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Your Guide to a Western United States Road Trip (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming & More!)

This summer, we took a 10-day road trip through the Western United States, hitting Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, and briefly passing through Utah and Nevada on the way back to San Francisco. This part of the country is famously beautiful, characterized by lush green alpine landscapes and snow-capped peaks, winding rivers, and countless small towns dripping with old western charm. We rode horses and ate beef, as one must, and went on some of the most scenic hikes anywhere.

Our itinerary included three out of the five most conservative states in America — Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho — and I now know what it feels like to experience culture shock in my own country. People live in isolated rural areas hours away from the nearest grocery store. Trump 2020 banners hang proudly in front of houses and wave in windy fields and farmland. At local businesses and restaurants, taxidermy animal mounts outnumber patrons. A waitress showed us a photo of herself at four months old next to a bear her father had just killed. Locals openly carry guns at family-friendly tourist destinations, and, I assume, elsewhere.

At a restaurant in small-town Idaho, we had a lengthy conversation with a man about his stockpile of 100 guns, the 300+ gophers he killed with his 5-year-old grandson on a recent hunt, and his belief that the standoff between liberals and conservatives will end in a bloody civil war. While his convictions differ significantly from mine (I’ve lived in liberal cities my entire life and have never handled a gun), it was eye-opening to hear an opposite perspective on familiar issues. It hits different when you are talking to a flesh-and-blood human rather than working yourself up over the contents of a Facebook comment.

We took our road trip at the height of summer, and I highly recommend anyone considering a visit to this region to travel during this time. In Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, sunsets are well after 9 pm each day. You’ll be able to do and see so much more compared to the rest of the year. In this guide, I divulge essential tips and tricks for a successful road trip, share a 10-day itinerary, and outline detailed guides to every destination we visited, including where to stay and places to eat. I hope you find it useful when planning your own road trip through the Western United States!

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Table of Contents

• Road Trip Tips & Tricks
• 10-Day Western US Road Trip Itinerary
• Destination Guide Stanley, Idaho Salmon, Idaho Missoula, Montana Big Sky, Montana Livingston, Montana Beartooth Highway Yellowstone National Park Grand Teton National Park Escalante, Utah Las Vegas, Nevada

Western United States Road Trip: Tips & Tricks

Consider your accommodation budget.

We mainly used Booking.com to book low-cost motels located on our route. However, because we road-tripped in the summer and stayed near well-known US national parks, these cost about $100 an average each night — not the cheapest option for accommodation. Alternatively, you can rent an RV or campervan and have your shelter conveniently on wheels. Outdoorsy has a diverse selection of road trip vehicles ranging from no-frills campervans to glamping-ready RVs that fit any budget. If we could redo our trip, I would have gone this route. If you are on a tighter budget, you can do a mix of motels and camping, or even camp the whole time. Find and book campsites wherever you are with ReserveAmerica or Campendium (roughly $30 a night) or use an app like Free Roam to locate Forest Service and BLM land where you can legally boondock.

Bring Snacks & Lots of Water!

We brought a cooler from home to use during our trip and bought groceries along the away. Doing this will spare you both money and time during long stretches of driving and help you eat a little healthier. For water, we purchased a few 1.5-liter bottles and refilled them at gas stations throughout our trip.

Aim for a Good Balance of Driving vs. Sightseeing

I’ve made the common road trip mistake of trying to pack too many stops into a short time period. This time around, we tried to keep driving at a minimum outside of a few necessary travel days. A good rule of thumb is to aim for under four hours of driving per day so you have time to enjoy your destination. It’s always better to see fewer destinations more completely than more destinations incompletely .

When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that the estimated driving time on Google Maps is often longer when you factor in bathroom and restaurant stops.

Get the AllTrails App

If you plan on hiking — a must on any Western US road trip — AllTrails is a great resource for locating the best trails in your area. The app provides route maps, difficulty levels, trail photos, user reviews, and more.

Buy a National Park Pass

If you plan to go to more than one national park, opt to buy an annual pass for $80 instead of individual day passes at $35 a pop. The pass also gets you free parking at all federal recreation areas.

Download Offline Maps & Media

The United States is an enormous country, and there are large swaths of sparsely populated land without cell service. Download offline maps on Google to ensure that you will never get lost and your favorite playlists and podcasts on Spotify to stay entertained.

Our 10-Day Western United States Road Trip Itinerary

Here is our exact day-to-day road trip itinerary from San Francisco:

Day 1: Drive from San Francisco to Stanley, Idaho (~12 hours) Day 2: Stanley, Idaho Day 3: Salmon, Idaho & Missoula, Montana Day 4: Drive from Missoula to Big Sky, Montana Day 5: Big Sky, Montana & Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Day 6 : Livingston, Montana Day 7: Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Day 8: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Day 9: Escalante, Utah Day 10: Las Vegas, Nevada Day 11: Drive from Las Vegas to San Francisco (~8 hours)

We had a rough plan in place prior to our trip but gave ourselves the leeway to make unexpected stops the way — hence why we hit Yellowstone twice! In the next section, I’ll dive deeper into what we did in each destination.

Western United States Road Trip Destination Guide

Stanley, idaho.

Stanley, population ~60, is located in Central Idaho, about 130 miles from Boise. With rustic log cabins, winding rivers, and rolling green meadows — all framed by the snow-capped the Sawtooth mountains — the town looks straight out of a fairy tale. Minus the ostentatious Trump 2020 banners hanging on some of the houses, of course.

In all seriousness, I had no idea Idaho was this beautiful. The entire state is a paradise for anyone who loves hiking, swimming, or anything outdoorsy. Here’s what we did in Stanley:

• Hike! We did the Iron Creek trail to Alpine Lake , a moderate seven miles out-and-back. You can go further to Sawtooth Lake, which adds an additional three miles. The hike is lovely, with wildflowers and sweeping views of Sawtooth’s jagged peaks along the way. The AllTrails app can guide you to even more hiking options in the Stanley area.
• Swim, raft, SUP, boat, or fish. It seems like you are never far from a river, creek, or lake in Idaho. Stanley is located on the banks of the Salmon River, and Redfish Lake is right nearby in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. There are numerous shops that offer equipment rentals and guided rafting adventures in the area—just give it a quick Google search once you arrive.
• Horseback riding. Mystic Saddle Ranch offers trail ride in the Sawtooth mountains and near Redfish Lake.

Stay: The Sawtooth Hotel is a charming and relatively budget-friendly option.

Eat: Sawtooth Luce’s serves up cold local beer and a mean Idaho Kobe beef burger, and we had a delicious breakfast at Stanley Baking Company. The oatmeal pancake is a must-try!

Salmon, Idaho

Salmon, two hours north of Stanley, is another small Idaho town of 3000+ residents.

Our main activity was a visit to the Goldbug Hot Springs in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The springs, located at the top of a mountain, are reachable via a relatively short but steep hike. Once you complete the hike, you are rewarded with six warm pools, a waterfall, and sweeping views of the scenery below.

Stay : Super 8 by Wyndham Salmon.

Eat: We ate at Last Chance Pizza & Pasta in town. The artichoke spinach dip and conversation with local patrons were to die for. Ponderosa Pies is a food truck in Salmon that I wish we tried (they were sold out when we went). Their pizza is cooked in a wood fire oven installed directly in the truck.

Missoula, Montana

After Salmon, we drove to Missoula, a funky college town of 75,000 that we loved.

We arrived in the evening, so we watched the sunset at Higgins Street Bridge, took a walk downtown, and had a few drinks at The Rhino Bar , a proper dive with yummy beers on tap (this part of the country has consistently incredible beer). Though Missoula is pretty small, the nightlife is young and lively and there were a lot of people out and about. We had many “hmmm….should we move here?” moments during our visit.

On Saturday morning, we checked out the city’s weekly farmers’ market , which we read is a must during any visit to Missoula. It was cute, and we picked up some locally grown cherries and bison pepperoni for the road.

Stay: Econo Lodge Eat : The Hob Nob on South Higgins Street has good coffee and very filling, all-American brunch fare — all at a very reasonable price.

Detour to Garnet Ghost Town On our way to Big Sky from Missoula, we stopped at Garnet Ghost Town, a former mining town active from the late 1800s to the end of World War I. The town was apparently poppin’ in its heyday and had no less than thirteen saloons. I guess when you live in the middle of nowhere you’ve got to entertain yourself somehow. Because of its recent history and remote destination in the mountains, the buildings are well-preserved and worth a quick stop if you have time.

Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky, like so much of Montana, is absolutely stunning, with wide-open skies, winding rivers, and purple-hued mountains in the distance. Here are the top things to do in the area:

• Horseback riding . We went horseback riding in Big Sky with Jake’s Horses . The horses are gentle and well-trained, and in an hour-long ride you’ll cross creeks and scale a hill for sweeping views of the valley below. At $50 per person, it is 100% worth it!
• Take in the scenery on Taylor Fork Road. Our horseback riding guide told us to visit Taylor Fork Road if we were interested in seeing bears, moose, and other wildlife. While we didn’t see any animals (much to Lenza’s dismay), the views and photography opportunities made the trip worth it. If you are looking for a free place to camp, there are many options, but be warned that Taylor Fork is a dirt road where an off-roading vehicle is ideal. Bear spray is also a must.
• Hike. Beehive Basin Trail No. 40 is a popular 7.1-mile hike with spectacular views, meadows, creeks, waterfalls, and wildflowers. Use the AllTrails app to find even more options in the area that fit your hiking level.
• Visit Yellowstone National Park. Big Sky is a scenic hour away from the West entrance of Yellowstone. We ended up driving through the park en route to Livingston and visited a few iconic attractions along the way.

Livingston, Montana

Livingston is a historical railroad and ranching town in Southwestern Montana, a short distance north from Yellowstone National Park. Downtown Livingston, pictured above, looks like an idyllic old western town, though vintage shops and cafes now line the street instead of saloons. Like everywhere we stopped in Montana, mountains frame the city in the distance.

The highlight of our Livingston visit was Pine Creek Lake , a 12-mile out-and-back trail to not one, not two, but three alpine lakes (AllTrails says this trail is nine miles, but don’t believe it). The scenery at Pine Creek Lake is stunning, but boy, do you have to work for it. The hike consists of six unforgiving miles straight uphill, covering 3653 feet of elevation.

I almost gave up and turned around halfway through but persisted with the encouragement of Lenza and a one-pound bag of Tillamook beef jerky. When we reached the first lake, I came close to tears because we had worked so hard for the beautiful views.

Be warned—this trail is not for the faint of heart, but you will be rewarded with some of the best views Montana has to offer. If you choose to take on the task, make sure to bring sunblock, plenty of water, and snacks to fuel you along the way.

Stay: Country Motor Inn is a budget motel in town. And it actually feels homey!

Eat: Tru North Cafe , owned by a recent Los Angeles transplant who came to Livingston on vacation and “accidentally bought a coffee shop,” serves a mindblowing Maple Mountain Cloud latte and blueberry jam breakfast sandwich. All around high-quality food in a rustic but modern wild west ambiance.

Detour to The Old Saloon in Emigrant, Montana 20 minutes away from Livingston is The Old Saloon , an old western restaurant and bar established in 1902. The menu is creative and modern, with local twists like elk meatballs and a bison burger. We really enjoyed our chicken fried steak and roasted pork tenderloin with rosemary and huckleberry demi-glace.

The venue is an experience in itself, with wild game taxidermy lining the walls, a sturdy wooden bar, and a vintage piano in the corner. There is a stage and ample seating outside where live shows are hosted in the summertime, and guests flock in from Bozeman, Livingston, and other nearby towns for the experience.

Beartooth Highway

From Livingston, we took a two-hour drive to Red Lodge to enter Yellowstone via the 68-mile Beartooth Highway. This excursion — essentially a big loop back to where we started — took almost the entire day, but I really wanted to see what is considered one of the most beautiful and treacherous roads in America.

If you choose to explore Beartooth, I would budget at least 3-5 hours so you can get out and explore. There are lots of unique views and hiking opportunities along the way.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

So much has been said about Yellowstone already, so I’ll just share a list of attractions we visited in the park:

• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Norris Geysers
• Grand Prismatic Springs
• Old Faithful
• Lamar Valley (to see all the bison!)

Detour to Ashton, Idaho It is impossible to find a campsite in Yellowstone in the summertime. Jackson, the closest town, is crowded and expensive. So, we made the hour and a half drive to Ashton for affordable lodging, which we found at the Eagle Peak Lodge . In the morning, we had a gluttonous, all-American breakfast at Trails Inn Restaurant in town, which was just amazing. I’d never seen so many taxidermy animals in one place, and near the counter, a sign read “gun safety rule #1: carry one.” Seriously, look at this place:

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

We walked 7.7 miles around Jenny Lake , one of the many hiking trails in Grand Teton. It was flat and easy, with gorgeous views of the lake and the Tetons. Still, I’m not sure I would choose this trail again as it was crowded and there is a large portion that runs alongside a road.

Again, a quick search on AllTrails will present you with a list of trails within the park that you can choose from based on scenery, difficulty level, and user reviews. If I return to Teton in the future, I would try the more difficult Delta Lake vis Amphitheater Lake Trail .

Escalante, Utah

After Teton, we embarked on the 8-hour drive towards Escalante, Utah, stopping at Salt Lake City to sleep overnight. In the morning, we arrived to these views:

Utah is home to Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, and other majestic but crowded national parks. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, on the other hand, is just as impressive and a true hidden gem.

Never heard of it? Me either. But fun fact: designated in 1996, Escalante was the last part of the continental U.S. to be mapped .

We spent our afternoon hiking to the Escalante Natural Bridge , which we had all to ourselves. It is an easy walk on soft sand with multiple river crossings. The trail is so gentle on the feet that we actually did it barefoot!

Eat: Circle D Eatery has yummy BBQ ribs and a buttered trout plate. Georgie’s Outdoor Mexican Cafe has a quesadilla bursting with melted cheese and generously portioned fish tacos.

Stay: We slept at our friend’s quaint and reasonably priced Airbnb, though there are also a few motel options in town.

Detour to Capitol Reef or Bryce Canyon National Park Capitol Reef National Park is an hour and a half north of Escalante, and Bryce Canyon is about an hour South.

Bryce Canyon is obviously more famous — we’ve all seen photos of the park’s breathtaking Sunrise Point — but Capitol Reef received raving reviews from our friends and is far less crowded.

Whichever you decide, they are both great stops for your Western United States road trip!

Las Vegas, Nevada

I would write about Las Vegas, but really, what hasn’t been said about it already? The strip is obnoxious and ostentatious, crowded with symbols of American capitalism, casinos, wedding chapels, and strip clubs. Visitors range from overweight midwestern American families on their annual vacation to scantily-clad young girls ready for a night at the Marquee. People have a lot to say about Vegas, but in my opinion, you just gotta enjoy it for what it is: a tacky fabulous adult Disneyland.

Eat: Vegas is a food destination that I hope to explore more in the future. We had all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ at Ginseng BBQ on the strip and authentic, mouthwatering Shanxi beef noodle soup at Shang Artisan Noodle. I had an “I love America” moment at Shang’s because only here will you see a Hispanic person hand-pulling noodles in the Northern Chinese tradition. So good! If you are a Chinese food enthusiast and find yourself in Vegas, I highly recommend this place.

