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
moderateWhere is North Walton Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright adventure junkies, let's talk North Walton Peak in the rugged northern reaches of Colorado! You'll find it standing tall, a ways north of another peak charmingly named South Walton Peak. So, what's at the top? Well, besides some seriously killer views, you'll spot a radio communication tower. Getting there is a bit of an adventure. The dirt track, which I think it's called Buffalo Park Road?, winds for about 3 miles up to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you – you'll be gaining around 740 feet in elevation, making for a moderately steep climb. A 4x4 is absolutely essential. Just a heads up: winter transforms this road into an icy obstacle course. Basically, it's a no-go during the snowy season, so plan your trip accordingly. But when the sun's out, get ready for a wild ride with some unforgettable Colorado scenery!
moderateWhere is Aiken Mine Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a taste of the wild west, Aiken Mine Road in California's Mojave Desert is calling your name. Located in San Bernardino County, inside the Mojave National Preserve, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This completely unpaved trail stretches for 20.2 miles (32.50 km) from Cima Road to Kelbaker Road, climbing to a breezy 5,045 feet (1,538 m) above sea level. Think desert flats, other-worldly basalt lava flows, and enough cinder cones to make you feel like you're on another planet. Now, let's be real – this road's got character. Most of it is a decent width and well-maintained, but you'll hit sandy patches and some rough, rocky sections. The lower part, especially the bit to the lava tube, can get washboarded, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Good tires are a MUST – those lava rocks are no joke! The views? Epic. You'll be winding through the Mojave National Preserve's famous cinder cone field, heading towards the abandoned Aiken Cinder Mine. This place was a full-on mining operation before it was abruptly abandoned in 1990, leaving all its equipment behind. It's a fascinating, slightly eerie, glimpse into the past. So, if you're ready for a rugged, scenic adventure, Aiken Mine Road is waiting! 4x4 highly recommended!
hardA steep unpaved road to Mount Graham in Arizona
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Mount Graham in Arizona. Nestled in Graham County, this peak soars to a whopping 10,472 feet, making it one of Arizona’s highest drives. Find it northeast of Tucson, chilling in the Coronado National Forest. Word is they started carving a road to the top way back in the '20s! Now, heads up: the road to the very top is all dirt, so you'll want an SUV for this one. It's called Mt. Graham International Observatory Road (4567) and leads to the Mount Graham International Observatory, built in '93. Keep in mind, the road usually closes between November 15th and April 15th. Plus, the very tippy-top has been kinda off-limits to the public for a while now. The climb is a beast! From the paved AZ-366, it's just about 2 miles to the top, but get ready for seven seriously tight hairpin turns! You'll climb nearly 900 feet in elevation – that's an average grade of over 8%! Get ready for incredible views!
hardWhen was Bow Pass in Alberta built?
🇨🇦 Canada
Bow Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.088m (6,850ft) above sea level, located in the Canadian province of Alberta. It's one of the highest roads of the country. When was Bow Pass in Alberta built? Located within the Banff National Park, on the western part of Alberta, the road was completed in 1940. Is Bow Pass in Alberta paved? The road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called (also known as Highway 93 north), the highest road in Canada’s national parks. A minor paved road, west of the pass, climbs up to How long is Bow Pass in Alberta? The pass is 75.8 km (47.09 miles) long, running south-north from Lake Louise to Saskatchewan River Crossing. Is Bow Pass in Alberta open? Set high in the Waputik Range, part of the Canadian Rockies, the pass is the highest point on the road. It is typically open all year round but snow can be expected at any time of year and extreme weather is common in winter Is Bow Pass in Alberta worth it? The drive is very scenic and the views cannot be captures in photos. It’s an impressive example of road engineering, producing better and better scenery as you climb higher. It does get busier at weekends and in the main holiday season. The parkway is busy in July and August with up to 100,000 vehicles a month. Lytton-Lillooet Highway is a scenic drive along the Fraser river Saskatchewan Highway 955 is worth the white-knuckle drive 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.