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.

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 in Colorado, topping out at 3.772m (12,375ft) above sea level.

Mount Grant is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,388m (11,115ft) above sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. The road to the summit has steep cliffs along the shoulder, so drive cautiously. It's one of the highest roads in Nevada.

Scanlon Ferry Road is a dangerous and challenging route located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It’s one of the most grueling and remote trails in the country—very narrow and cliff-exposed.

Located in Contra Costa County, in the U.S. state of California, the mysterious Empire Mine Road is said to be one of the most haunted roads in the area.

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.

Tofty is an abandoned mining town located in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gold Bluffs Beach is a remote beach, renowned for its golden sands, rugged bluffs, and proximity to old-growth redwood forests, located in Humboldt County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the Redwood National and State Parks.

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.

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.

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.

Hot Springs was a thermal bathhouse located in southern Brewster County, in the U.S. state of Texas.

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.

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.

Scotch Creek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,222m (10,570ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Hunter Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2,511m (8,238ft) above sea level, located in Washoe County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

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.

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.

Cedar Canyon Road is a very scenic drive located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.

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.

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.

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.

Located in the heart of the Indian Peaks, in Boulder County, in the U.S. state of Colorado, Niwot Ridge sits at an elevation of 3,741m (12,273ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

Graham Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 509m (1,669ft) above sea level, located in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California.

Babbitt Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,664m (8,740ft) above sea level, located in Sierra County, in the US state of California.

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.

Born in Estonia and raised in California, Otto Mears emerged as a pivotal entrepreneur, leaving an indelible mark on the development of Southwestern Colorado. His legacy is defined by the construction of over 450 miles of toll roads and railroads, contributing significantly to the region's accessibility, settlement, and mining.

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.

Wondervu Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.643m (8,671ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Montana Snowbowl is a ski resort at an elevation of 1,520m (4,986ft) above sea level, located in Missoula County, in the U.S. state of Montana.

Sawmill Mountain is a high mountain peak, at an elevation of 3,346m (10,977ft) above sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.

Eagle Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,113m (3,652ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Alaska.

Crane Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,542m (8,339ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. It’s one of the highest roads in Oregon.

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.

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.

Dosewallips River Road (NF-2610 Road) is a former forest road located in Jefferson County, in the US state of Washington, that once led into Olympic National Park. In 2002, a major washout blocked vehicle access, and the road has remained partially closed since.

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.

Red Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,830 m (9,284 ft) above sea level located in Custer County, in the U.S. state of Idaho. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.

Amasa Back Trail is a challenging trail located in Grand County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the classic rides of Moab.

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