Where are the 11 Steepest Streets in the USA? See the Ranking, including Waipio Valley's 45% Descent

The USA is home to some of the steepest paved urban roads in the world. This technical ranking identifies the 11 steepest urban and accessible roads in the United States, based on their verifiable maximum gradient. The list is led by Hawaii's monumental Waipio Valley Road, which reaches an astonishing 45% descent.

The ranking confirms that extreme slopes are heavily concentrated in California, accounting for 8 of the 11 entries, particularly within the challenging terrains of Los Angeles and San Francisco. These inclines are not merely tourist novelties. Streets exceeding 30% require specialized traction, present severe challenges for standard vehicles, and are often restricted to 4x4 access or prohibited entirely during adverse conditions.

• Mosquito Pass in Colorado is the highway of the frozen death
• Red Mountain Pass in Colorado is a treacherous drive in the wintertime