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 89A: Fredonia AZ to Kanab UT

U.S. Route 89A: Fredonia AZ to Kanab UT

Take a scenic drive along U.S. Route 89A from Fredonia, Arizona to Kanab, Utah. This short 7-mile route crosses dramatic desert landscapes, historic towns, and the Arizona-Utah border in classic Southwestern style.

U.S. Route 93: Hoover Dam to Henderson – Nevada

U.S. Route 93: Hoover Dam to Henderson – Nevada

Drive America’s Highways along U.S. Route 93 (now largely superseded by Interstate 11) from the Hoover Dam to Henderson, Nevada. This 12-mile route passes through historic Boulder City and the Mojave Desert before connecting to I-515 in the Las Vegas metro area.

U.S. Route 93: Boulder City to Hoover Dam – Nevada

U.S. Route 93: Boulder City to Hoover Dam – Nevada

Follow U.S. Route 93 for 10 scenic miles from Boulder City to Hoover Dam, descending through the Nevada desert into a canyon of history and engineering marvels. This drive captures the dramatic contrast between old and new, desert and dam, solitude and spectacle.

U.S. Route 95: Searchlight to Boulder City – Nevada

U.S. Route 95: Searchlight to Boulder City – Nevada

Take a scenic 36-mile journey along U.S. Route 95 from Searchlight to Boulder City, Nevada, through the Mojave Desert’s rugged terrain, historic mining towns, and modern desert sprawl. A quiet drive that ends near Hoover Dam.

U.S. Route 95: California to Searchlight – Nevada

U.S. Route 95: California to Searchlight – Nevada

Take a quiet but dramatic 20-mile drive along U.S. Route 95 from the California border to Searchlight, Nevada. Discover vast desert views, the Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness, and the history-rich mining town of Searchlight on this scenic journey through the Mojave.

U.S. Route 95: Needles to Nevada – California

U.S. Route 95: Needles to Nevada – California

Drive 23 quiet, sun-drenched miles along U.S. Route 95 from Interstate 40 near Needles to the Nevada border. This remote stretch of California desert highway traverses the Mojave’s rugged heart, offering solitude, stark beauty, and a true sense of the open road.

U.S. Route 180: Flagstaff to Valle – Arizona

U.S. Route 180: Flagstaff to Valle – Arizona

Take a scenic drive from Flagstaff to Valle, Arizona along U.S. Route 180. Explore the San Francisco Peaks, Kaibab National Forest, and volcanic landmarks on this 49-mile route to the Grand Canyon.