Roads of the USA

The vast expanse of the USA, stretching from the amber waves of grain to the majestic purple mountain majesties, boasts a network of roads that are as diverse as the nation's tapestry of cultures. One such road, the Million Dollar Highway, is often touted as America's crown jewel of roadways, leading adventurers through awe-inspiring terrains and offering unparalleled vistas. Further north, the Iron Mountain Road, with its dizzying 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtails, and 3 tunnels, stands as a testament to man's desire to conquer nature, providing a thrilling drive that's not for the faint-hearted.

Journey to Colorado, and you'll find yourself face to face with the infamous Black Bear Pass - a road that promises not just breathtaking beauty, but also adrenaline-pumping excitement. For the off-road enthusiasts, Engineer Pass offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with Colorado's high mountain terrains, challenging drivers to push their limits amidst staggering beauty. Not to be outdone, Utah’s Canyonlands beckons with the Shafer Trail Road, an iconic route that cuts through the heart of some of the most stunning canyons, making you feel like you're driving through the very pages of history.

In the USA, each road is a journey, an exploration, a challenge, and a story. They are gateways to discovering the grandeur of the nation, to feeling the pulse of its land, and to embracing the spirit of adventure that is quintessentially American. Whether bathed in the golden hues of sunrise or shrouded in the mysteries of twilight, these roads promise experiences that linger long after the journey's end.

Ohio Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.072m (10,078ft) above the sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s a scenic drive that any 2wd can do in the summer.

Sitgreaves Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.096m (3,595ft) above the sea level, located in Mohave County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. Very little guard rails give you no lee-way for error.

Mount Equinox is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.170m (3,840ft) above the sea level, located in Bennington County, in the U.S. state of Vermont. The climb is brutal, with some sections up to 14.66%. It’s an unforgettable drive to the summit of the highest peak in the Taconic Range.

Located in western Los Angeles County, in the US state of California, Decker Canyon Road is said to be one of the 5 Best Driving Roads in Malibu. It is a very narrow road that rises in elevation quickly (up to 10%). It’s the type of road you'll never forget.

Christmas Tree Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.210m (3,969ft) above the sea level, located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. High clearance vehicle is helpful in spots.

Boreas Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.507m (11,505ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Summit and Park counties in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s a low-maintenance, rough gravel road closed in winters but passable by two-wheel drive automobiles in good weather.

Gates Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 969m (3,179ft) above the sea level, located in Pima County, in the U.S. state of Arizona.

Natchez Trace Parkway is a very scenic drive through three states in the southeastern United States. It may not hit you at first, but when you drive along the road you'll be traveling down the approximation of a 10,000-year-old pathway steeped in history.

Coyote Flat is a high mountain plateau at an elevation of 3.061m (10,042ft) above the sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California.

Big Sur Coast Highway is a very scenic drive hugging the California coast in USA. This twisting, cliff-hugging coastal scenic drive runs from Monterey to San Luis Obispo.

Located in the North Hills area of Pittsburgh in North Park in the US state of Pennsylvania, Irwin Road is said to be haunted by a low-hanging blue mist.

North La Veta Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.869m (9,413ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Costilla and Huerfano counties, in the US state of Colorado.

The stunning Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is a scenic road trip through time that connects Wayne County and Garfield County, in the US state of Utah.

Rich Mountain Road is a very scenic one way drive located in Blount County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee.

Deception Pass Bridge is located in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s a two-lane bridge linking Whidbey Island and Fidalgo in Deception Pass State Park. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Talimena Scenic Drive is a very scenic drive running across the Ouachita Mountains, straddling the southeastern part of Oklahoma and western Arkansas, in the USA.

Notom-Bullfrog Road is a very scenic drive running across the Capitol Reef National Park, in the US state of Utah. It runs along the eastern side of the Waterpocket Fold.

Mount Mitchell is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.007m (6,584ft) above the sea level, located in Yancey County, in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It’s said to be the highest point east of the Mississippi.

Dunraven Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.718m (8,917ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. At this elevation it is the highest pass inside the park.

McClure Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.681m (8,795ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Pitkin and Gunnison counties, in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the steepest paved roads in the state, hitting a 9% of maximum gradient.

Railroad Ridge is a high mountain ridge at an elevation of 3.180m (10,433ft) above the sea level located in Custer County, in the US state of Idaho. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s said to be the highest road accessible to full-size vehicles in Idaho.

