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.
Driving the scenic road to Milner Pass in Colorado
Milner Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.279m (10,758ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Burro Wash Road is a scenic 4x4 trail in Nevada
Burro Wash Road is a scenic drive located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada. The trail is a power line road that generally follows the Burro Wash canyon.
Hans Flat Road in Utah is worth the white-knuckle drive
Hans Flat Road is a rough unpaved track located in the heart of Wayne County, in the U.S. state of Utah. The trail is well graded and wide.
The imposing Kuskulana Bridge in Alaska
Kuskulana Bridge is said to be the biggest thrill on the road to McCarthy. Located in Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska, United States, this one lane vehicle bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Conquering the drained Lake Emma in San Juan County by car
Lake Emma is a drained lake at an elevation of 3,809m (12,496ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado. Mining was being conducted under the lake when, in June 1978, the roof of the stope collapsed, flooding the mine and draining the lake. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel: 2-lane immersed-tube on artificial islands
Located in southeastern Virginia, in USA, the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel is a marvel of engineering, consisting of two 2-lane immersed-tube tunnels on artificial islands, with trestle bridges to shore.
Driving the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass in Glacier National Park
Logan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,026m (6,646ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Montana.
Darland Mountain is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure in Washington
Darland Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,129m (6,984ft) above sea level, located in Yakima County, in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s one of the highest roads in Washington.
The legendary Forest Road 825 in Colorado was built in 1883
Forest Road 825 is a high mountain road located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Kolob Canyons Road is an absolute must for road lovers in Utah
Kolob Canyons Road is a very scenic drive located in Washington County, in the US state of Utah. In winter, the road closes frequently during inclement weather.
A sensational drive to Mount Wilson in California
Mount Wilson is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,727m (5,666ft) above sea level, located in Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California.
How to Travel the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway in Utah
Mount Nebo Scenic Byway (Nebo Loop) is a drive with rewarding views located in the Uinta National Forest, in the US state of Utah. The road tops out at 2,850m (9,353ft) above sea level at the Monument trailhead. It’s a mountain road with spectacular views of the Wasatch Range.
Pinal Peak is a road you'll never forget in Arizona
Pinal Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.397m (7,864ft) above sea level, located in southern Gila County, in the US state of Arizona.
Gold Belt Scenic Byway is a scenic drive through Colorado's gold country
Gold Belt Scenic Byway is a very exciting journey through Colorado’s former mining country. It offers breathtaking scenery that you won't find anywhere else.
Sherman Pass is Washington’s highest maintained road
Sherman Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,684m (5,524ft) above sea level, located in Ferry County, in the U.S. state of Washington. It is said to be the highest pass in the state maintained all year.
Driving the wild road to Mount Ord in Arizona
Mount Ord is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,173m (7,128ft) above sea level, located in Maricopa County, in the US state of Arizona. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Take the lonely US 50 and discover Connors Pass in Nevada
Connors Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,356m (7,729ft) above sea level, located in central White Pine County, in the US state of Nevada.
The outstanding 4x4 road to Bill Moore Lake in Colorado
Bill Moore Lake is a beautiful alpine lake at an elevation of 3,465m (11,368ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the US state of Colorado.
Washington Pass is the highest point of North Cascades Highway
Washington Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,669m (5,477ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Washington.
Bradshaw Trail is a soft sand challenge in California
Bradshaw Trail is a maintained road with scenic views, located in Riverside County, in the US state of California. Due to stretches of soft sand, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended.
Driving the rough 4x4 road to Poughkeepsie Pass in Colorado
Poughkeepsie Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.938m (12,919ft) above sea level, located in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado. The road to the summit is very challenging, with tough conditions. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Valley of Fire Highway is an iconic drive in Nevada
Valley of Fire Highway is a very scenic drive located in the northeastern part of Clark County, in the US state of Nevada. The drive is honored for its surrounding beauty as well.
Driving the steep road to Cajon Summit in California
Cajon Summit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.301m (4,268ft) above sea level, located in the County of San Bernardino, in the US state of California. It is a critical transportation route that connects the high desert region with the Inland Empire and the Los Angeles Basin.
Driving the scenic road to Ubehebe Crater in the Death Valley NP
Ubehebe Crater Road is a paved road located in the desolate northern section of Death Valley National Park, in the US state of California, leading to Ubehebe Crater, a large volcanic crater of the Ubehebe Craters volcanic field.