Stay: We loved our stay at Luxor, the Egyptian-themed, pyramid-shaped casino hotel located right on the strip. Obviously, there are many other options at all price ranges.

Few things are more romanticized than an all-American road trip, and I’m happy to report that they do indeed live up to the hype.

If you have any questions about this Western United States road trip guide, leave a comment below. I am always happy to help!

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Dottie is a travel blogger and YouTuber, and one part of Dots on a Map. Check out her YouTube at www.youtube.com/dotsonamap, where she tells stories about travel, food, and local cultures around the world.

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The Ultimate Western USA Road Trip Itinerary: The Best 11 Destinations

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WONDERING WHICH DESTINATIONS TO SEE ON YOUR ROAD TRIP THROUGHOUT THE WESTERN USA?

Looking to plan your next adventure on wheels, but are unsure which route to take? This road trip throughout the Western USA checks off seven states, 11 national parks, and a dozen unforgettable views! Pack your bags because you’re in for a trip of a lifetime!

11 Destinations To See On Your Western USA Road Trip: An Overview

Before diving deeper into what some of these destinations have to offer, here is a brief overview of all the cool places you’ll be stopping!

• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Crater Lake National Park
• Olympic National Park
• Glacier National Park

Are You Prepared For Your Trip?

• Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is great for digital nomads & remote workers
• Transportation: We love Rentalcars.com for its easy booking & good prices
• Flights: Expedia is our go-to for finding the flight that best suites our needs
• Hotels: Booking.com finds you the best hotels in any location
• Cozy Stays: VRBO is a great accommodation alternative for a homey feel
• Clothing:  Travel in comfort and style with the best  merino wool travel clothing

11 Destination Western USA Road Trip

Now that you know which national parks we’ll be going over, we can discuss the parks more in-depth. We’ll discuss potential attractions, hiking trails, camping options, and more!

Let’s get to it! Our itinerary went as follows…

Destination 1: Yellowstone National Park

Our first destination for this Western USA road trip was Yellowstone National Park. We were coming from West Yellowstone, so we took HWY 20 to the West Park entrance.

(By no means do you have to start in Yellowstone, but this is where we were closest to on the loop!)

Attractions in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a huge park, and unfortunately, since we had limited time, we only got to see the southwest corner of it. We decided with the time that we had, we would go towards Old Faithful, and exit at the south exit.

If you take this route, there are plenty of great places to stop for photo ops. We saw plenty of bison on the side of the road minding their business while they grazed. The fall season is when you’re most likely to see wildlife – anything from bison, bears, elk, bighorn, and moose.

Shortly before Old Faithful, you’ll find the Midway Geyser Basin . It is home to the largest single hot spring in Yellowstone – The Grand Prismatic Spring . A wooden pathway stretches across multiple geysers for your viewing, and it certainly does not disappoint. We did the walk during sunset, and it was an experience of a lifetime.

After admiring all of the breathtaking geysers at Midway Geyser Basin, we decided to continue with our journey. Our next suggested spot is Old Faithful . This historic site is one of the most visited in the park and for good reason. Its eruptions are highly predictable, and since 2000, it has gone off every 44 minutes – 2 hours.

Dylan and I had already seen Old Faithful and decided to skip it this time. We continued on the route towards West Thumb. If you have more time than we did, we highly recommend stopping to take in the views at Yellowstone Lake . It’s a completely different view than the rest of the park, and it truly is astounding – especially with the fall leaves in the background. Unfortunately, we had to swing a right at the junction onto HWY 89.

Campgrounds in Yellowstone

If you’re planning on camping, there are two campsites on this route. The first is Grant Village campground which is close to Yellowstone Lake. The second campsite – Lewis Lake – is further south on HWY 89. Either way, you’ll take HWY 89 to your second destination… The Grand Tetons.

Entering Yellowstone

Access to Yellowstone Park is prohibited in the Winter. If you’d like to explore the park, the only way is by guided tour. Mammoth Hot Springs is the only exception and is open year-round. You can access it through the north entrance. Make sure to plan so that you’ll be able to see the park while it’s still open!

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Destination 2: Grand Teton National Park

One thing that we found super convenient about this western USA road trip is that the southern exit of Yellowstone is the same road that enters the northern entrance of Grand Teton National Park. It doesn’t take long to make the transition, either!

As the highway transitions from 89 to 191 / 287, the landscape begins to change. The mountain landscape paired with aspen and pine trees makes this an adventurer’s dream.

Attractions in Grand Tetons

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to spend too much time in this park, but we did take Teton Park Road down to Jenny Lake . A stroll around the lake gave us a taste of what this National Park was all about!

During the summertime, Jenny Lake Visitor Center has a river launch where visitors can take a boat shuttle to the base of Mount Teewinot. There you can find a handful of trailheads that hike around the famous Teton peaks.

Trails near Jenny Falls

• Cascade Canyon Trail – 9.1 miles, moderately challenging, out & back, average time of 3 hours 45 minutes to complete, 1,102 ft elevation gain.
• Inspiration Point – 1.8 miles, moderately challenging, out & back, average time of 57 minutes to complete, 410 ft elevation gain.
• Hidden Falls – 1.1 miles, moderately challenging, out & back, average time of 31 minutes to complete, 187 ft elevation gain.

Technically, you can make the two-mile walk around the lake to access the trailheads at the base of Mount Teewinot. However, if you want to save some energy and time, the boat shuttle is a great option!

It’s important to note that they do not take reservations – you will need to physically go to the river launch site to purchase your fare. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes. More information can be found here .

Campgrounds in Grand Tetons

Campgrounds are by RSVP only, and car camping is not allowed anywhere other than designated camping spots. Luckily, most campgrounds are on this road trip route. Jenny Lake offers camping, but there are plenty of campsites before the lake. From north to south they are 1) Headwaters , 2) Lizard Creek , 3) Colter Bay (RV sites available), and 4) Signal Mountain .

Entering Grand Tetons

Grand Teton National Park is open year-round, but a handful of vicinities are closed. When we visited, many of the visitor centers weren’t open to the public. Skiing Grand Teton is open during the winter months, usually from late November to the beginning of April.

Destination 3: Bryce Canyon

Destination 3 of your western road trip across the USA is by far the most underrated National Park. This neck of the drive takes up to nine hours, so I’d suggest taking a driving day. Don’t worry – the view on the way is worth it!

Utah mountains are one of a kind. However, if you don’t want to drive that long of a stretch, Salt Lake City is right on the route.

Bryce Canyon might be out of the way, but it’s worth it to visit this National Park. Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of Hoodoos (sporadic rock columns) on Earth. The red rocks and irregular shapes make you feel like you’re on a different planet.

After HWY 12, you’ll turn off on HWY 63, and into the only entrance to Bryce Canyon. It’s a smaller national park, but every inch is breathtaking.

Right at the entrance you’ll find the Visitor Center, dump station, and general store. Shortly after, you have plenty of trails to choose from.

Attractions in Bryce Canyon

We decided to stop at Sunset Point and explore Thors Hammer , one of the park’s main attractions. There are plenty of hikes, but remember to bring shoes with a good grip! It can get steep!

After exploring the “heart” of the park, we drove to Inspiration Point to catch the sunset. It was by far my favorite national park on this road trip! We will be back to explore more of it!

Popular hikes in Bryce Canyon

• Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail – 3.1 miles, moderately challenging, loop, average time of 1 hour 34 minutes to complete, 649 ft elevation gain.
• Rim Trail – 10.7 miles, moderately challenging, out & back, average time of 4 hours 43 minutes to complete, 1,587 ft elevation gain.
• Fairyland Loop Trail – 7.6 miles, moderately challenging, loop, average time of 3 hours 51 minutes to complete, 1,545 elevation gain.
• Sunrise to Sunset Point – 1.1 miles, easy, out & back, average time of 24 minutes to complete, 82 ft elevation gain.

The trails around Thors Hammer are breathtaking. Walking through the sandy trails while being surrounded by towering rock formations was a dream. We spent most of the daylight we had around that area.

Campgrounds in Bryce Canyon

There are two camping grounds in Bryce Canyon. The North campground (near the entrance) and the Sunset campground (near Sunset Point). If you want more of a “cabin” stay, there are the cutest log cabins a few miles outside of the park! Check out Bryce Canyon Log Cabins for more information! Book online in advance for cheaper prices!

Entering Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is open 24 hours throughout the year, and no reservations are required to camp. Look out for alerts on the national park website though, because during the winter months, some areas may be closed.

Destination 4. Zion National Park

After watching the sunset over the Hoodoos, we decided to drive close to Zion National Park so that we could do a morning hike. We ended up driving to Cedar City and rented a hotel for the night. In the morning, we ended up at our fourth destination: Zion!

After our overnight stay, we headed to the west entrance of Zion National Park, where we checked in at the Kolob Canyon Visitor Center. There are plenty of hiking options from the western entrance, but if you’re planning on driving through the park, you’re out of luck.

Trails in Zion (West Entrance)

Dylan and I hiked Taylor Creek Trail and fell in love. This 4.9 miles out and back led us to the double arch alcoves… a real-life artistic masterpiece. Considered moderately challenging (probably because walking on red sand does a number on the calves), it took us about 2 and a half hours to complete.

Entering Zion from the south or east entrance offers a variety of hiking opportunities, however, the views from the west entrance didn’t disappoint. Plus, our morning hike in the west entrance allowed us some seclusion from the crowd and had the trail to (mostly) ourselves!

Attractions in Zion

You can drive up to the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint to overlook the beautiful bright red, sandy mountains. We appreciated Zion for the small portion we saw of it, but we know that there is so much more to see!

Zion has always been hyped up and for good reason. We hope to go back one day – The Narrows is on my bucket list!

Campgrounds in Zion

The campgrounds in Zion include:

• Watchman Campground . Located in Zion Canyon – Open year round.
• South Campground . Closed in the winter.
• Lava Point Campground . Kolob Terrace Road – Closed in the winter.

If you want to camp overnight, we wouldn’t recommend the west entrance.

Entering Zion

Zion is open year-round. However, vicinity operating hours and shuttle schedules change depending on which season you visit. Check the websites before you leave to check for any weather alerts! Also – be careful of Mountain Lions on the Taylor Creek Trailhead!

Destination 5: The Grand Canyon

I shouldn’t have to explain why the Grand Canyon is the last destination on this road trip. Known for its natural geological formation of layered rocks, this is arguably one of the USA’s top western road trip destinations. It spans almost 10 miles wide, 277 miles long, and is about a mile deep.

We took HWY 89 South, turned onto HWY 64, and entered the Grand Canyon from the west entrance which is considered the canyon’s “south rim.”

Trails in the Grand Canyon (South Rim)

We arrived close to sunset once again and decided to end the day near Bright Angels Trail . The trail goes from the top of the Grand Canyon to the bottom and is a total of 9.9 miles long. We didn’t get to hike the entirety of the trail – far from it, but we would like to, eventually. It’s another bucket list item!

Other trails in the south rim:

• Rim Trail Mules to Mather Point – 6 miles, easy, out & back, average time of 2 hours 8 minutes to complete, 413 ft elevation gain.
• South Kaibab Trail – There are multiple destinations on this out & back trail. Roundtrips can range from 1 hour – 2 days depending on how far you choose to go. You must use the free shuttle bus to access the trailhead from the Bright Angel Lodge. Permit required for backcountry camping.

Campgrounds in the Grand Canyon (South Rim)

There is a campground – Phantom Ranch – located at the bottom of Bright Angels Trail, but a permit is required. You can apply online or request a permit at the Information Center. There are plenty of camping options depending on if you choose the north or south rim.

Grand Canyon Visitor Centers

The Grand Canyon is a huge national park, and there is no way I would be able to cover it all in one blog post. However, I do know that there are only 3 visitor centers.

The North Rim Visitor Center is – obviously – located by the north entrance coming from Lake Powell. The Grand Canyon & Verkamp’s Visitor Center are both located on the south rim.

Entering the Grand Canyon

South Rim is open 365 days a year, including the Grand Canyon Village and Desert View. Most, but not all services are available year-round – some close during the winter. Reservations are strongly recommended in every season except in the fall. The North rim is open for the season – usually between May and October. Check the dates before leaving!

NOTE: Dylan and I ended our road trip here, but to make it a loop, continue with the destinations below!

Destination 6: Death Valley National Park

Our sixth destination is going to be Death Valley National Park, which spans across Nevada and eastern California. To reach Death Valley from the Grand Canyon, you’ll take I-40 W for 400 miles. To break up the drive, you could stop at Las Vegas on the way!

Attractions in Death Valley

Death Valley is an extremely popular destination not only for its record-breaking temperatures but also because it’s one of the largest national parks in the US. The national park is below the sea-level basin, so it is a land of extremes in every season! We highly recommend visiting this mysterious national park!

Since Death Valley is over 3.4 million acres, it’s impossible to talk about every cool thing to see during your trip. However, we recommend picking up a map and stopping at Zabriskie Point , Artists Palette , and Badwater Basin .

Campgrounds in Death Valley

There are many different ways to camp in Death Valley, including primitive, developed, private, and backcountry camping. It’s advised to camp in the higher elevation campgrounds during the summer to escape the heat. The campgrounds fill up fast during the summer holidays, so make sure to prepare in advance! You can make reservations for the Furnace Campground on reservation.gov , however, the Sunset Campground , Stovepipe Wells Campground, and Texas Springs Campground are first come first serve. There are two primitive areas: Eureka Dunes and Saline Valley .

Entering Death Valley

There is a required entrance fee to enter the park, but an Interagency Pass will work. Check the Death Valley NPS website for more information on road closures and weather conditions.

Destination 7: Yosemite National Park

After your experience in Death Valley, it’s time to head over to Yosemite National Park, one of my all-time favorites! It’s a little less than 400 miles if you take CA-99N, leaving you with a little under a 7-hour drive. If you want a taste of the coast, consider heading a few hours west to San Francisco!

Attractions in Yosemite

Yosemite is a fantastic national park to visit due to its breathtaking waterfalls, ancient sequoia trees, deep valleys, and 1,200 miles of pure beauty. Some of the most popular places to visit in the park are Yosemite Valley , Mariposa Grove , and Glacier Point . Some of the popular hikes available throughout the park are:

• Wawona and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Hetch Hetchy
• Crane Flat and White Wolf
• Tuolumne Meadows

Another great way to experience Yosemite is their scenic drive on Tioga Road. It’s 46 miles long and goes from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass. Make sure to check their website for more information on seasonal road closures.

Campgrounds in Yosemite

Since Yosemite is such a huge national park, there are many different camping options for you to choose from. They offer RV and Trailer Camping, Group Camping, and Horse Camping. There are thirteen different campgrounds for you to choose from with more information on reservations and fees on their website !

NOTE: My step-sister and I stayed at the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge in their canvas-sided tent cabins and had a fantastic experience! Our stay came with free firewood and comfortable beds, a shower, restroom, and store on-site, and a free shuttle. We’d recommend it for a secluded “glamping” trip!

Entering Yosemite

Check Yosemite’s website for information on upcoming dates when reservations are required to enter the park in 2024. The park remains open year-round, however, some road closures will occur during the winter months, including Tioga Pass.

Destination 8: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Destination 8 is the classic but underrated Lassen Volcanic National Park! It’s around 340 miles from Yosemite if you take I-5 N. There is so much to see in Lassen Volcanic National Park – its numerous volcanoes and hydrothermal sites of course, but also its beautiful mountainside lakes, elegant wildflower meadows, and dramatic mountains. This is a national park worth visiting!

