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 get by car to Verdi Peak in the Sierra Nevada Mountains?
Verdi Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,562m (8,405ft) above sea level, located in Sierra County, in the US state of California. Make sure you have high clearance.
Road trip guide: Niwot Ridge in Colorado
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.
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.
A Memorable Road Trip to the Historic Gibbons Pass in Montana
Gibbons Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,126m (6,975ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Montana.
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.
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.
Hites Cove Road is one of the gnarliest drives in California
Located in Mariposa County, in the U.S. state of California, Hite Cove is a small mining camp tucked along the Merced River. The road to the town is a nice 4x4 trail with tight turns.
State Route 99 Voted ‘Most Dangerous U.S. Road’
State Route 99 (SR-99) is a major north-south highway running through the Central Valley of California, United States. The route spans approximately 425 miles (684 km), tracking parallel to Interstate 5 through major agricultural hubs including Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, and Sacramento.
Hot Springs Road: Driving the narrow desert wash in Big Bend
Located in the remote southeastern corner of Big Bend National Park, near the Mexican border, Hot Springs is a historic site in Brewster County, Texas. Reaching the remnants of this desert oasis involves driving a primitive road that drops into a rugged desert environment, where the Rio Grande's unpredictable nature dictates the state of the track.
Portage Glacier Road is one of the best drives in Alaska
Portage Glacier Road, nestled in the U.S. state of Alaska south of Anchorage, ranks among the most scenic drives the state has to offer. This 11.59-mile (18.65 km) route connects the Seward Highway near the ghost town of Portage with the town of Whittier, treating travelers to stunning vistas along the way. Completed in 2000, this paved highway is an impressive feat of engineering, featuring a series of roads, bridges, and the iconic Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.
The Incredibly Rough Road to Scotch Creek Pass in Colorado
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.
Graham Pass in California: A Road to Nowhere
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.
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.
Travelling through the historic Little Sandy River Railroad Bridge
Located in Carter County, in the US state of Kentucky, this pratt through truss bridge over the Little Sandy River is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
A memorable road trip to Red Mountain in Idaho
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.
Road trip guide: Conquering Waunita Pass in Colorado
Waunita Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,143m (10,311ft) above sea level located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The area can be very treacherous during the winter months.
How to get to Fisher Mountain in southern Montana?
Fisher Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,122m (10,242ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the US state of Montana. It's one of the highest roads in Montana.
How To Travel The South Eureka Valley Road in Death Valley National Park
South Eureka Valley 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.
How to get by car to Hunter Lake in Nevada?
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.
Top Hazardous Routes in Las Vegas and How to Stay Safe
Traffic accidents and fatalities in the Las Vegas area, in the US state of Nevada, are statistically high and on the rise. The driving risk in the region is unique, compounded by a mix of factors: high-volume city traffic, winding mountain passes, unexpected wildlife hazards, and long stretches of remote, unlit highway. These conditions mean drivers must be aware of the considerable risk of severe car accidents.
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.
A memorable road trip to Goldstone Pass on the Idaho-Montana border
Goldstone Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,774 m (9,101 ft) above sea level, located on the Idaho-Montana border, in the USA.
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.
How to get by car to Butte Lake in Lassen Volcanic NP?
Butte Lake is a bright blue water lake at an elevation of 1,864m (6,115ft) above sea level, located in Lassen County, in the U.S. state of California.
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 to the lookout at Sardine Peak in California?
Sardine Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,482m (8,143ft) above sea level, located in Sierra County, in the U.S. state of California.
The Wild And Steep Road to Pilot Peak in Mineral County
Pilot Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,795m (9,169ft) above sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
Travel Guide to the Top of Crane Mountain in Oregon
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.
Road Trip Guide: Conquering Babbitt Peak in 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.
The steep road to Sawmill Mountain in New Mexico isn’t an easy one
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.
Wondervu Hill in Colorado: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
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.
Why Tierod Canyon Might Be Nevada’s Wildest Road?
Tierod Canyon is an off-road trail located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. The canyon cuts through the rugged terrain of the Mojave Desert and is known for its steep, rocky walls and dry wash bottom. The trail that runs through it is popular among off-road enthusiasts due to its challenging surface, rock ledges, and lack of bypasses. The route is suitable only for high-clearance, modified 4x4 vehicles.
Scanlon Road in Nevada is a treacherous drive for any freighter
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.
Ultimate 4WD Destination: Hurricane Basin in Colorado
Hurricane Basin is a beautiful basin at an elevation of 3,776m (12,388ft) above sea level, located in Hinsdale County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The trail is a bit rocky, and in some sections it is narrow with a severe drop-off to one side. It's one of the highest roads in Colorado.
How to get by car to Tikaboo Peak: Nevada’s Best Legal View of Area 51
Tikaboo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,097m (6,879ft) above sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. The peak is widely considered the best remaining legal point from which the public may directly view the very secretive Area 51, a military airfield shrouded in mystery and the source of countless UFO stories and conspiracy theories.
How to drive the challenging Forest Road 207 in Wyoming?
Forest Road 207 is a high mountain road located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest roads in Wyoming.
How to get to the lookout at the summit of Hogback Mountain in Montana?
Hogback Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,380m (7,808ft) above sea level, located in Lewis and Clark County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
How to drive the scenic Park Boulevard in Joshua Tree National Park?
Park Boulevard is a very scenic drive located in the US state of California. If you have time only for a short visit in the park, driving Park Boulevard is your best choice.
The unmaintained road to Vinegar Hill in Oregon
Vinegar Hill is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,471m (8,106ft) above sea level, located in Grant County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. It’s one of the highest roads in Oregon.
Crossing the historic Clear Creek Bridge in Iowa
Located in Iowa County, in the U.S. state of Iowa, Clear Creek Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Driving the wild 4x4 road to Boobe Hole Mountain in Utah
Boobe Hole Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,209 m (10,528 ft) above sea level, located in Sevier County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
Driving a high mountain road to Sunrise Park Resort in Arizona
Sunrise Park Resort is a ski resort at an elevation of 2,852m (9,356ft) above sea level, located in Apache County, in the US state of Arizona. It's one of the highest roads in Arizona.
Tobin Ridge Road is a brutal drive in California with 26% ramps
Tobin Ridge Road is a very challenging drive located in Plumas County, in the U.S. state of California. The drive is not easy, featuring 64 hairpin turns.
How to Get to the Summit of Pastora Peak in Arizona?
Pastora Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,786m (9,140ft) above sea level, located in Apache County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of the highest roads in Arizona. The road is passable by most stock high-clearance 4wd vehicles.
How to get to Hacking Lake in Utah?
Hacking Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,244m (10,643ft) above sea level, located in Uintah County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
Mulholland Drive is a Glamorous Road through the Breathtaking Views of Los Angeles
Located in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains in the US state of California, Mulholland Drive is one of the most iconic roads in the country, providing a captivating journey through Los Angeles. The views of the city skyline and distant landscapes are unparalleled.
I-80 Nebraska: A Trucker’s Challenge
I-80 in Nebraska may look like any ordinary highway, but for truckers, it’s one of the most treacherous stretches in the United States. Truck drivers face dangerous conditions daily — a fact reflected in national statistics. According to Business Insider, truckers make up 2.4% of all road fatalities in the USA, despite being a small portion of drivers.
Road Trip Guide: Conquering Alamo Peak in New Mexico
Alamo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,825m (9,270ft) above sea level, located in Otero County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.