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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Driving the Steep Unpaved Road to Pucker Pass in Utah
Pucker Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,783m (5,849ft) above sea level, located in Grand County, in the US state of Utah. The road to the summit is truly dangerous. High-clearance 4WDs are recommended, though any high-clearance vehicle can manage the drive.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What Are California’s Most Dangerous Streets For Cyclists?
New statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) paint a grim picture for cyclist safety in the USA. From 2010 till 2018, total cyclist fatalities jumped 25 percent across the nation.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Travel guide to the top of Mount Withington in New Mexico
Mount Withington is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,087m (10,127ft) above sea level, located in Socorro County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.
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.
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.
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.
Driving the Scenic Yet Defiant "Redneck Dragon" (Route 32 South) in Tennessee
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.
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 road to Fredonyer Pass in California is well worth the time
Fredonyer Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.762m (5,780ft) above sea level, located in Lassen County, in the US state of California.
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.
Crossing the iconic Bertram Bridge in Iowa
Located in the village of Bertram in southern Linn County, in the US state of Iowa, Bertram Bridge is a bridge across the Big Creek river. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
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.
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.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Thousand Lake Mountain in Utah
Thousand Lake Mountain is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3,417m (11,210ft) above sea level, located in Wayne County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
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.
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.