We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you ... you're just helping re-supply our family's travel fund.
Embarking on a scenic road trip often means adventure, jaw-dropping views, and unforgettable memories. But some roads around the world aren’t just beautiful—they’re potentially dangerous. Whether it’s hairpin turns on a mountainside or unguarded cliffs above roaring oceans, these drives demand more than just wanderlust. Here are 12 stunning routes where the scenery is unmatched—and so is the risk.
1. North Yungas Road, Bolivia (Death Road)
Nicknamed “Death Road” for a reason, this Bolivian pass climbs through the Andes with sheer drops of over 2,000 feet. Narrow, unpaved, and foggy, it remains infamous for its deadly past. Once claiming hundreds of lives annually, it now attracts extreme cyclists and thrill-seeking drivers. With almost no guardrails and constant mist, even experienced adventurers must drive with utmost caution.
2. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii
This lush, winding road connects Kahului to Hana with over 600 curves and nearly 60 bridges. Carving through dense rainforest and coastal cliffs, the highway dazzles with waterfalls and ocean vistas. However, one-lane bridges, slippery conditions from frequent rain, and distracted drivers increase the likelihood of accidents, especially for tourists unfamiliar with the terrain.
3. Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand
Skippers Canyon near Queenstown is carved into cliffside rock, offering spectacular alpine views. The road, which dates back to the gold rush era, is narrow and mostly unpaved, with long drop-offs and no room for passing. Rental car insurance often excludes this drive due to its hazardous nature. The scenery may be cinematic, but one wrong move could be catastrophic.
4. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
Blasted through the side of a mountain by villagers in the 1970s, this hand-carved tunnel in the Taihang Mountains is both stunning and terrifying. Open sections of the tunnel create dramatic windows to the deep valley below, but the lack of lighting, tight quarters, and steep drop-offs make every twist a potential danger. It’s a cultural marvel—but not for nervous drivers.
5. Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
Norway’s most picturesque route stretches across several islets via curving bridges that seem to float above the ocean. During heavy storms, waves crash directly over the road, submerging parts temporarily. While beautiful on a sunny day, bad weather transforms the road into a wet, wind-battered gauntlet. It’s scenic—but also potentially submersive.
6. James Dalton Highway, Alaska, USA
Stretching over 400 miles from Fairbanks to the Arctic Ocean, the Dalton Highway is among the most isolated roads in North America. Used primarily by truckers, it offers magnificent tundra views and glimpses of wildlife. But deep potholes, ice, and limited gas stations make it risky. If you break down, help could be hundreds of miles away.
7. Stelvio Pass, Italy
Perched high in the Italian Alps, Stelvio Pass is famous for its 48 sharp switchbacks and snow-capped vistas. Often featured in car commercials, it draws driving enthusiasts. But steep drops, lack of guardrails, and frequent fog make it dangerous, particularly for those unused to alpine driving. One wrong swerve can lead straight into the abyss.
8. Zojila Pass, India
This high-altitude pass links Kashmir and Ladakh through treacherous Himalayan terrain. Narrow, unpaved, and frequently affected by landslides or snowstorms, Zojila is only open seasonally. Military convoys often traverse it, but for tourists, the road’s sharp turns and crumbling edges can turn the trip into a nightmare.
9. Trollstigen, Norway
Known as “Troll’s Ladder,” this serpentine road features hairpin bends clinging to mountain cliffs. Norway’s engineering masterpiece is popular for summer road trips. However, with its steep incline, narrow turns, and sudden fog, even a moment’s distraction can be perilous. It’s closed during the colder months due to avalanche risk.
10. Tianmen Mountain Road, China
Also called “Heaven-Linking Avenue,” this dizzying road in Hunan Province has 99 sharp turns leading to a sky-high staircase of 999 steps. It’s a marvel of Chinese engineering and offers panoramic views of surrounding peaks. But the drive itself is nerve-wracking, with winding turns and abrupt elevation changes that test both nerves and brakes.
11. Sani Pass, South Africa
Winding through the Drakensberg Mountains to the Lesotho border, this gravel mountain pass is best tackled in a 4×4. The steep climb, unpredictable weather, and absence of barriers make it a test of both vehicle and driver. Heavy mist and rain often reduce visibility to a few feet, while the surrounding cliffs offer no room for error.
12. Karakoram Highway, Pakistan–China Border
Connecting Pakistan with China through the towering Karakoram range, this highway is one of the highest paved roads in the world. Built along ancient Silk Road trade routes, it passes glaciers, landslide-prone cliffs, and high-altitude deserts. While culturally rich and visually stunning, rockfalls and thin air make this one of the most dangerous drives on Earth.