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.
The blocked Plum Brook Road Bridge in NY
Plum Brook Road Bridge is a closed bridge over the Muscoot Reservoir, located in northern Westchester County, in the US state of New York. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Driving the scenic yet challenging Sheep Creek Road in Virginia
Sheep Creek Road is a scenic drive located in western Bedford County, in the US state of Virginia.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Fairview Peak in Colorado
Fairview Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,781m (12,404ft) above sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Driving the wild road to Mount Washington in Nevada
Mount Washington is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,493m (11,459ft) above sea level, located in White Pine County, in the US state of Nevada. The road becomes much more of an adventure. High clearance and four-wheel drive are required. It's one of the highest roads in Nevada.
A dirt road to the top of Pelican Butte in Oregon
Pelican Butte is a dormant shield volcano at an elevation of 2,450m (8,037 ft) above sea level, located in Klamath County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. It’s one of the highest roads in Oregon.
Travel guide to the top of Barlow Pass in Washington
Barlow Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 718m (2,355ft) above sea level, located in Snohomish County, in the U.S. state of Washington.
The road to Hogan Pass in Utah offers great scenic vistas
Hogan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,736m (8,976ft) above sea level, located in Sevier County, in the U.S. state of Utah.
Road trip guide: Conquering the Clay Butte Lookout in Wyoming
Clay Butte Lookout is a forest fire lookout at an elevation of 2,996m (9,829ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
A Scenic Paved Road to Dinkey Creek in California
Dinkey Creek Road is a very scenic drive located in Fresno County, in the U.S. state of California.
What You Need to Know about Driving the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive in Utah
Scenic Drive is a very pleasant journey located in Wayne County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the best drives of Capitol Reef National Park.
Road Trip Guide: Conquering Barker Pass in California
Barker Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,372m (7,782ft) above sea level, located in Placer County, in the U.S. state of California. It is suitable for most stock 4WD vehicles.
A very intimidating trail to Imperial Express SuperChair in Colorado
Located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado, Imperial Express SuperChair sits at an elevation of 3,652m (11,981ft) above sea level, just about 100 feet from the very top of Peak 8.
A remote paved road to South Pass in Wyoming
South Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,499m (8,198ft) above sea level, located in Fremont County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
A Scenic Paved Road to Ute Pass in Teller County
Ute Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,805 m (9,202 ft) above sea level, located in Teller County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Driving Through the Historic Deadman Summit in California
Deadman Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,453m (8,047ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California.
Driving the Smuggler Mountain Road to Warren Lake near Aspen
Warren Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,318m (10,885ft) above sea level, located in Pitkin County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Phillips Mine Road in Arizona
Located in Gila County, in the US state of Arizona, Phillips Mine Road is a short scenic drive into a seldom-seen part of Arizona mining history. High clearance is required, and 4WD is recommended but not necessary.
How to get by car to the lookout at Bill Williams Mountain in Arizona?
Bill Williams Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,822 m (9,259 ft) above sea level, located in Coconino County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of the highest roads in Arizona.
Driving the 4x4 Road to Leek Spring Hill in California
Leek Spring Hill is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,326m (7,631ft) above sea level, located in El Dorado County, in the U.S. state of California.
Conquering the Wild Horse Road in the Mojave Desert
Wild Horse Road is a very scenic drive located in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, in the US state of California. A 4WD vehicle is recommended. Its southern end is sandy and soft for two miles.
An old mining road to the summit of Mosquito Peak in Colorado
Mosquito Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4,165m (13,664ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the US state of Colorado. It's one of the highest roads in the USA.
Adventure along the Dagger Flat Auto Trail in Big Bend National Park
Dagger Flat Auto Trail, also known as Dagger Flat Road, is a very scenic graded gravel road located in Big Bend National Park, in the western part of the U.S. state of Texas.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Kelso Dunes Road in California
Kelso Dunes is a majestic sand pile located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s said to be one of the largest dune fields in America.
The Breathtaking Road to Tucki Mine in Death Valley NP
Tucki Mine is an abandoned mine located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the most challenging Backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.
