America’s Highways offer some of the world’s most scenic and unforgettable drives. But along with their great beauty, some roads often come with significant challenges. Here are fifteen highways that combine stunning vistas with the need for heightened caution and respect for the road from behind the wheel.

U.S. Route 93, Arizona

U.S. Route 93 in Arizona offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and vast desert lands. However, the beauty is matched by its dangers, as the road features high-speed traffic and frequent encounters with wildlife. These factors merge to create a driving experience that is as challenging as scenic.

Hana Highway, Hawaii

This 64-mile stretch of highway on Maui is a feast for the senses, with lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic ocean views. However, the Hana Highway’s 620 curves and 59 bridges—many one-lane—demand full attention. Blind turns, narrow passages, and occasional rockfalls make this paradise drive a true test of driving skills.

Route 550, Colorado

Nicknamed the “Million Dollar Highway,” this section of U.S. Route 550 offers spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains. It’s also one of America’s most dangerous roads, with steep cliffs and a notable lack of guardrails. Add in the potential for severe weather, and you have a drive that is both thrilling and challenging.

Beartooth Highway, Montana, and Wyoming

This 68-mile National Scenic Byway climbs nearly 11,000 feet to offer unparalleled views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. While the vistas are unforgettable, so are the driving challenges: hairpin turns, steep drop-offs and severe weather changes can occur even in summer, making this seasonal road a true alpine driving experience.

Interstate 10, Arizona

While I-10 is an unlikely candidate for this list, the stretch through Arizona combines natural beauty with unique driving hazards. The open desert lands are stunning, but dust storms, mostly during summer, reduce visibility. These storms, known locally as haboobs, require drivers to be prepared to pull over and wait out dangerous conditions.

Seward Highway, Alaska

Connecting Anchorage to Seward, this 125-mile highway shows Alaska’s raw beauty, from the Chugach Mountains to the waters of Turnagain Arm. While the views are spectacular—including potential sightings of beluga whales and Dall sheep—the road features icy spots, avalanches in winter, and extreme weather conditions.

Teton Pass Highway, Wyoming

As a bridge between Jackson, Wyoming, and Victor, Idaho, the Teton Pass provides stunning views of the Teton Range. However, its steep 11.2% grades, hairpin turns, and potential for severe winter weather are some challenges you would have to endure. The pass reaches an elevation of 8,431 feet and adds to the challenge.

Route 6, Massachusetts

Also known as the Mid-Cape Highway on Cape Cod, Route 6 in Massachusetts might seem benign. However, it has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous highways in the state. While offering stunning views of Cape Cod, the highway’s fusion of high speeds and heavy tourist traffic during peak seasons demands constant vigilance.

Overseas Highway, Florida

Stretching across 113 miles from Miami to Key West, the Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1) is a marvel of engineering that island-hops across the Florida Keys. Although the turquoise waters and island scenery are captivating, the long stretches over the water can be monotonous, leading to lapses in concentration.

Highway 1, California

California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway offers spectacular ocean views along much of the state’s coastline. Regardless, the route’s beauty is tempered by its dangers, including tourist traffic, dense fog, show vehicles, and sharp, winding curves. In addition, rockslides and landslides are common hazards, particularly during or after heavy rains.

Highway 550, New Mexico

Traversing the high desert landscape, this highway is known for long, straight stretches punctuated by sudden turns and dips that can lull drivers into complacency. High speeds and long stretches with minimal services mean drivers must be prepared for anything. Also, it cuts through natural habitats, which makes wildlife crossings common.

U.S. Route 50 Highway

Dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America,” the Nevada portion of U.S. Route 50 cuts through vast, desolate terrain. The road’s endless views of open sky and rugged lands appeal to those seeking solitude and adventure. While technically easy to drive, the remote nature and long distances between services require careful planning.

Interstate 15

Interstate 15 is a major highway from Southern California to the Canadian border, passing through some of the most stunning lands in the western United States. Still, drivers must contend with extreme heat and occasional dust storms in the desert stretches. In winter, sections of the highway can be subject to snow and ice.

Highway 2, Montana

Known as the Hi-Line or “Big Sky Country,” this northern Montana highway has expansive views of prairies and distant mountains. However, its remote nature and the potential for severe winter weather and strong crosswinds can make it challenging. Wildlife crossings add another layer of necessary caution, especially during dawn and dusk.

James Dalton Highway, Alaska

The James Dalton Highway was built as a supply road for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This gravel highway offers great views of the Alaskan interior and Arctic tundra. However, with only three towns along its length and the potential for flying rocks damaging windshields, the Dalton demands caution from those who dare drive it.