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.
Coronado Trail Scenic Byway is the road with 460 turns in Arizona
Coronado Trail Scenic Byway is the name of a very exciting drive in the U.S. state of Arizona. The road is chock-full of challenging switchbacks and hairpin turns, with 460 curves. It's one of the highest roads in Arizona.
How To Travel The Morrison Jeep Trail In Wyoming
Located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming, the challenging Morrison Jeep Trail is a very rough drive. It's a challenging ride because of the combination of altitude and terrain. It is not for the timid or people in poor condition.
California Route 39 is closed due to persistent landslides
California State Route 39 is a winding mountain road located on the boundary between Orange and Los Angeles counties, in the U.S. state of California. The northerly portion of the road, also known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been closed since 1978.
Driving the dangerous road to Cajon Pass in California
Cajon Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,186m (3,891ft) above sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.
What are the highest roads in the United States?
Welcome to the highest roads in the United States, a vast nation spanning the continent from coast to coast and defined by its formidable mountain geography. The journey takes adventurous drivers across some of the most spectacular terrain on Earth, from the soaring Rocky Mountains in Colorado to the rugged Sierra Nevada in California, and even the volcanic peaks of Hawai'i.
Driving the Hazardous California State Route 17
Located in the U.S. state of California, Highway 17 stands out as one of the most dangerous roads in the country. Along the way, it presents drivers with a multitude of hazards – sharp turns, blind spots, narrow shoulders, changes in speed, and slick highway surfaces after rains or snow.
Mineral King Road in California: 398 curves in just 25 miles
Mineral King Road is the name of a stunning drive located in Tulare County, in the U.S. state of California. The road is said to have 398 curves in just 25 miles.
Driving the scenic Montana 2 along the Rocky Mountains
Running from the historic city of Butte to Three Forks, Montana 2 is an adrenaline-pumping adventure that promises a thrilling ride through the state.
Mount Antero in Colorado is one of the highest roads of North America
Mount Antero is a high mountain peak located in Chaffee County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. A rocky, rough road with a dramatic set of switchbacks ascends to the southwest of the summit, at 4,189m (13,743ft) above sea level. It's one of the highest roads in the USA.
Skyline Drive in Colorado: You're Literally on a Little Strip of Roadway on Top of a Mountain
Skyline Drive is one of Colorado’s hidden gems. It’s a one-way, narrow road with precipices on one side, the other, or both at all times.
Annie's Road in New Jersey is haunted by the ghost of a girl
Annie's Road is a small road located in Passaic County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It's a local favorite for paranormal enthusiasts and considered one of the Top Haunted Roads in the world.
What are the most challenging 4x4 off-road trails in the USA?
In the vast expanse of the American wilderness, there is a clear distinction between a scenic drive and a true off-road challenge. These 14 routes represent the pinnacle of 4x4 exploration in the United States, from the oxygen-thin air of Colorado’s 13,000-foot passes to the desolate gravel of the Alaska-Arctic corridor. These are not mere dirt tracks; they are technical trials of vehicle clearance, low-range gearing, and driver nerves where a single error can be final.
Smoky Mountain Road is a beautiful exciting drive in Utah
Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway is a very challenging drive located in Kane County, in the US state of Utah. Offering a thrilling experience for avid adventurers, this rugged route winds its way through some of the most captivating terrain in the United States.
The steep road to Donner Pass in California
Donner Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,210m (7,250ft) above sea level, located in Nevada County, in the U.S. state of California.
Schnebly Hill Road is an amusement ride in Sedona
Located in Coconino County, in the US state of Arizona, Schnebly Hill Road is one of the most well-known and scenic routes in the Sedona area, with twists and turns, steep cliffs, washout areas, and great views from the pull-off spots.
Sherman Pass in California has lots of twists and turns
Sherman Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.804m (9,200ft) above sea level, located in Tulare County, in the U.S. state of California. The road features lots of twists and turns and is one of the highest roads in California.
Interstate 70 is a remote scenic drive in Utah
Interstate 70 (I-70) is the name of a scenic yet perilous road located in the central part of the U.S. state of Utah.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Mineral Bottom Trail in Utah
Mineral Bottom Trail is a very scenic drive located in Grand County, in the US state of Utah. When it's wet, the road can be impassable, especially on the steep switchbacks that descend into the Green river valley on the last part.
Burr Trail is an unforgettable scenic drive in Utah
Burr Trail is a very scenic drive in the US state of Utah. Although in dry weather it's easily accessible to passenger cars, wet weather may make the road impassable even for 4WD vehicles. It’s one of the famous hairpinned roads in the world.
Highway 14A is one of the Wyoming's top drives
U.S. Highway 14 Alternate (US14-A) is a very scenic mountain road spanning Park and Sheridan counties, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
Driving the lovely Glendora Mountain Road in Southern California
Glendora Mountain Road is a very scenic mountain drive located in the US state of California. It is a highly technical riding road, especially for motorcycles, offering breathtaking views and hills.
A steep paved road to Tejon Pass in California
Tejon Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,268m (4,160ft) above sea level, located in Kern County, in the U.S. state of California.
