Explore the vibrant heart of Durango, Colorado on this 5-mile northbound stretch of U.S. Route 550, crossing the Animas River and historic downtown before reaching County Road 203. A scenic urban drive with mountain charm.
U.S. Numbered Highway System
Explore the U.S. Numbered Highway System—historic routes, major corridors, and scenic roads connecting every region of the country. Learn more about U.S. Highways across America.
The U.S. Numbered Highway System—often referred to as U.S. Routes or U.S. Highways—is a nationwide network of roads established in 1926 to improve long-distance automobile travel across the United States. Unlike the Interstate system, U.S. Highways predate freeways and often serve as main streets, scenic byways, or vital connectors through rural and urban communities alike. Many historic routes, including iconic roads like U.S. Route 66, trace their roots to this enduring network.
These highways use a grid system for numbering: odd-numbered routes run north–south, increasing from east to west, while even-numbered routes run east–west, increasing from north to south. Important cross-country highways typically end in “0” or “1” (like US 20 or US 1), and three-digit offshoots usually indicate spurs or loops branching from mainline routes.
Today, the U.S. Highway system continues to evolve—some segments have been decommissioned, realigned, or upgraded to freeways—but many routes remain essential for regional travel, trucking, and scenic exploration. This category explores the entire U.S. Numbered Highway network, from coast to coast and border to border.
Discover U.S. Routes
U.S. Route 160: Mile 10 to Cortez – Colorado
Take a scenic ride through the high desert of southwest Colorado on U.S. Route 160 from mile marker 10 to U.S. Highway 491. This 12-mile segment along the Trail of the Ancients offers expansive views, cultural heritage, and a quiet connection to the Four Corners landsca…
U.S. Route 160: Four Corners to Ute Mountain – Colorado
Travel along a storied 11-mile stretch of U.S. Route 160 from the Four Corners Monument into Colorado, crossing into Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Lands and experiencing the beauty of the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway.
U.S. Route 160: Teec Nos Pos to Four Corners – Arizona
Take a drive through the heart of Navajo land as we follow U.S. Route 160 from Teec Nos Pos, Arizona to the Four Corners Monument in New Mexico. This short 6-mile route offers desert beauty, cultural depth, and a one-of-a-kind geographic landmark.
U.S. Route 160: Red Mesa to Teec Nos Pos – Arizona
Travel 20 miles across the Arizona high desert on U.S. Route 160 from Red Mesa to Teec Nos Pos, ending at the gateway to Four Corners. Discover sweeping landscapes and Navajo Nation history along this scenic southwestern route.
U.S. Route 160: Mexican Water to Red Mesa – Arizona
Travel a serene 20-mile stretch of U.S. Route 160 from Mexican Water to Red Mesa, Arizona, through Navajo Nation lands. Discover stunning high-desert landscapes, Navajo culture, and the geology of the Colorado Plateau on this scenic drive.
U.S. Route 160: Baby Rocks to Mexican Water – Arizona
Travel 20 miles across the high desert of northeastern Arizona on U.S. Route 160 from Baby Rocks to Mexican Water. This remote stretch of highway winds through the Navajo Nation, past sandstone mesas, traditional communities, and sweeping desert vistas.
U.S. Route 160: Kayenta to Baby Rocks – Arizona
Travel a striking 15-mile segment of U.S. Route 160 from Kayenta to Baby Rocks, Arizona. Experience the beauty of Navajo Nation’s red rock formations, desert landscapes, and sculpted sandstone on this peaceful highway drive.
U.S. Route 89: Glen Canyon Dam to Big Water – Utah
Take a scenic drive along U.S. Route 89 from Glen Canyon Dam to Big Water, Utah. This 14-mile route offers stunning views of Lake Powell, Navajo sandstone cliffs, and access to Glen Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
U.S. Route 89: Page to the Glen Canyon Dam – Arizona
Take a scenic two-mile drive on U.S. Route 89 from Page, Arizona to the Glen Canyon Dam. Explore dramatic desert views, the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, and the mighty Colorado River along this iconic stretch of northern Arizona highway.
U.S. Route 89: Page to Horseshoe Bend – Arizona
Take a short but breathtaking drive along U.S. Route 89 from Page to Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. This 2.5-mile route offers stunning desert views and leads to one of the most iconic vistas in the Southwest.
U.S. Route 89: Kanab to Big Water – Utah
Take a stunning 58-mile drive along U.S. Route 89 from Kanab to Big Water, Utah. Explore scenic red rock canyons, hidden sand dunes, and Grand Staircase-Escalante vistas along this desert highway through the heart of the Colorado Plateau.