Road trip guide: Conquering La Salle Pass in Colorado
La Salle Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,973m (9,753ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
How to get by car to Alpine Tunnel in Colorado?
Located in Gunnison County, in the US state of Colorado, the Alpine Tunnel was once the highest railroad tunnel in the world, at an elevation of 3,559 meters (11,676 feet) above sea level.
Casner Mountain Trail in Arizona: The Road That Has It All!
Straddling Yavapai and Coconino counties, in the U.S. state of Arizona, Casner Mountain Trail No. 8 is one of the most scenic and rugged trails in Arizona. It’s designated as a motorized trail with very rugged conditions along a narrow ridge with limited opportunities for two-way traffic.
An awe-inspiring road to Wilkerson Pass in Colorado
Wilkerson Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,902m (9,520ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
A Gravel Mining Road to Brown Mountain in Colorado
Brown Mountain is a mountain peak located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. A gravel road to the east of the summit climbs up to 3,939m (12,923ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Driving the exciting West Side Road in Death Valley NP
West Side Road is a remote desert drive located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry Roads in Death Valley National Park.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Anniversary Mine Road in Nevada
Anniversary Mine Road is a very scenic drive located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It requires a carefully driven high-clearance vehicle, although 4WD would be safer.
Driving the Wild Road to Birch Creek Historic Ranch in Oregon
Birch Creek is a historic ranch located in Malheur County, in the US state of Oregon.
A Delightful Yet Challenging Drive to Mount Lassen in California
Lassen Peak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,604m (8,543ft) above sea level, located in Shasta County, in the U.S. state of California.
Crossing the historic Ferry Street Bridge in Oregon
Located in Eugene, in the US state of Oregon, the Ferry Street Bridge opened in 1950. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Adventure Along Forest Highway 10 in Alaska
Forest Highway 10 is a very scenic drive located in the U.S. state of Alaska, between the town of Yakutat and Harlequin Lake.
Driving the Scenic Lamoille Canyon Road in Nevada
Lamoille Canyon Road is a very scenic mountain road located in Elko County, in the US state of Nevada.
Travelling through the S-shaped Linn Cove Viaduct
Located near Linville in North Carolina, USA, the Linn Cove Viaduct is a 1,243-foot (379 m) complex, S-shaped, undulating balcony across the side of Grandfather Mountain. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
How to get by car to the lookout at Square Mountain in Idaho?
Square Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,435m (7,988ft) above sea level, located in Idaho County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.
The haunted Lydia’s Bridge in North Carolina
Lydia’s Bridge is an abandoned railroad bridge located in Jamestown, Guilford County, North Carolina, in USA. Rumors of a vanishing hitchhiker have been reported on this road.
The road to Pomeroy Lake in Colorado is not for timid drivers
Pomeroy Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,672m (12,047ft) above sea level, located in Chaffee County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Road trip guide: Conquering County Highway 730 in Colorado
County Highway 730 is a high mountain road located in Grand County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
How to get by car to Mangas Mountain in New Mexico?
Mangas Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,948m (9,671ft) above sea level, located in Catron County, in the US state of New Mexico.
Travel Guide to the Top of Mount Waas in Utah
Mount Waas is a high mountain peak located in Grand County, in the U.S. state of Utah. Set high in the Northern La Sal Mountains, the summit is accessed by either Beaver Basin or Miner’s Basin.
Car with body of man missing 9 years visible on Google Maps
The body of Davie Lee Niles, a man disappeared on October 11, 2006 after he was seen leaving Jake's Bar in Byron Township, Michigan, has been found inside a sunken car - which has been visible on Google Maps for years.
A Great Little Curvy Road to Buffalo Pass in Arizona
Buffalo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,610m (8,562ft) above sea level, located in Apache County, in the US state of Arizona.
A Memorable Road Trip to Hawkins Peak in California
Hawkins Peak is a volcanic peak at an elevation of 2,953 meters (9,688 feet) above sea level, located in Alpine County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California.
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.
Travelling through the wooden Lake Catatoga Road Bridge
Located in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States, Lake Catatoga Road Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.