Attractions in Lassen

There are many beautiful places to explore in this national park! The park is separated by region, so the attractions will vary by where you decide to go. Here’s an idea of what you can expect in each region:

• Manzanita Lake Area – This area is geared towards families who are looking for camping and lake access!
• Southwest Area – This area is the best for hiking and experiencing the hydrothermal areas in the park. Hike up Lassen Peak , or visit Sulphur Works and Bumpass Hell . There are two waterfalls here including Kings Creek and Mills Creek . 
• Butte Lake Area – Check out Cinder Cone – the youngest volcano at Lassen! If you’re up for a challenge, Cinder Cone Trail is the hardest hike in the park but it is worth it for the views. 
• Warner Valley – This area is great for outdoor recreation opportunities with thriving meadows and access to hydrothermal areas such as Boiling Springs Lake and Devil’s Kitchen .
• Juniper Lake – This is the largest lake in the park and is perfect for summer recreation activities. Check out the oldest fire lookout on Mount Harness . 

Additionally, take the scenic route on the 30-mile park highway through the park’s east side. The route closes during the winter months, so check the website for updated information.

Campgrounds in Lassen

There are eight campgrounds in the national park. You can find out more information on which region, current status, fee, and other information online . Additionally, consider staying at Drakesbad Guest Ranch at their lodge, cabins, or bungalows!

Entering Lassen

Lassen Volcanic National Park is open year-round and a reservation is not required to enter the park. Access, services, and activities will vary by season. Check the NPS website for more information on road and area closures.

Destination 9: Crater Lake National Park

Your ninth destination will be a much shorter drive to Crater Lake National Park! This drive is only about 200 miles from Lassen and takes a little over three and a half hours via CA-139N. However, we recommend taking the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway – it doesn’t add additional time or miles and provides spectacular views!

Attractions in Crater Lake

Crater Lake is awe-inspiring in the fact that it is the deepest lake in the USA, sustained by rain and snow, located in a sleeping volcano. It’s known for its untouched and pure waters and the surrounding Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon. Crater Lake is a sight to behold, and we hope you get the chance to add this stop to your Western USA road trip!

Some of the most visited attractions in the park are Sinnott Memorial Overlook , Crater Lake , and Rim Village . Additionally, you can take the 33-mile-long scenic drive along HWY 62 for fantastic overlooks and pullouts. It’s one of the best ways to experience the park as you wind along the lake!

Campgrounds in Crater Lake

There are a few places you can stay within the park, including the Crater Lake Lodge , cabins at Mazama Village , camping at the Mazama or Lost Creek Campgrounds , or in the backcountry. Additionally, you can check their website for some recommended places to stay outside of the park !

Entering Crater Lake

This national park is open year-round and no reservations are required to enter, although some roads are closed during the snowy season. An entrance fee is required. Check the NPS website for road closures and other alerts.

Destination 10: Olympic National Park

At this point in the road trip, we’re gonna head north up to Washington state! The next destination on the list is Olympic National Park – about 400 miles north of Crater Lake National Park. It’s about a 7-hour drive, so if you’d like to break it up, Portland is around the halfway point!

Attractions in Olympic

Olympic National Park is a ginormous national park that spans almost a million acres, so it’s recognized for its diverse ecosystems throughout the park! Experience the dramatic Olympic Mountains, 70 miles of natural coastline, and old-growth temperate rainforests! It’s also an extremely popular place for backpackers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts!

Check out some of these cool spots by region!

• On The Pacific Coast – Some favored beaches include Kalaloch Beach , Rialto Beach , and Ozette Beach and Lake. 
• Temperate Rain Forests – Check out the Hoh Rainforest , Queets Rain Forest , or Quinault Rainforest . 
• Mountains and Old Growth Forests – There are many places to explore within this ecosystem, but a few include Sol Duc Valley , Hurricane Ridge , Deer Park, and Staircase .

Campgrounds in Olympic

To no surprise, there are over ten campsites dispersed throughout Olympic National Park! The rules and regulations for each site vary, so make sure to check the NPS website for more information on campground status’.  They also offer different lodging options inside the park, including Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort , a Log Cabin Resort , the Lake Cresent Lodge , and the Kalach Lodge . Since the park is so big, you may want to stay at a campsite, resort, or lodge near some of the attractions you hope to explore!

Entering Olympic

Olympic National Park is open year-round, although some campgrounds, routes, and visitor facilities will be closed seasonally. Check their website for more information. An entrance fee is required to enter the park.

Destination 11: Glacier National Park

Last but not least, Glacier National Park is our final destination on this Western US road trip! This stretch is a pretty far stretch between national parks, so it’s advised to stop in Spokane for a break! It’s over 600 miles via I-90 E.

Attractions in Glacier

Heading back to Montana, Glacier National Park is widely known for its glacier peaks, deep and winding valleys, and photogenic lakes. The park spans over 1,500 miles, so a popular way of experiencing it is by driving Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is the only direct way through the park. However, the road closes during the winter months, and you can drive the park boundary to an entrance near an attraction you hope to visit.

Here are some attractions along Going-to-the-Sun Road:

• Lake McDonald
• Jackson Glacier Overlook
• Sunrift Gorge
• Weeping Wall
• Triple Arches

Here are some attractions located near the park boundary:

• Bowman Lake (West)
• Kintla Lake (West)
• Goat Lick Overlook (South)
• Belly River (East)

Campgrounds in Glacier

There are four different lodges (in many different sites) in Glacier you can choose from: Glacier National Park Lodges/Xanterra Parks & Resorts , Glacier Park Collection , Sperry Chalet, or Granite Park Chalet . Additionally, there are thirteen different campgrounds in the park with over a thousand sites, so there is an abundance to choose from! Check their website for more information.

Entering Glacier

Glacier is open year-round, although accessibility is limited during winter months and you cannot access the Going-to-the-Sun road. Many businesses are only open during the summer which roughly runs from May to September. A fee is required to enter the park.

NOTE: After this, you’ll drive back to Yellowstone to complete your Western USA road trip loop! You don’t have to do it in the same order, and you can add or skip stops as you please!

Before You Leave

Before heading out, we strongly recommend buying the “America The Beautiful” Annual pass . It only costs about $80 and gives you access to all the National Parks and Lands for a year! It’s hands down the best purchase Dylan and I have made. If you use it more than four times, you’re getting your money’s worth and you’ll be saving money for this road trip!

Of a distance of about 3,700 miles give or take, you can start your Western USA road trip in whichever national park and make this Western US road trip loop. Along the way, you’ll stop at eleven national parks. Take as much time as you need, but we recommend giving yourself a month to complete it.

The best times to make this Western USA road trip would be summer or early fall. The sweet spot lands in late September to early October. During this time, the summer rush has died down and the fall leaves are gorgeous. Go anytime after the second week of October and you’re at risk for road and park closures due to snow.

Western USA Road Trip: FAQ’s

Now that we’ve gone over an epic road trip itinerary for your adventure out west, let’s go over some frequently asked questions about the matter!

Where can I go on a road trip out west?

The western US is a fantastic place to road trip, because the landmarks, destinations, and national parks are endless! In this blog post, our Western USA road trip itinerary covers eleven national parks at stops in seven different states.

How many days do you need for a West Coast road trip?

In this blog post, we covered a Western USA national park destination road trip that covers almost 4,000 miles, seven states, and eleven national parks. We recommend taking four weeks to complete it.

What was the most popular route out west?

One of the most popular routes for a Western USA road trip to hit all the best national parks is to make a loop from Montana down to Arizona, west to California, up to Washington, and back to Montana. Check out this blog post for eleven of the best destinations!

Wrapping Up: The Ultimate Western USA Road Trip Itinerary

There you have it! A western USA road trip that hits eleven unique National Parks! Add any stops or route modifications as you please. There are many cute little towns along the way that are great for stretching the legs!

No matter what route you take, remember to be respectful of native lands and practice Leave No Trace principles wherever you go!

Happy Trails!

Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

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Traveling along the West Coast of the United States  had been in my head since the day I found out I’d be moving there for work. Who hasn’t dreamed about a road trip across the Western US? For me, the landscapes that automatically come to mind are the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Death Valley among others, as we have seen again and again in a bunch of movies.

Grand Canyon

In addition to nature, the American West Coast also offers you visits to symbolic cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

My favorite part of this trip was definitely the National Parks where natural wonders of this incredible country are concentrated within. I had been taking note of them on a  Western US  map   for a long time so that I could visit them as soon as I had the chance.

That’s how I started planning the 10-day West Coast USA road trip that we took in August.

THIS WAS OUR 10-DAY WEST COAST USA ITINERARY:

Our 10-day West Coast USA road trip itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas.  Beginning of our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip.
• Day 2: Monument Valley + Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend.  The most popular places in the Western USA.
• Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park. One of the less touristic national park in the West Coast USA.
• Day 4: Zion Canyon National Park. One of the places we like the most during our 10-day West Coast USA trip.
• Day 5: Grand Canyon,  a must-visit place on the West Coast.
• Day 6: Mojave National Preserve + Death Valley,  the best of our 10-day West Coast Itinerary.
• Day 7: Yosemite Valley, the best attraction in the Western USA.
• Day 8: Upper Yosemite Falls,  the best hike of our West Coast America road trip.
• Day 9: Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. You cannot skip this highlight of West Coast USA:
• Day 10: Return flight from San Francisco.  En of our 10-day Western US trip.

If a Western US road trip is also one of your dreams, you will find everything you need to prepare your trip here:

• 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip

Best places to visit in West Coast America

• Our West Coast USA 10-day itinerary
• How to plan a self-drive trip to the Western US

How much does it cost a West Coast USA trip?

• Map of Western US

10-day west coast USA road trip

One of the first things I am sure you will be wondering about is how long a West Coast trip could take. My opinion is that you could be discovering the American West Coast for months and would still have things to do.

Death Valley – Zabriskie Point

When looking at a West Coast USA map, it may initially seem that the best tourist destinations are close to each other. However, distances in this country are huge, and you will spend a lot of time on the road during your trip.

Keep in mind that the US public transportation system is very scarce outside of the big cities, so the only practical option is to rent a car and prepare for a West Coast USA driving holiday.

On our West Coast USA road trip, more than ¼ of the trip was spent driving and still, along with the Canadian Rockies trip , it was one of the best trips of our life.

Another highly recommended option is to take a West Coast RV trip , as this country offers all kind of facilities for those who like to travel with their motorhome. You can check the best RV rental companies in the USA here.

Although it takes a long time to travel across the West Coast in depth, if you don’t have too many days or prefer to combine them, I encourage you to spend in West Coast America at least 10 days.

Grand Canyon – Plateau Point

There are thousands of West Coast USA tours you can take, so the first thing you have to choose is a few must-see places. It may seem complicated to plan this trip at first, especially when you do not have much time.

To help you choose your perfect West Coast America itinerary, you will discover the main tourist attractions in this section. Then, you can design the West Coast USA holiday itinerary that best suits your needs.

I suggest that as you read through this article, write down  the things to do in West Coast America  that interest you most on a map to help determine the best itinerary.

SAN FRANCISCO

If you like to visit cities, one of the places you cannot miss on the West Coast America is San Francisco. This popular city of California, is characterized by the steep slopes and the well-known Lombard street.

The most popular thing to do in San Francisco is visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the US and a classic in many American films, as seen in Godzilla and Superman.

In addition, another interesting activity to do is visiting the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary whose best-known prisoner was Al Capone. It was said that nobody could escape from this maximum-security prison island since the only way was by swimming almost two kilometers in cold and treacherous waters.

If you are visiting this city, stay in one of the best hotels in San Francisco.

Las Vegas,  also known as “Sin City”, is one of the American classics famous for its countless casinos, open container laws (aka public drinking), and legalized prostitution in nearby counties.

The largest city in the state of Nevada welcomes both domestic and global tourism, where vice is a right. It is not surprising to hear the old saying: What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.

Welcome Las Vegas

Whether you like gambling or not, it is a must-see Western American city. It is also a good place to celebrate your (fake) wedding if being married by Elvis is also one of your dreams. Here you can find the ultimate list of things to do in Las Vegas.

If you are visiting this city make sure you know where to stay in Las Vegas , since its hotels are some of the most amazing in the World.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS to do in las vegas

• Los Angeles

Los Angeles , also known as LA, is the most populous city on the West Coast of USA. The City of Broken Dreams and Hollywood stars is located in California.

The Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign are probably the main tourist attractions in Los Angeles , although a visit to Santa Monica , the beach where Baywatch was filmed, is also recommended.

Another place of interest is the Warner Bros. studios , where you can visit the film sets of a lot of movies, as well as Venice , where the canals remind you of those from the Italian city with the same name.

LA is a stop that you cannot miss on your 10-day West Coast US trip if you happen to enjoy both cities and film. You can find where to stay in Los Angeles here.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES

Grand canyon.

If we had to choose just a single place to start, visiting the Grand Canyon  would probably be the first that we recommend to do in West Coast USA.

The Grand Canyon is in Arizona and was shaped by the Colorado River over millions of years. In some points, the Canyon reaches a depth of more than 5250 feet.

Grand Canyon – Helicopter Tour

If you don’t have much time, taking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is a good option, as we told you in that article about our experience. However, if you have several days, I advise going down the canyon  through one of the many different hikes to discover the Colorado River.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO DO IN GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK and best places to stay in Grand canyon

Havasu falls.

If you like adventure, visiting the Havasu Falls is an essential of West Coast USA.

The Havasu Falls, along with others in the area, belong to the Havasupai Indian Reservation and are guarded by a tribe of Native Americans. They are inaccessible by car, so you must be in excellent physical condition to visit as you will be hiking in and out.

Plan well in advance for your visit, since you will need a permit that usually runs out shortly after the beginning of the  reservation  period which starts in February of each year. In addition to the permit, you will have to book a camping spot, as it is mandatory to stay there when visiting the falls.

SANTA BARBARA

Back at the coastal area, Santa Bárbara, located 150 kilometers north of Los Angeles, can be another interesting stop.

The main beach largely resembles Santa Mónica, except Santa Bárbara is not as popular.

However, Santa Bárbara is not just a beach: its architecture with Hispanic colonial roots is an important tourist attraction.

MONUMENT VALLEY

Between Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley is another one of the supernatural landscapes in the American West. It is a huge valley where very interesting geological formations rose with reddish colors. This was also a scene featured in many classic western films.

Monument Valley

This desert valley is located within the Navajo Nation, a territory that belongs to the Navajo natives who are responsible for both maintenance of the reserve and collection of entrance fees, which is not included in the US National Parks pass.

The best time to photograph the valley is during sunrise when the sun is behind the monuments, or during sunset when the monuments are illuminated by the last rays of the sun. In addition, there are different hiking trails that bring you closer to the main monuments of the valley, or you can even take a Jeep tour with one of the Navajo guides.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO Do IN Monument Valley and WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

Page: antelope canyon and horseshoe bend.

Page is a town inside the Navajo Indian Reservation, located in Arizona.

The most interesting attraction here is the Antelope Canyon , a geological feature formed by consecutive floods throughout history, which eroded narrow labyrinths of sandy rock into its terrain.

Antelope Canyon

Do not miss our Guide to antelope canyon TOURS

In addition, if you visit Page, you cannot miss a sunset in  Horseshoe Bend, which is named after its shape. It is probably the most famous bend of the Colorado River.

