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.
Alpine Tunnel
At an elevation of 3.559m (11,676ft) above the sea level, the Alpine Tunnel was once the highest railroad tunnel in the world. It’s located in Gunnison County, Colorado, United States. The road is very bumpy.
A brutally steep road to Starr Peak in CO
Starr Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.209m (10,528ft) above the sea level, located in the northeastern corner of Gilpin County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Johnson Canyon Road
Johnson Canyon Road is a very exciting desert drive located in Inyo County, in the eastern central part of the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.
A memorable road trip to Pastora Peak in AZ
Pastora Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.786m (9,140ft) above the sea level, located in Apache County, in the northeast corner of the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of the highest mountain roads of Arizona.
A scenic and worthwhile drive to Antelope Pass in ID
Antelope Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.726m (8,943ft) above the sea level, located in Custer County, in the center of the U.S. state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Idaho.
Peak 8
Peak 8 is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.712m (12,178ft) above the sea level, located in Summit County, Colorado, in USA. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Road trip guide: Niwot Ridge
Niwot Ridge is an alpine tundra at an elevation of 3.741m (12,273ft) above the sea level, located in the heart of the Indian Peaks, in Boulder County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Adventure along the North Eureka Valley Road
North Eureka Valley Road is a very exciting desert drive located in Inyo County is a county in the eastern central part of the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.
Road trip guide: Conquering Mount Tilton in Colorado
Mount Tilton is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.777m (12,391ft) above the sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Road trip guide: Conquering Butte Lake in Lassen Volcanic NP
Butte Lake is a bright blue water lake at an elevation of 1.864m (6,115ft) above the sea level, located in Lassen County, in the northeastern portion of the U.S. state of California.
Travel guide to the top of Crane Mountain
Crane Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.542m (8,339ft) above the sea level, located in Lake County, in the south-central region of the U.S. state of Oregon. It’s one of the highest roads of Oregon.
A 5 stars road to Kingman Pass in Yellowstone NP
Kingman Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.170m (7,119ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
Bully Choop Mountain
Bully Choop Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.126m (6,975ft) above the sea level, located in Shasta County, California, in USA.
Tie Rod Canyon, a road notorious for breaking tie rods
Tie Rod Canyon is a fun and challenging trail located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, just south of Las Vegas. This is a good hard trail.
Crossing the Copeland Creek Bridge
Located in Blount County, Alabama, in USA, this pony truss bridge over the Copeland Creek is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Nellis Cove Road is a drive worth taking on the shore of Lake Mohave
Nellis Cove Road is a scenic sandy road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, on the shore of Lake Mohave. It’s a stock friendly track but you’ll want four wheel drive and tires that have some gripping power in the sand.
The breathtaking road to Chrome Mountain in MT
Chrome Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.078m (10,098ft) above the sea level located in Sweet Grass County, in the U.S. state of Montana. It's one of the highest roads of Montana.
A paved road to the historic Battle Pass in WY
Battle Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.038m (9,967ft) above the sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
A memorable road trip to Goldstone Pass
Goldstone Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.774m (9,101ft) above the sea level, located on the Idaho-Montana border, in USA.
Macedonia Canyon Road: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Macedonia Canyon Road is a scenic drive located in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California, USA. 4WD, high clearance vehicle required.
Road trip guide: Conquering the Iron Mountain in Montana
Iron Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.082m (10,111ft) above the sea level, located in Sweet Grass County, in the U.S. state of Montana. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Montana.
Chester Warner Valley Road, a pretty drive in Lassen Volcanic NP
Chester Warner Valley Road is a scenic drive located in Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California, USA.
A memorable road trip to Griffin Top in UT
Griffin Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.283m (10,771ft) above the sea level located in Garfield County, in Utah, USA. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah. There are panoramic views from the high plateau.
