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
easyWhere is Lemhi Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Lemhi Pass straddles the Idaho-Montana border at a lofty 7,381 feet! Tucked inside the Salmon-Challis National Forest, this high-altitude gem connects Lemhi County, Idaho, with Beaverhead County, Montana. You'll be cruisin' on Lemhi Pass Road (in Montana) or Lewis and Clark Highway (in Idaho) – a beautiful, rural gravel track steeped in American history. Heads up: a high-clearance vehicle is *strongly* recommended. Expect some deeply rutted and seriously rocky sections! Definitely pack a good spare tire and the know-how to use it. Those last four miles leading up to the pass get pretty tight—we're talkin' single-lane narrow. Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic and be ready to pull over or even back up. Remember, downhill traffic usually has the right-of-way. So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! But be prepared for remote vibes and zero services. Watch out for wandering cattle and moose! The weather can be wild, so pack layers. Snow's possible any time of year, and summer brings thunderstorms with lightning, strong winds, and the occasional hailstorm. But oh, the views! Prepare for breathtaking scenery that'll transport you back in time. This landscape is practically frozen in the 1800s, with native sagebrush, bunch grasses, Douglas-fir, and lodgepole pine galore. Here's a bit of trivia for you: In 1805, Lewis and Clark first glimpsed the headwaters of the Columbia River right here. And the name? It's a nod to King Limhi, a character from the Book of Mormon, given by Mormon missionaries back in 1855. Get ready for a scenic drive and a journey back in time!
moderateWhere is Austin Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Washington state? You HAVE to check out Austin Pass! This baby sits pretty high up in the Cascades, inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, at 4,668 feet. You'll find it in the very northwest corner of Washington, practically waving to Canada. The drive up is totally paved on SR 542, so no need to worry about your tires. But don't get too comfy! It’s got some seriously steep parts and hairpin curves that'll keep you on your toes. The pass itself stretches for about 2.6 miles from the Mt. Baker Ski Area (Heather Meadows Base Area) all the way up to the stunning Artist Point — which, by the way, is even higher at 5,140 feet! Word to the wise: because it's so close to the Canadian border, Austin Pass is only open for a short window. Usually, you can hit it up from July until the first big snowfall, which usually happens around late September or early October. Trust me, the views are SO worth planning your trip around!
extremeHow long is the Black Bear Pass road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Black Bear Pass, nestled high in Colorado's San Miguel County, is a wild ride you won't soon forget! This unpaved beast of a road climbs to a whopping 12,844 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest. Clocking in at 11.1 miles, Black Bear Road (Forest Service Road 648) carves its way from the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) to the charming old mining town of Telluride. The road can start on US 550 and will take you to Telluride. The views are absolutely insane, with two stunning waterfalls, vistas of the San Juans, and a bird's-eye view of Telluride itself. But don't let the scenery fool you - this road is not for the faint of heart! Picture this: narrow dirt track, ridiculously steep sections, and enough exposure to make your palms sweat. You'll need a high-clearance, short-wheelbase, 4-wheel-drive vehicle to even attempt this, and even then, it's best left to experienced drivers. Keep an eye out for those pesky rock slides! The road starts as two-way, but quickly becomes a nail-biting one-way descent. Speaking of descents, brace yourself for the infamous switchbacks above Bridal Veil Falls, the highest waterfall in Colorado. Open only from late summer to early fall (snow permitting), Black Bear Pass demands respect. And because this drive is so intense, it's extra important to be sober and alert behind the wheel. Check the forecast, buckle up, and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure!
easyA scenic paved road to Santiam Pass in central Oregon
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through central Oregon? You HAVE to experience Santiam Pass! Perched at 4,826 feet, this beauty straddles Linn and Jefferson counties and offers a serious dose of Cascade Mountain magic. Locals sometimes call it Lakes Pass, Minto Pass, or even Hogg Pass, but whatever you call it, the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is paved from start to finish. The 18.1-mile stretch winds from Santiam Junction in the west to Black Butte Ranch in the east. You'll likely be able to drive it year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – those winter months can bring short, but intense closures. Heads up, snow bunnies! As you climb, you'll spot the turnoff for Hoodoo Ski Area, perfect for downhill and cross-country thrills from December to March. Hoodoo's been around since the 40s, so you KNOW it's a local favorite. Get ready for some incredible views!