Driving the historic road to Bridger Pass in Wyoming
Bridger Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,322m (7,618ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the US state of Wyoming.
FR123 is a wild road in the Tushar Mountains of Utah
Forest Road 123 (FR123) is a highly challenging high mountain drive located in Piute County, in the US state of Utah. It's one of the highest roads in Utah, topping out at 3,503m (11,492ft) above sea level.
An epic enthralling road to Mount Baldy in Apache County
Mount Baldy is an extinct volcano at an elevation of 3.408m (11,181ft) above sea level, located in Apache County, in the U.S. state of Arizona It's one of the highest roads in Arizona.
Coffee Pot Road #600 is an improved gravel road in Colorado
Located in Garfield County, in the U.S. state of Colorado, Coffee Pot Road #600 offers both beautiful scenery and views. The trail begins climbing immediately, through switchbacks and near big drop-offs with no guardrails.
Driving the scenic Jenny Lake Loop Road in Wyoming
Jenny Lake Loop Road is a very scenic drive skirting the eastern shore of Jenny Lake, in Teton County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
Driving the wild road to Los Pinos Pass in Colorado
Los Pinos Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,213m (10,541ft) above sea level, located in the US state of Colorado.
Travelling the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
Located in the southeastern portion of Virginia in the United States, the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
The Ultimate Road Trip To Flat Iron Mesa in Carbon County
Flat Iron Mesa is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.171m (7,122ft) above sea level, located in Carbon County, in the US state of Utah.
The road to Geiger Summit in is a drive worth taking in Nevada
Geiger Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.076m (6,811ft) above sea level located in Washoe County, in the US state of Nevada. The pass was named after Davison M. Geiger, a local physician who financed its construction.
The haunted Twin Tunnels of Pennsylvania
The Twin Tunnels of Downingtown, located in Chester County, in the US state of Pennsylvania, are known for their dark history. It’s one of the most haunted tunnels on Earth.
A remote unpaved road to Aguereberry Point in Death Valley NP
Aguereberry Point is a natural overlook at an elevation of 1,960m (6,433ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.
An epic enthralling road to Monroe Peak in Utah
Monroe Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.421m (11,223ft) above sea level, located in Sevier County, in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
Ultimate 4WD Destination in California: Bull Creek Road (Burma Grade Trail)
Bull Creek Road (Burma Grade Trail) is a backcountry trail located in Mariposa County, in the U.S. state of California.
How to get by car to Monjeau Peak in New Mexico?
Monjeau Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,927m (9,603ft) above sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
Driving the wild Sheep Creek Truck Trail in California
Sheep Creek Truck Trail is a scenic mountain road located in San Bernardino County, in the US state of California.
Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway is an iconic road in Utah
Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway (Utah State Road 148) is a high mountain road located in Iron County, in the US state of Utah. The upper rim of Cedar Breaks rises to 3.236m (10,616ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah.
Pleasant Canyon Road is a challenging drive in Death Valley NP
Pleasant Canyon Road/South Park 4x4 Loop is a challenging trail located in Death Valley National Park, in the US state of California. A rough 4WD vehicle is necessary due to washouts and large boulders. This narrow, rocky road is suitable for experienced 4WD drivers only, ranking as one of the challenging Backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park.
Enjoy a road among the clouds to Beartooth Pass in Wyoming
Beartooth Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.342m (10,964ft) above sea level located in Park County, in the US state of Wyoming. It's one of the highest roads of Wyoming.
A challenging paved road to Onyx Summit in California
Onyx Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,579m (8,461ft) above sea level, located in San Bernardino County, in the US state of California.
Driving the tough Dishpan Springs Trail in San Bernardino NF
Dishpan Springs Trail is a short but demanding off-road challenge located in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.
Travelling through the scenic Arizona State Route 67
State Route 67 (SR 67) is a very scenic drive winding through forest and meadows, located in the US state of Arizona, within the Grand Canyon National Park.
Travel guide to the top of Storm Mountain in Colorado
Storm Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,006m (9,862ft) above sea level, located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
The narrow and winding road to Owyhee Lake in Oregon
Owyhee Lake is a reservoir located in Malheur County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. The drive to the lake is beautiful but on a narrow, winding two-lane road.
A narrow road to Twin Peaks South: pray you don't meet someone coming the other way
Twin Peaks South is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.154m (10,347ft) above sea level located in the U.S. state of Idaho. It’s one of the highest roads in Idaho.