Horseshoe Bend

Do not miss our Guide to VISIT horseshoe bend

Here we leave you the best guide to know where to stay in Page.

The Wave in Arizona is another attraction to see in Western America.

To see this solidified wave-shaped dune, you must have a permit issued  four months in advance and by lottery (only 20 visitors per day are allowed).

It is one of the few virgin wonders that remain in the United States, so if you missed the date of the draw, it is always a good idea to check if someone has canceled his or her tour on the calendar. Visit this booking website both to participate in the lottery and to check the calendar.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Bryce Canyon National Park is a reserve located in Utah and is popular for the peculiar rock formations also known as “Hoodoos”. This park should be included in any Western US National Parks itinerary.

Due to the reddish color of the terrain, the best time to contemplate the main amphitheater viewpoint is at sunrise and sunset.

Bryce Canyon

There are also several hiking trails that will take you through the formations, where you can discover some with very interesting forms and names like Thor’s Hammer or Queen Victoria.

Do not miss THE BEST HIKES IN bryce canyon and the BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRYCE

Close to the Mexican border, we will find San Diego, the second largest city in the state south of Los Angeles

This city is a good stop on your 10-day West Coast US road trip if you are more interested in beach areas. La Jolla Cove is the most popular beach and you can find all kinds of wildlife including sea lions there.

In addition to the beach, there are other places of interest, such as Old Town San Diego, where you can find original buildings of the first Spaniards that arrived here, and Balboa Park, where many museums are concentrated, or the Coronado Island , where you can find the best views of the city.

ZION NATIONAL PARK

In Utah, one of the most important landmarks of the state is  Zion National Park, where the main interest here is an 800-meter-deep canyon carved into the reddish terrain for 24 kilometers by the Virgin River.

There are different hikes that you can take in this park. One of the most popular is Angels Landing, where you can get a full view of the canyon after three hours of hiking and up the Via Ferrata section.

Zion Canyon

Another longer route is The Narrows , which can be completed in 8 hours or done over several days. The route goes through the narrow gorges carved in by the virgin river, so you always need to check river flow the day before at the visitor’s center, and also to get water shoes.

Do not miss THE THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO IN zion national park and WHERE TO STAY IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

Joshua tree national park.

Located in a desert area in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park stands out for its unique rocks and mountain shapes.

Although its name comes from the unique Joshua Tree , what makes this park really interesting are the infinite rock-climbing possibilities .

Whether or not you are a climber, if you decide to visit Joshua Tree National Park on your West Coast USA trip over 10 days, you will experience the feeling of finding yourself on another planet.

DEATH VALLEY

On your 10-day West Coast America self-driving tour, you cannot miss the Death Valley that is located in California.

Death Valley

This immense desert is famous for Badwater, a dry area with the highest negative elevation within North America, situated at 262 feet below sea level. In addition, it is one of the hottest places on earth during summer, with a maximum recorded temperature of 58ºC.

Zabriskie Point

If you are going to cross it, be sure to fill the fuel tank and bring plenty of water to survive the extreme desert temperatures during the day.

Do not miss tHE bEST tHINGS TO DO IN Death Valley and where to stay in Death Valley

Mojave national preserve.

The Mojave Desert  spreads across Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley, Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) and the Mojave National Preserve.

While you will find Joshua trees all over in this vast extension of land, the world’s highest concentration is located within the Mojave National Preserve .

Mojave Desert

In addition to the flora, the fauna is abundant and diverse, from reptiles like snakes, lizards, and turtles to mammals like bobcats or hares.

Do not miss WHAT TO DO IN mojave desert

Arches national park.

Arches National Park , located in Utah, has the highest concentration of stone arches in the world, however, there is no record of how many arches there are in this extension. This is the reason why it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Utah.

In addition, we can find another type of geological formations that defy gravity here, such as the Balanced Rock, a rock that seems to be falling at any time, yet has been standing for thousands of years in the same position.

The best way to go across Arches National Park is through a park ranger-guided tour that takes you to the purest and most virgin area of the park, where you cannot access on your own. You can book it here.

This park is one of the most acclaimed by photographers since the impossible shapes of the arches are very easy to use in any composition.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

An essential stop in West Coast USA is Yosemite National Park , located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

This park is remarkable for two of the most important climbing sites in the United States and the world: the big granite walls of El Capitan and the Half Dome. In addition, we can find the American Giant Sequoia, one of the largest trees in the world, as well as extensive fauna that includes raccoons and black bears in this park.

Yosemite Valley

If you are a lover of nature, outdoor activities, and camping , this is surely going to be one of your favorite places near West Coast of the United States.

Do not miss all you have to do in Yosemite and WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE

Sequoia national park.

In Sequoia National Park, you can find the largest concentration of giant sequoias in the world. These are grouped within what is known as the Giant Forest.

The park is located about 10000 feet above sea level, a critical altitude for this type of trees to grow. However, it may be closed during the winter because of the snow.

In addition, here we can find the giant sequoia known as General Sherman standing at 275 feet. While it is the largest single-stem tree, the Hyperion , located in Redwood National Park, California, stands taller at 379 feet as the tallest living tree known in the world.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is the oldest national park in the United States. It stands out for the incredible volcanic activity in the area and for the abundant fauna that inhabits the park: buffalo, grizzly bears, black bears, moose… If you want to enjoy the authentic American wildlife and landscapes with a smell of sulfur taken from another world, Yellowstone is an essential place to visit on the American West Coast.

I didn’t visit it during my first trip to the West Coast in the United States in 10 days, but during my next trip in which I toured Yellowstone and Grand Teton for 10 days, a great plan if you are looking for an alternative itinerary.

Check WHAT TO DO IN YELLOWSTONE and WHERE TO STAY IN YELLOWSTONE

Grand teton national park.

The mountains of Grand Teton National Park are one of the most haunted landscapes by photographers on the West Coast. If you like wildlife, hiking, and want to flee the typical 10-day US West Coast itineraries , I recommend visiting this national park that promises a quiet vacation away from the masses even in peak tourist season.

Grand Teton adjoins Yellowstone National Park, so taking a 10-day tour of the US West Coast combining these two parks is quite popular.

Check what to do in grand teton and WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND TETON

Our 10-day west coast usa itinerary.

As we stated above, our West Coast USA trip was focused on national parks and all the natural wonders of this area in North America.

Cities in the west coast are for sure some interesting destinations, but, without a doubt, if we had had more than 10 days to travel the American West Coast, we would have kept exploring the natural places that this country offers, each one so different and full of contrasts.

DAY 1 – West Coast America Trip: FLIGHT TO LAS VEGAS

We arrived in Las Vegas at noon, picked up the rental car and made a quick route to see the highlights of the city.

After a mandatory stop to make the classic photo with the Welcome Las Vegas sign, we headed to Monument Valley (6 hours driving) where we spent our first night.

DAY 2 – West Coast America Trip: DAWN IN MONUMENT VALLEY + ANTELOPE CANYON + HORSESHOE BEND

We photographed the sunrise in Monument Valley to see the incredible geological formations of the Navajo Reservation tinted in beautiful reddish colors.

Monument Valley (Our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip)

In the morning we went to Antelope Canyon , in Page (2 hours driving) to take both the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours.

Antelope Canyon (Our 10-day West Coast USA Trip)

In the afternoon we had a rest at  Lake Powell. Then we went to Horseshoe Bend from where we watched and photographed an unforgettable sunset.

Horseshoe Bend (Our 10-day Western US Road Trip)

We drove 2.5 hours until our next stop on our 10-day route along the West Coast.

DAY 3 – West Coast America Trip: BRYCE canyon NATIONAL PARK

We woke up in Bryce Canyon National Park , where we took pictures of the twilight from Sunrise Point overlooking the amphitheater.

We hiked the Rim Trail, seeing different Hoodoos as Thor’s Hammer.

Bryce Canyon (Our 10-day WesternUSA Road Trip)

At night, we returned to photograph the amphitheater under the Perseid Meteor Shower, and camped inside the park.

Bryce Canyon – Sunrise Overlook

DAY 4 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: ZION NATIONAL PARK

We arrived in Springdale (2 hours driving), parked our car and took the shuttle to Zion National Park.

We did the Angels Landing trail to get the best views of the valley.

Zion National Park (Our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip)

In the afternoon, we drove 4 hours to the next stop on our 10-day Western US trip.

DAY 5 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: GRAND CANYON

We watched the sunrise at the Grand Canyon from Mather Point in probably the most epic light display we have ever seen during a sunrise.

Grand Canyon (Our trip to West Coast USA for 10 days)

In the morning we take this tour , as we tell you in this article about Grand Canyon helicopter rides . Without a doubt, I enjoyed my visit the most.

In the afternoon, we descended the first section of the Bright Angel Trailhead trail.

In the evening we drove to the next stop of our 10-day Western US trip, Mojave National Preserve (4 hours driving), where we spent one of the best nights of our life camping in the wild desert.

Mojave National Preserve

DAY 6 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: MOJAVE DESERT + DEATH VALLEY

We photographed the first sun rays of the day through the branches of the Joshua trees in the Mojave National Preserve.

We filled the tank to cross the Death Valley and made stops at the main viewpoints.

Death Valley (Our 10-day West Coast USA Self-drive Trip)

We arrived at Yosemite National Park where we set up a bivouac to spend the night in order to get accommodation the next morning at the historic Camp 4.

This day we drove a total of 10 hours, more driving hours than any other day of the entire trip.

DAY 7 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Once settled in Yosemite National Park valley we went to discover the main viewpoints of the valley, from which we would photograph the last sunrises and sunsets of our 10-day trip to the West Coast USA.

Yosemite (Our 10-day West Coast USA holidays)

We took the opportunity to enjoy the real camp life,  cooked on the bonfire at night and raccoon watched with our campmates so they didn’t eat our food.

DAY 8 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

On the eighth day, we did the most strenuous hike of our 10-day West Coast USA trip. We climbed to the Upper Yosemite Falls, where we had a bath in one of its natural pools.

Yosemite Falls (Our 10-day West Coast USA vacations)

In the afternoon we took refuge in the tent as a hail storm fell – remember that weather in Yosemite, like any high mountains, is quite unpredictable even during summer season.

DAY 9 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

On our 9th day, we decided to try one of the small hiking trails in Yosemite National Park, such as the hike that takes you to Bridal Veil Falls or the Taft Point viewpoint.

In the afternoon we visited Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, where we could see these giant trees.

Tuolumne Grove (Our 10-day West Coast USA self-drive holidays)

DAY 10 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: FLIGHT BACK FROM SAN FRANCISCO

We left Yosemite National Park to head to San Francisco , where we took our return flight home.

Our initial idea was to have the last day to discover the city. However, we liked Yosemite so much that we ended up leaving just enough time to catch the flight back. It took us 4 hours to get to the airport.

How to plan an self-drive trip to the Western US

Although many travel agencies offer West Coast USA holiday packages, this destination seems more appropriate to be planned on your own (unless you are interested in photography and decide to take a photo tour to the West Coast America ).

In any case, we will explain step by step how you can plan a trip to the West Coast USA on your own in this section:

• Choose your best West Coast USA itinerary
• Plan how to get to West Coast USA
• Get your US tourist visa
• Hire the best travel insurance for traveling to the United States
• Book a rental car
• Buy America the Beautiful Pass to enter the US National Parks for free
• Book the best accommodation  on the West Coast

HOW TO CHOOSE THE best West Coast USA itinerary

From the previous section where we highlighted the best places to visit in Western US, choose 8 (if taking a 10-day West Coast road trip) or 15 places (if taking a 20-day trip) that interest you most.

Jot them down on a map of  West Coast USA (I suggest using  Google MyMaps ).

Connect the different points and check on our map below to see if there is any tourist attraction that is on your way or that you can easily reach.

Finally, check that the driving hours are compatible with the itinerary or else leave them out of your list.

Driving in the West Coast USA

Do not be frustrated, no matter how long you stay on the West Coast, you will always leave something to explore for the next trip 😉

how to get to the West Coast of USA

In order to define our itinerary, we must know how to get to the Western US.

The best way is by flying to one of the following three airports:

• San Francisco

If you want to find cheap flights to the West Coast , the best time to book them is 3 months in advance. You can find here the best cheap flights hacks . My favorite search engine is Kiwi.com.

Also, if you want to visit too many places in the West and do not have much time, I suggest that you do a one-way trip , starting at a different airport from where you will return home through. This will increase the travel budget a bit, but you don’t get to travel to the Western US every day, do you?

VISA FOR THE UNITED STATES

There are two ways to travel as a tourist to the United States. If you belong to one of these countries you can travel to the US without a visa, but must obtain a travel authorization called “ESTA”.

HOW TO PROCESS THE ESTA

The ESTA is very easy to obtain. Simply fill out the application form on iVisa and you will receive the approval in about 6 hours by email.

We have a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the ESTA to the USA.

HOW TO PROCESS TOURIST VISA B2

If you do not have a passport from one of the countries mentioned above, you need a B2 visa to travel as a tourist to the United States.

This type of visa is more difficult to obtain. In addition to preparing the required documentation which proves that you are not going to travel to the United States with the intention of living or working, you will have to go through an interview at the embassy.

A more extensive explanation of how to process this visa can be found on the US Department of State website.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE UNITED STATES

Living in the USA, I know how important is to have good travel insurance for the USA. Since health care cost in this country is very high, hospitalization without insurance can easily make your bill rise above $100,000.

So when we moved here, we bought long-stay travel insurance , although we are currently using annual multi-trip insurance.

Death Valley dunes

Although I always recommend buying the best travel insurance wherever you go, you must have extraordinary coverage for the US (never consider hiring anything that covers below $30,000 if you travel to the United States).

You can get the best quality-price insurance with Heymondo .

5% OFF your travel insurance

western USA car rental

As we have said, the only practical way to travel the Western United States is by renting a car.

Driving in Death Valley

If you do not have too much time, consider taking a  one-way instead of a round-trip  along the West. We picked up the car in Vegas and left it in San Francisco. Although this meant an increase in the budget because of the drop off-fee, we were able to visit more places during our 10-day West Coast trip.

The cheapest way to rent a car is using DiscoverCars , where we hired the rental car in Las Vegas.

FIND CHEAP RENTAL CARS IN THE US

ANNUAL NATIONAL PARKS PASS – AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

If you are planning a Western US National Parks itinerary, I recommend that you buy an annual America the Beautiful pass.

This pass allows access to all US National Parks, as well as other state parks.

The pass is valid for one year from when it is purchased and covers entry for one vehicle with up to 5 passengers. Display pass by hanging it over the rear-view mirror).

In addition, the pass is issued for two owners who must sign behind the card to use. A very good option is to buy the annual pass, leave one signature blank, and resell it to a second owner at the end of your Western USA tour.

Even if you don’t resell the pass, you will get your money’s worth just by visiting 3 or 4 National Parks (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Yosemite …).

The pass can be purchased online from here or directly at the ticket office of the first national park you visit.

ACCOMMODATION ON THE WEST COAST US

It is difficult to find cheap and very good quality hotels at the same time on West Coast America. Therefore we will try to help you by listing the best places to stay, considering different budgets, tastes, and needs.

