Top 10 safest & most dangerous cities to drive in the USA
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Million Dollar Highway, also known as US 550, nestled in the heart of Colorado's San Juan Mountains. This baby's about 25 miles long, stretching from Ouray to Silverton, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster!
Elevation? Oh, we're talking serious heights, topping out at over 11,000 feet. That means incredible views, but also, uh, thin air, so take it easy if you're not used to it.
Now, here's the thing: this road isn't for the faint of heart. Think hairpin turns, steep cliffs with zero guardrails in some spots (yikes!), and weather that can change on a dime. Seriously, check the forecast before you go.
But the payoff? Unbelievable! We're talking stunning mountain vistas, waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, and charming little mountain towns that feel like stepping back in time. The scenery is seriously out of this world – perfect for photos and memories that'll last a lifetime. Just, you know, maybe keep your eyes on the road a little more than usual. It's a wild ride, but totally worth it for the adventurous soul!
Where is it?
Top 10 safest & most dangerous cities to drive in the USA is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.6198, -98.7814
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.6198, -98.7814
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is La Manga Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! La Manga Pass in Colorado is calling your name! Situated high up in Conejos County, you'll find yourself cruising at a cool 10,249 feet above sea level. Where to find it? Head to southern Colorado, practically hugging the New Mexico border. You can't miss it! The good news? This beauty is paved, smooth as butter since way back in '54. Just follow State Highway 17 (SH 17). Get ready for a decent drive, because the pass stretches for about 47 miles, running from Antonito, Colorado, all the way down towards Chama, New Mexico. Fair warning: it's a bit of a climb! We're talking an average grade of 5.5%, but be prepared for some seriously steep sections hitting almost 13%. Perched in the San Juan Mountains, La Manga Pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit dramatic in the winter. Expect possible closures during heavy snow. Still, the views are worth it!
hardHow long is the Durango-Mazatlan Highway?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for an epic adventure on Mexico 40D, the Autopista Durango-Mazatlán! This isn't just a road; it's a mind-blowing feat of engineering slicing through the western Sierra Madre. Think 115 bridges and 61 tunnels – seriously impressive! Spanning 211km (131 miles), this route is a scenic alternative to the old Espinazo del Diablo ("Devil's Backbone"). You'll trade terrifying drops for incredible landscapes – from lush tropical vibes to towering pine forests and even desert scenery. Talk about a visual feast! Starting in Durango, the capital city nestled at 1,880 meters (6,168 feet), you'll wind your way down to the sunny resort town of Mazatlán on the Pacific coast. A word of caution: While paved, this road can throw some curveballs your way. Watch out for potential landslides, potholes, and the occasional blocked tunnel. Also, keep an eye on asphalt conditions, especially during the rainy season. Opened in 2013, the highest point of the road reaches nearly 9,000 feet, so winter can bring ice and even snow closures. Don't miss the Tunel el Sinaloense, a 9183-foot (1.7-mile) tunnel. But the real showstopper is the Baluarte Bridge (Puente Baluarte). It's a record-breaker – the highest cable-stayed bridge on the planet, and the tallest in the Americas. Just try not to be too distracted by the dizzying 403-meter drop to the canyon floor as you cruise along its 1,124-meter length!
hardHow many curves are on the Tail of the Dragon?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Tail of the Dragon, straddling the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. This isn't your average Sunday drive; this is a full-throttle, adrenaline-pumping experience. We're talking 318 curves packed into just 11 miles of US 129. Motorcyclists and sports car fanatics flock here for a reason. The turns are tight, the road winds relentlessly, and the forest scenery is stunning. Pull over at one of the overlooks and soak it in, but don't get too distracted—those curves come at you fast. The name? It comes from the road's resemblance to a dragon's tail. And some of those curves have names that give you a sense of what's in store: Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, Brake or Bust Bend... you get the picture. Stop by the Tree of Shame, adorned with motorcycle parts, as a cautionary tale. The Tail runs from NC 28 to Tabcat Creek Bridge. It's all paved, but don't think that makes it easy. We're talking blind curves, long blind crests, and steep cambers. Even experienced drivers will be challenged. Oh, and fun fact: it was a filming location for "The Fugitive." The weather is usually pretty predictable in the summer, but winter can be dicey with ice, snow, and even bears and wild boars crossing the road. Still, winter offers great visibility because the leaves are gone. This road has a reputation for a reason, but it's also a blast. Just be careful out there! Interestingly, some say Tennessee Route 32 South is even more challenging.
moderateWhere is Marshall Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Marshall Pass, perched way up in Colorado's Saguache County at a cool 10,842 feet. It's just south of Poncha Springs, smack-dab in central-southern Colorado. Back in '73, a Lieutenant William L. Marshall found it, and boom, it got his name! So, the road? It's a bit of a blast from the past. They basically followed the old Denver & Rio Grande railroad tracks from like, forever ago. That means it's not crazy steep, but it does kinda meander all over the place to gain altitude. This toll road was finished way back in 1878. Heads up: this isn't your smooth highway drive. It's all unpaved – think Marshall Pass Road. Most of the time, it's not too gnarly, and a regular car can totally handle it if you take it slow. If you're rocking a super low-rider, watch out for a few bumps, especially on the west side. Since it's high in the Rockies, this pass is a no-go in winter. Snowed in! But when things thaw out? Epic. Seriously, the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are insane. Summer and late fall are prime time for a visit. There are tons of awesome, rugged campsites near the pass. The whole stretch is about 30.4 miles, going from Sargents on US-50 all the way to Mears Junction on Highway 285. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!