Mount Baker Highway is a very scenic drive located within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the US state of Washington. The end of the road at Artist Point is only open for 3-4 months in late summer and early fall.

Mackinac Bridge divides the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan. It was built in 1957, is 26,372 feet long and ascends to a height of 200 feet above water. Some drivers get so nervous about crossing the bridge that they don’t even go. And this happens so often that the Mackinac Bridge Authority will drive your car or motorcycle for you (and for free). It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Kancamagus Highway is a very scenic drive located in Grafton County, in the U.S. state of New Hampshire. It is said to be one of the most popular fall foliage road trips in the world.

Dillon Road is an isolated drive running through the open desert, located in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California.

Capulin Volcano is an extinct cinder cone volcano at an elevation of 2.405m (7,890ft) above the sea level, located in Union County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the most accessible volcanoes in the world.

Kennebec Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.561m (11,683ft) above the sea level located in La Plata County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. 4WD with good clearance is needed for the last section of the road.

With around 187,000 acres of land, the Great Smoky Mountains are a major attraction of the USA that thousands of people flock to every year. This large area of land stretches along the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

Clear Lake is an alpine turquoise lake at an elevation of 3.653m (11,984ft) above the sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Be sure to have experience in back roads if you attempt this trail. The drive is not for the faint of heart.

Baxter Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.573m (8,441ft) above the sea level, located in Garfield County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. High-clearance 4WDs are recommended, though most stock SUVs are acceptable.

Holy Cross City Jeep Road is a truly breathtaking trail, only for the most experienced drivers, located in Eagle County, in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the most difficult and popular hardcore roads in the state. Stock vehicles should not attempt this one.

Goose Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.570m (11,712ft) above the sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. This drive is worth it, but be forewarned of the difficulty. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico.

Monida Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.102m (6,896ft) above the sea level, located on the border of eastern Idaho and southwestern Montana, in USA.

Located in the northwestern region of the United States, Idaho contains hundreds of individual mountain ranges an unspoiled beauty. It has the most rugged terrain in the country, with 114 named mountain ranges and fifty mountain peaks having an elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level. Literally covered from north to south by the Rocky Mountains, the State is known for its mountainous landscapes and vast swaths of protected wilderness and outdoor recreation areas.

Located in El Dorado County, in the U.S. state of California, this small suspension bridge was originally built in 1867 and reconstructed on the existing foundations in 1939. The road over the bridge is called Mosquito Road. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Located in Justice, Illinois, in USA, Archer Avenue is probably one of the most haunted areas in all of the Chicago area. Along this route there are a number of locations that boast more than their share of ghosts. The paranormal activity on the roadway seems to be anchored at both ends by cemeteries, both of which have their own ghost stories.

Located in the southwestern region of the United States, Arizona is the sixth largest state in the country in terms of area. Part of the Mountain West states, Arizona is best known for its desert landscape. It can be divided into three major land areas; the Colorado plateau, the Transition Zone and the Basin and Ridge Region. The state is also known for its climate, which has very hot summers and mild winters.

Old Maverick Road is a scenic desert back road located in Brewster County, in the U.S. state of Texas. It’s said to be the easiest off-road road in Big Bend National Park.

Located in the U.S. state of Arizona, Antelope Canyon Road is the access road to the most-visited and most-photographed slot canyon in the American Southwest. The road is actually a river bed.

Cascade River Road is a scenic mountain road located in Skagit County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

North Ogden Divide is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.887m (6,190ft) above the sea level, located in Weber County, in the US state of Utah.

Ski Apache is a ski resort at an elevation of 2.988m (9,803ft) above the sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico. If you've got a fear of heights, this drive could be a little stressful.

Whiteface Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.402m (4,599ft) above the sea level, located in Essex County, in the U.S. state of New York.

Targhee Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.161m (7,089ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Idaho and Montana, in USA.

Coal Bank Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.243m (10,640ft) above the sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Buffalo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.146m (10,321ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Routt and Grand counties in the U.S. state of Colorado. It is suitable for most SUVs and some passenger cars with careful tire placement in spots.

Arizona Snowbowl is a ski resort at an elevation of 2.912m (9,553ft) above the sea level, located in Coconino County, in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of the highest roads of Arizona. 

Mount Lemmon is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.792m (9,159ft) above the sea level, located in Pima County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. This favorite of Arizona cyclists is known for its hill climb. It's one of the highest roads of Arizona.