25 roads that everyone should drive in their lifetime
The Valley of Fire Road in Nevada passes through beautiful red sandstone formations. Because they reflect the sun, the formations look like they're on fire.
Norway's Atlantic Road stretches across seven bridges and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you drive in calmer weather, you might even see whales and seals.
Although it's known for its massive landslides, India's Rohtang Pass offers spectacular, diverse views — think glaciers, peaks, and rivers.
The Interstate 70, which runs through Utah, is most beautiful in winter, especially the section of the road that winds its way through the snow-covered Spotted Wolf Canyon.
The Oberalp Pass in Switzerland winds through the Swiss Alps and is 6,706 feet above sea level. The road is only open during the summer, but in the winter you can take a train ride across the pass.
The Karakorum Highway is one of the highest international paved roads in the world. It runs through the Karakoram mountain range and connects Pakistan and China.
The Milford Road in New Zealand winds for 144 miles through Fiordland National Park, in the heart of the Southern Alps. The road also connects to Milford Sound, one of the filming locations for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from North Carolina to Virginia and is known for its rugged mountain views and views of the Appalachian Highlands.
The Guoliang Tunnel Road in China's Henan province lives up to its name — the short 3/4 mile road literally cuts through the Guoliang Tunnel, which is built into the edge of Taihang Mountains. It's a short, but thrilling, ride.
Chapman's Peak Drive in South Africa is only about five miles long, but the road has 114 curves and offers stunning 180-degree views of both mountain and sea.
Australia's beautiful Great Ocean Road winds along a number of tourist sites: the famous Twelve Apostles limestone stacks, whale lookouts, rain forests, and national parks.
Big Sur refers to the road that runs from San Simeon to Carmel, along California's rugged central coastline. Looking out the window will reveal steep drops over cliffs that lead to white caps on the Pacific Ocean.
Col de l'Iseran in France is the highest paved road in the Alps. This scenic route is open only in the summer and has been used several times in the Tour de France.
The North Yungas Road in Bolivia is gorgeous but also known as the world's most dangerous road because of its single lanes, tight turns, and steep drop-offs.
Italy's Stelvio Pass boasts an impressive 48 switchbacks in the course of only 15 miles. The road runs through the Italian Alps, 9000 feet up, providing unparalleled views.
Hana Highway in Hawaii travels along Maui's coastline and consists of 620 sharp turns and 59 bridges. You'll experience a variety of views, including waterfalls, rain forests, and, of course, the ocean.
Ruta 40 stretches more than 3,000 miles, from Argentina's northern border to its southern tip. It crosses 18 rivers, passes 20 national parks, and runs parallel to the Andes mountains, making for a perfect scenic drive.
A favorite for those brave enough to try "drifting" in rear-wheel-drive cars, the Touge Roads in Japan lead up to the caldera of the picturesque Mount Fuji, both an active volcano and the highest peak in Japan.
Norway's Trollstigen Road means "troll ladder," a fitting name for this extremely narrow and steep winding road. If you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with views of the Stigfossen waterfall, a 1,050-foot waterfall that cascades over the mountains.
Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road in Abu Dhabi winds up the craggy limestone of to Jebel Hafeet Mountain, the second-tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates. Take the drive in late afternoon so you can catch the sunset from the top of the mountain.
The Overseas Highway in Florida connects mainland Florida to the Florida Keys and consists of 42 overseas bridges across 113 miles. You'll feel like you're driving on the surface of the ocean. Sunrise or a sunset drives are ideal, as the sun casts a spectacular reflection on the water.
The long, remote A82 Road in Glencoe, Scotland, brings you amazing scenery and wonderful sights like the Rannoch Moor Bridge.
Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is one of the most scenic drives in Canada, winding around the greater part of Cape Breton Island and offering views of both the woods and the ocean. Make sure to glance at the water every once in a while — you might spot a pod of whales swimming past.
Scenic Byway 163 stretches from the Arizona border through Utah's Monument Valley. During the 45-mile drive, you'll be able to admire the red rocks and desert.
Any speedster's dream, the Nurburgring Nordschleife is both a racetrack and a toll road. The 12.93 mile loop is open to anyone willing to pay the 24 euro toll — it's not easy through, the 154 turns will prove challenging for even the most seasoned of drivers.
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