What is the highest paved road in every US State? The Ultimate List
Usa, north-america
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moderate
Year-round
# Chasing State Summits: America's Most Epic Mountain Drives
Ever wanted to drive to the literal top of your state? There's something magical about pushing your car to the highest point in the land—where the air gets thinner, the views get bigger, and your engine works harder than ever before. From the jaw-dropping Colorado Rockies to the historic mountain passes of the Appalachians, these are the roads that take you to the absolute peak.
This isn't just about elevation numbers (though those are impressive). It's about experiencing the real challenges of high-altitude driving: those heart-pounding gradients, the sudden weather shifts that can catch you off guard, and the engineering marvels that make it all possible. Whether you're a seasoned mountain driver or just looking for your next adventure, these state summits deliver the kind of experiences that stick with you.
Ready to explore? Our interactive map is your guide to discovering some of the most breathtaking roads across the country. Zoom in, plan your route, and get inspired for your next road trip.
**Found a hidden gem?** If you know of an incredible mountain road that should be on everyone's radar, we want to hear about it! Send us your suggestions and help us build the ultimate collection of America's best driving routes.
Where is it?
What is the highest paved road in every US State? The Ultimate List is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.9581, -101.0602
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.9581, -101.0602
Related Roads in north-america
hardNeedles Eye in South Dakota is a nerve-racking tunnel if you have a big vehicle
🇺🇸 Usa
# Needles Eye: A Granite Adventure in South Dakota Want to experience one of South Dakota's most unforgettable drives? Head to Custer County and tackle Needles Highway—a stunning 14-mile stretch of scenic road that winds through the Black Hills' iconic granite formations. This section of Highway 87 is part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, and it's absolutely worth the detour. The main attraction? The Needles Eye tunnel itself, a one-lane passage carved straight through solid granite with dimensions of just 8 feet 4 inches wide by 12 feet high. It's genuinely the narrowest tunnel in South Dakota, making it equal parts thrilling and claustrophobic (though totally manageable if you're not severely phobic). You'll share the road with other tourists and the occasional charter bus, so confidence in your vehicle's size is key. RV and large trailer owners? This might not be your jam. For details on tunnel specs and current conditions, swing by the visitor center. Fair warning: this isn't a speedy drive. Budget 45 minutes to over an hour for the full journey—and honestly, you'll probably find yourself crawling along at 20 mph just to soak in the scenery. The narrow, winding road with hairpin turns and granite needle formations means you'll want to pause frequently at pullouts rather than rush through. The asphalt is well-maintained, and nearly all traffic consists of leisurely sightseers. Nestled in Custer State Park, this road was meticulously planned by former Governor Peter Norbeck, who actually mapped the entire route on foot and horseback. It was finished in 1922, and it's been drawing visitors ever since. Keep in mind: the road typically closes from mid-October through early April due to snow, so plan your visit for warmer months. There's an entrance fee for the park, but trust us—it's worth every penny.
hardHilman Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Hilman Lake in Colorado's Conejos County is calling your name, but fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a heart-pumping climb to 11,000 feet! The road? Let's just say "rough and rugged" is an understatement. Think rocky, steep, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or those without 4x4). Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe grab a postcard instead. Winter? Forget about it – this road's a no-go when the snow flies. And heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing a lot of them. The trail keeps going up until you reach the top of an unnamed peak at 11,430ft! But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Just picture yourself surrounded by pristine alpine scenery, with a sparkling lake as your reward. It's an unforgettable experience, as long as you're prepared for the challenge!
extremeWhere is Badwater Basin?
🇺🇸 Usa
Badwater Basin is a salt pan at 86m (282ft) below sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. At this elevation it’s the lowest point in North America. Where is Badwater Basin? The basin is a surreal landscape of vast salt flats located in Death Valley National Park, in the eastern central part of California. Why is it called Badwater Basin? This site was once a lake, but as it has dried up, sediment and salt have accumulated here over time because the lake has no outlet. A sign near the parking lot says that the area was named Badwater because a traveler was passing through and saw that there was water for his mule to drink. However, because the water is so full of salt, the animal refused to drink it, and thus the name Badwater was born. How long is the road to Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP? The road to the basin is totally paved. It’s called Badwater Road (CA 178). Starting at Furnace Creek (on CA-190), the drive is 15.5 miles (24.94km) long. The road is steep in parts, with a maximum gradient of 4% through some of the ramps. High in the rocky cliffs above the road, a sign reads 'SEA LEVEL', giving a good indication of just how low the land is. Is Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP challenging? You must be prepared and use common sense. At Badwater Basin, significant rainstorms flood the valley bottom periodically. Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the world, and climatic conditions in the park can be extreme. With an air-conditioned vehicle, you can safely tour many of the main sites in Death Valley. Avoid canyons during rainstorms and be prepared to move to higher ground. While driving, be alert for water running in washes and across road dips. Cell phones may not work in many parts of the park. Do not depend on them. Is Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP worth it? Plan around 30 minutes to complete the drive without any stops. It is a truly unique place to discover. A visit to the basin is an otherworldly experience. This area is very popular, so be sure to note that if you go on a busy weekend. Badwater Basin can be viewed from your vehicle in the parking area . The road passes Artist’s Drive, another worthy attraction with unique Death Valley geology. How to drive the Sedona's Red Rock Scenic Byway in Arizona Daniel’s Pass is a classic road trip in Utah 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.
moderateWhere is Homestake Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're cruising through Montana and looking for an epic drive? Check out Homestake Pass! This baby sits way up high at 6,410 feet, right on the Jefferson/Silver Bow County line, smack-dab in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The road itself? Paved, smooth sailing as you climb Interstate 90. Yep, this pass is actually the highest point on that massive highway! Montana really knew what they were doing using it to cross the Continental Divide. From Butte to Whitehall, this stretch of I-90 winds for about 24.8 miles. And while it's generally open year-round, keep an eye on the weather during winter. Snow can definitely shut things down for a bit. So, buckle up and get ready for some incredible Rocky Mountain scenery!