13 of the Steepest Roads Around the World

For thrill-seekers and skilled drivers, steep roads present both a challenge and an adventure. These roads push the limits of engineering, carving their way through mountains, cliffs, and urban landscapes with jaw-dropping inclines.

Whether you’re driving, cycling, or simply walking, tackling these extreme slopes requires caution—and sometimes a little courage.

Chapel Street, Australia

This Melbourne road may not be as famous as others on this list, but it certainly holds up in intense incline. It’s one of those roads where cyclists question life choices and motorists pray their handbrakes hold.

Snake Alley, USA

Dubuque, Iowa, probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking of steep roads, but Snake Alley earns a place with its winding, cobblestone design that’s as tricky as it is steep. Originally built to help horses make safe descents, it’s now a quirky tourist attraction–and a nightmare for cyclists.

Baldwin Street, New Zealand

This quiet residential street in Dunedin holds the Guinness World Record for the steepest road in the world, reaching a gut-churning 34.8% gradient at its sharpest point. To walk up this road is like having a leg day you never signed up for, and it’s a test of horsepower for the cars. The locals? They’ve fully embraced it. There’s an annual race where people roll Jaffas (little round candies) down the hill.

Canton Avenue, USA

Sure, Pittsburgh may have the Steelers and the sandwiches piled high with fries, but it’s also home to one of the steepest streets in America. Canton Avenue hits an eye-watering 37% grade, beating even Baldwin Street. Cyclists who attempt to make their way up during the annual Dirty Dozen bike race are often reduced to pushing their bikes. If the incline doesn’t get you, the uneven cobblestones just might.

Waipio Valley Road, Hawaii

If there’s one road that tests cars and courage, it’s Waipio Valley Road on the Big Island. This road goes down to one of the most striking valleys in Hawaii, with an average gradient of 25%, but certain sections shoot over 40%. Only 4WD vehicles are allowed; even then, drivers must be experienced.

Ffordd Pen Llech, Wales

For a short period in history, this tiny street in Harlech, Wales, usurped Baldwin Street’s Guinness title with a gradient of 37.45%. Though that ruling was later overturned, there can be little doubt that Ffordd Pen Llech is an absolute beast of a climb. If you ever find yourself here, spare a thought for the locals who drive here every day, even in the rain.

Eldred Street, USA

Sure, Los Angeles might be famous for its palm-lined boulevards, but it’s also home to Eldred Street, one of the steepest in America at 33%. Unlike some other roads on this list, it’s a residential street, meaning people have to deal with this incline daily. Imagine taking out the trash, or worse, parallel parking on this road.

Filbert Street, USA

San Francisco’s no stranger to steep streets, but Filbert Street is in a class of its own with a 31.5% grade. It’s one of those roads where walking up feels like a stair workout, and walking down is an exercise in controlling your momentum. Tourists in rental cars often realize too late what they’ve gotten themselves into.

Baxter Street, USA

Another gem of Los Angeles, Baxter Street, is a steep 32% incline that has thrown many unsuspecting drivers into full panic mode. Some have found their cars scraping the pavement at the crest because the incline is that extreme. It’s gotten so bad that GPS apps have started warning drivers to avoid it.

Vale Street, England

Bristol hosts the country’s steepest street at a punishing 22-degree incline. Locals have found an amusing way to enjoy it: Easter egg races. Locals send eggs rolling down the street, one of the most British traditions you will ever witness.

Baldwin Avenue, USA

Not to be confused with New Zealand’s Baldwin Street, this California road has a shocking 32% gradient. Nestled in the hills of the Bay Area, it means there are spectacular views to enjoy if you can stomach the climb.

Troodos Mountains Roads, Cyprus

The winding roads of the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus offer breathtaking scenery but demand skillful driving due to their steep inclines and sharp bends. Nestled in the heart of the island, these roads snake through dense pine forests, picturesque villages, and ancient monasteries, making them both challenging and rewarding for travelers.

Guadalupe Street, Mexico

Tucked away in hilly Guanajuato, this street challenges even the most professional drivers. Its steep incline combined with narrow passages means that one wrong move could land you in a tight spot.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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