What are the most spectacular roads in 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.

Hunter Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.185m (7,168ft) above the sea level located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.

Pennock Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.793m (9,163ft) above the sea level, located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The trail can often be very dusty.

Canton Avenue is a little street tucked into a corner of Beechview neighborhood of Pittsburgh, in the US state of Pennsylvania. It’s said to be one of the steepest streets in the United States, with a maximum gradient of 33 percent.

Georgia Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.535m (11,598ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Summit and Jefferson counties, in the US state of Colorado. The entire route is very suitable for stock sport utility vehicles unless snow covered. It's one of the highest roads of Colorado.

New Mexico State Road 567 is a short scenic mountain road located in southwestern Taos County, in the US state of New Mexico.

Top of the World is a natural viewpoint at an elevation of 2.149m (7,050ft) above the sea level, located in Moab, in Grand County, in the U.S. state of Utah. At the top you are treated to one killer view on a 3,000-foot cliff overlook. It does feature one of the most scenic drives and best views in Moab — or perhaps all of Utah.

Mormon Emigrant Trail is a very scenic journey in El Dorado County, in the US state of California. The road was originally named Iron Mountain Road.

Badwater Basin is a salt pan at 86m (282ft) below the sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. At this elevation it’s the lowest point in North America.

Hancock Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.702m (12,145ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Chaffee and Gunnison counties, in the US state of Colorado. This driving route is not only incredibly scenic but chock-full of mining history. It's one of the highest roads of Colorado.

Mount Graham is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.192m (10,472ft) above the sea level, located in Graham County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. It's one of the highest roads of Arizona.

Located west of Clarksdale, in Christian County, Illinois, in USA, Witches Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

 Linking Tennessee and North Carolina, Cherohala Skyway is one of the most scenic drives in the USA.

Teton Park Road is a very scenic drive in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, in the US state of Wyoming, running along the base of the Teton Range. This road has many scenic pull offs.

Beef Basin Trail is a challenging four wheel drive located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Utah. The road is easy as long as it is dry.

Daniels Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.439m (8,001ft) above the sea level, located in Wasatch County, in the U.S. state of Utah.

Mengel Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.314m (4,311ft) above the sea level located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. Famous for the site where Charles Manson was captured by police, it is a favorite Jeep trail in Death Valley. Rough 4WD vehicle needed.

Tuna Canyon Road is a very scenic yet demanding drive located in western Los Angeles County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s said to be one of the 5 Best Driving Roads in Malibu. The road is very steep (up to 18%).

Hole-in-the-Rock Road is a scenic dirt road located east-southeast from the town of Escalante, between Garfield and Kane counties in the U.S. state of Utah. It’s suitable for passenger cars in good weather but a 4WD vehicle is required the last miles.

 Granite Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.757m (9,045ft) above the sea level, located in the U.S. state of Wyoming.

Gore Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.909m (9,543ft) above the sea level, located in Grand County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Ruby Road is a very scenic drive straddling Santa Cruz and Pima counties in the US state of Arizona. The road got its name from a once-thriving mining camp on its route. A high-clearance vehicle is required.

Mount Scott is a mountain peak at an elevation of 751m (2,464ft) above the sea level, located in Comanche County, in the U.S. state of Oklahoma.

Sawyers Bar Road is a stunning drive in the Klamath National Forest, in the US state of California. The drive features a 3,713ft drop in 12 miles of snaketrack, using 1st gear. Brakes are just not suitable for that long of an incline. One of the best rides in California, without a doubt.

Cameron Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.137m (10,291ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Jackson County and Larimer County, in the US state of Colorado.

Fish Rock Road is a very scenic mountain road located in Mendocino County, on the North Coast of the U.S. state of California.

Avon Bridge is a triple-arch railroad trestle spanning a rural road located in Avon, in Hendricks County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. It is said if you wander at night near the old bridge, you may hear the screams and moans of the ghost of Avon's Haunted Bridge. And on hot summer days you can see the ghost's tears on the concrete of the bridge.

Mount Lincoln is a high mountain peak located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. An old mining road climbs up to 4.297m (14,097ft) above the sea level, just below the peak. It's one of the highest roads of USA.

Old Monarch Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.473m (11,394ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Gunnison and Chaffee counties, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Gunsight Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.692m (12,112ft) above the sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. This high alpine road is brutal and going through some severe erosion so use caution. It's one of the highest roads of Colorado.

Lemhi Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.250m (7,381ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Lemhi County (Idaho) and Beaverhead County (Montana), in the USA.

Santiam Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.471m (4,826ft) located on the boundary of Linn and Jefferson counties, in the US state of Oregon.

Located in Imperial County, in the U.S. state of California, Old Plank Road is a plank road built in 1915 over the Algodones Dunes, a large sand dune field.

Located in the US state of North Carolina, Cataloochee Valley is nestled among some of the most rugged mountains within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Hurrah Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.461m (4,793ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of San Juan and Grand counties in the US state of Utah. At times the road to the pass is very thin and very close to the edge of far drops.

Hatcher Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.148m (3,886ft) above the sea level, located in the US state of Alaska.

Mirror Lake Highway (State Route 150) is a very scenic mountain road running from Kamas (in Utah) to Evanston (in Wyoming). It’s a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.

Six Mile Cove Road is a short badly washboarded road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, nicknamed as the Hoover Dam Bypass, is an arch bridge that spans the Colorado River, in USA. Stay away if you're scared of heights. At 880 feet over the Colorado River, it is the second-highest bridge in the United States and the highest concrete-arch bridge anywhere. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Homestake Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.954m (6,410ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Jefferson and Silver Bow counties, in the US state of Montana.

Located in the heart of Owens Valley, in Inyo County, in the US state of California, Onion Valley Road is one of the steepest roads of California: this climb averages nearly 8%.

Willamette Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.563m (5,128ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Klamath and Lane counties, in the US state of Oregon.

Montgomery Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.185m (7,167ft) above the sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.

Kimsey Mountain Highway is a scenic drive through a truly remote region of wilderness, located in Polk County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee.

Situated high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Bodie is a ghost town in Mono County, in the U.S. state of California. The town sits at an elevation of 2.554m (8,379ft) above the sea level.

Located in the U.S. state of California, the San Diego–Coronado Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. The bridge crosses over San Diego Bay and links San Diego with Coronado.

South Grade Road is a very challenging yet dangerous drive located in San Diego County, in the US state of California. The road features 21 switchbacks.

McCarthy Road is an epic road trip in a very Alaskan sort of way, located deep in the heart of Valdez-Cordova Census Area, in USA. Rough road conditions and potholes are common.

Kern Canyon Road is a very scenic but dangerous journey located in Kern County, in the U.S. state of California. If you enjoy twists and turns, this is a great option.

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