13 Of The World’s Scariest Roads

These roads aren't for the light at heart; hair pin turns and steep drop offs make these roads a little precarious.

Highway of Death, Iraq

The Highway of Death was given its name after Americans bombed and destroyed 2,700 Iraqi tanks and vehicles at the end of the Persian Gulf War. On top of eluding the ghosts, you’d also have a little group called ISIS to avoid on this road.

Colorado State Highway 82, Colorado

This is highest paved road in a state with a lot high roads, and 12,100 feet above sea level–more than two miles–is a long way to fall. It also once boasted the highest suspension bridge in the world, until China built the Beipanjiang River Bridge in 2003.

Beipanjiang River Railway Bridge, China

Currently the world’s highest bridge, it stretches across a deep canyon and the Beipan River that runs through it. Cruising along this bridge at 100 mph will surely get your pulse racing.

James Dalton Highway, Alaska

It’s cold in Alaska, but it’s also barren in places. This highway goes for more than 400 miles with just three towns along the stretch. By the way, this one was made famous by a certain TV show called “Ice Truckers.”

James Dalton Highway

Another shot of the crazy ice roads that Alaskan truck drivers must traverse.

Trollstigen, Norway

Translation: “Troll’s Path.” But more than the monsters, the road is famous for its steepness and hairpin turns that snake their way down the mountain. Trailers are strongly discouraged on this road.

Col de l'Iseran, France

With twelve percent grades, this lung-depleting climb would be a rush to drive up. Biking, however would be nearly impossible, which is probably why this road has been used for the Tour d’France.

Guoliang Tunnel, China

This tunnel is less than a mile long, but it’s not for the claustrophobic. At only 16 feet tall and 13 feet wide, feeling the walls close in would be nothing to be ashamed of. To make matters worse, it was carved out of the mountain by villagers Ð with their hands.

Stelvio Pass, Italy

At 9,045 feet in the Eastern Alps, this road has 75 hairpin turns. It looks like a confused snake zigzagging down the mountain.

The Death Road, Bolivia

Killing upward of 100 people per year, this mountain pass is regularly traversed in tourist-filled buses. Don’t rock the bus; at times reaching 11,500 feet above the valley floor below, this road has no guardrails.

Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China

This road goes over 14 mountains, numerous rivers, and untouched forests. It also can take 15 days to cross completely.

Eyre Highway, Australia

Not as scary in the traditional sense, this road makes the list because of its straightness. It’s the longest straight stretch of highway in the world, at 1,041 miles. If traveling alone, you won’t have to battle twisting curves or dizzying height but insanity.

Kabul-Jalalabad Highway, Afghanistan

As if driving through Taliban territory wasn’t enough, add to it that it has multiple narrow mountain passes that Afghan drivers zoom up, passing trucks like they were driving on a one-way road. Not a road for those with thin skin.

Yakutsk Road, Russia

Unpaved highway. In Russia. If Vladimir Putin doesn’t scare you enough, perhaps the sub-zero temperatures will. By the way, in the summer this road becomes a mud bath.