14 Tallest Bridges in the USA That’ll Give You Serious Vertigo

Bridges have been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years, connecting people and places once thought unreachable. Over the years, engineers and architects have pushed the boundaries of bridge construction, creating some truly impressive structures that can leave even the bravest of us feeling a little uneasy.

In the United States alone, countless bridges span rivers, gorges, and valleys. But for the most impressive, here are 14 of the tallest bridges in the USA that will give you serious vertigo. For this list, we are looking at clearance under the bridge.

1. Royal Gorge Bridge, Cañon City, Colorado

• Height: 955 feet

The Royal Gorge Bridge soars above the Arkansas River with a wooden walkway that spans more than 1,200 feet. Visitors often pause at the midpoint to look straight down between the steel towers and sturdy cables.

Gondola rides nearby cost around $30, giving guests another angle on the canyon below. You can also try out a zipline, which is one of the highest in the world. On clear days, distant mountain ranges appear in sharp detail.

2. The Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Arizona/Nevada

• Height: 900 feet

This bridge was built to alleviate the heavy traffic on the Hoover Dam. The Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge crosses over the Colorado River and links beautiful Arizona and Nevada together.

From this bridge, visitors can enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead below. Many take a tour of the Hoover Dam and walk or drive across the bridge above it.

3. New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia

• Height: 876 feet

Opened in 1977 this steel arch changed Appalachian travel by cutting a 40-minute drive down to seconds. The route now serves as a vital artery for commerce and tourism in the region. 

Located in Fayetteville, West Virginia, this bridge is a popular spot for BASE jumpers and rappellers. Every year, on the third Saturday in October, the bridge is closed to traffic and open to pedestrians for the “Bridge Day” celebration.

During this event, thousands of people gather to watch hundreds of BASE jumpers leap off the bridge and parachute down to the New River Gorge below. 

4. Foresthill Bridge, Placer County, California

• Height: 730 feet

Built in 1973, Foresthill Bridge remains California’s highest crossing and the fourth largest in the United States. Its green steel frame extends over 2,400 feet, creating a route above the American River Canyon. It’s another spot popular with BASE jumpers, bungee jumpers, and rappellers.

But even if you aren’t into extreme sports, driving across this bridge offers breathtaking views of the canyon below. You can also hike down to the bottom of the canyon.

5. Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, Page, Arizona

• Height: 700 feet

The Glen Canyon Dam Bridge provides a vital link near Lake Powell. It was completed in 1959 and serves as the only land crossing between the remote lands of Utah and Arizona for hundreds of miles.

Visitors often stand on the viewing area gazing at the canyon walls and distant water. Traffic includes steady streams of tourists heading to photogenic spots beyond, like Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend.

6. Phil G. McDonald Bridge (Glade Creek Bridge), West Virginia

• Height: 700 feet

Named after a former Medal of Honor recipient, this bridge is one of the tallest in West Virginia and offers incredible views of the New River Gorge. Opened in 1988, this I-64 bridge near Beckley spans a deep Appalachian valley. Its length of about 2,100 feet makes it more significant than many realize.

The nearby Kaymoor mine ruins can be seen from the bridge. Hiking trails and a visitor center are located at the bottom of the gorge.

7. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Taos, New Mexico

• Height: 565 feet

Built in 1965, this steel deck arch bridge crosses a wide chasm carved by the Rio Grande and is a popular attraction for those visiting Taos. From the top of the bridge, you can see the sprawling canyon below.

The New Mexico area around the bridge is known for its outdoor activities, such as whitewater rafting, hiking, and camping. But if you’re not into adrenaline-pumping adventures, viewing platforms allow travelers to look straight down at the river and maybe glimpse rafters.

On windy days, the experience feels more intense than expected. 

8. Perrine Bridge, Twin Falls, Idaho

• Height: 486 feet

Named after I.B. Perrine, a key figure in the development of Twin Falls, this bridge is an iconic landmark in southern Idaho. It spans over the Snake River Canyon and offers stunning views of its rugged surroundings.

Perrine Bridge is also famous for being the only bridge in the United States where BASE jumping without a permit is allowed year-round. Each September, the town hosts the annual “Bridge Day” event where thousands come to watch or participate in BASE jumping and other activities on and around the bridge.

9. Navajo Bridge, Marble Canyon, Arizona

• Height: 470 feet

Located in the Navajo Indian Reservation, this bridge was built to replace an old cable-ferry river crossing. It provides a vital link for travelers heading to and from the Grand Canyon National Park.

But aside from its practical use, the bridge gives stunning views of Marble Canyon and the Colorado River below. Visitors stroll over the canyon and sometimes spot California condors soaring on warm currents. 

The nearby Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center also provides information about the history and construction of the bridge. 

10. Moyie River Canyon Bridge, Boundary County, Idaho

• Height: 464 feet

Completed in 1965, this steel arch spans about 1,223 feet of remote Idaho terrain. Many drivers cross without realizing the depth below. Pullouts exist for those who pause and take in the view. 

This bridge is another popular spot for adrenaline junkies, with bungee jumping and BASE jumping allowed on select days.

11. Pine Valley Creek Bridge, San Diego County, California

• Height: 450 feet

This concrete box girder bridge opened in 1974 on Interstate 8. It is about 1,691 feet long and helps connect inland areas with the coast in San Diego County. Some visitors stop at rest areas nearby and note how high it stands above the creek. 

The area around the bridge is also known for its hiking trails and camping spots.

12. Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge, Santa Ynez Mountains, California

• Height: 400 feet

This 1,088-foot bridge is part of Highway 154. Stretching about 1,217 feet, it shaves time off drives between Santa Barbara and inland communities. Its height allows for passage over Cold Spring Canyon, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The area around this bridge is also known for its scenic drives and hiking trails that showcase the Santa Ynez Mountains. 

13. Burro Creek Bridge, Mohave County, Arizona

• Height: 388 feet

Completed in 1966, the Burro Creek Bridge crosses a desert wash along US 93. At about 680 feet, it connects distant points in the barren landscape of the Burro Creek Canyon. This link helps travelers move between Phoenix and Las Vegas with less hassle. 

The area is known for its beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking. Wildlife watchers sometimes stop hoping to catch a glimpse of desert creatures.

14. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

• Height: 746 feet (towers above the water, clearance only 220 feet)

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is not only a symbol of San Francisco but also one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. Its international orange color stands out even in thick fog. 

Built in 1937, it was the tallest and longest suspension bridge at the time. While its height may not seem as impressive as some other bridges on this list, millions cross it annually on foot or bike, traveling its 1.7-mile length.

Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge for stunning views of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. Photographers gather at sunrise, hoping for just the right light.

Cat Xu

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Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.

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