Grand Loop Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP
Grand Loop Road is an amazing journey in the very heart of Yellowstone National Park, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. A drive not to be missed.
Rollins Pass is a historic road in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
Rollins Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.565m (11,696ft) above sea level in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Discovering the Beauty of Old Fall River Road: A Journey Through Colorado's Wilderness
Old Fall River Road is the name of a narrow one-lane dirt road with perilous heights located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
The unforgettable road to Sonora Pass in California
Sonora Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.939m (9,642ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of California. It's one of the highest roads in California.
The killer Old Priest Grade Road in California hits a 20% of max gradient
Old Priest Grade Road is a very challenging route located in Tuolumne County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s extremely steep, with gradients reaching 20% on some ramps. Only passenger vehicles are allowed. Despite its potential dangers, the road offers stunning scenic views.
Shelf Road in Colorado: If you don't like steep drop-offs, don't take the road
Shelf Road is an adventurous and rugged mountain drive spanning Fremont and Teller counties in the US state of Colorado. This is a great drive if you're brave and trust the person behind the wheel. If you don't like steep extreme drop-offs, don't take the road. It's very narrow in some spots, and two vehicles can't go through.
San Juan Skyway travels through the San Juan Mountains
Known as the "Road to the Sky," the San Juan Skyway is one of the most scenic drives in America. Located in the southwestern part of Colorado, USA, the drive spans elevations from 6,200 feet near Cortez to 11,018 feet at Red Mountain Pass.
Lion's Back in Utah: the consequences for mistakes here are severe
Lion's Back is a famous sandstone ridge located near the city of Moab in the US state of Utah. It is now private property and no longer accessible by 4x4 enthusiasts.
Dare to drive the Yankee Boy Basin Road in Colorado
Yankee Boy Basin Road is a very scenic trail located in Ouray County, in the US state of Colorado. This drive through the majestic San Juan Mountains is one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Driving the scenic Saddle Road in Hawaii
Saddle Road is a very scenic drive located on Hawaii's Big Island, in the USA. Along the way, the road tops out at 2.062m (6,765ft) above sea level by Humuula Saddle.
Vail Pass is a difficult road in Colorado
Vail Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,251m (10,666ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the steepest paved mountain passes in Colorado.
The breathtaking road to Red Cone Pass in Colorado
Red Cone Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,905m (12,811ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The trail to the summit can't be taken lightly, with some edges over 1,000 ft. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Slate Peak is the highest road of Washington
Slate Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,271m (7,450ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Washington.
Kelly Road in Pennsylvania is one of America's most haunted roads
Located in Beaver County, in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, a one-mile section of Kelly Road is the site of many ghost stories and local legends. It's one of the Top Haunted Roads in the world.
Travel guide to the top of Tincup Pass in Colorado
Tincup Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,710m (12,171ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It is one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Bloods Point Road in Illinois is the site of many hauntings and crimes
Bloods Point Road is a scary short road located in Boone County, in the U.S. state of Illinois. Harboring supernatural mystery combined with a bloody past, it's the site of many hauntings as well as many crimes. Traces of murders, accidents, suicides, and yes, even witchcraft can still be felt. It's one of the Top Haunted Roads in the world.
Travel Guide: Saline Valley Road in Mojave
Saline Valley Road is a very scenic drive in the Mojave Desert, in the US state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.
Driving the dangerous Interstate 4 (I-4) in Florida
If you are a big fan of both dangerous roads and US interstates, you might want to take a trip to Central Florida and try your hand at Interstate 4 (I-4). There isn't another highway quite like I-4 anywhere else in the country. I-4 has earned the designation as the nation's most dangerous interstate for several years running.
Haleakala Highway in Hawaii: blind turns and very steep drop offs
Haleakala Highway is a challenging road located on the Hawaiian Island of Maui, in the USA. It holds the world record for climbing to the highest elevation in the shortest distance of 35 miles.
A challenging 4wd trail to Webster Pass in Colorado
Webster Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,689m (12,103ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It's one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Bradford Street is the steepest (41%) street of San Francisco
Located in the hilly Bernal Heights, a neighborhood in San Francisco, in the US state of California, Bradford Street is said to be the steepest street in the city with an astonishing 41% grade.
A scenic paved road to Guardsman Pass in Utah
Guardsman Pass is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2.969m (9,740ft) above sea level in the U.S. state of Utah.
Skyline Drive is one of the highest roads of Utah
Skyline Drive Scenic Backway is a high-altitude mountain road that follows the spine of the Wasatch Plateau in Sanpete County, in the U.S. state of Utah. Most of it is above 10,000 feet. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
What's the Most Dangerous Pass in Colorado?
Worst odds for a wipeout: Monarch Pass – An average of 60 wrecks in the last three years makes this steep and high road between Gunnison and Salida your worst bet. Find better odds on Loveland Pass, which averages more than 100,000 safe trips for every mishap.
A few switchbacks to Douglas Pass in Colorado
Douglas Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,526m (8,287ft) above sea level, located in Garfield County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Mt. Hamilton Road is a Californian drive with 365 curves
Mt. Hamilton Road is a sinuous mountain drive located in Santa Clara County, in the US state of California. The road is advertised to include 365 curves, one for each day of the year.