What are the most spectacular roads in the USA?
The vast expanse of the USA, stretching from the amber waves of grain to the majestic purple mountain majesties, boasts a network of roads that are as diverse as the nation's tapestry of cultures. One such road, the Million Dollar Highway, is often touted as America's crown jewel of roadways, leading adventurers through awe-inspiring terrains and offering unparalleled vistas. Further north, the Iron Mountain Road, with its dizzying 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtails, and 3 tunnels, stands as a testament to man's desire to conquer nature, providing a thrilling drive that's not for the faint-hearted.
Journey to Colorado, and you'll find yourself face to face with the infamous Black Bear Pass - a road that promises not just breathtaking beauty, but also adrenaline-pumping excitement. For the off-road enthusiasts, Engineer Pass offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with Colorado's high mountain terrains, challenging drivers to push their limits amidst staggering beauty. Not to be outdone, Utah’s Canyonlands beckons with the Shafer Trail Road, an iconic route that cuts through the heart of some of the most stunning canyons, making you feel like you're driving through the very pages of history.
In the USA, each road is a journey, an exploration, a challenge, and a story. They are gateways to discovering the grandeur of the nation, to feeling the pulse of its land, and to embracing the spirit of adventure that is quintessentially American. Whether bathed in the golden hues of sunrise or shrouded in the mysteries of twilight, these roads promise experiences that linger long after the journey's end.
A memorable road trip to Mount Dutton in Utah
Mount Dutton is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.371m (11,059ft) above the sea level located in Garfield County, in south central Utah, USA. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
The breathtaking road to Rocky Bottom Lake in CA
Rocky Bottom Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.280m (10,761ft) above the sea level, located in Inyo County, in the eastern central part of the U.S. 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.
A scenic paved road to Kings Hill Pass
Kings Hill Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.251m (7,385ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Meagher and Cascade counties, in central Montana, USA.
A memorable road trip to Spring Creek Pass in CO
Spring Creek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.323m (10,901ft) above the sea level, located in Hinsdale County, in the U.S. state of Colorado
A remote drive to Mormon Pass in NV
Mormon Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.039m (6,689ft) above the sea level, located near Las Vegas, in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. The road should be no problem even for 2WD high clearance vehicles.
Driving the road to Little Giant Peak is not a piece of cake
Little Giant Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.727m (12,227ft) above the sea level located in San Juan County, Colorado, United States.
A memorable road trip to Redondo Peak in NM
Redondo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.441m (11,289ft) above the sea level, located in Sandoval County, in New Mexico, in the southwestern United States. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of New Mexico.
The road to Bennett Peak is pure adventure
Bennett Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.029m (13,218ft) above the sea level, located in Rio Grande County, in southwestern Colorado, in USA. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
The haunted Lydia’s Bridge in NC
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 haunted Moonville Tunnel in Ohio is steeped in ghostly lore
Moonville Tunnel is located deep in the backwoods of Vinton County, in southeastern Ohio, USA. The ghost of a drunken man who was murdered near the tunnel is said to walk above the tunnel and toss pebbles at those below.
The Wild Road to Tesuque Peak in NM
Tesuque Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.678m (12,066ft) above the sea level, located in Santa Fe County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico. The road to the summit is currently closed to private vehicles, blocked with a barrier.
Driving the Saratoga Spring Road in Death Valley NP
Saratoga Spring Road is a very exciting desert drive located in San Bernardino County, in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.
Amasa Back trail, a classic ride of Moab
Amasa Back trail is a 4,3 miles trail located in Moab, in eastern Utah, in the western United States. It’s one of the classic rides of Moab. The altitude change is 1,050 feet, with about 1,300 vertical feet of tough and rough climbing.
Poison Spider Mesa, one of the "Must Do" rides of Moab
Poison Spider Mesa is a very popular trail. It’s one of the "Must Do" rides of Moab, in Utah, USA. The trail is 9.6 miles long, accessible all year round. If you are scared of heights you might want to think twice before attempting this.
Road trip guide: Conquering the 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 mountain roads of Colorado.
Saddlebag Lake: the highest lake in California that you can drive to
Saddlebag Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.091m (10,141ft) above the sea level, located in Mono County, in the east central portion of the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California. It’s said to be the highest drive-to lake in the region.
Road trip guide: Conquering Barker Pass in CA
Barker Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.372m (7,782ft) above the sea level, located in Placer County, in the U.S. state of California. It is suitable for most stock 4wd drive vehicles.
