If you’ve ever complained about your daily commute, these roads might put things
into perspective. While some dangerous roads are restricted to military or
maintenance vehicles, these white-knuckle routes are open to anyone brave (or
perhaps foolish) enough to attempt them.
From hair-raising mountain passes to coastal roads that disappear at high tide, these
drives aren’t for the faint of heart.
North Yungas Road, Bolivia
Known as ‘Death Road,’ this 43-mile stretch between La Paz and Coroico hugs the
mountainside with 2,000-foot drops and no guardrails. During the rainy season, fog
reduces visibility to mere feet while the dirt road turns to mud, yet local drivers still
navigate this treacherous path daily.
Karakoram Highway, Pakistan to China
The highest paved international road in the world cuts through the Karakoram mountain range at a breathtaking 15,466 feet above sea level. Landslides, extreme weather, and oxygen-thin air make this ancient Silk Road route a formidable challenge for modern travelers.
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Stelvio Pass, Italy
With 48 hairpin turns ascending to 9,045 feet, this Alpine pass forces drivers to navigate tight switchbacks while dealing with oncoming traffic and steep drop-offs. Snow can appear even in summer, making its already challenging corners even more treacherous.
Atlantic Road, Norway
This engineering marvel connects several small islands with bridges that seem to leap from the sea. During storms, waves crash over the road while powerful winds threaten to push vehicles off course – yet tourists flock here for the spectacular views and heart-pounding experience.
Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
Carved through a sheer cliff face by local villagers, this 3/4-mile tunnel road features
‘windows’ cut into the rock face that offers stunning views – if you dare to look. The
rough-hewn tunnel is just wide enough for two small cars to pass, with uneven surfaces and poor lighting throughout.
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Dalton Highway, Alaska
This 414-mile isolated stretch through the Alaskan wilderness serves as a vital supply route to oil fields. You’ll find only three towns along the way, cell service is non-existent, and temperatures can plunge to -80°F in winter, yet adventure seekers regularly tackle this remote challenge.
Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand
Carved by miners over 140 years ago, this narrow gravel road is so dangerous that rental car insurance won’t cover you if you drive it. The single-lane path offers no guardrails along its steep cliffs, and encountering oncoming traffic often requires one vehicle to reverse for several minutes to find a passing point.
Tianmen Mountain Road, China
Known as ‘Heaven’s Gate Road,’ this mountain path features 99 hairpin turns ascending 3,937 feet in just 6.8 miles. The number 99 is significant in Chinese culture, but you’ll be too focused on navigating the endless switchbacks to appreciate the symbolism.
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Trollstigen, Norway
The ‘Troll’s Path’ climbs a 10% grade through 11 hairpin turns, each named after the
foreman who built it. Waterfalls cascade alongside the road, creating beautiful but
hazardous conditions, while the narrow width requires large vehicles to coordinate
their ascents and descents.
Zoji La Pass, India
This high-mountain pass in the western Himalayas connects Kashmir and Ladakh at
11,575 feet above sea level. Unpaved and often muddy, the road’s edges frequently
crumble away while military convoys share the narrow path with civilian vehicles.
Sani Pass, Lesotho to South Africa
Only 4×4 vehicles are legally permitted on this steep gravel road connecting the two
countries. The pass rises 4,921 feet in just five miles, with gradients up to 33% and
weather that can change from clear to blizzard conditions within hours.
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Bayburt Of Road, Turkey
This mountain pass features unprotected drops of over 1,000 feet and turns so sharp
they seem to fold back on themselves. Local drivers navigate it at surprising speeds,
adding an extra element of danger to an already challenging route.
Kinzua Bridge Skyway, Pennsylvania
While not technically difficult to drive, this road atop an abandoned railroad viaduct
features a partial glass bottom that allows you to look straight down 225 feet to the
valley floor. The remaining structure of this former railway bridge creates an unsettling optical illusion of driving into thin air.
Balancing Risk on the World’s Wildest Roads
These roads represent both the ingenuity and determination of human engineering
as well as our willingness to take calculated risks in the name of connection and
adventure. While they’re all legally drivable, remember that weather conditions, vehicle
restrictions, and your own driving experience should factor into any decision to tackle
these challenging routes.
Sometimes, the best stories come from knowing when to turn back.
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