There are few things more invigorating than exploring a new road alongside a beautiful landscape. Our world has many roads to travel on, but there are 35 roads that rank among the most amazing — in terms of beauty, navigation and pure experience:
1. Rohtang Pass, India
Although landslides are rampant throughout Rohtang Pass, the precaution is worthwhile when you consider you’ll see some of the most beautiful glaciers, rivers and clouded mountaintops in the world.
2. Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa
This beautiful road overlooks the sea and feels like you’re traveling alongside a mountain’s edge. Its 114 curves means the five miles will require some attentive driving, but with views like this it’s well worth it.
3. Ruta, Argentina
This 3000-mile drive crosses 20 national parks and 18 rivers, providing both an eclectic journey and stunning views throughout its entire journey. Seekers of variety should drive on this road ASAP.
4. State Route 1, Big Sur, California
Running through most of the Pacific coast in California, SR 1 epitomizes West Coast beauty, with crisp-clear ocean views and green valley-like landscapes. There are few things better than cruising down SR 1, windows down and surf-rock playing on a sunny day.
5. A82 Road, Scotland
Visiting Scotland? There isn’t a route that better shows the gorgeous countryside and scenic areas like the A82 Road in Glencoe, where everything from overgrown grass on rocks to historical bridges is worth a gander.
6. Hana Highway, Hawaii
It’s true that many roads in Hawaii are beautiful, since the island hosts a lush landscape in most places, but the Hana Highway provides some of the most diverse sights, including rainforests, the ocean and sweeping waterfalls.
7. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia, USA
If you’re seeking a view of the Appalachian Highlands and the colorful beauty it has to offer, this parkway that extends from North Carolina to Virginia will provide images your mind will never forget.
8. Atlantic Road, Norway
Norway’s beauty is captured on this road, where wildlife like seals and whales swim in blue Atlantic Ocean waters as you look at the lush green mountains and rocky horizon in the distance. A blissful ride.
9. Valley of Fire Road, Nevada
If you’re fond of the color red, this may be your favorite road in the world. Beautiful red sand stones are abundant here, looking as if they’re on fire when under sunlight.
10. Milford Road, New Zealand
Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand partly because of its gorgeous, naturalistic views, which are captured in Milford Road in the middle of the Southern Alps.
11. North Yungas Road, Bolivia
Although thick fog can obscure the beautiful greenery of North Yungas Road and its turns make it a dangerous journey, there are few more entrancing roads on earth thanks to the deep green beauty that surrounds the drive. On the bright side, at least it’s not in the list of the world’s fastest roads.
12. Overseas Highway, Florida, USA
Many take this highway-bridge combo to cross between mainland Florida and vacation hotspot the Florida Keys, experiencing the feeling of driving across the ocean for miles and miles. Driving across here during sunset is highly recommended.
13. Scenic Byway 163, Arizona/Utah, USA
Fans of Valley of Fire Road will also enjoy this one, as the Scenic Byway continues to highlight red rocks and desert across a 45-mile drive.
14. Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, Abu Dhabi
Many regard watching the sunset at the summit of Jebel Hafeet Mountain to be one of the most beautiful sights known to man. Experience this for yourself by traveling the scenic Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road in the late afternoon.
15. Trollstigen, Norway
Translating to “troll ladder”, this winding road rewards drivers with a view of the 1050-foot Stigfossen waterfall, which drops over green and gravelly mountains for a truly breathtaking view.
16. Oberalp Pass, Switzerland
At 6,706 feet above sea level, one can be assured of ample seasonal rainfall that contributes to the lush green and curvy landscapes that encompass this stunning road, which is only open during the summer.
17. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Home to rainforests, beautiful ocean views, national parks and the famously unique limestone stacks “Twelve Apostles“, Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic in the world.
18. Col de l’Iseran, France
As the highest paved road in the Alps, Col de l’Iseran is great for both biking and driving during the summer, featuring epic mountainous landscapes and glimpses of medieval-style architecture.
19. Karakoram Highway
As the connection between Pakistan and China, this highway serves a vital role, but also a very scenic one — with majestic snow-tipped mountains a common sight.
20. Interstate 70, Utah, USA
Many drivers seeking a visually stimulating detour in Utah opt for Interstate 70, which winds through the spacious Spotted Wolf Canyon for truly mesmerizing views.
21. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada
Green mountainous peaks and crisp-clear blue ocean water dominate this gorgeous drive, where travelers can feel free to stop and admire the ocean or take a break in the wildlife-thriving woods.
22. Furka Pass, Switzerland
As the setting for the James Bond film Goldfinger, this mountain pass in the Swiss Alps is a winding journey full of snow-tipped mountains and rolling green landscapes.
23. White Rim Road, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The 100-mile stretch of White Rim Road is ideal for adventurers in four-wheel vehicles or mountain bikes, with steep and exposed sections sitting alongside the mesa-like beauty.
24. Tianmen Mountain Road, China
Located in Tianmen Mountain National Park, this winding 11 km road brings visitors to the top of the mountain for some of the most beautiful sights they will ever experience.
25. Stelvio Pass, Italy
At 9,045 feet, this Italian road was chosen by British automotive show Top Gear as the “greatest driving road in the world” with its sharp turns matching its striking landscapes.
26. Col de Turini, France
Like Furka Pass in the Swiss Alps, this mountain pass in France features vibrant green forestry that’s a treat for all eyes.
27. Denali Highway, Alaska
Alaska is one of the most beautiful states in the USA. This highway shows why, with a particularly striking view of Denali National Park.
28. Sani Pass, South Africa
A 4×4 vehicle is required to drive on Sani Pass, which features roads that feel like you’re riding on the side of a mountain. The rolling green landscapes provide a stimulating view during a ride suited to thrill-seekers.
29. Going-to-the-Sun-Road, Montana
This road’s beauty matches its name; the two-lane, 50-mile highway spans the width of Glacier National Park, which means amazing views at glacial lakes, cedar forests and green tundras. This is a ride not to miss.
30. U.S. Route 550, Colorado
Featuring outstanding views of Colorado’s many mountains and forests, U.S. Route 550 stretches for 25 miles and is captivating the entire ride.
31. Transfăgărășan, Romania
The second highest-paved road in Romania, drivers on Transfăgărășan are treated to curvy green landscapes accompanied by a variety of grey-tinted stones that sit gently along the grass.
32. The Hawaii Belt, Hawaii
The “Hawaii Belt” refers to the three state routes – 11, 19 and 190 – that circle around the island. Drivers can expect stunning views of volcanoes, white beaches, vibrant jungles and mountain views throughout the trip.
33. Finger Lakes Highways, New York
This section of central New York offers a spacious drive with a plethora of classic farmhouses, local wineries and lovely small towns along the way, not to mention the beautiful Finger Lakes.
34. Iroha-zaka, Japan
As the connection between central Nikko and Oku-Nikko, Iroha-zaka is a winding road that offers breathtaking views of Japan’s colorful landscapes.
35. Palisades Interstate Parkway, New Jersey
New Jersey has a poor reputation due to unattractive cities like Newark, but this parkway shows the best of the state via beautiful views of the Hudson River. It’s not far from the also-gorgeous Delaware Water Gap roads, as well.
Featured photo credit: Mattia Bericchia via unsplash.com