Best accommodation in West Coast USA

Keep in mind that accommodation will be one of the major expenses of your trip to  West Coast America. On the other hand, sometimes a good hotel can even be one of the best attractions you can enjoy during your trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO

• HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel: Hostel in the heart of San Francisco that has both shared and private rooms at a very low price. Free WIFI. Includes breakfast and a kitchen for those who want to cook.
• Buena Vista Motor Inn: Hotel with complimentary parking in the middle of Lombard street. Wi-Fi and breakfast included. Totally safe area to walk at night. Just a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Guide on where to stay in San Francisco

WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS

• Venetian:  Venice-themed casino resort with gondoliers included.
• Circus Circus: Casino hotel with circus theme, with its own indoor amusement park that runs throughout the year.
• Stratosphere:  Casino hotel that includes vertigo attractions at 350 meters high.
• Bellagio: Inspired by Italy, it is one of the most luxurious resort and casinos in Las Vegas.
• New York – New York:   Resort casino inspired by the big city where we can find a miniature statue of liberty.
• Paris Las Vegas:   Perfect casino hotel for honeymoon or couple trips with miniature Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
• Excalibur:  You will find yourself in the Middle Ages in this casino resort within its castles.
• Planet Hollywood:  Modern hotel and casino where you will feel the essence of the West Coast.

Guide on where to stay in Las Vegas

WHERE TO STAY IN LOS ANGELES

• Hollywood Travelodge:  Located very close to the walk of fame. Includes breakfast, Wi-Fi and free parking.
• Samesun Venice Beach:  The best option if you want to enjoy the Venice boardwalk and its beach. They have bicycle rental service.
• Cal Mar Hotel Suites:  If you prefer to be close to Santa Monica beach this option is very well priced.

Guide on where to stay in Los Angeles

WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND CANYON

If we visit the South Rim, the most touristic edge of the Grand Canyon, it is quite important to stay in the Grand Canyon Village, since two of the main attractions of this jewel of Western US is their sunrise and sunset. So, the closer we are to the edge, the easier it will be for us.

We camped in the Grand Canyon, at the  Mather Campground on the South Rim.

If you prefer to stay at a hotel, all accommodations at Grand Canyon Village are run by the company   Xanterra ,  and you can make reservations on whose website.

Guide on where to stay in Grand Canyon

WHERE TO STAY IN PAGE

• Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell: This hotel is located in the center of Page. As it is highly valued, you will have to book it well in advance, since rooms tend to run out being such a small and tourist place at the same time.
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: Without a doubt the best hotel in Page, both the price and the charm of its rooms. It is not in the center but is closer to Horseshoe Bend.

Guide on where to stay in Page

WHERE TO STAY IN BRYCE

Bryce is one of the best places to camp in the Western US. In addition to two conventional campsites ( North Campground and Sunset Campground ), there are 12 backcountry campsites.

If camping is not your thing and you prefer to stay in one of the best hotels in the West, then I recommend the Best Western Ruby’s Inn , a historic hotel at the gates of the national park that also has a camping area.

Guide on where to stay in Bryce

WHERE TO STAY IN ZION

• Bumbleberry Inn:  One of the few hotels near Zion whose price is below $200 a night and with a great value.
• La Quinta Inn and Suites : Another hotel that also has good prices and is highly rated near Zion, known for its buffet breakfast that includes delicious homemade waffles.

Guide on where to stay in Zion

WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

If you want to enjoy dawn with the best views of the valley, I recommend that you camp in the Monument Valley. The campground is called The View Campground and the only way to reserve it is by calling +1 435-727-5802.

This campsite belongs to  The View Hotel , a hotel run by the Navajo Indians with equally amazing views.

Guide on where to stay in Monument Valley

WHERE TO STAY IN SANTA BARBARA

• Hotel Santa Barbara: One of the best hotels in Santa Barbara with a great location in the city center and very close to the beach. Includes Wi-Fi, breakfast and free parking.
• The Eagle Inn:   On the beach of Santa Barbara and in a beautiful historic building. The price is a bit higher but it includes a jacuzzi in the room.

WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE

We decided to camp at Camp 4 during our visit to Yosemite. Here, the hippy movement was born in the 60s and spread throughout the United States.

However, if you don’t want to camp, don’t worry. There are very good hotels in Yosemite. Some of the best are:

• The Ahwahnee
• Yosemite Valley Lodge
• Curry Village

Guide on where to stay in Yosemite

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN DIEGO

• Staypineapple at Hotel Z: One of the best hotels in downtown San Diego. Modern design and quite affordable. It offers free bicycles to its customers.
• HI-San Diego Point Loma Hostel: Hostel with shared rooms, very good price and located next to the beach. Ideal if you visit San Diego with the intention of meeting other travelers.

WHERE TO STAY IN JOSHUA TREE

The best place to stay in Joshua Tree is in one of its campsites. There are 4 campsites throughout the national park that can be reserved, and another 4 first-come, first-served campground. All the information regarding the Joshua Tree campgrounds can be found on the National Parks Service website.

WHERE TO STAY IN DEATH VALLEY

• The Inn at Death Valley: This Oasis in the middle of the desert is the most luxurious resort you’ll find here. Refresh between your palm garden and its spring water pool and relax in your spa area.
• The Ranch at Death Valley: Run by the same company as The Inn at Death Valley, it is the familiar and informal complement of the previous one. If you want to relax in a unique environment but without too many pretensions, this accommodation is for you.
• Panamint Springs Resort:  This resort offers both tourist resorts and lodging in tents. It’s close to the west entrance of the national park, from where you’ll have stunning views of the sand dunes.

Guide on where to stay in Death Valley

WHERE TO STAY IN MOJAVE DESERT

There are no motels inside Mojave National Preserve. The only way to stay is camping. There are two family campsites, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground and Mid Hills Campground. Both are first-come, first-served campgrounds.

There is also the possibility of doing backcountry camping. If you want more information, check the US National Parks Service website.

WHERE TO STAY IN ARCHES

There are no campsites or hotels within Arches National Park. The best thing to do is to stay somewhere close to the entrance:

• Red Cliffs Lodge:  All rooms have views of the Colorado River. In addition, you have access to a private living room with a fridge and microwave. This accommodation is the best you’ll find if you visit Arches National Park from the west. Do not miss its western cinema museum.
• Under Canvas Moab:  This accommodation is located east of Arches National Park and offers already pitched tents, some with private bathrooms. If you are not a fan of the camps, but you would like to try, this is your place. In addition to the bed linen, the hotel will lend you towels and a flashlight. A very comfortable way to learn a little about the American camper culture.

WHERE TO STAY IN SEQUOIA

• Montecito Sequoia Lodge: This rustic mountain accommodation offers a place to relax, surrounded by lakes, forests and rugged peaks. It has a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet.
• Bearpaw High Sierra Camp: This established camp has 6 canvas tents with wooden floors. The views of the surroundings are amazing. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the accommodation.
• Wuksachi Lodge:  It is the emblematic hotel of Sequoia, an amazing mountain hut made of stone and cedar located in the heart of the park, surrounded by a powerful sequoia forest and towering peaks of the sierra.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAVASU FALLS

As we commented, if you visit Havasu Falls, it is compulsory to spend at least one night in one of its campsites, since you cannot make excursions exclusively for one day. Book both the tour and the camping permit from the official website of the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

WHERE TO STAY IN YELLOWSTONE

There are only  9 hotels within Yellowstone National Park , so in peak tourist season, most travelers only find accommodation outside the park.

You can find the best options on our guide on where to stay in Yellowstone National Park, but my favorite hotels are:

• Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
• Yellowstone Gateway Inn
• Stage Coach Inn
• Al’s Westward Ho Motel
• Travelodge by Wyndham
• Absaroka Lodge

WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND TETON

There are many places to stay in Grand Teton National Park but my favorite ones are:

• Colter Bay Village 
• Jackson Lake Lodge  
• Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch 
• Jenny Lake Lodge

To calculate  how much a road trip along the West Coast cost, keep in mind that gasoline in the United States is quite cheap compared most European countries, so even though you will drive many kilometers, this is not something you have to worry too much about when planning your itinerary.

Regarding the food , going to restaurants or going out to have a drink is very expensive; especially when you are looking for somewhere that serve healthy and quality food. If you’re willing to eat fast food, your West Cost travel budget will decrease since the United States is the paradise for junk food.

Regarding accommodation , while it is more expensive in the US than other countries, there are ways to make it cheaper .

Consider camping during your West Coast America tour. In addition to being cheaper, it is very fun and do not forget that there is no country in the world with such an active camping culture as in the United States. You will enjoy watching all the American accessories that make camping more comfortable, and the amazing motorhomes that are better than many houses. You can check some tips for traveling by rv in the USA here.

If you want to know how much we spent during out trip, you can check our West Coast travel budget for 10 days.

West Coast USA combinations ideas

In case you have more time, you can combine the West Coast of the USA with other destinations. Some of the most popular combinations are the following.

West Coast America and Hawaii holidays

If you love nature, combine  West Coast USA and Hawaii to enjoy the most active volcanoes in the United States. These wild islands in the middle of the Pacific, offer a native culture totally different from any other place in the world, in addition to beautiful beaches. The Western US and Hawaii landscapes are an excellent combination for the more adventurous.

RIVIERA MAYA and WEST COAST USA honeymoon

Riviera Maya and West Coast America honeymoon trips are very popular.  With this travel itinerary, we can enjoy a mix of the natural American West Coast landscapes with turquoise water beaches and the history of ancient civilizations. This is the best combination for honeymoons or for travelers interested in a mix of all-inclusive vacation packages.

WEST COAST AND ROUTE 66 road trip

If you want to travel the most famous road in the United States, plan a Route 66 – Western US road trip. With this tour, you will have a chance to visit my favorite city in the US: Chicago. I don’t recommend this combination if you do not like driving since much time of this trip will be spent inside the car.

West Coast USA tours from New york

Another very popular combination, especially if you are traveling from Europe. A New York & West Coast America fly-drive itinerary mixes the Western US National Parks with the busiest city of the East Coast. This option is perfect for those who also enjoy visiting big cities, since there are plenty of things to do in New York City.

With any of these combinations, I recommend spending at least 10 days in West Coast America .

However, if you only plan to travel to the West Coast and can afford it, I would recommend spending 2 or even  3 weeks.

map of West Coast USA

Finally, it is very useful to plan your trip using a map of Western US , marked with your places of interest. Then check the following map to see if there is any other attraction on the way.

SEE you ON THE WEST COAST and do not hesitate to ask if you need help preparing your itinerary!

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and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

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80 replies on “ Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary ”

We are from Singapore and planning a 20 days trip in June to West Coast of US and would be our first drive trip to the US. We wanted to cover Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Yosemite, route 66, UTAH but not sure if we are able to (or worth to) cover up till Seattle. We love your advise as it will be our first trip to West Coast of US and accommodation recommendations will be helpful plus itinerary. regards Melvin

Hi Melvin, Wow, that sounds amazing! There is so much to see the western United States. I think you’ll find our road trip itineraries from Las Vegas to be super helpful. As for accommodation, it depends on whether you’re renting a car or RV since an RV will take care of accommodation for you. Otherwise, the hotel recommendations above in this article are a great place to start. 🙂

Hi! Wow, relieved i came accross this blog. Thank you for sharing this.

I made an almost similar itinerary and posted it in trip advisor.

we are arriving early morning in Vegas on March 10 and flying out late night from San Francisco March 20. For the 10 day trip, we’d like to see Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Most of the comments says most of the time will be spent driving hence the trip might not be an enjoyable one. Some even suggested dropping Yosemite as this is too far from the rest of the places we’re hoping to see.

With all the driving you did on this trip, do you think you still spent a good time exploring the parks?

Thanks heaps!

Yes, it was a lot of hours driving but it was a trip of a lifetime. I won’t change any of the stops I did so I highly recommend it specially if you don’t mind driving at night and you don’t have more time to spend on the West Coast USA.

Hi, very informative post there ! May I know what route did u take to travel to yosemite from death valley ? I supposed you travelled when the tiogo road was closed ?

We traveled in August when the Tioga Road was open. So we just drove Nort through the Eastern Sierra and enter from the Northeastern part of the park 😉

i am planning to go to a trip with my friends but iam confused where should i go.

It’s difficult to choose when there are so many great options! My recommendation is to check the places and pictures and just pick the 4/5 places that you find more interesting 😉

Hi Martin from Australia here. I am busy planning an 8 day self drive tour in April starting in, and returning to Las Vegas. I stumbled on your website and found it to be a fantastic resource, full of very helpful information. One thing that is puzzling me with your route. Why did you go to Monument Valley first and then criss-cross south to Antelope Canyon, north to Bryce Canyon and then south again to the Grand Canyon. This appears to add an additional 400 miles (appx). I had originally been planning a circuit through Bryce Canyon, Monument Park, Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon. Then Back to Las Vegas via Mojave Desert and Death Valley. Thank you

We did that itinerary because we were traveling in August (high season) and wanted to camp in Monument Valley and Grand Canyon, so we book the only days available hehehe

Your itinerary sounds great. Let me know how you do it finally.

Hi! I would love your help in planning my itinerary for my West Coast Roadtrip Honeymoon. We would love to check as many of the same locations off our list as you have in this post. Would love to get your thoughts on cost efficiency, glamping/camping vs. RV rentals and what we HAVE to see, and what we could skip. We definitely don’t want to spend the majority of our trip in the car. Thinking of flying into Vegas and then going from there. We would be going from June 12-20th. This is by far the most helpful article I have found online so far! Thanks for writing!

We will be happy to help. Let me know any questions you may have and we will help.

we are a couple, 60 years+ but able to drive and planning a trip next Sep. 2020. However we note that at some places you had to camp. I don’t think we are up to camping and wonder how to achieve the trip you made without camping.

You don’t need to camp if you don’t want to. There are many hotels where you can stay 🙂 Let me know your itinerary and I will give you some hotel ideas.

I wish more people would post valuable content like this. This is the first time I’ve been on your website, but after this, I doubt it will be the last time.

Thanks Robert!! You are always welcome 😉

Planning a trip in mid December. Is your 10 day trip feasible at this time of year ? Thanks.

Yes, it’s perfectly fine. Just bear in mind that you might find snow in some places like Bryce and Yosemite and the main roads to Yosemite from the east (Tioga road) is gonna be closed.

Hope you have a beautiful trip!

Have you ever thought of planning a trip of the Four Corners States of the Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado & Utah). There are so many sites that would be a tough decision. New Mexico has the Gila National Forest, City of Rocks in the southwest, Carlsbad Caverns to name just a few, Colorado, Arizona, Utah you could go on and on. This would also the sunrises and sunsets, rivers canyons. It is so vast that each state could provide what every photographer would want to see and shoot. Just think about it. if you more information, please contact me.

Sure! We still have a bunch of places we want to visit!

Thank you It was very useful

Thanks Isabel!

Great post, thanks for the info I’m considering doing this trip with my dad, how fit do you have to be to do this trip? He can’t really walk a whole lot at a time.

Hi Emiliano,

You don’t need to walk if you don’t want to. Just visit the main lookouts accessible by car.

Let me know if you have any other question.

Well, that was a pretty fascinating read, not going to lie. I really hope you continue to write. Probably one of the more informative pieces I’ve read on this subject. Thanks!

Thanks Justin! Glad to see our USA West Coast article was useful and you enjoyed it reading!

