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
moderateDeadman Hill
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deadman Hill in Larimer County, Colorado, is calling your name! This peak tops out at a cool 10,711 feet, and guess what? There's a lookout tower waiting for you at the summit! The road up, Deadman Hill Road (Co Rd 170), winds through the Roosevelt-Arapaho National Forest and is mostly gravel. Now, heads up: winter slams the door shut around mid-November, and you'll have to wait until April or late May for the snow to clear. Good news though – you can totally make it in a regular car! Just keep an eye on the sky, because those mountain thunderstorms can turn the road into a 4x4 playground real quick, or even make it impassable. But trust me, the views are worth it! From the top, you'll score epic panoramas of Rocky Mountain National Park to the south and Bald Mountain to the north. Plus, that fire lookout tower? Built in 1960 – talk about a vintage viewpoint! Get ready for some serious photo ops!
extremeWhere is Obstruction Point Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're in Clallam County, Washington, and you're feeling brave? Obstruction Point Road might just be your ticket to a little adrenaline rush! Locals whisper it's Washington's "scariest road," so buckle up, buttercup! This 7.6-mile dirt track claws its way west-to-east from a starting point to the Obstruction Point Trailhead, nestled deep within the Olympic Mountains. Now, let's be real – "road" might be a generous term. It's a well-maintained, unpaved path, totally doable in your average car, but it's skinny! We're talking a backcountry 1.5-lane situation with some seriously steep drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Keep your eyes peeled for wider spots to squeeze by oncoming traffic. Leave the RVs, trailers, and motorhomes at home. Trust me. This isn't a joyride for Sunday drivers. It's narrow with blind corners galore. Rain helps keep the dust down, but too much turns it into a slick, treacherous beast. Reaching a lofty 6,135 feet, Obstruction Point Road is Olympic National Park's highest drivable point. Typically, it's open from mid-July to October, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Snow can shut it down anytime. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Just allocate about an hour without stops. The scenery is mind-blowing. After cruising through trees, the road bursts open, hugging a ridge with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains that'll leave you breathless. Fair warning: weekends, especially sunny ones, are packed! Get there early or hit it on a weekday. The parking lot at the end fills up fast. But that view? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive. You'll be gazing out over the rugged interior of Olympic National Park. Pure magic!
moderateIs the road to Adams Lake in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously stunning alpine escape, Adams Lake in Colorado is calling your name. Perched way up high in Garfield County at a whopping 10,872 feet, this beauty is a bit of a trek to reach, but trust me, the solitude and views are SO worth it. Now, let's talk about the road. It's Forest Road 601.2C, also known as Adams Lake Road, and it's a rugged 0.88-mile stretch of unpaved glory. Expect a bumpy ride—we're talking super rocky and steep in sections. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a must-have. Keep in mind, you're up in the White River National Forest, and this route sits entirely above 10,000 feet, with some parts even hitting 11,000! That means Old Man Winter likes to hang around for a while, so aim for a mid-summer visit for the safest passage. But let’s talk about the good stuff – the views. Prepare for mind-blowing alpine vistas the whole way! And once you reach the lake? It's breathtaking. Seriously, pack your camping gear and fishing rod because this place is perfect for a dispersed camping getaway. Trust me, Adams Lake is an absolute gem.
extremeWhere is Mount Withington in New Mexico?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! We're heading to Mount Withington, a seriously high peak in the southwestern corner of New Mexico, nestled within the Cibola National Forest. To reach the summit, you'll need to take Forest Service Road 138. This ain't your average Sunday drive! It's a steep climb—we're talking gradients of up to 10.2% in places. Hold on tight! The adventure starts on Forest Road 549 (Old New Mexico 52), which is a little over 6 miles long. Over that distance, you'll climb nearly 2,100 feet, with the average grade being 6.5%. You're gonna feel that in your legs if you hike it! One thing to keep in mind: this road is typically closed from October 1st to May 15th. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment!