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.

Alamo Road is a very remote drive located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. Passenger vehicles aren't recommended. Conditions are hazardous.

Located on the Oklahoma and Texas border, in USA, the Red River Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Lulu Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.009m (9,872ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the US state of Montana. It's one of the highest roads of Montana.

Elk Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.405m (11,171ft) above sea level, located in the eastern-central part of Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest roads in Wyoming.

Located in Cañon City, Colorado, in USA, it’s actually a tourist attraction. It was built in 1929 and was, until 2003, the highest bridge in the world, with a height of 1,053 feet. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Rabbit Ears Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.873m (9,426ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado.

Mulberry Bridge is a 144 ft long bridge over the Elk River, located in Lincoln County, in the US state of Tennessee. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Located in Washington County, in the US state of Utah, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a great drive with stunning views along the canyon.

Iceberg Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.605m (11,827ft) above sea level, located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It's one of the highest roads of Colorado.

Barcroft Field Station is a weather station at an elevation of 3.800m (12,470ft) above sea level, located in Mono County, in the US state of California It's one of the highest roads of California.

If you are expecting to find big cities on this list like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, think again. Likely due to the prevalence of good public transportation systems and alternative transport options like taxis and plenty of ride-share options, these cities are all below the national average for drunk DUI rates.

Baldy Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.714m (12,185ft) above sea level, located in Colfax County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico.

Located in Fairfax County, in the US state of Virginia, the Colchester Overpass, commonly known as Bunny Man Bridge, is said to be haunted. According to local lore, this bridge is one of the most dangerous locations in the state.

Located within a forest in the US state of Pennsylvania, there's an intriguing historical relic. Once part of the USA's interstate network, a 13-mile (21 km) section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike was abandoned in the 1950s.

Mount Washburn is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.122m (10,243ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. Visitors can not drive to the summit although biking is allowed.

Hellroaring Plateau is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3,020m (9,908ft) above sea level, located in the heart of Carbon County, in the US state of Montana. The road to the top challenges even the most seasoned drivers with its rugged terrain; it's one of the highest roads in Montana.

Williams Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.593m (11,788ft) above sea level located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s only open a few weeks a year.

Gold Butte Back Country Byway is a scenic road across the desert, located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada. You'll enjoy some great views of rich desert landscapes.

Poncha Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,751 m (9,025 ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado.

The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, straddling Washington and Kane counties in the US state of Utah, is one of the most picturesque drives in the state. Running through Zion National Park, the road with its gentle curves promises an enthralling driving experience.

Sylvan Pass is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2,607m (8,553ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Wyoming.

Black Eagle Mine Road is a challenging drive located in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California. The trail runs through an old mining district. It’s one of the famous backcountry roads in the Joshua Tree National Park.

If you are a US citizen and are older than 21 years, you can apply for permanent residence of your parents in the US and help them acquire a green card. A parent is considered a "close relative" under US law.

Babyshoe Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.326m (4,350ft) above sea level, located in Skamania County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Inspiration Point is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,869m (9,412ft) above sea level, located in Box Elder County, in the US state of Utah.

Radical Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.846m (12,618ft) above sea level, located in Summit County, in the US state of Colorado. It is extremely dangerous because a vehicle will likely roll if it gets sideways on the hill. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.

Hells Canyon Road (NF-454) runs between Idaho and Oregon, taking travelers through the USA's deepest gorge, Hells Canyon. This route is known for its stunning views and the driving experience itself.

Located in Southern Indiana, in USA, Boner Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. Only 5 bridges like it are left in existence. It’s 256ft long. This metal bridge, also known as Pyeatt's Mill Bridge, was built in 1869 by the King Bridge Company.

Sierra Vista Byway is a very scenic drive meandering for 83 miles through outstanding scenery with remarkable views of the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in the U.S. state of California.

Rattlesnake Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.296m (7,532ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the US state of Wyoming.

Crater Rim Drive is a loop road located in the Puna District on the Island of Hawaiʻi, skirting the edge of Kilauea Caldera.

Howland Hill Road, located in Del Norte County, in the US state of California, is a popular drive through redwoods and the filming location for the 1983 movie, "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi."

Black Gap Road is a short trail located in Brewster County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It’s one of the famous primitive dirt roads in the Big Bend National Park. 4-wheel drive is required at all times.

Old Coulterville Road is a 4x4 scenic trail located in Mariposa County, in the U.S. state of California.

Newfound Gap is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.541m (5,055ft) above sea level, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, in the USA.

Dallas Divide is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2,743m (8,999ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Geyser Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.231m (10,600ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah.

Battle Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,825 meters (9,267 feet) above sea level, located in Eagle County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Sawtell Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.017m (9,898ft) above sea level, located in Fremont County in the U.S. state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest roads of Idaho. Trailers are not advised due to its steepness.

Juniper Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.368m (11,049ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Italian Bar Road is a mostly unpaved road located in Tuolumne County, in the US state of California. Pay attention to turkeys, deer, bears or bobcats.

Kite Lake is an alpine turquoise lake at an elevation of 3.700m (12,139ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado.

Mount Lowe Fire Road is a gravel fire trail located in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California. The road is unsafe for travel and closed to motorized vehicles.

Mount Elden is a lava dome at an elevation of 2.841m (9,320ft) above sea level, located in central Coconino County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It’s one of the highest roads of Arizona.

The Snake is an outstanding ride in the US state of Tennessee, featuring 489 curves. It's a popular route for drivers and motorcyclists due to its challenging turns and scenic views.

Racetrack Valley Road, in northern Death Valley National Park, in the US state of California, offers an exhilarating drive. Equipped with good tires, a 4x4, and a high-clearance vehicle, you can tackle one of the Death Valley's most challenging backcountry roads.

Satus Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 950m (3,116ft) above sea level, located in Klickitat County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Rat Trap Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 970m (3,182ft) above sea level, located in Snohomish County, in the US state of Washington. The drive is pretty challenging for even the most seasoned adventurers.

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.