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 Saddle Mountain Road in Arizona
Saddle Mountain Road is a very scenic drive running around the uniquely formed volcanic Saddle Mountain in Maricopa County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.
The road to Fredonyer Pass in California is well worth the time
Fredonyer Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.762m (5,780ft) above sea level, located in Lassen County, in the US state of California.
A scenic paved road to Kings Hill Pass in Montana
Kings Hill Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,251 meters (7,385 feet) above sea level, located in the US state of Montana.
Ultimate 4WD Destination in Utah: Barney Lake
Barney Lake is a secluded high-mountain lake at an elevation of 3,090m (10,137ft) above sea level, located in Piute County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
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.
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%).
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. For the driver, these nine passes represent a technical challenge where sustained gradients and thin air intersect, testing both vehicle cooling systems and braking endurance. In the "High Country," a descent can quickly transition from a scenic drive to a high-consequence survival exercise if brake fade is not managed correctly.
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.
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.
A Memorable Road Trip to Black Sage Pass in Colorado
Black Sage Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,976m (9,763ft) above sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
The road to Bennett Peak in Colorado is pure adventure
Bennett Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4,029 m (13,218 ft) 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.
A paved road to Muddy Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
Muddy Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,657 m (8,717 ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado.
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.
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 Scenic Drive to Glacier Point in California
Glacier Point is a natural viewpoint at an elevation of 2,198m (7,211ft) above sea level, located in Mariposa County, in the U.S. state of California.
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.
A tough desert road to Towne Pass in CA
Towne Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.515m (4,970ft) above the sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Drive the Challenging Road NF-9712 in Washington?
Liberty-Beehive Road #9712 is a very scenic winding mountain road straddling Chelan and Kittitas counties, in the US state of Washington.
The unpaved road 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How to get by car to Left Hand Reservoir in Colorado?
Left Hand Reservoir is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 3,256 m (10,682 ft) above sea level, located in Boulder County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s a good reservoir for fishing.
Killer Krome: The Dark History of Miami’s State Road 997
Krome Avenue is arguably the most notorious road in South Florida. Known to locals as "Killer Krome," this highway is a magnet for dangerous road enthusiasts due to its haunting history, high-speed drag racing, and a staggeringly high fatality rate. Running along the edge of the Everglades, it serves as the final frontier between Miami's urban sprawl and the wilderness.
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 paved mountain road to the snowy White Pass in Washington
White Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,365m (4,478ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of 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.
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.
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.
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: 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.