Beware the Highway of Death—US 285

Many famous motorcycling roads have nicknames that describe their characters. The High Road to Taos takes you to the mountains, the Skyline Drive shows off the scenery of the Shenandoah Valley, and the various Dragons promise curves aplenty.

And then you have Death Highway. It’s exactly what it sounds like.

Death Highway is officially designated as US 285. Beginning in Sanderson, TX, at the intersection with US 90, it carves its way through New Mexico over 846 miles until terminating in Denver, CO.

While it’s difficult (and unpleasant) to try and rank roads in these terms, US 285 is among the most dangerous roads in America. It has earned its grim nickname from both the number and severity of crashes that occur along its length.