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.
Adventure along the wild road to Cyclone Pass in Wyoming
Cyclone Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,212m (10,538ft) above sea level, located in Fremont County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It's one of the highest roads in Wyoming.
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.
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.
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 Dangerous Monte Cristo Road in Washington Was Washed Out Several Years Ago
Monte Cristo Road is a short mountain trail located in eastern Snohomish County in the U.S. state of Washington. The road was washed out several years ago due to the South Fork Sauk River.
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.
Latigo Canyon Road is an awe-inspiring drive in Malibu
Latigo Canyon Road is a very technical drive located in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California. The road is a test for any kind of rider. It’s one of the Top Scenic Drives in Malibu.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Road to Crescent Lake in Colorado is Not a Sunday Drive
Crescent Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,287m (10,784ft) above sea level, located in Garfield County, in the US state of Colorado.
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 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.
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 Memorable Road Trip to Bull Creek Pass in Utah
Bull Creek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,206m (10,518ft) above sea level, located in Garfield County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
Driving the Scenic Battle Ax Road to White Canyon in Arizona
Battle Ax Road is a primitive dirt road located in Pinal County, in the US state of Arizona. It leads to the White Canyon Wilderness area.
The blocked Plum Brook Road Bridge in NY
The Plum Brook Road Bridge is an abandoned single-span steel Pratt through truss bridge spanning the Muscoot Reservoir in northern Westchester County, New York, USA. Built in 1904, the structure formerly carried Plum Brook Road between Somers and Katonah. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
How to get by car to Dipper Lake in Wyoming?
Dipper Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,279m (10,757ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest roads in Wyoming.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
What are the 9 steepest paved mountain passes of Colorado?
Colorado, the heart of the American Rocky Mountains, contains the highest concentration of high-altitude paved roads in North America. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of the peaks, the state’s topography demands extreme road geometries.
Crossing the historic Ferry Street Bridge in Oregon
The Ferry Street Bridge is a historic four-lane steel truss bridge spanning 240 meters (800 ft) across the Willamette River in Eugene, in the US state of Oregon. Opened in 1950, the bridge carries Coburg Road, linking downtown Eugene with the northern suburbs and Interstate 5. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
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.
Travelling through the S-shaped Linn Cove Viaduct
Located near Linville in the US state of North Carolina, 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
How Google Maps Uncovered a 9-Year-Old Mystery
The intersection of digital cartography and forensic investigation reached a turning point with the case of Davie Lee Niles. Missing since October 11, 2006, after leaving a local establishment in Byron Township, Michigan, Niles’ disappearance remained an unsolved cold case for nearly a decade. Ironically, the key evidence—a submerged vehicle—had been publicly accessible via satellite imagery for years before being identified by the human eye.
How to get to the summit of Tucumcari Mountain in New Mexico?
Tucumcari Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,514m (4,967ft) above sea level, located in Quay County, in the US state of New Mexico.