Where are the 11 Steepest Streets in the USA? See the Ranking, including Waipio Valley's 45% Descent
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
# America's Most Insanely Steep Streets: A Jaw-Dropping Road Trip
Ready to experience some seriously wild driving? The USA is absolutely packed with some of the planet's steepest paved urban roads, and we're talking legitimately bonkers gradients. At the top of our list sits Hawaii's mind-blowing Waipio Valley Road, dropping at a jaw-dropping 45% – seriously, you'll feel like you're descending into another dimension.
Here's where it gets interesting: California is basically the steep-street capital of America. Eight out of the eleven most extreme slopes are scattered across the Golden State, with LA and San Francisco being the absolute hotspots for these gravity-defying stretches. We're not talking about quirky Instagram fodder here – roads steeper than 30% are serious business. Your standard vehicle will struggle big time, many require four-wheel drive to even attempt, and during rain or snow? Most are straight-up closed to traffic.
Want to explore these legendary routes yourself? Check out our interactive map and dive into the most incredible roads across the globe. Whether you're a thrill-seeking driver or just curious about these extreme landscapes, there's something awe-inspiring waiting for you.
Got a road in mind that should be on everyone's bucket list? We've got our eyes on over 13,000 cataloged routes, and we're always hunting for the next legendary stretch. Think you know a hidden gem that deserves the spotlight? Drop us a line – you might just help us feature the next great discovery.
Where is it?
Where are the 11 Steepest Streets in the USA? See the Ranking, including Waipio Valley's 45% Descent is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.8806, -97.3674
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.8806, -97.3674
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Goldstone Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're craving a wild ride? Check out Goldstone Pass! It's perched way up on the Idaho-Montana border, a whopping 9,101 feet high. Seriously breathtaking. You'll find this beauty straddling Lemhi County, Idaho, and Beaverhead County, Montana, smack-dab in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Heads up: the road to the top is unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle is your best bet. On the Montana side it's Goldstone Road, and in Idaho it's Pratt Creek Road. Did I mention it's one of the highest roads in Idaho? The climb is pretty intense. From Bloody Dick Road, it's a 3.5-mile push, gaining 1,456 feet in elevation. Expect an average grade of almost 8%, with some ramps hitting over 10%! Keep an eye out for cool, abandoned mining relics along the way. Just a heads up: this route's usually open from late May to early November, depending on the snow. Perfect for a summer/fall adventure!
hardHow long is Empire Mine Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, ghost hunters, because we're talking about Empire Mine Road in Antioch, California! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a creepy 3.4 miles stretch of paved road in Contra Costa County. Word on the street is this place is seriously haunted. The road is now closed with barriers since it is located on private property, but listen to the stories. What can you expect? First, there's this graffiti-covered stucco wall that just pops up out of nowhere, a prime spot for hikers brave enough to venture this far. Legend says an old Insane Asylum sits at the far end of the road! Some say a decaying hospital lurks there with stories of tortured souls still echoing within its walls. Then there's an old railroad tunnel where, if you dare to enter, you might just hear whispers carried on the breeze as bats flutter above. And don't even get me started on the abandoned slaughterhouse at a bend in the road. Rumors swirl of KKK meetings, satanic rituals, and a ghostly old man who makes sure everyone is safe. Creepy sounds, clanging metal, and the feeling of being watched – this place has it all. So, if you're looking for a spooky adventure, Empire Mine Road might just be your ticket… if you can get permission to go there, and dare to enter!
extremeWhere is Hurricane Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Hurricane Peak in Colorado! Perched way up in the San Juan Mountains, near the historic towns of Ouray and Silverton, this baby hits an altitude of 13,238 feet! Getting there? Buckle up in your 4x4! From Silverton, it's a bit of a trek: hop onto Hwy 110, follow it through town, then a slight left onto County Rd 10/Hurricane Pass. This unpaved road stretches for about 10.4 miles of pure mountain terrain. Now, heads up: This trail ain't for the faint of heart. We're talking steep inclines, seriously narrow sections, and those heart-stopping drop-offs. You'll want to keep your eyes glued to the road! And be aware that it's generally closed from late October until late June/early July, depending on how much snow Mother Nature decides to dump. Even during the open season, expect possible thunderstorms in the summer. But trust me, the views? Totally worth it! From the summit, you get mind-blowing 360-degree panoramas. Plus, keep an eye out for cool remnants of the past: abandoned mines and structures dotting the landscape. The whole trip, starting in Silverton, climbs 3,815 feet over those 10.4 miles, so yeah, it's a climb! Hurricane Peak sits proudly at the head of the South Fork of Cascade Canyon, making it a truly unforgettable spot. Get ready for an epic ride!
moderateDriving to Mackinaw Lake is not a piece of cake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for a serious off-road adventure? Check out Mackinaw Lake in northwest Colorado, chilling at a cool 10,810 feet in the Flat Tops Wilderness. The road in, Forest Road 613, is a 12-mile unpaved beast starting from County Road 39 (Derby Mesa Loop). Forget smooth cruising—we're talking rocky sections, serious trail riding, and maybe even some mud, water, and creek crossings to spice things up! Keep in mind, this is a high-altitude paradise, so the window to visit is tight, usually summer only. Expect snow to linger well into June or even July. Seriously, don't underestimate this drive. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 with low range and know your limits. Drive as far as you're comfortable—the views are incredible, but getting stuck is a real possibility!