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.
How to drive the wooden bridge over Harlequin Lake in Alaska?
The Harlequin Lake Bridge is a timber structure located within the Tongass National Forest in the U.S. state of Alaska. Part of the Forest Highway 10, this bridge is a critical logistical point on the route from Yakutat to the Dangerous River.
A remote drive to Mormon Pass in Nevada
Mormon Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,039m (6,689ft) above sea level, located in Clark County, Nevada. The road should be no problem for 2WD high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions.
Ultimate 4WD Destination: Hells Half Acre Mountain in Idaho
Hells Half Acre Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,474m (8,116ft) above sea level, located in Idaho County, in the U.S. state of Idaho.
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel: Where Trains and Cars Share a Narrow, 2.5-Mile Tunnel
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is located in the U.S. state of Alaska. It passes under Maynard Mountain and carries the scenic Portage Glacier Road. Also known as the Whittier Tunnel, it is the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America. The tunnel is a single-lane, multi-use tunnel shared by cars and trains traveling in both directions.
The breathtaking road to Chrome Mountain in Montana
Chrome Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,078m (10,098ft) above sea level, located in Sweet Grass County, in the U.S. state of Montana. It's one of the highest roads in Montana.
Things to Know Before Driving Deer Park Road in Washington
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.
Road Trip Guide: Conquering Indiana Pass in Colorado
Indiana Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,645m (11,958ft) above sea level, located in Rio Grande County, in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
A Memorable Road Trip to Buck Mountain in New Mexico
Buck Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,287m (10,784ft) above sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.
What to Know Before Driving High Mountain Roads in the USA?
Traversing the high-altitude passes of the United States—from the 12,000-foot peaks of the Colorado Rockies to the exposed ridges of the Sierra Nevada—is an elite driving experience that demands rigorous preparation. Beyond the mechanical stress on your vehicle, the environmental variables of the "high country" introduce significant physiological and meteorological risks. Even in mid-summer, these routes can transition from scenic byways to high-consequence survival zones in a matter of minutes.
How to Travel the Black Canyon Road in Mojave Desert
Black Canyon Road is a very scenic drive with desert views, located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.
A narrow old mining road to Boulder Mountain in Chaffee County
Boulder Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4,035m (13,238ft) above sea level, located in Chaffee County, in the US state of Colorado. Full-sized vehicles might have problems. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
The Top 3 Most Dangerous Roads in Chicago, Illinois
What makes a road truly dangerous? Beyond traffic congestion and driver behavior, the greatest risk for injury or death in an urban environment like Chicago isn't a single road—it’s the intersection. Anywhere two or more major arteries converge, the complexity of vehicle turns, pedestrian crossings, and transit routes creates a high-risk zone.
How to Get to Peak 8 in Colorado?
Peak 8 is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,712m (12,178ft) above sea level, located in Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Adventure along the North Eureka Valley Road in Death Valley
North Eureka Valley Road is a very exciting desert drive located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. It’s one of the challenging backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.
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.
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 sea level, located in the US state of Alaska.
Driving the road to Little Giant Peak in Colorado is not a piece of cake
Little Giant Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,727 m (12,227 ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
If you have a fear of heights, the road to Harquahala Mountain is not for you
Harquahala Mountain is a high peak at an elevation of 1,732m (5,681ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between La Paz and Maricopa counties in the U.S. state of Arizona.
A Brutally Steep Road to Starr Peak in Colorado
Starr Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,209m (10,528ft) above sea level, located in the northeastern corner of Gilpin County in the U.S. state of Colorado.
How to Get to Dunderberg Peak by Car on Kavanaugh Ridge in California?
Dunderberg Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,347m (10,980ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the US state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California.
A memorable road trip to Chicoma Mountain in New Mexico
Chicoma Mountain is a high mountain peak located in Rio Arriba County, in the US state of New Mexico. A gravel road, to the north of the peak, climbs up to an elevation of 3,403 m (11,164 ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.
A memorable road trip to Apache Summit in New Mexico
Apache Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,318m (7,604ft) above sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
Driving the loneliest highway to Skalkaho Pass in Montana
Skalkaho Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,212m (7,258ft) above sea level located in the U.S. state of Montana.