You know if you are not on Instagram, you should be. I know you can’t put text up, but just throw in a few pics and build an audience there. I think you’d find a ton of people who would be super interested in your blog here.

Thanks for the advice. We already use Instagram, our account is: @Capturetheatlas

Well… consider yourself added to my blogroll. I have like six other blogs I read on a weekly basis, guess that number just increased to seven! Keep writing!

Thanks Chris! and Welcome to Capture the Atlas! 😉

Way to go on this post man. Really killer stuff. I’ll be back to read your other posts.

Thanks Travis! Glad you found the information helpful!

Wow! What a scenery. I hope I can visit those place in the future too! People on your newsletter must love you. This content is pure 100% gold

Thanks Matthew for your kind words! I am sure you will be fascinated by the West Coast USA landscapes when you visit them.

Feel free to join our community and receive our newsletter 😉

Hi, My family of 3 will be travelling to West of USA for about 12 to 14 days this coming September month 2019. Can you help us to plan the trip visiting all the interesting places and also advise us the cost.

We give a lot of piece of advice on our blog. Please read it and let us know if you have any question.

I am flying from Toronto, Canada and am unsure which airport to arrive and leave in. I am planning on visiting Zion, Bryce Canyon, Cathedral Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Grand Canyon (South Rim). I am unsure whether to fly to Las Vegas and leave from Arizona, or vice versa, or do a loop. Any suggestions?

Amazing blog by the way!

Which airport in Arizona are you considering? Las Vegas in quite close to those places you want to visit and usually there is cheap flights to go there.

Let me know if you have any question

Thank you for your reply! I was thinking Phoenix airport. Just not sure the best route and will be renting a car!

Also, do you know if its possible to rent a car at one airport and return it to another?

Hi, i am traveling with 6 adults. Planning to arrive in New York, then fly to LA and hoping to have a glimpse of the city and its surrounding and fly to vancouver . We will fly back home from Vancouver.

How many days do you think is good for us? I am travelling with my parents aged 60yo.

Can you give me any recommendations

Hi Felicia,

I would say to book at least 10 – 15 days. As recommendations I would suggest hiring good travel insurance for the USA and check the different articles we have at the blog.

Let me know if you need something else,

Hello there,

We have about 8-9 days along the West Coast after a conference in Vegas. Looking at the following itinerary/places we want to visit. Do you think this is something workable/have any comments? Thanks so much!

Day 1: (From Vegas) Antelope Valley/Horseshoe Bend (Find somewhere to stay for the night – is there a recommendation where we can stay in that area?) Day 2: Grand Canyon Day 3: Travel back to Vegas, fly to San Francisco. Day 4: San Francisco Day 5: San Francisco -> Monterey, Big Sur (Find somewhere to stay?) Day 6: Travel to LA Day 7: LA Day 8: LA

Thanks very much for your message and for reading us!

Until day 4 your itinerary is gonna be very intense but definitely doable, as we made a very similar itinerary at the beginning of our trip. You can find recommendations for the night near horseshoe bend/Antelope Canyon in this section of our article.

As for the second part of your trip, We didn’t travel from SF towards the south so don’t know if that would be something possible.

Please let me know if we can help with any other questions.

Best regards,

Hi I am trying to plan a trip with my son for September 2019 have i left enough time to do this? And could you help us with an itinerary Also if we choose to camp do we purchase this in the USA as we are travelling from the UK Thanks

Hi Richard,

Thank you very much for your message.

You are still in time for planning the trip, so I ‘d definitely try to do it!

You can see different itineraries in our US articles depending on your days and preferences. Hope that helps.

As for the campings it depends on the campsite, some accept online reservations like the one in Monument Valley while others are filled in a first-come first-served basis like Camp 4 in Yosemite.

Please let us know if we can help with any other questions.

Hi everyone! Could you help me to make a itinerary with the time and 10 destinations?

We will need some more information to help you. When and where are you starting your trip, days, preferences and so on.

Hi guys, Love your work. I’m a photographer and looking to do a road trip through the west cost of the USA, covering as much of the national parks as possible (Yellowstone a must). We only have a 2 week gap during July to do this. Do you have any tours available for July 2019 for 2 super fun people?

Me, along with spouse and 13 year old son, are planning for a 10 day trip to LA, LV & SFO from India during June last week.

Request if you could help build us an itinerary for First Timers to US. It would be with a driver if we have to hire a car.

Do you deal in hotel accommodations too – 4 star?

Could you please let me know a rough expenditure on all this.

Kindly do mention your charges too for helping us out with a good itinerary and any help on ground that you could provide during our stay.

Thanking You, MOHAN

I have sent you an email with our service rates.

Have a nice day!

I am planing with my boyfriend our trip in June to California for 10 days. We are landing in LA and we would like to visit Yosemite, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and San Diego. Could you please give us some tips? We are afraid that Tioga Pass might not be opened at the beginning of June..

Thanks a lot!

Hi Anabel, I think you have enough time in 10 days to visit the cities and NP you mentioned. You can do 2 days for LA, 3 days for Yosemite, 1 day for Death Valley, 1 day for Las Vegas, 2 days for Grand Canyon and 1 day for San Diego.

As you said, Tioga Pass maybe is still close in June, so I recommend you booking a hotel around Fresno (in case Tigoa Road is close) and other around Mammonth Lakes (in case it is open). And cancel the one you are not going to use once you know the Tioga Road status?

Let me know if you need anything else.

Hello, Thanks for the detailed analysis of west coast. We are planning to visit west coast from Philadelphia and would like to cover California/LA/SFO/Las Vegas. We would however fly to Seattle from PHL and take our trip to west coast from Seattle.

Please provide us with an itinerary.

We are planning 10 days for this trip and would like to over not just national parks but also Golden gate bridge/Hollywood/Alcatraz etc. We don’t want to do the theme parks.

Sure, I have sent you an email with our planner services rates.

Hi, Thanks for itinerary! We are going on a trip from LA in September for 16 days, and this helped a lot! If you could give some tips on showering…it’s not available in a lot of camp sites. Also, if you have some experience with laundry service, I would appreciate some info. Thanks!

Hi Soma! Thanks for your message and words!

You can check beforehand which campsites offer shower utilities and plan according to your needs. We booked camping with showers in Grand Canyon and Yosemite, taking a shower at least every 2 days. As for laundry service, I would suggest doing the same. We went just for a week and didn’t really need to do any washing but if you are staying 16 days some campings have some sort of place for washing. As an example again, you can find those utilities in Grand Canyon and Yosemite, and I am sure there will be more in other important campgrounds.

Hope that helps and have a wonderful US West Coast trip!

Hi we are planning a 15 day stay flying into LA hiring a car can you recommened a route then we fly back out from LA.Thanks

The US West Coast is huge and there are endless possibilities doing a round trip from L.A.

Depending on your personal taste and the number of miles that you are willing to drive, there are many itineraries.

I recommend that you check all the main attractions explained throughout the article and once you know your preferences, you can design your own route.

Hope it helps and you make the most of your trip!

Planning on driving to monument valley and staying at View hotel I need driving directions from Salt Lake City

Take I-15 S, US-6 E, US-191 S and US-163 S to Main Monument Valley Rd/Monument Valley Rd in Oljato-Monument Valley

Hi my husband and I are planning a trip to tour the west coast next June/July next year for 4 weeks starting in San Francisco driving down the coast then across to Vegas by car then possibly hiring a camper van to visit the national parks, would you be able to advise us of some places to stop and stay and give some advice as to how long we should stay at certain places, we would also like to spend a week in Washington and New York at the end of our stay but we will fly to the east coast, thanks Tracey

Sure, I have sent you an email more information about our trip planner services. I can also help you to plan your visits to NYC and Washington. I live in Philadelphia, that is 2hours from NYC and two hours from Washington, so I know these cities very well and I can help you too.

Hello Jaz, thank you for the useful information. I am planning for the west coast trip but could you confirm will it be too much to digest if I cover all/most of the destinations mentioned in your article above in just one trip?

Or shall I split the trip in multiple trips to enjoy and assimilate the delightful view which each destination has to offer?

That is up to you. How much time do you have? Where are you coming from? If I could, I would do it in one trip (3-4 months).

Let me know if you need something else, Ascen.

We are planning a tour of West Coast starting and ending at LA. Can you suggest a good travel itinerary for family of 3 or 6 pxs. for 8-12 days sometime in June or July 2019. Thanks Jaz

Hi Jasmine, I have sent you an email with our rates. Ascen.

Planning to gravel to west coast of USA Visiting friends & also travelling (self drive) . I have 14 days from Sep15 to Sep30 Would like to visit Yosomite, Death Valley Coastal Drive & Las Vegas and Grand canyon. Thanks for your help with an itinerary.

Sure! I will help you to plan your West America trip. I have sent you an email.

Hi, I am planning for west coast tour for 10 days in July. I would like to start from San Francisco . Could you please suggest road trip plan

Hi Rajan, I will be happy for helping you to plan your west coast USA itinerary.

I have sent you an email regarding our travel planner services.

Hi, I am planning a 15 days trip to USA with my family of 5 (2 sons aged 24, 25, Daughter 18). What route would you recommend us to take? We are looking to rent a car and drive around ourselves. Thank you.

Hi Sharon, I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Thanks, Ascen.

Hi.. myself and 2 friends are planning a trip up the west coast from San Francisco in April.. We are renting an RV ..we would like to try and go as north to Portland maybe Seattle.. could you advise of the best route and places we should try to see.

Hi we are planning to Visit West coast in the month of June 19 . Not sure about self drive option but could u please suggest some best places to explore in 10 days . We are landing at San Francisco & leaving to New York from LA .

Would appreciate if u could help us to arrange our trip .

Thanks Sunil

I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Hi Loved reading your information on USA! My husband and I want to travel the west coast in September this year. We have booked so far return flights from Sydney to San Francisco. We would like to see Yosemite Bryce Zion Death Valley Redlands Lake Tahoe Sequoia and Grand Canyon. Not interested in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. We thought we would return via The big Sur to San Francisco. Do you think we can do this in a month? What would be the best driving route to do all this. Can we also purchase driving maps? Any help you could give I would be most grateful! Thanking you

Hi Cath, I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Hi, thanks a lot for your details itinerary which is very much appreciated. I’m planning my self-drive trip to west coast USA for about 12 days, in May 2019. Just wondering any tips on what to wear? Will it be cold in the Yosemite national park? I’m planning for Grand Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon + Horseshoes band, Yosemite, is it still worth to get the annnual pass? There are total 6 of us.

Hi Joey, If you are only visiting two national parks (Yosemite and Grand Canyon ) it is not worth getting the annual pass. Pay just for the standard fee in each of them. Horseshoe Bend is free and Antelope Canyon is private, so you will have to pay the Navajo fee.

In 12 days you have enough time to visit Death Valley, Bryce and Zion too.

Regarding what to carry in the backpack, please check the camping and cold weather section of this post.

P.S: Next sunday we will be posting our Guide to Yosemite and I am sure you are going to find it interested!!

Best, Ascen

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The Wandering Road

Usa rv road trip travel blog.

The Ultimate Western USA Road Trip Guide

Our 10-week rv route through montana, wyoming, and the pacific northwest – including detailed itinerary and expense breakdown.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Quick stats, cost breakdown.

The American west was made for road trips. We spent the better part of 10 weeks exploring this wonderland of big skies, open roads and small towns. Our early summer trek, first through the mountains and later along the coast, kept us in temperatures that peaked in the 70s. Such a difference from the summers of our recent past spent in the humidity of Washington, D.C. or the 100 degree+ temperatures of the Sacramento valley.

The route included some of our favorite places along with some new discoveries. While Montana will always have my heart, I have a new found appreciation for Idaho’s unsung beauty. And I think everyone should drive down the Oregon coast at least once.

Living in D.C. for so long, one of the small talk questions I got the most when people learned I was from California would be: “which coast is your favorite?” My default answer was always that I like the west, and I like the east, for different reasons. But if I am honest with myself, there is something that just feels right when I am in the western states. Maybe it’s the fresh air, maybe it’s all that space, maybe it’s the wild west and gold rush history that didn’t happen all that long ago. If you haven’t had a chance to get out there and see it for yourself, what are you waiting for?

Read on for a detailed account of our 10-week trip, including destinations, campground reviews, and costs to help you plan a road trip through the American west.

Looking for more travel ideas? Read my detailed coast-to-coast itinerary here or check out my other USA destination guides here .

• Days On the Road: 69.
• Miles Traveled in RV (not counting the additional miles put on the car when exploring): 3,427.
• States Driven Through: 6.
• National Parks Visited: Crater Lake National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Redwood National and State Parks.
• Number of Campgrounds Parked At: 21 (9 county/state/national parks, 9 private, 3 free camping spots).
• Visitors: 9, for a total of 20 nights. Life at The Chateau became like adult summer camp!
• Repairs: Oil changes for both vehicles, sealant for a leaky roof seam. The Chateau got its first road scars after we backed it into a campsite all wrong and scratched the back bumper. Nothing serious, thankfully.
• Grand Total Travel Costs for 10 Weeks On the Road: (read later in post for more details): $6,6775

Campground Price Guide:

$ = Free $$ = $10-$30/night $$$ = $30 – $50/night $$$$ = Over $50/night

Departure: We kicked off the summer road trip by rolling out of Sacramento at the end of May 2019.

Klamath Falls Four Mile Flat Quarry – GPS: 42.431503, -122.160638 $ Review: We started the trip with some free camping. It was hard to find info about this spot online but it exceeded my expectations. Kind of middle of the nowhere. A rocky parking lot by the water with more camping spots tucked along a rough road. I would stay here again for a night but wouldn’t make this a destination in itself. Local attractions: Crater Lake National Park (about an hour away). Miles from previous location: 360 miles.

Sweet Roystone Hot Springs – 7882 N. Hwy 52 Sweet, ID 83670 $$ Review: A very nice family-owned campground with renovated bathrooms and wifi. My favorite part was the hot springs that you can access for a minimal fee. Local attractions: Boise. Miles from previous location: 400 miles.

Bellevue Riverside RV Park and Campground – 403 Broadford Road, Bellevue, Idaho $$ Review: An older, small private campground with lots of long-term guests. Good wifi and close proximity to Sun Valley. Local attractions: The charming towns of Hailey and Ketchum (the nation’s first ski resort and the final resting place of Ernest Hemingway), Craters of the Moon National Monument. Click here to read about our visit. Miles from previous location: 195 miles.

Jackson Area

Spread Creek – Forest Road 30290 $ Review: This is our favorite boon docking spot to date! No amenities, unbeatable views and an unmatched location for exploring the northern part of Grand Teton National Park. We stayed in spot #3 and it was great for our rig. The road to spots #5-10 gets really rough so might not be a good fit for larger RVs. Read more about our visit here. Local attractions: Jackson and Grand Teton National Park. Miles from previous location: 267 miles.

Kelly Gros Ventre Campground – 100 Gros Ventre Campground Rd, Kelly, WY 83011 $$$$ Review: After four nights of boondocking, we decided to try out our first National Park campground. We snagged a spot without a reservation. This is a nice woodsy spot with electric hookups but no showers. We found showers at the Colter Bay Campground and at a gym in town. There’s a great spot to see moose near the campground. Local attractions: Jackson, Grand Teton National Park. Miles from previous location: 44 miles.

