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 Steep Unpaved Road to the Summit of Picuris Peak in New Mexico
Picuris Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,280m (10,761ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the US state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.
If You Love to Drive, You’ll Love the Road to Cayuse Pass in Washington
Cayuse Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,425 m (4,675 ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Washington.
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.
How to get by car to Taos Ski Valley in northern New Mexico?
Taos Ski Valley is a village and ski resort at an elevation of 2,878 meters (9,442 feet) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the US state of New Mexico.
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.
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 road to Prospect Mountain in Lake County is not a piece of cake
Prospect Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,829m (12,562ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
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.
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.
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.
Tassajara Road in California is a very challenging ride through mountain terrain
Tassajara Road is a mountain road located on the Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California, with one-lane corners and deep ruts in the road at various times of the year.
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 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.
How dangerous is the Pan-American Highway compared to the I-95?
The Pan-American Highway and the I-95 represent two distinct paradigms of road danger. While both are notorious for high fatality rates, their risk profiles are fundamentally different. One is a fragmented network of transcontinental routes crossing extreme wilderness, while the other is the most heavily trafficked arterial corridor on the U.S. East Coast. This analysis dissects the technical and environmental variables that make these two highways the most formidable challenges in the Western Hemisphere.
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 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 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.
Can you reach Nantucket by car?
Nantucket, situated 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, remains one of the few high-profile destinations in the U.S. without bridge or tunnel access. For the road explorer, reaching the island with a vehicle is a significant logistical and financial undertaking. While the island's roads are well-maintained, the "bottleneck" is the Nantucket Sound, which requires advanced maritime transport planning and a substantial budget for ferry transit.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Conquering the Cottonwood Canyon Road in Death Valley NP
Cottonwood Canyon Road is an exciting desert drive located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. Be aware that it’s highly susceptible to washouts after precipitation events. It’s one of the challenging backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The haunted Lydia’s Bridge in North Carolina
Lydia’s Bridge is an abandoned railroad bridge located in Jamestown, in the US state of North Carolina. Rumors of a vanishing hitchhiker have been reported on this road.
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.
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.
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 drive La Sal Loop Road in Utah?
La Sal Mountain Loop Road is a scenic mountain drive in Moab, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Utah. Though paved, it’s narrow and lacks guardrails.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Bruin Point in Utah
Bruin Point is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,107m (10,193ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s a must-drive for those aiming to reach Utah’s top 100 most prominent peaks.
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.
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.
Cades Cove Loop Road is a pretty drive in the Great Smokies
Located in Blount County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee, Cades Cove Loop Road is a very scenic drive running through a lush valley where you’ll see wildlife and historic buildings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.