A scenic and worthwhile drive to Antelope Pass in Idaho
Antelope Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,726m (8,943ft) above sea level, located in Custer County, in the U.S. state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest roads in Idaho.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Johnson Canyon Road in California
Johnson Canyon Road is a very exciting 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 memorable road trip to Redondo Peak in New Mexico
Redondo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,441 m (11,289 ft) above sea level, located in Sandoval County, in the US state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.
Crossing the Van Zile Road Bridge in Indiana
Located in Allen County, in the U.S. state of Indiana, the bridge on the Van Zile Road is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
How to get to Tofty by car, an abandoned mining town in Alaska?
Tofty is an abandoned mining town located in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska.
A very bumpy, grueling road to Kachina Peak in New Mexico
Kachina Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,606 m (11,830 ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the US state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.
Driving Through Forest Road 132 in the Mountains of Utah
Forest Road 132 is a scenic drive running through the high mountains of Garfield County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It's one of the highest roads in Utah.
Driving the scenic Corral Canyon Road in Malibu
Located in Los Angeles County, in the US state of California, Corral Canyon Road is one of the Top Scenic Drives in Malibu. The road is very steep (up to 10%).
Travel guide to the top of Crystal Mountain in Washington
Crystal Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,902 m (6,240 ft) above sea level, located in Pierce County, in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s one of the highest roads in Washington.
A Memorable Road Trip to Moon Pass in Colorado
Moon Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,225m (10,580ft) above sea level, located in Saguache County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
The Road to Owl Mountain in Colorado is Not for Timid Drivers
Owl Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,335m (10,941ft) above sea level, located in Jackson County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It is recommended to bring tree removal supplies.
Forest Road 640 is an epic drive through the mountains of Utah
Forest Road 640 is a very scenic drive located in Sevier County, in the U.S. state of Utah, running entirely over 2,500m above sea level.
How to get by car to the lookout at Bully Choop Mountain in California?
Bully Choop Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,126m (6,975ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of California.
Crossing the Copeland Creek Bridge in Alabama
Located in Blount County, in the US state of Alabama, this pony truss bridge over the Copeland Creek is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
A memorable road trip to Cerro Gordo Peak in California
Cerro Gordo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,786 m (9,140 ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the US state of California.
Ultimate 4WD Destination: Buckeye Peak in Colorado
Buckeye Peak is a high mountain peak located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. A gravel road to the south climbs up to 3,757m (12,326ft) above sea level. This is truly a breathtaking trail. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Breakneck Pass in Colorado
Breakneck Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,335m (10,941ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. High clearance 4x4 is required to drive to the summit.
Travelling through the Cedar Canyon Road in California
Cedar Canyon Road is a very scenic drive located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.
How to drive the Success Loop Scenic Drive in eastern Nevada?
Success Loop Scenic Drive is a very enjoyable scenic drive nestled in the deliciously remote high-elevation mountains of White Pine County, in the US state of Nevada.
The Breathtaking Road to Quail Mountain in Colorado
Quail Mountain is a high mountain peak located in Chaffee County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. East of the summit, an old mining road climbs up to an elevation of 4,006m (13,143ft) above sea level. This is truly a breathtaking trail. It’s one of the highest mountain roads in Colorado.
Ultimate off-road destination: Masonic Mountain in California
Masonic Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,812m (9,225 ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California.
Fish Lake Hightop: a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure in Utah
Fish Lake Hightop is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3,491m (11,453ft) above sea level, located in Sevier County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
Poison Spider Mesa is one of the "Must Do" rides of Moab
Poison Spider Mesa is a very popular trail and is considered one of the "Must Do" rides in Moab, in the US state of Utah. If you're an adventurous driver or biker looking for a challenge, this trail offers thrilling obstacles and incredible views. The trail is 9.6 miles (15.44 km) long and accessible all year round.
How to Get by Car to Sawnee Mountain in Georgia?
Sawnee Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 593m (1,946ft) above sea level, located in Forsyth County, in the U.S. state of Georgia.
Ultimate 4WD destination: Big Lookout Mountain in Oregon
Big Lookout Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,172m (7,125ft) above sea level, located in Baker County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.