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 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.
A Smooth Road to Jubilee Pass in Death Valley NP
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Travel Guide to the Top of Cerro Vista in New Mexico
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.
Crossing the Briceburg Bridge in California isn't for the sissies
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Driving the scenic Castle Creek Road in Colorado with beautiful aspen trees
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 paved road to the summit of Yaqui Pass in California
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.
Panoramic Point Road is a sensational drive in Kings Canyon NP
Panoramic Point Road is a delightful drive located in Fresno County, in the U.S. state of California.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Scenic Geysers Road Runs Through the Vineyards of Sonoma County
Geysers Road is a very scenic drive that winds through vineyards and wineries in Sonoma County, located in the U.S. state of California.
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.
Grapevine Hills Road is a bumpy drive in Big Bend NP
Grapevine Hills Road is an improved dirt road located in Brewster County, in the U.S. state of Texas. Some areas can be very rough, and you’ll need to be cautious.
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.
Adventure Along the Scenic Carson-Guler Road in Washington
Carson-Guler Road is a very scenic gravel road located in Skamania County, in the U.S. state of Washington.
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.
Adventure Along the Hanaupah Canyon Road in Death Valley NP
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.
Travel Guide to Dunckley Pass in Northwest Colorado
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.
Salmon River Road in Idaho is one of the Best Road Trips in America
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.
Firehole Lake Drive in Yellowstone is a scenic road through a thermal area
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.