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.
How long is the Briceburg Bridge in California?
The Briceburg Bridge (also known as the Briceburg Suspension Bridge) is a historic single-lane suspension bridge spanning 62.1 meters (203.8 ft) across the Merced River in Mariposa County, California, USA. Carrying the paved Bull Creek Road (Briceburg Road) off Highway 140, it serves as an entry point to the Merced River Canyon and Bureau of Land Management recreation areas. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
How to Travel the Scenic Glenn Springs Road in Big Bend NP?
Glenn Springs Road is a scenic trail located in Brewster County, in the western part of the U.S. state of Texas. The road provides access to the small town of Glenn Springs, which was abandoned around 1920.
A 4x4 Road to Tip Top, an Abandoned Ghost Town in Arizona
Tip Top is an abandoned ghost town located in Yavapai County in the U.S. state of Arizona. The road to this quiet town requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle in good condition.
How to Drive the Scenic East End Road in Alaska
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.
A Rough and Rocky Road to Calispell Peak in Washington
Calispell Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,090m (6,856ft) above sea level, located in Stevens County, in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s one of the highest roads in Washington.
A Memorable Road Trip to Richmond Hill in Colorado
Richmond Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,738m (12,265ft) above sea level, located in Pitkin County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
A scenic paved road to the summit of Yuba Pass in California
Yuba Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,050m (6,725ft) above sea level, located in Sierra County, in the U.S. state of California.
Daisy Pass is a Truly Outstanding 4x4 Adventure in Southern Montana
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.
An epic road to La Poudre Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
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.
17-Mile Drive is a Scenic Road Along the Monterey Peninsula
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.
A memorable road trip to Blackhall Mountain in Wyoming
Blackhall Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,345m (10,974ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest roads in Wyoming.
The historic road to Big Mountain Pass in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah
Big Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,267m (7,437ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Utah.
The Inhumane Climb to San Miguel Mountain in California with 21% Ramps
San Miguel Mountain is a peak at an elevation of 782 m (2,567 ft) above sea level, located in San Diego County, in the U.S. state of California.
A Rough Road with Potholes to Mowich Lake in Washington
Mowich Lake is a high mountain lake with clear, blue waters at an elevation of 1,530m (5,019ft) above sea level, located in Pierce County, in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park.
Ultimate 4WD destination: Bitter Springs Trail in Nevada
Bitter Springs Trail is a challenging route linking old mining roads and washes through the Muddy Mountains, located in the U.S. state of Nevada.
Interstate 4: Mapping the Deadliest Road in the United States
Motor vehicles are America’s lifeblood, and the roads and highways are the vessels. With over 160,000 miles of highway alone crisscrossing the country, it’s safe to say that we are a nation of drivers. And when it comes to individual states, Florida relies on cars, trucks, and other vehicles more than most. In fact, the state has more registered vehicles than most states, trailing only California and Texas.
Road trip guide: Conquering the Harry Wade Road in Death Valley
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.
Driving the Unpaved Road to Deadman Pass in 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.
A scenic paved road to Pacific Grade Summit in California
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.
The Wild Road to Kennaday Peak in Wyoming
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.
Road Trip Guide: Conquering McClellan Mountain in Colorado
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.
Travel guide to the top of Angel Peak in Nevada
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.
Driving The Scenic Loop at Red Rock Canyon in Nevada
Red Rock Canyon Loop is a stunning scenic road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
Driving the haunted Fire Trail Road in Marysville
Located in Snohomish County, in the US state of Washington, Marine Drive and Fire Trail Road is said to be haunted. Legend has it that this road gets its name because the Ghost of Firetrail.
Otto Mears, a famed Colorado road builder
Born in Estonia and raised in California, Otto Mears emerged as a pivotal entrepreneur, leaving an indelible mark on the development of Southwestern Colorado. His legacy is defined by the construction of over 450 miles of toll roads and railroads, contributing significantly to the region's accessibility, settlement, and mining.
A sensational drive to Yellowjacket Pass in 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.
Travel Guide to the Top of Abajo Peak in Utah
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.
The Iconic Hell's Revenge Trail: One of Moab’s Most Popular Drives
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.
Driving Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway Through Old-Growth Redwood Forest in California
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.
An Old Mine Road to Eagle Pass in Colorado
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.
A Thrill Road to Red Pass in Death Valley NP
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.
Road Trip Guide: Conquering Genoa Peak in Nevada
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.
A memorable road trip to Mount Pisgah in Colorado
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.
Victor Pass: a road through mining history in Colorado
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.
Mineral Creek Road in Colorado: Stay Away Unless You Know You Are Capable
Mineral Creek Road is a very challenging drive located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. This is a 4WD road. It’s the quickest way to get to Engineer Pass from Ouray, although not the easiest.
Dosewallips River Road in Washington Hasn’t Seen a Car Since 2002
Dosewallips River Road (NF-2610 Road) is a former forest road located in Jefferson County, in the US state of Washington, that once led into Olympic National Park. In 2002, a major washout blocked vehicle access, and the road has remained partially closed since.
Travel Guide to the Top of Brian Head Peak in Utah
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.
Empire Mine Road is one of the most haunted roads of California
Located in Contra Costa County, in the U.S. state of California, the mysterious Empire Mine Road is said to be one of the most haunted roads in the area.
Big Four Mine in California: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
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.
Saddlebag Lake: the highest lake in California that you can drive to
Saddlebag Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,091m (10,141ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California and is said to be the highest drive-to lake in the region.
Travelling the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree
Located at the eastern end of Southern California, in the USA, the Joshua Tree National Park is immense, nearly 800,000 acres, and infinitely variable. Two desert systems, the Mojave and the Colorado, divide the park into two arid ecosystems. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land with strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. For your own safety and for the protection of the natural features of the park please stay on established roads.
How dangerous is the Pan-American Highway compared to the I-95?
The Pan-American Highway and the I-95 represent two completely different ways to face a dangerous road. While both routes carry infamous death tolls, their traps are fundamentally different. One is a broken network of long roads crossing thick jungles and freezing plains, while the other is the most crowded concrete highway on the U.S. East Coast. Driving these routes requires preparing for either absolute isolation or high-speed urban crashes.
How to Get to Enderts Beach by Car in California?
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.
Driving the Furnace Creek Road in Death Valley NP
Furnace Creek Road is a very exciting desert drive located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. A high-clearance vehicle is required. Due to frequent flooding in the area, road conditions often vary. It’s one of the challenging backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.
McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is a Journey Through a Land of Contrasts in central Oregon
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.
Driving the gnarly Nellie Creek Road in Colorado
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.
How to Get to the Lookout at La Mosca Peak in New Mexico by Car?
La Mosca is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,364m (11,036 ft) above sea level, located in Cibola County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.
Palo Flechado Pass in New Mexico is a classic road trip
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.