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
hardWhere is the Black Hills Scenic Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising around southeastern Arizona? You absolutely *have* to check out the Black Hills Scenic Byway, tucked away in Greenlee and Graham counties near... well, basically the middle of nowhere! This hidden gem, built between 1914 and 1920, is also known as the Black Hills Back Country Byway. This isn't your average Sunday drive. At just over 21 miles, running from northeast to southwest (both ends connect to U.S. 191), it's a slow and steady adventure. Forget your low-rider; you'll need a high-clearance vehicle, and four-wheel drive is a lifesaver if you want to explore the side roads. Seriously, leave the travel trailer at home—anything over 20 feet long is a no-go. The drive itself, without stops, takes about 45 minutes, but trust me, you'll want to stop. You'll be winding through the northern end of the desert, topping out at over 6,300 feet above sea level! The scenery is breathtaking, but remember, Arizona weather is WILD. Pack layers, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Heads up: this isn't for the faint of heart. Think steep sections, narrow drop-offs, and blind curves. Mountain courtesy rules—uphill traffic has the right of way. The road is mostly unpaved, and you'll often find yourself sandwiched between cliffs on one side and a sheer drop on the other. Drive defensively, expect oncoming traffic around every bend, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
easyPlanning Your Road Trip Adventure
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: Route du Nord, Quebec. This baby's REMOTE. Think vast, empty spaces and hardly any other cars. If you're looking to get away from it all and soak in some serious solitude, this is your road. It's not for the faint of heart — make sure your car is reliable and you're prepared for self-sufficiency. But the payoff? Untouched wilderness and a sense of being utterly alone in a breathtaking part of Canada. This isn't just a drive, it's an escape.
hardWhere is Cayuse Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Cayuse Pass is calling! This insane mountain pass sits way up high in Washington State, hovering around [elevation] above sea level. You'll find it straddling the line between Pierce and Yakima counties, smack-dab in the heart of central Washington. Get ready for a fully paved but seriously twisty and turny ride. You'll be gripping the wheel the entire way! At the top, you'll hit a junction. This epic stretch is about 10.12 miles long, running north-south from State Route 123. Word to the wise: Cayuse Pass is a fair-weather friend. Typically, it shuts down around November due to heavy snow, and doesn't thaw out until sometime in May. Snowdrifts can get HUGE, which combined with avalanche danger, icy roads, and limited emergency services, makes it a no-go zone in winter. So, plan your trip accordingly and get ready for some killer views – when you can actually *see* them!
hardWhy is it called Elk Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Elk Mountain in Carbon County, Wyoming, is calling your name. This beast tops out at a whopping 11,171 feet, making it one of the highest roads in the state. Fun fact: it gets its name from Sioux Chief Standing Elk. The road itself? Eight miles of pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or maybe hell, depending on your driving skills!). You absolutely NEED a 4x4 for this one, trust me. We're talking serious gradients here, with sections hitting a leg-burning 15% incline! You'll climb a staggering 3,589 feet over that short distance, averaging an 8.41% gradient. The views from the top are epic, but be warned: this road is usually snowed in from late October until late June/early July. So plan your adventure accordingly! Oh, and the summit's home to a radio station, KBDY. So, crank up the tunes and get ready for an unforgettable ride!