West Yellowstone Baker’s Hole Campground – 3 mi NW of West Yellowstone on US 191 $$ Review: We were torn about where to stay during our visit to Yellowstone National Park. Our priorities were 1) staying as close to the park entrance as possible; 2) avoiding “parking lot” campgrounds and 3) paying a reasonable fee. This campground fit the bill! We found a first come first serve electric hookup site. No showers available. No cell service, either. Local attractions: West Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park. Read my guide to help you avoid the crowds in Yellowstone here . Miles from previous location: 124 miles.

Cody Buffalo Bill State Park, North Fork Campground – near Cody, Wyoming off US 14 W/ US 16 W / US 20 W $$$ Review: One of the best state park campgrounds I have ever seen. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Cody. We were able to find a walk-up site with electricity but were told that it is hard to get in without a reservation later in summer. Nice views of the surrounding rocky cliffs (some of the formations reminded us of southern Utah). Coin operated showers. Local attractions: Cody is the quintessential wild west town. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 132 miles.

Livingston Osen’s RV Park – 20 Merrill Lane, Livingston, MT 59047 $$$ Review: We picked this campground for its proximity to downtown Livingston, which also made it a good launching point for exploring both Yellowstone and Bozeman, Montana. It is clean and well-maintained but the spots are pretty close together. Management closes the entrance gates at 9 pm each night but you can open and close them manually as needed. Local attractions : Ben and I love Livingston; it’s just about the perfect small town. It was the original gateway city to Yellowstone. Be sure to check out the Murray Bar and Neptune’s. Bozeman is about 30 minutes away. It’s a larger college town with a very walkable main street. Miles from previous location: 178 miles.

Helena Cromwell Dixon Campground – 15 miles west of Helena at MacDonald Pass off Highway 12. $$ Review: Quiet, rustic camping on the top of a mountain just outside of downtown Helena. Local attractions: The state capitol building is gorgeous. Visit quirky Lewis and Clark Brewery and Broadwater hot springs. Miles from previous location: 123 miles.

Great Falls Dick’s RV Park – 1403 11th St SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 $$$ Review: This is an urban campground with older facilities and lots of long term guests. That being said, it is the most convenient place to stay while exploring Great Falls. Local attractions: Great Falls feels like a city on the rise. Read my guide to the Electric City here. Don’t forget to visit the mermaids. Miles from previous location: 121 miles.

Kalispell Rocky Mountain Hi Campground – 825 Helena Flats Road, Kalispell 59901 $$$ Review: Glacier country is a whole other (unbelievably gorgeous) world. This campground is spacious and has a full laundromat on site. It gets busy with families and kids on the weekends. Local attractions: Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Kalispell. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 227 miles.

*** If you want, add a stop in Wallace, Idaho on your way to Washington. It’s a much-celebrated small town with a big personality that I look forward to visiting in the future.

Spokane Area Peaceful Pines – 1231 W 1st St, Cheney, WA 99004 Review: We stayed about 20 minutes outside of downtown Spokane in the sleepy college town of Cheney. This private campground is small with recently updated bathrooms and showers. We had some issues with the wifi connection. Local attractions : Spokane is an under-the-radar city with a charming waterfront and beautiful architecture. Read my guide to the city here. Take a day trip to the nearby resort town of Coeur D’Alene. Miles from previous location: 250 miles.

Yakima Area Horn Rapids Park – 78410 Overlook Dr, Benton City, WA 99320 $$ Review: Inexpensive and spacious with electric hookups. Kind of in the middle of nowhere, yet convenient for exploring Yakima wine country. Local attractions: Highly recommend stopping by some wineries (like WIT and Col Solare) or breweries (Bale Breaker) and a trip into Yakima proper for some of the award-winning tamales from Los Hernandez. Miles from previous location: 154 miles.

The Dalles Area Rufus Landing $ Review: Free boon docking on the river. I was surprised by how busy this gravel parking lot gets! We stayed here two nights. Local attractions : The Dalles is a quaint small town; there’s hiking in a state park nearby; Hood River is a good stop for breweries and outdoorsy fun. Miles from previous location: 120 miles.

Tillamook Air Museum Grounds – 5005 Highway 101 South, Tillamook, OR 97141 $$ Review: A no frills and inexpensive camping spot next to the tiny Tillamook airport and air museum. Super close to town. Local attractions: Tillamook was our first stop on the Oregon coast. Be sure to visit the famous Tillamook Creamery – it lives up to the hype. From this home base we also explored Cannon Beach and Pacific City. Click here to read my complete guide to the Oregon Coast. Miles from previous location: 157 miles.

Yachats Cape Perpetua Campground – 2200 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498 $$ Review: This is it. The perfect campground in the perfect coastal town. (As long as you don’t need cell service.) I fell hard for Yachats. Local attractions: Redwoods, fresh sea food, and tide pools galore. Click here to read my full guide to Yachats. Miles from previous location: 93 miles.

Coos Bay Bastendorff County Park – 63379 Bastendorff Beach Rd. Coos Bay, OR, 97423 $$$ Review: We were excited to get a last minute spot at this campground but it came with serious pros and cons. It’s a great location for checking out Charleston, North Bend, Coos Bay, and the surrounding area. It’s also very busy and crowded and the bathrooms leave much to be desired. Local attractions: Be sure to check out the nearby adorable beach towns of Florence and Bandon. Click here to read my complete guide to the Oregon Coast. Miles from previous location: 74 miles.

Brookings Sea Bird RV Park – 16429 Highway 101 South Brookings, OR 97415 $$$ Review: Truth be told, we planned to state at Harris Beach State Park but turns out everything was full because there was a kite festival that weekend (true story). Sea Bird is a small private campground with a mix of travelers and long term residents. Local attractions: There’s no shortage of stunning views along Oregon’s southern coast. Be sure to stop by Crazy Norwegian’s Fish and Chips in Port Orford. Miles from previous location: 107 miles.

Trinidad Emerald Forest Cabins & RV – 753 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA, 95570 $$$ Review: What a wonderful campground, with camping spots tucked in among tall evergreens! Great for families. Just outside of the quiet fishing town of Trinidad. Local attractions: It’s a short drive to Redwood National and State Parks or Eureka. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 86 miles.

Fortuna Area Van Duzen Campground – Swimmers Delight – 12 miles east of Highway 101 on Highway 36 $$ Review: This was a last minute find for us. While we only stayed for one night, this would be a fun spot to spend a long weekend. The spots are large and quite literally surrounded by giant redwoods. Local attractions: Soak up the nature, and visit the charming Victorian village (and dairyland) of Ferndale. Miles from previous location: 40 miles.

Fort Bragg MacKerricher State Park – West Pinewood Campground – three miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, near the town of Cleone $$$ Review: IMHO this is the best place to stay in Fort Bragg, by far. Huge campsites within walking distance to the beach and only a short drive to downtown. However, in our experience, California state parks are more expensive to dry camp in than other states, and the amenities are limited. Local attractions: Fort Bragg is a charming coastal town with shops, restaurants and North Coast Brewing Co.. Enjoy fresh seafood, beach hikes, and wildlife watching. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 117 miles.

Arrival: We returned to Sacramento at the end of July 2019, just in time to see friends and family and then fly back to Washington, D.C. for a work trip.

Just like “normal” life, you can pretty much spend as little or as much as you want while living the full-time RV lifestyle. I was very curious to compare our costs during this leg of the trip with our expenses from April 2019, our mad dash across the country. (You can read about that itinerary and why we had to travel across the whole USA in one month here .)

And you guys, guess what? I think we are figuring out this whole full-time RV thing! In June and July, we stayed at several pricey campgrounds out of necessity while visiting popular destinations like the Tetons or the California coast. But we also found some great deals at state park campgrounds and boondocked whenever we could. We found our travel speed sweet spot, moving every five days or so and limiting drive days to around three hours (most of the time). That schedule helped us balance time for work with time for fun. We are loving how RV travel allows you to experience an area the way the locals do.

I added a new “health” category to our expense tracker this month. We had our first dog health scare this month when Hobbes had a flare up of a past back injury. I shared more about how we keep Hobbes healthy on the road in this blog post for the Pet Food Institute. My top recommendation for RVers (or anyone traveling with their dog) is to keep a file of past health diagnoses and vaccination records with you. It was so helpful to be able to share this information with the new-to-us vet so they had some context for his symptoms.

Western Road Trip RV Travel Expenses At a Glance:

10 Weeks/69 Days on the Road

Gas: $1,497 This included fuel for both The Chateau and our car. Let’s just say the difference in gas prices between Montana and the California coast was “significant”. Ouch.

Campground Fees: $1,922 This breaks down to $28/day. Not bad. We stayed at a mix of free campsites, state and national parks, and private campgrounds. This total also includes parking fees in the few cities we visited with parking meters. In comparison, we spent $1,300 for just 30 days in April.

Eating and Drinking Out: $1,585 Mostly includes meals in the $15-30 range (and lots of coffee). We admittedly spend a lot in this area since trying new restaurants is one of the best ways to get to know a new city, IMHO.

Entertainment: $282 A minor league baseball game, bowling, the Cody Nite rodeo, and visiting a dinosaur dig.

Groceries: $1,288 This number also includes random household supplies purchased along with groceries at Walmart.

Health and Wellness: $165 Mostly day passes for gyms (and showers)!

RV and Car Maintenance: $213 Oil changes, etc. Also includes some organizational supplies and a new ottoman!

Connectivity: $451 My phone plan, a wireless jetpack for wifi, and our mail forwarding service.

Grand Total: $6,775

This breaks down to $98/day or $1.98 per mile.

Our primary goal in embracing the full-time RV lifestyle is to see and experience as many new places as possible (rather than saving money) – and clearly that shows. Adjusting your speed of travel or avoiding eating and drinking out are the easiest ways to save money on the road.

I hope this information is helpful if you are planning to jump into fulltime RV living or just an extended road trip across the American west. Feel free to send me a comment or an email if you have any questions about the itinerary.

I am currently planning the next leg of our journey : fall in the USA’s upper Midwest… your recommendations would be much appreciated! Be sure to click here to read my latest dispatches from the road and follow me on Instagram for more updates!

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The Ultimate Western US Road Trip

This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission on any purchases at no extra expense to you. Read our disclaimer & privacy policy here.

Ready for an adventure? Pack your bags, get your vehicle ready to go, and let’s hit the road!

As a world traveler who’s always on the search of the next bucket list destination, I realized I didn’t know my home country, USA, nearly as well as I knew many others around the world. I had traveled it some but for short weekend getaways or snowboarding trips but not much else.

When the time came to leave Vietnam, after living there for 3 years , we had our first pause in our travel plans for as long as I could remember. We knew the next step was to apply for our freelance visas in Portugal but knew those would take a few months to process. Instead of staying still and relaxing at my parents, we knew it was the perfect time to explore the US.

And what better way than in a van we converted ourselves? 

I’ll dive into our van build and how you can customize your own house on wheels another day. Today is all about the trip, not so much the technicalities getting us ready for said trip. 

A few tips to make your road trip excellent:

• Don’t rely on hotels, it’s fun to camp, whether in your car or a tent, and will save you loads of money.
• Know where to camp for free: Campendium and iOverlander were lifesavers.
• Keep meals simple and cheap with easy recipes you can make with minimal ingredients and cooking gear.
• Don’t get lost on the trails and use AllTrails instead. No need to pay to download the maps offline, just have the trail open you want to follow before you lose service and your GPS will continue to work. 
• Save money on gas with GasBuddy. Another app that helped us find the lowest gas prices in the area, just know it’s not always 100% accurate.
• Genuinely like the person or people your road tripping with. Trust me, it’s a lot of together time and choosing the person you make the trip with isn’t something I’d take lightly.
• If you travel with your dog, use GoogleMaps to find dog parks in the area on driving days so your furry friend can burn his/her energy before a long day in the car.

We had talked about vanlife years before, both agreeing that we’d like to try it in the US, just never knowing exactly when that time would be. After getting back to Nashville, we quickly scourged the area for a van we could convert, finally finding Wanda, our 2003 Ford Econoline with the best paint job we could have hoped for. 

After spending a few tiring months building her out and getting her ready, it was time to hit the road.

I’ll be honest here, Raf and I are not the planners it might seem we are. We both typically dream big and latch on an idea together and just go for it, hoping for the best along the way. That’s what this van trip was. We didn’t really know where we were going except west.

And I’m so happy we did it this way.

Not planning meant being able to go where we pleased, work around the weather, and spend more or less time in a place depending on how we felt about it. I’d highly recommend you not plan as much as you can get away with so you can build your itinerary while you’re in the midst of it. 

The only thing we knew was we had to be back in Atlanta, GA for a wedding mid-November then back to Nashville two weeks afterward for Thanksgiving. That gave us 2.5 months to travel as much as we wanted. And it turns out, we wanted to travel a lot.

I’m talking 9,000 miles of road and 21 states. 

We couldn’t see everything and we did have to make some big decisions on what to choose and what to pass on but we did see a lot- far more than I thought we’d see- and it was spectacular. 

If you have some time to spare and want to see truly breathtaking sights, pull out your map and save these places for your road trip of a lifetime through the Western US.

Heading out of Nashville, our first big destination was Denver, CO. We passed through the midwest (Missouri and Kansas) as fast we could, and apologies to you from those places, I don’t feel like we missed out by getting through them quickly. It wasn’t the most exciting way to start our trip but we were eager to hit the mountains and that gave us the motivation to keep us going. 

I’ll highlight the 11 states we spent the most time in and share my favorite parts of each of them. Keep in mind, we were traveling in a van and prioritizing nature, hiking, and national parks. Plus, we had our dog, Bandido, with us that we always strive to keep happy.

If you’re also traveling in a van or plan to sleep in your vehicle, use iOverlander and Campendium to find free campsites near you. We didn’t pay for a single night on our trip, minus the 2 nights we opted for hotels.

At a quick glance, our western road trip itinerary went like this:

• Colorado (again)

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Colorado: Widest Variety of Adventure Sports

We actually passed through Colorado twice on the trip, once at the beginning and again at the end. I’ll cover both times though here so all things Colorado stays together.

Our main highlights in Colorado were:

• Great Sand Dunes National Park

Denver is a really great city to spend the day in. If you’ve never been, an easy place to see the city, walk around, grab a beer and some good food is Larimer Square and 16th Street Mall. Probably some of the more touristic places in town but if you’re just here for a day, I really like walking around there. 

From Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs aren’t too far away. We didn’t go to either of these towns this trip but I’ve been before and they’re both nice mountain towns in Colorado .

Vail and Aspen are both high-end mountain towns that are seriously picturesque, especially in the fall when the aspen trees are bright yellow. Unless you have a much bigger budget than us, I’d recommend heading to these towns for hiking more than anything else. 

In Vail , we loved (and struggled through) Berrypicker Trail. It’s straight up a popular ski slope and since we had only been at altitude for 2 days, it hit us harder than I expected. We made it up and enjoyed the challenge though. You get rewarded by being able to take the gondola down, too. 

In Aspen , I highly recommend Maroon Bells. If you only have time for 1 hike, this should be it. You have to reserve a ticket in advance and take a shuttle to the park but in my opinion, it was worth the fee. It was more crowded than other hikes we did, but I understand why. There are a few different trails in the area. We opted for Crater Lake. It’s nice and not too difficult. You can always add on some distance too by following a backcountry trail and turning around when you’re ready to head back.

