bumpy, grueling road to North Twin Cone Peak in Colorado

North Twin Cone Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.759m (12,332ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

Crescent Meadow Road in California: Where You Can Drive Through a Giant Tree

Crescent Meadow Road is a paved narrow mountain road located in Tulare County, in the U.S. state of California.

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the South Willow Canyon Road in Utah

South Willow Canyon Road is a very scenic drive in Tooele County, in the US state of Utah. The road is mostly paved but becomes gravel at the National Forest boundary, and winds through some very interesting narrows.

Ultimate 4WD Destination: Leviathan Peak in California

Leviathan Peak is a high mountain peak with an elevation of 2,732m (8,963ft) above sea level, located in Alpine County, in the U.S. state of California. The views from the summit are impressively remote.

Driving the Paved Road to Cuchara Pass in Colorado

Cuchara Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,036m (9,960ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado.

A Rough 4x4 Road to Sundance Mountain in Idaho

Sundance Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,914m (6,279ft) above sea level, located in Bonner County, in the U.S. state of Idaho. The summit is accessible by high-clearance 4x4 vehicles during the summer. It was the site of a devastating wildfire caused by lightning in August 1967, which claimed two lives.

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the historic Sangre de Cristo Pass of Colorado

Sangre de Cristo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.886m (9,468ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado.

A paved road to Signal Mountain in Grand Teton NP

Signal Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,355m (7,726ft) above sea level, located in Teton County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.

Mountain Waters Scenic Byway in North Carolina is a must if you love waterfalls

Mountain Waters Scenic Byway is a very scenic winding mountain road located in the US state of North Carolina, running through the forest and by rivers and lakes, two river gorges, hardwood forests and countryside vistas.

How to Drive the Ice Road to Nuiqsut in Alaska?

Nuiqsut is a small village located on the Colville River Delta, in North Slope Borough, in the U.S. state of Alaska.

The road to Wheeler Lake in Colorado is not for the faint of heart

Wheeler Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,717m (12,194ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado and a difficult 4×4 trail.

How To Travel The 8 Mile Road in Nevada

8 Mile Road is a very scenic sandy drive leading to Lake Mead, a big reservoir on the Colorado River, located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Phon D Sutton Trail in Arizona is an Adventure Track You Will Never Forget

Phon D Sutton Trail is a very scenic road located in Maricopa County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.

Ultimate 4WD Destination: Trinchera Peak in Colorado

Trinchera Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,860 m (12,664 ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

A road with lakes, mountains and meadows to Ripple Creek Pass in Colorado

Ripple Creek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,158 meters (10,360 feet) above sea level, located in Rio Blanco County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

A 5-star road to Tennessee Pass in Colorado

Tennessee Pass is a high mountain pass with an elevation of 3,183m (10,442ft) located in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Kenosha Pass, a 5 stars road in the Rocky Mountains

Kenosha Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.054m (10,019ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

A long and bumpy trail to Billings Lake in Colorado

Billings Lake is a shallow lake at an elevation of 3.594m (11,791ft) above sea level, located in Chaffee County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

How to Get by Car to Kitt Peak in Arizona?

Kitt Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,082m (6,830ft) above sea level, located in Pima County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.

Ultimate 4WD Destination: Hardscrabble Mountain in Colorado

Hardscrabble Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,261m (10,698ft) above sea level, located in Eagle County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Aiken Mine Road: Otherworldly Landscapes of Basalt Flows in California

Aiken Mine Road is an old mining track located in the Mojave Desert of the U.S. state of California. 4x4 vehicles are recommended.

Driving the iconic road to Minaret Summit in Sierra Nevada

Minaret Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,824m (9,265ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of California. It's one of the highest roads in California.

Primitive Dirt Roads in Big Bend National Park

Located in southwest Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Big Bend National Park is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state. Scenic vistas, diverse wildlife, and historic siteswhere night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. This remote park features rugged mountains, steep canyons, amazing views, unparalleled night skies, and solitude in a high desert setting.

Rainy Pass is one of Washington State's most dramatic roads

Rainy Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.486m (4,875ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Chelan and Okanogan counties, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Road Trip Guide: Conquering Mount Spokane in Washington

Mount Spokane is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,785m (5,856ft) above sea level, located in Spokane County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

El Camino del Diablo: A Remote Drive in Arizona

El Camino del Diablo ("The Devil's Highway") offers an exciting and historic journey through the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, running close to the Mexican border. This route is suited only for those well-experienced in backcountry travel.

A Brutal but Stunning Road to Santa Fe Peak in Colorado

Santa Fe Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4,008m (13,149ft) above sea level, located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road to the summit may be intimidating for novice drivers. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

Beckwourth Pass is the Lowest Pass in the Sierra Nevada

Beckwourth Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,591m (5,221ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of California.

The unpaved road to Fandango Pass in California

Fandango Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,879 m (6,164 ft) above sea level, located in Modoc County, in the U.S. state of California.

A Brutal and Remote Steep Road to Eagle Peak in Texas

Eagle Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,281m (7,484ft) above sea level, located in Hudspeth County, in the US state of Texas. The climb is brutal, with an average gradient of 11.72%. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.

The Old Mine Road to Red Mountain Number 3 in Colorado is Not for the Faint of Heart

Red Mountain Number 3 is a high mountain peak with an elevation of 3,932m (12,900ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

Steese Highway in Alaska: The Road That Has it All

Steese Highway is a very scenic drive with unforgettable sights and natural wonders, located in the U.S. state of Alaska, running from Fairbanks to Circle.

Ultimate 4WD Destination: Seafoam Lake in Idaho

Seafoam Lake is a pair of high mountain lakes at an elevation of 2,474m (8,116ft) above sea level, located in Custer County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.

Traversing the Quarter Circle Bridge

Located in the Glacier National Park of Montana, United States, the Quarter Circle Bridge is a wood bridge where McDonald Creek merges with the Middle Fork Flathead River. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

A Paved Road to Raynolds Pass on the Montana-Idaho Border

Raynolds Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,086m (6,844ft) above sea level, located on the Montana-Idaho border in the USA.

The Wild Road to Kite Lake, Outside of Alma

Kite Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,671m (12,043ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It's one of the highest roads in Colorado.

Driving the Curvy Unpaved Road to Mount Mansfield in Vermont

Mount Mansfield is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1,216m (3,989ft) above sea level, located in Lamoille County, in the U.S. state of Vermont. The road to the summit offers spectacular views along the way, with plenty of twists and turns. It’s one of the highest roads in Vermont.

Adventure along the remote road to Elk Mountain in New Mexico

Elk Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,558 m (11,673 ft) above sea level, located in San Miguel County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico. The drive offers some of the most unique and remote views in the area.

Driving the Paved Road to Keys View, an Overlook in Joshua Tree NP

Keys View is a very scenic overlook at an elevation of 1,574m (5,164ft) above sea level, located in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California.

Exploring the scenic Mouse's Tank Road in Nevada

Mouse's Tank Road is a very scenic drive located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It is probably one of the most scenic and photographed spots in the park, featuring narrow canyons, stunning viewpoints, colorful rocks, and petroglyphs.