US Highway 50 is the Loneliest Highway In America
Usa, north-america
4,800 km
2,356 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, road trip fans, buckle up for U.S. Route 50, a classic American adventure! This paved beauty stretches a whopping 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from coast to coast. We're talking from Ocean City, Maryland, all the way to West Sacramento, California.
Originally created back in 1926, this route isn't just pavement; it's practically a time capsule, built on the faint pathways of Native Americans from way back when.
Get ready for a serious cross-country trek as you roll through a dozen states (California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland) and even four state capitals, not to mention Washington, D.C. This road is your ticket to experiencing the heart of America!
But the Nevada section... oh, that's something special. It's famously known as "The Loneliest Road in America," and trust me, it lives up to the name. Picture this: miles and miles of stunning, empty desert landscapes. US 50 climbs over 17 mountain passes, topping out at Connors Pass (7,729 feet/2.356m). In Nevada, it is just you, endless sandy and rocky vistas, a sprinkling of timeworn towns, and that big blue sky. Over 400 miles, you’ll pass through four mining towns and the capital, Carson City. Keep an eye out for those vintage gas stations, motor courts, and diners tucked away – little slices of Americana hiding in plain sight.
Where is it?
US Highway 50 is the Loneliest Highway In America is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.3872, -100.9992
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4,800 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,356 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.3872, -100.9992
Related Roads in north-america
moderateGold Camp Road is a spooky haunted spot with collapsed tunnels in Colorado Springs
🇺🇸 Usa
Looking for an adventure near Colorado Springs? Gold Camp Road is a must-do! This 32-mile trail winds its way from Colorado Springs to Victor, offering breathtaking scenery and a spooky twist. Located in Teller County, just a short drive southwest of Colorado Springs, this road boasts stunning views and a fascinating history. Originally a railroad built during the gold rush in the 1880s, it was converted into a highway in 1924. The road is a mix of paved and unpaved sections, with some parts closed to vehicles. You can drive through two tunnels, but be prepared for winding dirt and gravel roads that can get narrow and rocky. Keep an eye out for bikers and hikers! Speaking of tunnels, Gold Camp Road has some seriously spooky legends. Tunnel 3 is completely sealed off due to a collapse, fueling tales of a tragic school bus accident with no official record. People claim to hear laughter, see handprints, and even witness apparitions in the tunnels. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a history buff, Gold Camp Road is an unforgettable experience. Just be aware that others might stop in the tunnels to try to experience the paranormal, so drive carefully!
hardThe winding Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina: 318 curves in 11 miles
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Tail of the Dragon: America's Ultimate Twisty Road Adventure Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Deals Gap (aka the Tail of the Dragon) is hands-down one of the most exhilarating drives in the USA. This 11-mile stretch of US 129 isn't for the faint of heart—it packs a jaw-dropping 318 curves into those miles, earning its serpentine nickname. Word travels fast about this place. Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts flock here year-round, drawn by the legendary tight turns with names that'll make you smile: Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, Brake or Bust Bend. The road snakes through dense forest with occasional scenic pull-offs, but don't get too distracted—blind curves, steep cambers, and crests that come out of nowhere make this a seriously technical drive. Even the most experienced drivers treat the Dragon with respect. Want proof? Check out the Tree of Shame, where motorcycle debris hangs as a sobering reminder of what happens when you push too hard. The fully paved road runs from NC 28 in North Carolina to the Tabcat Creek Bridge in Tennessee. It's been featured in countless films (Harrison Ford drove it in The Fugitive!) and ads, but the real thrill is the drive itself. Weather here is tricky. Summer's pretty predictable, but winter (November-March) is a wild card—snow, ice, wildlife, and sudden weather changes can make things unpredictable. That said, winter offers less traffic and better visibility through the trees. Summer afternoons often bring scattered showers, but they're typically gone by evening, leaving plenty of riding time. Around 250,000 riders tackle the Dragon annually. Fun fact: 18-wheelers have been banned since authorities got tired of semi disasters. Tucked between the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, this is one road that'll get your adrenaline pumping and give you stories for years.
extremeWhere is Lion's Back in UT?
🇺🇸 Usa
Lion's Back is a famous sandstone ridge located near the city of Moab in the US state of Utah. It is now private property and no longer accessible by 4x4 enthusiasts. Where is Lion's Back in UT? Lion's Back is located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, near Moab, in Grand County, in the eastern part of Utah, in the western United States. It’s located to the east of the iconic Why is Lion's Back in UT famous? It gained popularity in the early 2000s as a daring climb for off-road vehicles due to its steep incline and rugged terrain. How is Lion's Back in UT? The climb is several hundred feet up (350 feet), and the slope has a gradient of up to 65 degrees in places; then the world’s most precarious 3-point turn at the top of the rock, before the hair-raising descent. It's said to be one of the most iconic off-road obstacles on the planet. As the tire tracks on the rock show, plenty of off-roaders have proved their insanity here. Excellent traction enabled vehicles to surmount inclines of incredible steepness, but plenty of power is necessary. The climb involves several hundred feet on a steep slope, and then a 5 to 9-point turn-around at the top of the rock before slowly descending the same way up. Drivers ascended a steep stone ramp, surrounded on all sides by precipitous drop-offs. This amazing and dangerous rock was not for stock vehicles or novice drivers. The most famous accident on Lion's Back This rocky hill was known for a video showing a Chevrolet Blazer losing its brakes and rolling down the hill, plunging 30 feet to the ground. The accident was featured on several TV shows. Why is Lion's Back at Moab closed? The experience was simply stunning. Despite its allure to adrenaline junkies, Lion's Back was eventually closed to vehicle traffic due to safety concerns and environmental considerations. The closure came after several incidents and accidents on the trail, highlighting the risks associated with attempting such treacherous off-road challenges. In 2004, this land was purchased by a real estate developer and has since been closed to the public. Now it’s privately owned and no longer accessible by 4x4 enthusiasts. It is one of those obstacles that looks much more intimidating than it is difficult. While Lion's Back is no longer accessible for 4x4 vehicles, it remains a notable landmark in the Moab area and serves as a reminder of the region's rugged terrain and adventurous spirit. Dare to drive the Yankee Boy Basin Road in Colorado The killer Old Priest Grade Road in California hits a 20% of max gradient Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeWhat are Devil’s Slide Trestles?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're way up in the Rockies of north-central Colorado, Boulder County to be exact. You stumble across what's left of the old Devil's Slide Trestles. These aren't roads, per se, but old railroad trestles clinging to the side of South Boulder Canyon. Imagine a narrow-gauge railway line that was built to help trains cross the Continental Divide. We're talking about two trestles perched on the edge of a cliff with a massive 960-foot vertical drop! Built way back in 1904, these trestles look like they’re just hanging on for dear life. Now, while much of the old railway is still there, some of the trestles have collapsed over the years. Here's the kicker: no guardrails! Just a straight drop on either side. And some of the boards? Well, let's just say you can see straight down. Originally built for trains to cross the Continental Divide. This route was used for automobile traffic from 1955 to 1979, and then reopened in 1988, only to be permanently closed in 1990.