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.

Pacific Grade Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.463m (8,080ft) above sea level, located in Alpine County, in the US state of California. The pass is not plowed for snow.

Elliott Highway is a scenic drive located in the U.S. state of Alaska. The road, which includes both paved and gravel stretches, connects the community of Fox with Manley Hot Springs.

La Poudre Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,111m (10,206ft) above sea level, located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Yellowjacket Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.373m (7,785ft) above sea level, located in Archuleta County, in the US state of Colorado.

Located in Mariposa County, California, in USA, the one-lane-metal-and-wood bridge over the Merced River is one of the most spectacular bridges of the world.

Route 32 South is a very scenic yet defiant road located in Cocke County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee. This drive is definitely not for beginners, as it features hundreds of turns that demand focus and skill.

Abajo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,450m (11,318ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.

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.

17-Mile Drive is a scenic road running along a romantic stretch of coastline through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove in Monterey County, on the Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California.

In 2021, drivers in Tennessee will travel nearly seven billion vehicle miles along the state’s many roads and highways. This isn’t a surprise, given that several major interstate highways run through the state. Major highways Interstate 65, Interstate 24, and Interstate 40 account for 750 miles of roads in Tennessee. Millions of drivers use these highways every year to travel in and through the state.

Panoramic Point Road is a delightful drive located in Fresno County, in the U.S. state of California.

Cerro Vista is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,645 m (11,958 ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a scenic drive located in Humboldt County, in the US state of California. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the Redwood National and State Parks.

Angel Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.707m (8,881ft) above sea level, located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada.

McClellan Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,996m (13,110ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

East End Road is a very scenic drive located at the head of Kachemak Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, in the U.S. state of Alaska.

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.

Red Rock Canyon Loop is a stunning scenic road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Kennaday Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,300m (10,826ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the US state of Wyoming. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. It's one of the highest roads in Wyoming.

Daisy Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,966m (9,730ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Montana.

Enderts Beach is a rugged beach on the Pacific Ocean, located on the coast of Del Norte County in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the Redwood National and State Parks.

Jubilee Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 403m (1,322ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the US state of California.

Genoa Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,745m (9,005ft) above sea level, located in Douglas County in the U.S. state of Nevada. Some parts of the road can be tricky.

Yaqui Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 526m (1.725ft) above sea level, located in San Diego County, in the US state of California.

Brian Head Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,450 m (11,318 ft) above sea level, located in Iron County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.

Located in Grand County, in the US state of Utah, Hell's Revenge Trail is a thrilling roller-coaster 4x4 route over slickrock fins. Though incredibly popular, this trail is extremely challenging due to its hazardous terrain.

Harry Wade Road is a very exciting desert drive located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. The road leads visitors into the rugged and remote backcountry of Death Valley National Park. It’s one of the challenging backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.

The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is an unforgettable drive in central Oregon. This iconic route takes you through a dramatic landscape, climbing up to McKenzie Pass and Santiam Pass.

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.

Deadman Pass is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,129m (10,265ft) above sea level, located in the US state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California.

Mount Pisgah is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,173m (10,410 ft) above sea level, located in Teller County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Carson-Guler Road is a very scenic gravel road located in Skamania County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Palo Flechado Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.779m (9,117ft) above sea level, located in the US state of New Mexico.

Dunckley Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,982m (9,783ft) above sea level, located in Rio Blanco County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Red Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,589m (5,213ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. The road itself is an adventure: a steep, narrow cliff road, but it's well-maintained.

Located in the Lower Geyser Basin near Fountain Paint Pot, in the US state of Wyoming, Firehole Lake Drive is a one-way road that passes through a thermal area. In 2014, the road was temporarily closed because the ground became too hot, melting the asphalt.

Geysers Road is a very scenic drive that winds through vineyards and wineries in Sonoma County, located in the U.S. state of California.

Victor Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,115m (10,219ft) above sea level, located in Teller County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Big Four Mine is an abandoned mine located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the challenging backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.

Castle Creek Road (County Road 15) is a very scenic drive while seeing beautiful aspen trees in Pitkin County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Salmon River Road is said to be one of America's Best Road Trips. Located in Lemhi County, in the U.S. state of Idaho, this scenic route follows central Idaho’s largest river north.

Salmo Mountain is a high mountain peak with an elevation of 2,083m (6,833ft) above sea level, located in Pend Oreille County in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s one of the highest roads in Washington.

Mount Ashland is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,284m (7,493ft) above sea level, located in Jackson County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Beef Pasture Gap is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,878 m (6,161 ft) above sea level, located in Jeff Davis County, in the US state of Texas. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.

Nellie Creek Road (FSR#877) is a very gnarly drive located in Hinsdale County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. This is not a road for people inexperienced with 4wd roads.

Hanaupah Canyon Road is an exciting desert drive located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. It’s one of the most challenging Backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.

Scott Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,491m (8,172ft) above sea level, located in Boise County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.

Eagle Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,602m (11,817ft) above sea level, located in La Plata County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Drive Us to Your Road!

With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.