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.

Embarking on a foodie road trip across the United States is a culinary adventure like no other. From coast to coast, the diverse culinary landscape offers a tantalizing array of flavors, textures, and dishes that showcase the rich tapestry of American cuisine. In this guide, we'll take you on a gastronomic journey highlighting must-try dishes in different regions of the country, ensuring your taste buds are treated to an unforgettable experience.

South Peak is a high mountain peak located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. An old mining road, to the south of the summit, climbs up to 3,824m (12,545ft) above sea level. It's one of the highest roads in Colorado.

If you happen to be involved in a car accident while driving a rented vehicle, it can be quite overwhelming and distressing. Dealing with the aftermath of such an incident requires prompt action based on prior knowledge of safety guidelines and appropriate measures. Elaborated below are the two essential steps to take for anyone who happens to be in a rental car accident.

Facing up to the aftermath of a highway accident is no less challenging than the treacherous bends of the road itself. One minute, you're admiring nature's grandeur; the next finds you in a whirlwind of flashing lights and paperwork. It's critical to discern who's at fault amidst this chaos, which can be as complex as the landscape you were just enjoying.

Limantour Beach is a sandy beach located between Drakes Bay and the Limantour Estero estuary, in Marin County, in the US state of California.

Have you ever been told that certain roads are best traveled during daylight hours? Much of this belief stems from the numerous myths and legends surrounding the pavement. Whether these tales are myths, legends, or truths remains uncertain, but rumors suggest that these North Carolina roads have witnessed horrifying incidents leading to traffic accidents.

Located in the southern part of the country, Texas has a diverse and large topography. It’s bordered by New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, and also by the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the second-largest state after Alaska. It features a variety of geographical regions, including deserts, plains, forests, and mountains.

Pride of the West Mine is a high mountain gold mine at an elevation of 3,662 m (12,014 ft) above sea level, located in Chaffee County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

Lookout Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,237m (7,339ft) above sea level, located in Jefferson County, in the US state of Colorado.

Yellow Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.465m (8,087ft) above sea level, located in Modoc County, in the U.S. state of California.

Mount Disappointment is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,797m (5,895ft) above sea level, located in Los Angeles County, in the US state of California.

Have you ever seen a car in a parking lot or speeding past you on the highway, flames blazing on both sides? Chances are, a professional car wrap service wrapped that car. The demand for custom car wrap designs is growing exponentially. In 2024, it will be one of the fastest-growing trends in the car customization industry.

Lundy Lake is a high mountain lake located in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California. The lake covers 100 acres and is 1 mile long and 1/2 mile wide.

Swanholm Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.662m (8,733ft) above sea level, located in Elmore County, in the U.S. state of Idaho. The road to the summit, on a very steep grade, is not for the faint of heart.

Hager Mountain is a volcanic peak at an elevation of 2,191m (7,188ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. The area is known for its scenic vistas and wild places.

Sleeping Deer Road is a very challenging 4x4 road located in the center of the U.S. state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest roads in Idaho.

Pat Knoll is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,859m (9,379ft) above sea level, located in Apache County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest roads in Arizona.

There are millions of roads in the world. Many of these roads cut across rural or uninhabited areas where numerous domesticated and wild animals wander freely. In this article, we reveal some of the most vulnerable animals and accident hotspots in 10 selected countries (based on most cars per capita).

Forest Road 4725 is a high mountain unpaved road located in San Juan County, in the US state of Utah.

Mountain Springs Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 844m (2,770ft) above sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.

Priest Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,832 m (6,010 ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Powell and Lewis and Clark counties in the US state of Montana.

Usery Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 647m (2,122ft) above sea level, located in Maricopa County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.

Although the impacts of a truck accident are devastating, it is almost impossible to prevent them from happening. Cities like Las Vegas are prone to truck accidents. Due to their massive sizes, a collision between a truck and a car or a pedestrian can be catastrophic.

Long Creek Mountain Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.551m (5,088ft) above sea level, located in Grant County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Table Rock is a summit at an elevation of 2,375m (7,791ft) above sea level, located in Baker County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Otay Mountain is a mountain an elevation of 1,087m (3,566ft) above sea level located in southeastern San Diego County, in the US state of California.

Tombstone Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,294m (4,245ft) above sea level, located in Linn County, in the US state of Oregon.

Pine Creek Road is a challenging drive with steep sections and narrow parts, located in Inyo County, in the US state of California.

Cedar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,926 m (6,318 ft) above sea level, located in Modoc County, in the U.S. state of California.

Careless driving is a common traffic violation, but many drivers don’t realize the impact it can have. It can lead to fines, higher insurance costs, and points on your license. But how many points do you get for careless driving? 

Pine Canyon Road is a very scenic drive located in Brewster County, in the U.S. state of Texas, offering stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, as some parts of the road can be rough.

Mount Taylor is a dormant volcano at an elevation of 3,441m (11,289ft) above sea level, located in Cibola County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.

Tecate Peak is a mountain with an elevation of 1,185m (3,887ft) above sea level, located in southeastern San Diego County, in the US state of California.

Brooks Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.185m (7,168ft) above sea level, located in Jeff Davis County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It's one of the highest roads in Texas.

The Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway is a designated National Scenic Byway and Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It spans approximately 115 miles (185 kilometers) through Lake, Eagle, Pitkin, and Summit Counties.

Rhyolite Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,230 m (10,597 ft) above sea level, located in Teller County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Oldman Pass is a mountain pass with an elevation of 934m (3,064ft) above sea level, located in Skamania County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Slide Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3,575m (11,729 ft) above sea level, located in Lake County, in the US state of Colorado.

Vermont, often called The Green Mountain State, is situated in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Its name comes from the French words mont and vert, translating to "green mountain." Vermont shares borders with Canada to the north, New Hampshire to the east, Massachusetts to the south, and New York to the west, and it remains one of the more sparsely populated states.

Juniper Canyon Road is a scenic drive located in Brewster County, Texas, offering stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. The road is very rocky and rough, typically requiring a 4WD vehicle.

Palo Encebado Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,069m (10,068ft) 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.

Cerro Pelon is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,058m (10,032 ft) above sea level, located in Cibola County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads in New Mexico.

Hershberger Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,853m (6,079ft) above sea level, located in Douglas County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Thurston Peak is a high mountain located in the U.S. state of Utah. A minor gravel road, north of the peak, climbs up to 2,990m (9,809ft) above sea level.

Centralia Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.876m (9,435ft) above sea level, located in Jefferson County, in the US state of Colorado.

Straddling Wayne and Emery counties, Wild Horse Canyon Road is a scenic dirt road that runs through the San Rafael Swell in the US state of Utah.

Smith Creek Lakes are three small glacial cirque lakes at an elevation of 2,722m (8,930ft) above sea level, located in Morgan County, in the U.S. state of Utah.

Located in Yavapai County, in the U.S. state of Arizona, Horsethief Lookout Tower sits at an elevation of 2,045m (6,709ft) above sea level.

Drive Us to Your Road!

With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.