15 Steepest Roads in the World

Imagine roads so steep, driving up feels like scaling a wall. These aren’t your average inclines; they’re marvels of engineering and natural topography that challenge the very limits of vehicles and human courage. Across the globe, from urban jungles to secluded landscapes, some roads defy gravity in a way that has to be seen to be believed. Let’s buckle up and take a thrilling ride up the world’s steepest roads.

1. Baldwin Street (A street that once held the world record)

In the quiet city of Dunedin, New Zealand, Baldwin Street once claimed the title of the world’s steepest residential street. With a gradient that reaches an eye-watering 35% at its steepest point, walking up feels more like a hike. This street became so famous that it attracted tourists from all over, who came to marvel at its steepness and even attempt to run up during annual events. However, its reign was toppled in 2019 by another road, yet it remains a must-visit for thrill-seekers. The local community takes pride in this unique attraction, celebrating its steepness with events and colorful street art.

2. Ffordd Pen Llech (The current record holder)

Snatching the title from Baldwin Street, Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Wales, now holds the Guinness World Record for the steepest street. With a gradient of 37.45%, it’s not just a road; it’s a challenge for both drivers and pedestrians. Located in a historic town, the street is not just about its steepness but also about the beautiful views of Harlech Castle and the sea. Despite its daunting incline, local residents navigate it daily, proving human adaptability to extreme conditions. Tourists are often seen attempting to climb it, capturing their achievements on camera.

3. Canton Avenue (Pittsburgh’s punishing slope)

Canton Avenue, located in Pittsburgh, USA, boasts a gradient of 37%, making it one of the steepest in North America. This road is part of the annual Dirty Dozen bike race, a true testament to its challenging nature. Despite its short length, it presents a formidable obstacle, especially during winter when the cobblestone surface becomes slick. The neighborhood around Canton Avenue is quaint, with residents used to the sight of determined cyclists and runners tackling the hill. Its steepness is a source of local pride and an attraction for extreme sports enthusiasts.

4. Waipio Valley Road (Hawaii’s hidden challenge)

Waipio Valley Road in Hawaii is more than just a steep road; it’s the gateway to one of the island’s most beautiful and secluded valleys. With grades reaching up to 40%, this road is not for the faint of heart or vehicles lacking four-wheel drive. The road is a challenge that leads to breathtaking views, rewarding those who dare to take it on with scenes of lush landscapes and majestic waterfalls. Due to its steepness and the area’s sacred significance, access is restricted to maintain the valley’s pristine condition. It’s a road that offers both a physical challenge and a spiritual experience.

5. Via Gran San Bernardo (A historical route through the Alps)

The Via Gran San Bernardo in Italy carves its way through the Alps with gradients that test the endurance of travelers. This ancient route has been used since Roman times, connecting the Aosta Valley to Switzerland. The road is steeped in history, offering not just a challenging drive but also a journey through time. With inclines that demand respect, it’s a favorite among cyclists looking for a monumental challenge. The surrounding Alpine scenery provides a stunning backdrop, making the arduous journey incredibly rewarding.

6. Lombard Street (San Francisco’s famous zigzag)

Lombard Street, often called the most crooked street in the world, features a steep, one-block section with eight hairpin turns. Located in San Francisco, California, it’s a must-see for tourists, despite a relatively modest gradient of 27%. This street combines steepness with tight turns, creating a unique driving experience. The beautifully landscaped road, surrounded by Victorian mansions, provides a picturesque yet thrilling ride. It’s a testament to creative urban planning, making the most out of the city’s challenging topography.

7. Rosedale Chimney Bank (England’s historic ascent)

Rosedale Chimney Bank in North Yorkshire, England, features gradients of up to 33%. This road has a rich history, once serving the ironstone mines of the Rosedale valley. Its steepness is legendary among cyclists and motoring enthusiasts, offering a grueling challenge. Each year, people come to test their mettle against its slopes, often leaving with stories of triumph and, occasionally, defeat. The surrounding countryside offers breathtaking views, rewarding those who conquer this formidable ascent.

