Take a short but fascinating drive down Main Street in Roswell, New Mexico, along U.S. Route 285. Explore this 6-mile stretch that blends alien lore, small-town charm, and desert scenery.
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 285: Vaughn to Roswell – New Mexico
Cruise down U.S. Route 285 from Vaughn to Roswell, New Mexico—a 90-mile journey through remote desert plains, historic ranchlands, and alien-themed roadside charm. Discover this hidden stretch of America’s Highways.
U.S. Route 285: Clines Corners to Encino – New Mexico
Take a quiet drive through the high plains of New Mexico along U.S. Route 285 from Clines Corners to Encino. This 27-mile stretch offers wide-open vistas, fading relics of roadside Americana, and a peaceful slice of desert solitude.
U.S. Route 550: Cuba to San Ysidro – New Mexico
Travel 41 miles through New Mexico’s high desert along U.S. Route 550 from Cuba to San Ysidro. This scenic journey features volcanic landmarks, vast mesas, and Native American heritage—capturing the quiet beauty of the Southwest.
U.S. Route 550: Nageezi to Counselor – New Mexico
Take a 23-mile drive through the heart of the Navajo Nation along U.S. Route 550 from Nageezi to Counselor, New Mexico. This scenic desert highway offers striking high desert views, cultural heritage, and access to nearby Chaco Canyon.
U.S. Route 550: Bloomfield to Nageezi – New Mexico
Take a 39-mile journey through the high desert of northwest New Mexico along U.S. Route 550 from Bloomfield to Nageezi. Discover wide-open plateaus, Navajo communities, oil fields, and the gateway to Chaco Canyon on this quiet, scenic desert drive.
U.S. Route 550: Aztec to Bloomfield – New Mexico
Take a quiet drive through New Mexico’s energy heartland on U.S. Route 550 from Aztec to Bloomfield. This 9-mile stretch connects historic towns and sweeping desert landscapes with modern industry and ancient culture.
U.S. Route 550: Colorado to Aztec – New Mexico
Take a scenic drive down U.S. Route 550 from the Colorado state line to Aztec, New Mexico. This 15-mile route descends from high desert mesas into the fertile Animas River valley, blending beautiful landscapes with rich Native and local history.
U.S. Route 550: Durango to New Mexico – Colorado
Take a quiet but beautiful drive along U.S. Route 550 from Durango, Colorado to the New Mexico state line. This 16-mile route winds through high desert plateaus, quiet ranchlands, and the southern edge of the San Juan Basin.
U.S. Route 550: Soutbound in Durango – Colorado
Take a scenic 9-mile drive south along U.S. Route 550 through Durango, Colorado—from the base of Animas City Mountain to the U.S. 160 junction. Explore this vibrant stretch filled with mountain views, hot springs, and historic railroads.
U.S. Route 550: Northbound in Durango – Colorado
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. 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 landscape.