What is the highest paved road in every US State? The Ultimate List
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
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
hardWhere is Imogene Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Imogene Pass in Colorado is calling your name, but be warned, this ain't your Sunday drive. We're talking a 16.3-mile, unpaved climb that hits a whopping 13,162 feet above sea level! Located right on the border of San Miguel and Ouray counties in southwest Colorado, this former mining road, built in 1880, connects Ouray (right off that famous Million Dollar Highway) to Telluride. The views? Epic! Think historical mining towns and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Most seasoned drivers will need 2.5 to 3.5 hours to conquer it. The pros suggest starting in Telluride so you can descend the north side's steeper, rockier terrain. But here's the deal: You NEED a rugged 4x4 with good clearance and high sidewall tires. Seriously, 2WD is a no-go. Expect steep climbs, and narrow sections. Passing can be tricky, so stay focused. The pass is typically closed from late October to late June/early July. Even in summer, the weather can be unpredictable – cold, windy, with sudden thunderstorms. Keep an eye on the sky! Plus, be mindful of water crossings. So, if you're an experienced off-roader with a sense of adventure, Imogene Pass promises an unforgettable, if slightly hairy, ride!
moderateHow long is U-153?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for a seriously scenic drive on Utah's State Route 153, connecting Beaver and Piute counties! Nestled way up high in the Fishlake National Forest, this 40.5-mile gem of a road peaks at a cool 10,242 feet above sea level. The first 21 miles, known as Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway, are paved and smooth sailing, perfect for all vehicles as you climb east from Beaver towards the Tushar Mountain Range, topping out around 9,200 feet near Puffer's Lake. You'll find awesome camping, hiking, and some of the best hunting in Utah along the way. Keep in mind, though, from November to March, snow tires or chains are a must due to the heavy snow. And after the Puffer's Lake turn-off, the adventure really begins! The next 15 miles wind across the Tushar Mountains to Junction. This stretch is unpaved and only open in dry weather – so check conditions in Beaver before you go. It's not recommended for trailers and can get impassable when wet. Finally, the last 5 miles into Junction are paved again. Allow around 1.2 to 1.5 hours to drive the whole thing without stops. This byway is a relatively undiscovered gem, without tons of traffic.
hardPike Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you find yourself in Colorado's Garfield County and crave a little off-the-beaten-path excitement, you HAVE to check out Pike Ridge! Nestled high in the Bookcliff Mountains, this unpaved road climbs to a whopping 8,933 feet above sea level. Word to the wise: a 4WD vehicle is your best bet, especially with those three tight hairpin turns right at the start. And heads up — winter up here can be brutal. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! Starting from Highway 139 (aka Douglas Pass Road), the climb is about 4.6 miles long, and in that short distance, you gain 646 feet. The road has an average incline of 2.66%. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
extremeWhat's America’s most dangerous intersection?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Ever heard of the most "exciting" (read: kinda terrifying) intersection in the whole USA? Buckle up for Knights Road and Street Road in Bensalem, Pennsylvania! This isn't your average crossroads; it's a prime example of a "stroad" gone wrong - a Frankensteinian mix of high-speed highway and local street. Picture this: a single mile stretch of Street Road, including the intersection, racked up a wild 144 crashes in just two years, with 170 folks injured or worse. Yikes! What makes it so wild? Think poor lighting, a chaotic free-for-all of lane merges, and pedestrians braving a multi-lane speedway. It's not just a Pennsylvania problem though; every state's got its own infrastructure quirks.