Exploring the scenic Mouse's Tank Road in Nevada
Mouse's Tank Road is a very scenic drive located in northeastern Clark County, in the heart of the Valley of Fire State Park, the oldest state park in Nevada, USA. is probably one of the most scenic and photographed spots in the park featuring narrow canyons, stunning viewpoints, colorful rocks and petroglyphs.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Big Lookout Mountain in OR
Big Lookout Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.172m (7,125ft) above the sea level, located in Baker County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.
A memorable road trip to the historic Gibbons Pass
Gibbons Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.126m (6,975ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Beaverhead and Ravalli counties, in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana.
How To Travel The County Road 36 in CO
County Road 36 is a high mountain road located in Hinsdale County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado, topping out at 3.772m (12,375ft) above the sea level.
Road trip guide: Conquering Verdi Peak in CA
Verdi Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.562m (8,405ft) above the sea level, located in Sierra County, just across the Nevada/California border, in USA.
Travel guide to the top of Eagle Summit in Alaska
Eagle Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.113m (3,652ft) above the sea level, located in the White Mountains of central Alaska.
The breathtaking road to Quail Mountain in Colorado
Quail Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.006m (13,143ft) above the sea level, located in Chaffee County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. This is truly a breathtaking trail. It’sone of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Owl Mountain: this drive is not for timid drivers
Owl Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.335m (10,941ft) above the sea level, located in Jackson County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Recommended to bring tree removal supplies.
Tassajara Road, 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 year.
The incredibly rough road to Scotch Creek Pass in CO
Scotch Creek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.222m (10,570ft) above the sea level located on the boundary between Dolores and San Juan counties, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
A paved road to Sawnee Mountain in GA
Sawnee Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 593m (1,946ft) above the sea level, located in Forsyth County, in the north-central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia.
La Sal Mountain Loop Road
La Sal Mountain Loop Road is a beautiful scenic drive up into the mountains from Moab, located in San Juan County, in the southeastern portion of the U.S. state of Utah. Though paved, it’s narrow and lacks any guardrails.
Things to Know Before Driving Deer Park Road in WA
Deer Park Road is a defiant drive located in Clallam County, in the US state of Washington. There are a number of sharp turns and dangerous ledges. Gravel, narrow, winding and steep in places. This is one of those roads that is easier for the driver than the passengers.
Crossing the infamous Harlequin Lake Bridge
Located in the Tongass National Forest, in the state of Alaska, United States, the bridge over the Harlequin Lake is very challenging. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Buffalo Boy Mine
Buffalo Boy Mine was a small gold and silver mine located in San Juan County, Southwest Colorado, USA, at an elevation of 3.984m (13,070ft) above the sea level.
Driving the scenic Ibex Spring Road in Death Valley NP
Ibex 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.
Road trip guide: Conquering Alamo Peak in NM
Alamo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.825m (9,270ft) above the sea level, located in Otero County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
A memorable road trip to Melendrez Pass
Melendrez Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.763m (5,784ft) above the sea level, located in Pima County, in the south central region of the U.S. state of Arizona.
Travelling through the historic Little Sandy River Railroad Bridge
Located in Carter County, Kentucky, in USA, this pratt through truss bridge over the Little Sandy River is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Dipper Lake
Dipper Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.279m (10,757ft) above the sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Wyoming.
Travelling through the Mead-Davis Powerline Road
Mead-Davis Powerline Road is a scenic unpaved road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, on the shore of Lake Mohave. It’s the gateway to a variety of roads leading to the Nevada side of Lake Mohave.
Driving the road to Miller Lake in MT is not a piece of cake
Miller Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.571m (8,435ft) above the sea level, located in Deer Lodge County, in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana.
The Wild Road to Sand Creek Pass
Sand Creek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.741m (8,992ft) above the sea level, located in Larimer County, in north central Colorado, USA.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Masonic Mountain in CA
Masonic Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.812m (9,225 ft) 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.
The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Sardine Peak in California
Sardine Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.482m (8,143ft) above the sea level, located in Sierra County, in the U.S. state of California.