What are the highest roads in the United States?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# America's Most Epic High-Altitude Drives
Ready for an adventure that'll take your breath away—literally? The United States is packed with some seriously stunning high-elevation roads that'll have you questioning how engineers even pulled off these routes.
From the dramatic peaks of Colorado's Rockies to California's jaw-dropping Sierra Nevada and even Hawaii's volcanic summits, these drives are the real deal. You'll find yourself climbing to elevations so high you'll practically be kissing the clouds, which honestly makes for some incredible photo ops.
Whether you're into the rugged, unpaved experience of dusty mountain passes or prefer cruising smooth asphalt through alpine terrain, there's something here for every type of adventurer. These roads showcase some seriously impressive engineering while delivering views that'll make your Instagram followers jealous.
Curious about exploring these routes? Check out our interactive map to find the most breathtaking roads across the country—each one a unique challenge that'll push both you and your vehicle to their limits.
**Think you know a hidden gem?** If you've discovered an amazing road that deserves the spotlight, we'd love to hear about it! Share your suggestions with us, and we might just add your discovery to our growing collection of epic American drives.
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in the United States? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.1124, -99.3558
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.1124, -99.3558
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is Mount Baker Highway in Washington?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Mount Baker Highway (also known as Washington State Route 542), a 57-mile stretch of pure driving bliss snaking through the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This baby starts near Bellingham, Washington (that’s just north of Seattle, close to Canada), and follows the North Fork Nooksack River all the way up to Artist Point, which sits pretty at 5,140 feet. Built way back in 1893 as a logging road, the final few switchbacks near the top are a real gut check. You can see exactly how much further UP you have to go, and it's either inspiring or terrifying! Fair warning: after you pass the town of Glacier (around Mile 33), you won't find any services like food, gas, or even proper restrooms. So, fill up before you go! Allow about two hours to drive it straight through, but honestly, you'll want to budget way more time because the scenery is insane. Think breathtaking views around every bend. The ultimate payoff is Artist Point, offering a complete 360-degree panorama of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, plus a bunch of hiking trails. Keep in mind that Artist Point is only accessible for a few months each year (usually July to September/October) because of heavy snow. The Washington State Department of Transportation closes the road to Artist Point during winter. Even then, the road is open to the Mount Baker Ski Area (Mile 55) which is where the road ends in the winter. This area once held the world record for snowfall in a single season, so you know they get serious snow.
moderateHow long is Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu is a MUST if you're cruising around western Los Angeles. Seriously, it's supposed to be one of the best drives in the area. Snaking through the Santa Monica Mountains, this paved beauty clocks in at just over 5 miles. You'll start near the Pacific Coast Highway and climb north to connect with CA-23. Heads up: this area can have rock slides. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be climbing quite a bit (averaging a 5.5% grade, with some spots hitting 8%!) and the drive takes about 15 minutes. But trust me, the views are insane. Think endless ocean panoramas as you make your way up. Plus, you're right by Charmlee Wilderness Park, so the scenery is killer!
moderateDriving the high-altitude road to Cumbres Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, buckle up for Cumbres Pass! This beauty sits way up high in southern Colorado, near the New Mexico line, clocking in at a cool 10,029 feet. You'll find it snuggled in the Rio Grande National Forest, south of La Manga Pass. "Cumbres" means "crest" in Spanish, which is fitting because you'll definitely feel on top of the world! The road, known as Colorado State Highway 17 (SH 17), stretches for about 47 miles between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico. The road first opened in 1879 as a toll road. It was improved and reopened in 1923. Get ready for some climbs, though! The steepest part hits almost 13%, and the approaches are around 6% on the north side and 4% on the south. Cumbres Pass is usually open year-round (yay!), but keep an eye on the weather in winter. It can get snowy up there, leading to temporary closures. Still, it's rare for it to be shut down for long.
hardMengel Pass in California: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Mengel Pass! This wild ride sits at 4,311 feet in California's Inyo County, right in the heart of Death Valley National Park. Fun fact: it's where they caught Charles Manson back in the day! Now, it's a primo Jeep trail connecting Panamint Valley to the west and the stunning Butte Valley to the east. The road's named after Carl Mengel, an old-time prospector, and his stacked-rock grave marks the summit. We're talking Coyote Canyon Road here, and yeah, it's unpaved. Clocking in at 5 miles, this south-to-north stretch links Goler Wash Road and Butte Valley Road. Pro tip: gas stations are scarce, so fuel up! Plus, pack plenty of water and buddy up – never roll solo. Conditions? Always changing! This isn't your Sunday drive; experienced 4WD drivers only. Expect a challenging, steep, and rutted climb. Sure, it's a long haul, but the scenery is epic. The pass itself throws down with deep ruts and rocky bits. It's a harsh landscape, but the solitude and those views? Totally worth it. Keep an eye out for busted car parts – a reminder of past mishaps. This trail's a real test, so prep for anything: mechanical issues, medical needs – help can be a long way off. And watch for those sneaky turnouts – you might meet traffic at the worst spots!