8. Hardknott Pass (A Roman road reborn)

With gradients of up to 33%, Hardknott Pass in the Lake District, England, is one of the steepest roads in the UK. This narrow, winding road was originally built by the Romans and is surrounded by stunning rugged landscapes. Driving or cycling this pass is not for the inexperienced; it requires skill and nerve. However, those who make the journey are rewarded with panoramic views of the Eskdale Valley. It’s a road that offers both historical intrigue and a test of driving prowess.

9. Trolls Ladder (Norway’s natural spectacle)

Trollstigen, or Trolls Ladder in Norway, is more than just a road; it’s an engineering marvel set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. With a 10% gradient, it may not be the steepest, but its tight hairpin bends and narrow passages make it a thrilling drive. The road winds through mountains offering views of waterfalls and steep cliffs. It’s closed during winter due to dangerous conditions, but in summer, it becomes a magnet for tourists seeking adventure. The viewing platform at the top provides a spectacular vantage point of this masterpiece amidst nature.

10. Eldred Street in Los Angeles (A city challenge)

Eldred Street in Los Angeles challenges urban dwellers with a gradient of 33%. Nestled in the Highland Park neighborhood, it’s one of the steepest roads in the Western United States. Residents here are accustomed to the unique challenges of living on such a steep incline, from parking to walking their pets. The street has become somewhat of a local attraction, with visitors coming to see the steepness for themselves. It’s a reminder that even in the city, roads can offer an unexpected challenge and a bit of adventure.

11. Vale Street (England’s new contender)

Vale Street in Bristol, England, has been claimed to rival the world’s steepest streets with its gradient of 22%. While it might not hold any official records, locals and visitors alike are astounded by its steepness. This residential street sees cars struggling to climb and pedestrians often opting to walk sideways to navigate its incline. It’s become a local curiosity, with the annual Easter egg roll adding a quirky tradition to its reputation. Vale Street proves that even a relatively modest gradient can become a notable landmark when it pushes the boundaries of what’s expected in an urban setting.

12. Filbert Street (Another San Francisco gem)

Not to be outdone by Lombard, Filbert Street in San Francisco boasts a 31.5% grade over a block, making it one of the steepest streets in the Western Hemisphere. This street offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, making the daunting climb worth it. Drivers and pedestrians alike are challenged by its steepness, but those who take it on are rewarded with a unique city experience. The street is a testament to San Francisco’s hilly landscape and the extraordinary measures taken to build a city on such terrain. Filbert Street is a must-visit for those looking to experience the city’s famous hills up close.

13. Jaffa Street (Jerusalem’s ancient ascent)

Jaffa Street in Jerusalem combines historical significance with a modern challenge, featuring steep sections that test both vehicles and pedestrians. This ancient road has been trodden by countless feet over centuries, evolving from a dusty path to a bustling urban street. Its inclines offer a physical reminder of the city’s topographical and historical layers. The street is now a mix of old and new, with trams gliding past historic buildings. Jaffa Street is a testament to Jerusalem’s ability to blend tradition with modernity, making it a fascinating route for visitors.

14. Snake Alley (Iowa’s twisty challenge)

Snake Alley in Burlington, Iowa, is often cited as the most crooked street in the world, with a series of sharp turns that challenge the notion of a ‘straight path.’ This street might not be the steepest, but its design is a unique test of navigation and driving skill. Built in 1894, it was intended to connect the residential area to the business district without the direct steepness of a hill. The alley is a piece of local history that draws visitors for its novelty and the skill required to navigate it. It’s a reminder that steepness isn’t the only way a road can challenge and intrigue.

15. Wall Street (A Utah off-road challenge)

Wall Street in Moab, Utah, takes the concept of a steep road to the extreme, offering a nearly vertical ascent for off-road vehicles. It’s a favorite among 4×4 enthusiasts and rock climbers, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and technical challenge. The sandstone cliffs offer an awe-inspiring backdrop to the adrenaline-pumping climb. Unlike urban steep streets, Wall Street requires skill, courage, and a vehicle capable of conquering its near-vertical pitches. It stands as a testament to the adventurous spirit of those who seek to conquer the most daunting of inclines, surrounded by the wild beauty of Utah’s landscape.
This article was edited with AI assistance.