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There’s no time like the present to hit the open road.  Unlike the typical highways and byways we are accustomed to, each of the following roadways will require a full tank of gas to witness the magic of natural beauty down winding paths and up hilly elevations.

That said, roll down the window and feel the wind in your face to feel the thrill of exploring these spectacular roads less traveled. We’re not saying some of these lanes are the easiest to get across, but once you reach the other side you’ll have quite an interesting story to tell.

China: Guoliang Tunnel

We’ve all driven through a dark tunnel or two with lanes so small even blinking may be too risky when trying to avoid a huge collision.  But how many of us have squeezed by another car while traveling on a mountain?

The Guoliang Tunnel takes maneuvering to all new extremes with its position carved into the edge of China’s Taihang Mountains.  With that in mind, you may have to fully grip the wheel with both hands and keep your eyes concentrated on the road in order to refrain from glancing at the large open gaps that reveal the breathtaking beauty of the valley that lies below.  As the only passage for a remote Chinese village, the tunnel has also become a must-see attraction for visitors eager to travel along this steep and rugged road.

France: Combe Laval Road

Once again we’re at the edge of the cliff to bring you one of the most unusual roadways in the world.  With that being said, we’ll be the first to admit that this path takes a courageous individual to attempt the vertical challenges that are in store, which will be well rewarded with glorious panoramas of the French Alps.

The Combe Laval was designed in the 19^th century to provide a way for timber to be transported between two French destinations. However, it is cyclists who now claim the high altitudes of the Combe Laval Road, as they whizz along the edge of the Combe while skillfully maintaining their balance through its dizzying elevations.

Norway: Lysebotnvegen

When the open road starts calling there’s no other road that brings the excitement of braving the great outdoors like Lysebotnvegen. And a great test of driving technique it is, with over 20 hairpin bends and elevations around 900 meters above sea level. The experience of traveling here rivals the most adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster.  

The 29-kilometer-long road connects the Norwegian towns of Sirdal and Lysebotn together, and being quite narrow, bypassing an ongoing car takes an unbelievable level of skill. The winding twists also make Lysebotnvegen an interesting journey, and with Norway’s exquisite beauty all around, this is one road trip you’ll never forget.

UAE: Jebel Hafeet

Driving along the various ascents and descents of Jebel Hafeet can be quite the challenging ride if you don’t mind feeling like you’re in no man's land.  Even if you reach the end, only the dead silence of a palace and a hotel fit for the area’s royalty will be there to great you after you’ve accomplished zooming past its 60 serpentine curves. 

Some say the eeriness of the dusty mountainsides lined along the highway is all the better, and when you encounter the twists and turns, it instantly becomes one of the greatest routes in the world. So if you think you can successfully handle the wheel on Jebel Hafeet, you just might be able to claim your spot among the greats at the next Indy 500.

New Mexico:  Capulin Volcano Road

While some of us prefer to stay as far away from volcanoes as possible, there are those who wouldn’t mind traveling up the steep cliffs of a lava-filled giant. For all the daredevils out there, the Capulin Volcano Road might just be the adventure you are waiting for. However, ascending the the-mile road to the summit is no easy feat, but it must be done if you’re determined to trek around the rim and hike to the bottom of the crater.

The Capulin Volcano boasts an ordinary cylinder cone-shape with its head evidently missing due to its last eruption which occurred about 60,000 years ago. In order to complete a journey into this timeless body of history you’ll have to face spiraling trip up the Cupulin Volcano Road.    

California: Lombard Street

As the hallmark for San Francisco, Lombard Street deserves a mention on this list because of its zigzag features alone. Although it is only required to connect the streets of Hyde and Jones, Lombard Streets has become one of the world’s most recognizable roads. If you’re not at least baffled as to why such a crooked road was obviously created, you’ll definitely be amazed by the way vehicles maneuver along the eight sharp turns boldly decorated with lush gardens. 

Also with pricey buildings hovering over it, which all appear to be clenching onto the sides of the Lombard Street with all their might, what you see on postcards is nothing compared to gliding along its winding twists.

Arizona: U.S. Route 163

Unlike the other roadways on this list, U.S. Route 163 is less about the complex turns and more about the beauty that encompasses this entire landscape of the Monument Valley. Whether you’re beginning this trip from Arizona, which extends to Utah or vice versa, you’ll be blessed by images of shapely rocky formations rising out of the colorful tones of desert land, rugged hills as well as spires all showcasing their amazing features and much more. In good old western charm, U.S. Route 163 affirmatively displays the beauty that unfolds when nature meets antiquity.

If you survived these white-knuckel roadways and want to more, check out our guide to the 10 craziest bridges. Of course, we don't blame you if want to take it slower with 10 stunning bike tours.