I-40: The Most Dangerous Road in Nashville for Auto Accidents
In 2021, drivers in Tennessee will travel nearly seven billion vehicle miles along the state’s many roads and highways. This isn’t a surprise, given that several major interstate highways run through the state. Major highways Interstate 65, Interstate 24, and Interstate 40 account for 750 miles of roads in Tennessee. Millions of drivers use these highways every year to travel in and through the state.
Travel guide to Montana Snowbowl
Montana Snowbowl is a ski resort at an elevation of 1.520m (4,986ft) above the sea level, located northwest of Missoula, in Missoula County, in the US state of Montana.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Buckeye Peak
Buckeye Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.757m (12,326ft) above the sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. This is truly a breathtaking trail. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Fish Lake Hightop: a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
Fish Lake Hightop is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3.491m (11,453ft) above the sea level, located in Sevier County, in the central section of the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Utah.
A memorable road trip to Patterson Pass in Nevada
Patterson Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.260m (7,414ft) above the sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
Wondervu Hill: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Wondervu Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.643m (8,671ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Boulder and Gilpin counties in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Graham Pass: a road to nowhere
Graham Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 509m (1,669ft) above the sea level, located in Riverside County, in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California.
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.
The Road To Tofty in Alaska Has it All
Tofty is an abandoned mining town located in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. The road to the town is called Tofty Road.
A memorable road trip to Mount Grant in NV
Mount Grant is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.388m (11,115ft) above the sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It's one of the highest roads of Nevada.
Forest Road 640, an epic drive in the mountains of Utah
Forest Road 640 is a very scenic drive located in Sevier County, in the central section of the U.S. state of Utah, running entirely over 2.500m above the sea level.
The road to Gold Hill in CO is not for the inexperienced
Gold Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.752m (12,309ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Gunnison and Pitkin counties in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
A memorable road trip to Moon Pass
Moon Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.225m (10,580ft) above the sea level located in Saguache County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
ND-46 W is the longest straight road in the US and Canada
Located in the US state of North Dakota, the paved ND-46 W is one of the longest straight roads in the world, with 194km (121mi) of straightness.
Mineral Creek Road, 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.
A memorable road trip to Chicoma Mountain
Chicoma Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.403m (11,164ft) above the sea level, located in Rio Arriba County, northwest of Santa Fe in northern New Mexico, in the southwestern United States. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of New Mexico.
A memorable road trip to Buck Mountain in NM
Buck Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.287m (10,784ft) above the sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico.
Wise Mountain
Wise Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.675m (12,057ft) above the sea level, located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road to the summit is dangerously steep with big loose rocks. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Driving the loneliest highway to Skalkaho Pass in MT
Skalkaho Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.212m (7,258ft) above the sea level located on the boundary between Granite and Ravalli counties in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana.
A fire road to Keystone Peak in Arizona
Keystone Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.886m (6,188ft) above the sea level, located in Pima County, in Southern Arizona, United States. The area has seen extensive mining and ranching activity.
Road trip guide: Conquering Babbitt Peak
Babbitt Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.664m (8,740ft) above the sea level, located in Sierra County, in the U.S. state of California.
Pucker Pass, a steep unpaved road in Utah
Pucker Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.783m (5,849ft) above the sea level, located in Grand County, in eastern Utah, in the western United States. The road to the summit is truly dangerous. High-clearance 4WDs are recommended, but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Breakneck Pass
Breakneck Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.335m (10,941ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. High clearance 4x4 to drive to the summit.
The road to Hogan Pass in UT offers great scenic vistas
Hogan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.736m (8,976ft) above the sea level, located in Sevier County, in Utah, United States.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Hells Half Acre Mountain in ID
Hells Half Acre Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.474m (8,116ft) above the sea level located in Idaho County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.
A 4WD dirt road to Hunter Lake in NV
Hunter Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.511m (8,238ft) above the sea level, located just to the southwest of Reno, in Washoe County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
Driving through Forest Road 132 in the mountains of Utah
Forest Road 132 is a scenic drive through the high mountains of Garfield County, in south central Utah, United States. It's one of the highest roads of Utah.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Barney Lake
Barney Lake is a secluded high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.090m (10,137ft) above the sea level, located in Piute County, in south-central Utah, United States.
Travelling through the Cedar Canyon Road
Cedar Canyon Road is a scenic drive located in San Bernardino County, in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California.
The road to Sawmill Mountain in NM isn’t an easy one
Sawmill Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.153m (10,344ft) above the sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico.