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.
Chester Warner Valley Road, a pretty drive in Lassen Volcanic NP
Chester Warner Valley Road is a scenic drive located in Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California, USA.
Travelling through the Mead-Davis Powerline Road
Mead-Davis Powerline Road is a scenic unpaved road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, on the shore of Lake Mohave. It’s the gateway to a variety of roads leading to the Nevada side of Lake Mohave.
Hogback Mountain
Hogback Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.380m (7,808ft) above the sea level located in Lewis and Clark County, in Montana, USA.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Big Lookout Mountain in OR
Big Lookout Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.172m (7,125ft) above the sea level, located in Baker County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.
Is Highway 99 In California The Most Dangerous Highway In The United States?
Highway 99 is well-known among Fresno drivers, and most have witnessed at least one serious collision on it. Highway 99, regarded as the most hazardous road in the country, is fraught with dangers due to its outdated structure and poor lighting. This is because this roadway, which runs through Central California, sees more fatal accidents than any other highway.
Travelling through the historic Little Sandy River Railroad Bridge
Located in Carter County, Kentucky, in USA, this pratt through truss bridge over the Little Sandy River is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
A paved road to the historic Battle Pass in WY
Battle Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.038m (9,967ft) above the sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
Tie Rod Canyon, a road notorious for breaking tie rods
Tie Rod Canyon is a fun and challenging trail located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, just south of Las Vegas. This is a good hard trail.
A 5 stars road to Kingman Pass in Yellowstone NP
Kingman Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.170m (7,119ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming.
A very bumpy, grueling road to Kachina Peak in NM
Kachina Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.606m (11,830ft) above the sea level, located in Taos County, in Northern New Mexico, United States. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of New Mexico.
A memorable road trip to Griffin Top in UT
Griffin Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.283m (10,771ft) above the sea level located in Garfield County, in Utah, USA. It’s one of the highest roads of Utah. There are panoramic views from the high plateau.
Road trip guide: Conquering Waunita Pass in CO
Waunita Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.143m (10,311ft) above the sea level located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The area can be very treacherous during the winter months.
A memorable road trip to Red Mountain in ID
Red Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.830m (9,284ft) above the sea level located in Custer County, in the center of the U.S. state of Idaho. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.
The unmaintained road to Vinegar Hill in OR
Vinegar Hill is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.471m (8,106ft) above the sea level, located in Grant County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. It’s one of the highest roads of Oregon.
Nellis Cove Road is a drive worth taking on the shore of Lake Mohave
Nellis Cove Road is a scenic sandy road located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada, on the shore of Lake Mohave. It’s a stock friendly track but you’ll want four wheel drive and tires that have some gripping power in the sand.
Macedonia Canyon Road: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Macedonia Canyon Road is a scenic drive located in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California, USA. 4WD, high clearance vehicle required.
A memorable road trip to Melendrez Pass
Melendrez Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.763m (5,784ft) above the sea level, located in Pima County, in the south central region of the U.S. state of Arizona.
How To Travel The South Eureka Valley Road
South Eureka Valley Road is a very exciting desert drive located in Inyo County is a county in the eastern central part of the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Masonic Mountain in CA
Masonic Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.812m (9,225 ft) above the sea level, located in Mono County, in the east central portion of the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California.
Portage Glacier Road, one of the best Alaskan drives
Located in the U.S. state of Alaska, the Portage Glacier Road is one of the great Alaskan drives, featuring stunning views.
Hites Cove Road, one of the gnarliest roads in California
Located in Mariposa County, in the U.S. state of California, Hite Cove is small mining camp tucked along the Merced River. The road to the town is a nice 4x4 trail with tight turns.
Road trip guide: Conquering Alamo Peak in NM
Alamo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.825m (9,270ft) above the sea level, located in Otero County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
Driving the scenic Ibex Spring Road in Death Valley NP
Ibex Spring Road is a very exciting desert drive located in San Bernardino County, in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in the Death Valley National Park.
The paved road to Marsh Pass in AZ
Marsh Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.860m (6,102ft) above the sea level, located in Navajo County, in the northern part of the U.S. state of Arizona.
Davison Road, a scenic unpaved road in California
Davison Road is a scenic drive located in Humboldt County, in the U.S. state of California.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Hurricane Basin in CO
Hurricane Basin is a beautiful basin at an elevation of 3.776m (12,388ft) above the sea level, located in Hinsdale County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The trail is a bit rocky, and in some sections it is narrow with a severe drop off to one side. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado.
Driving the road to Miller Lake in MT is not a piece of cake
Miller Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2.571m (8,435ft) above the sea level, located in Deer Lodge County, in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana.
The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Sardine Peak in California
Sardine Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.482m (8,143ft) above the sea level, located in Sierra County, in the U.S. state of California.
Capilla Peak
Capilla Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.859m (9,379ft) above the sea level, located in Torrance County, central New Mexico, United States.
A memorable road trip to Cerro Gordo Peak
Cerro Gordo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.786m (9,140ft) above the sea level, located in Inyo County, in the eastern central part of California, USA.
Road trip guide: Conquering the Kavanaugh Ridge
Kavanaugh Ridge is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.347m (10,980ft) above the sea level, located in Mono County, in the east central portion of the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads in California.
Tobin Ridge Road, a brutal drive in CA with 26% ramps
Tobin Ridge Road is a very challenging drive located in Plumas County, in the U.S. state of California. The drive is not easy, with 64 hairpin turns.
The unplowed road to Left Hand Reservoir in CO
Left Hand Reservoir is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 3.256m (10,682ft) above the sea level, located in the heart of the Indian Peaks, in Boulder County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Road trip guide: Conquering Denver Pass in CO
Denver Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.660m (12,007ft) above the sea level located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of thehighest roads of Colorado.
The Wild And Steep Road to Pilot Peak in Mineral County
Pilot Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.795m (9,169ft) above the sea level, located in Mineral County, in the U.S. state of Nevada.
Travelling the historic Robidoux Pass
Robidoux Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.403m (4,603ft) above sea level, located in Scotts Bluff County, on the western border of the U.S. state of Nebraska.
Forest Road 207
Forest Road 207 is a high mountain road located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Wyoming.
Crossing the historic Clear Creek Bridge
Located in Iowa County, in the U.S. state of Iowa, Clear Creek Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Road NF-9712
Liberty-Beehive Road #9712 is a very scenic winding mountain road located in Chelan and Kittitas counties, in Washington, United States.
The Wild Road to Sand Creek Pass
Sand Creek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.741m (8,992ft) above the sea level, located in Larimer County, in north central Colorado, USA.
A memorable road trip to Smith Mountain in Adams County
Smith Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.442m (8,011ft) above the sea level located in Adams County, in the US state of Idaho.
A brutal road to Bearwallow Mountain in NM
Bearwallow Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.039m (9,970ft) above the sea level, located in Catron County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of New Mexico.
Things you need to know when you drive in a high mountain road in the USA
Driving in a high mountain road can be a wonderful experience. But if you are not used, be warned, because it can be dangerous. Not only in winters...
A defiant road to Glacier Mountain in CO
Glacier Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.793m (12,444ft) above the sea level, located in eastern Summit County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Full size vehicles should not attempt to drive all the way, as there are a few very narrow spots. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Park Boulevard
Park Boulevard is a very scenic loop drive located in the Joshua Tree National Park, in Southern California, USA. If you have time only for a short visit in the park, driving Park Boulevard is your best choice.
A memorable road trip to Mount Sheridan in CO
Mount Sheridan is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.021m (13,192ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Plenty of mining structures remain in the area. It’sone of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Adventure along the wild road to Monument Peak in Meagher County
Monument Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.255m (7,398ft) above the sea level located in Meagher County, in the U.S. state of Montana.
Crossing the infamous Deep Creek Bridge
Located in southwestern Fulton County, Georgia, in USA, Deep Creek Bridge was built in 1940. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.