From Aspen, we drove to Jackson, WY. We opted for the more scenic route through NW Colorado, instead of driving back through Denver, and I’m so glad we did. We were really in the middle of nowhere most of the drive and it was fantastic.

But before I jump into Wyoming, at the end of our road trip, between Utah and New Mexico, we swung back into Colorado to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park . It’s exactly what it sounds like, except for a more mountainous backdrop than I was expecting. 

We rented a sandboard for the day and that made the park so much fun. It’s also one of the few national parks that’s dog friendly so be sure to bring your pup along for the journey! In October the weather was chilly and the sand was cool but be careful with your pup’s paws in the summer- sand tends to heat up quickly!

Wyoming: Best (& Most Unusual) Wildlife

Our main highlights in Wyoming:

• Grand Teton National Park (and surrounding area)
• Yellowstone National Park

Our first real taste of Wyoming was The Grand Tetons . They brought me to tears the first time I saw them because they pop out of nowhere and gave me the most wonderful surprise. It’s really a treat to see these mountains in person. We stayed in Jackson longer than we expected but really enjoyed the town to be able to catch up on some work and take a break from a long previous week of driving. 

Jackson also has a plethora of free campsites in the Grand Tetons National Forest that were all really wonderful. 

Wyoming is for you if you love epic views and unusual wildlife. 

Unfortunately, we couldn’t do any hiking in either national park (Grand Tetons or Yellowstone) because like most national parks, the trails are not dog friendly. Regardless, if you’re traveling with your pup, you should still drive through the parks and take in the views.

Between the Tetons and Yellowstone, get ready to see moose, bison, bears, and elk. Although maybe it was lucky, I seriously couldn’t believe the wildlife we spotted with just 3 days total in both parks. 

Beware, it's probably colder here than you expect. We were greeted in early September by snow in Yellowstone so be sure to pack accordingly!

Montana: Most Views That'll Kill

Our Montana highlights:

• Yellowstone National Park (it’s split between Montana and Wyoming)
• Glacier National Park
• Flathead National Forest

We entered Montana through Yellowstone and headed towards Bozeman. Bozeman is a small yet cute town to spend a day or two. We enjoyed exploring their downtown, grabbing a bison burger, and some local beers. 

From Bozeman, we decided to head north to Glacier National Park . This was a last-minute decision but one I am so happy we made.

The drive through Glacier was seriously epic. If you’re scared of heights you probably shouldn’t be the driver though as much of the “Going to the Sun” road is narrow with little room for error. We spent an entire day driving through the park, pulling over at nearly every turn. 

The area around Glacier is stunning, too. We spent 3 nights in different parts of Flathead National Forest and had free mountain views and solo spots each night.

Standard Peak is a solid dog-friendly hike that we all 3 really enjoyed. Plus, you can stay overnight on the same road as the trailhead so you can use it as an off-day from driving, too. At the peak, you’ll get views of Glacier as well. 

While you're already so far north in the US, it's easy to cross the border and take advantage of epic spots in Canada. From Glacier National Park, it's only a 4.5 hour drive to Banff National Park where you can explore the beauty of Lake Louise and surrounding areas.

Idaho: Friendliest People

Our Idaho highlight:

• Coeur d’Alene (we didn’t actually spend much time here but it was recommended to us multiple times)

From Montana, we knew we wanted to go to Washington. To get there, we needed to pass through Idaho. To be blunt, I knew nothing about Idaho except they have great potatoes so I thought we’d just pass right through the state.

On the way, we needed to stop to work so I found a cute, dog-friendly coffee shop in Sandpoint, Idaho . I thought we would just stay for the day to turn in some work then head off but the locals had other plans for us.

In that coffee shop, we ended up making friends with a few locals that were interested in our journey. The most interested being an 82-year-old world traveler and adventurer who had made similar trips as us (plus far more) in his lifetime. He quickly invited us over for a hot shower, a place to sleep, and the promise of great stories.

We were skeptical and didn’t take up his offer immediately. The next day though, he called and said he had invited some friends over to meet us and to use his words, “be here or be cursed.” We went. 

And I am so glad we did. Larry and his wife are salt-of-the-earth people who have treated us like family. We ended up staying 2 nights with them and loved them both. Since then we’ve kept in touch and really feel a deep connection with them. Sometimes strangers aren’t so nice but sometimes they’re better than you could ever imagine.

Also in Sandpoint, we did our biggest hike yet: Scotchman Peak . We were greeted by a moose on the trailhead, saw bear prints in the snow on the way, but unfortunately, didn’t see any of the mountain goats that are usually at the summit. 

This trail is tough but fantastic. We hiked in tennis shoes which I would not recommend. The summit in October had about a foot of snow that quickly iced our toes. We made it but would have been far more comfortable had we been properly prepared.

Washington: Best Enchanting Forests

Our Washington highlights:

• North Cascades National Park
• Rockport State Park
• Olympic National Park

What I loved most about Washington was definitely the landscape, mainly the rainforest. I’ve spent a few months living in the Amazon Rainforest and it was the same... but completely different.

The hikes we did there, namely the Evergreen Trail in Rockport State Park , were simply fantastic. It wasn’t tough at all but was so unique with the giant Redwoods covered in moss, ferns, and mushrooms. We felt like kids in awe strolling through this area.

I’m happy we went to Seattle and drank all the coffee we possibly could , but it didn’t wow me like Portland later would. 

After Seattle, we drove the highway around Olympic National Forest , stopping at the rocky beaches along the way. We also did a few coastal hikes but in our opinion, nothing topped the Evergreen Trail.

Oregon: Best All Around

Our Oregon highlights:

• Cannon Beach
• Smith Rock State Park
• Crater Lake National Park

We drove down the coast to Oregon and crossed the bridge to Astoria . We had a great lunch of clam chowder and watched seals (or maybe sea lions) play in the water next to us. It was a perfect welcome to what soon became our favorite state of the road trip. 

From Astoria, we continued along the coast to Cannon Beach . This beach was gigantic and more dramatic than I had thought from pictures. It was also far, far colder with the wind ripping off the coast without prevail. Still, we loved it.

After Cannon Beach, we swung inland to Portland. Portland stands out as our favorite city from the road trip so if you have the time, I suggest you check it out as well. 

Our favorite area in Portland was Hawthorne Avenue . There you’ll find a wide variety of thrift stores with great clothes and even better prices. Be sure to stop by Hawthorne Asylum for food pods with a wide variety of food and drinks. Be sure to save room for a donut at Blue Star Donuts, a local favorite compared to the overhyped VooDoo Donuts downtown.

I’d also recommend Mississippi Avenue for another, similar option, with more shopping and food pods.

After Portland, we faced another issue: stay on the coast or head inland. It was a tough one, and although I don’t know what the coastal route had in store, inland did not disappoint. The drive to Bend was full of snow-covered mountains, camping spots, and great hiking. 

Namely, hiking at Smith Rock State Park . There are a few different trails at this park as well but we opted for the Wolf Tree Trail . There are harder ones in the area and had it not been so cold, we probably would have gone for them but this one was relatively easy but beautiful. The end of the trail especially provides great views. 

If you’re in the area, visit Bend . It’s smaller than I thought but their downtown and greenway are especially picturesque.

Really though, the star of inland Oregon to us was Crater Lake. Crater Lake is exactly as described, a lake surrounded by mountains with a little island in the middle. What made it so special though was the snow. The contrast of bright white snow, clear blue sky, and deep blue water was better than expected. Although it was cold and most trails were closed, if you’re not there to hike, I really loved seeing this spot in winter weather.

California: Most Disappointing

Our California highlights:

• Redwoods National Park
• San Francisco 
• Carmel-by-the-sea
• Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1)

Here I am to possibly burst your bubble: California did not live up to its hype.

After visiting so many fantastic states, California left us feeling let down and honestly, disappointed. We had this idea in our heads that California was the mecca of vanlife and dog parents and people looking for a little bit of hippie-esque fun. That wasn’t the reality we found.

Overnight parking was tough and always done in parking lots or on the street, which after months of being in nature, wasn’t a change for the best. 

Most beaches we came across, with the exception of Carmel-by-the-sea which was doggo heaven, were not dog-friendly. This is understandable but just didn’t line up with the imagine we had perceived of California.

To top it off, gas was almost $1 more per gallon than other states and food and drinks were also pricier, even just at the grocery store. 

All of that considered, we cut out time in California short. Turning towards Vegas halfway down Hwy 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

I will say, it’s a beautiful state. The Redwoods, Yosemite and Hwy 1 are really spectacular but the state, all in all, didn’t match up with it’s neighbors. We were craving something more raw, less privatized, and with a lot more room for adventure.

Nevada: Most Likely to Take Your Money

….so we headed to Las Vegas!

Well, kind of. We did go to Las Vegas yet but not for those reasons mentioned above. We wanted to gamble a bit and see what the Sin City had in store for us before heading deeper into the desert. 

Here we opted for a hotel and let Bandido stay with a Rover sitter so we had the night to ourselves. It was extremely fun bouncing around hotels on the strip.

My biggest suggestion: learn Craps before you go. It’s a great game, much more fun than Black Jack, easier to hop in than Poker, and way less mind-numbing than slots. 

Let loose, toss the dice, and have some fun!

Arizona: Most Iconic Scenery

Our Arizona highlights:

• Grand Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend
• Monument Valley

After shockingly doubling our money in Vegas (definitely beginner’s luck), we headed to Arizona. 

Arizona was a desert dream come true. After doing 1 hike in Sedona , we stretched our time there to do another before heading out of town. It seemed to me everywhere you looked, Sedona was surrounded by epic desert views. The sunsets here were especially rewarding.

I’d recommend both hikes to anyone willing to walk around 8 miles each time. Cathedral Rock Loop: Hiline and Templeton Trails and Boynton Canyon Trail were both great. The loop was much quieter than the other trail and provided fantastic views the entire time. Boynton was much more crowded but understandably so. Just be sure to take a slight detour and head to the Subway Cave for an extra special view. Even if heights scare you, I’d recommend pushing yourself on that one. It won’t disappoint!

From Sedona, we headed north to check off the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend . Both of extremely well-known and popular but for good reason. Find a quiet spot and enjoy the views!

If you want to see giant cactuses, like ones in cartoons, head south to Tucson . We didn’t have time for this detour but would have potentially made time had I known we weren’t going to see them all throughout the desert. 

Utah: Most Inconsistent Views

Our Utah highlights: 

• Arches National Park

We really had one big reason to go to Utah and that was Moab. Monument Valley was a lucky bonus that I’m glad we included but not the reason we made the turn north.

If you want to visit Monument Valley , do note it closes earlier than expected. We were unable to enter in to drive the scenic loop after 3pm. Online it states it closes at 5pm but do to off-season and I’m sure pandemic restrictions, the time is now earlier.

We were definitely bummed that we weren’t able to do the scenic loop but just north of the entrance, further into Utah, we were able to get some great views to pull over for lunch. Also further up the highway is the iconic Forrest Gump viewpoint that really was just as beautiful in person, if not even more so. 

Moab though was the jewel of Utah in our eyes. Again, we stayed longer than planned and really took it easy in Moab, enjoying the campsites and amazing desert views backdropped with snowcapped mountains.

In Moab, be sure to drive through Arches National Park . Again, we didn’t do any hikes in the park because we travel with our dog, but the drive was fantastic.

We opted to hike Corona Arch trail and would recommend you do the same. Great landscapes, few people, and dog-friendly. Need I say more?

There were some reviews on AllTrails making the hike sound more intimidating than it was. At times there is a rope to help you up a rock and right after a ladder to climb up, but both are short, and neither felt scary in our eyes. Bandido also handled these parts like a champ. We opted to take him off the leash for this since no one was around and to let him find his own way up, which he did, issue-free.

After Moab, we circled back into Colorado before heading south again to New Mexico.

New Mexico: Most Dog-Friendly

Our New Mexico highlights:

By this point in the trip, we were exhausted. We had been moving at a quick pace and had seen a lot. This state though was one I was looking the most forward to so instead of trying to rush it and do too much, we chose to spend more time in Taos and Santa Fe and really soak them up.

My favorite parts of New Mexico were absolutely the architecture and the food. Between those two things, we were content simply walking around town and taking it slow. 

Taos Pueblo was unfortunately closed due to the pandemic but if it's open when you drive through, it seems like a really beautiful, historic place to visit. Otherwise, enjoy walking about Taos and Santa Fe. Both have plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to keep you entertained. Beware though, the price tags in Santa Fe were far higher than I ever imagined!

From there, we made the long drive back to Atlanta, spending a night in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi along the way. 

As tired as we were, this road trip was seriously epic. We saw a lot, experienced a lot more of my home country than I thought possible in one go, and had a lot of fun living in the van and camping each night. 

Save this road trip to add to your bucket list or grab inspiration from it, making it your own along the way. I will say, the US is a big, beautiful country with so much to see, doing it on land instead of air is the way the go.

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The Best Road Trips in the American West

04/24/2022 by Kristin Addis 9 Comments

The more I travel the world, the more I have come to appreciate and fall in love with the American West. There’s nowhere in the world like it in terms of sheer beauty and diversity — both of landscapes and people.

Where else can you experience one of the hottest deserts on Earth, the tallest trees, the most famous coastline, world-class skiing, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and the sweeping canyons and rock arches of Utah — all in one region? It would take a lifetime to explore it all, and then some, but the following road trips can help you get a taste of each of these incredible places.

The following are some of the best road trips in the western USA, from state to state. These trips follow a somewhat logical loop, beginning in California.

Table of Contents

The Golden State is one of the most diverse in the nation, with a world-famous coastal drive, a wealth of national parks, and deserts that cover 25% of the state. There’s so much to see, but a few road trips cover the highlights:

➵ Rent a car in California here

Pacific Coast Highway

This might be the most famous road trip in the entire country. The Pacific Coast Highway takes you down the California coast, making for a wonderful road trip full of picturesque spots. You’ll cover nearly 800 miles, so spend about a week on this trip, minimum.

• San Diego:  Start your road trip in one of California’s southernmost cities, where surfers and great Mexican food abound.
• Los Angeles:  Cruise 120 miles north to LA, where you’ll find everything from skyscrapers to colorful sunsets over the Hollywood sign. Stop in  Orange County  on the way for spectacular beaches and Disneyland.
• Santa Barbara : Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean on the 95-mile drive up to sunny  Santa Barbara , where you’ll camp overnight.
• San Luis Obispo:  Continue on another 95 miles to stop for lunch in San Luis Obispo or another destination in SLO County, like Pismo Beach.
• Big Sur:  Drive 110 miles to Big Sur, where you’ll admire seaside cliffs and waterfalls, and camp among the tall redwood trees.
• Carmel/Monterey:  Upon leaving Big Sur, drive 30 miles north to Carmel, where you can cruise the famous 17-Mile Drive through the Monterey Peninsula on the way to San Francisco, another 125 miles up the coast. If you don’t want to rent a car, consider this tour of the area , which leaves from San Francisco.
• San Francisco:  Spend a day in  San Francisco , where you can explore the funky Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, shop on Fisherman’s Wharf, walk around the Presidio, and much more.
• Humboldt County: Drive the last 280 miles of the trip up to Arcata in Humboldt County, often called “ the Lost Coast ” for its complete lack of tourism. Walk along empty stretches of beach and enjoy the peace and quiet. Stop in  Fort Bragg  if you have the time!

Check out the  full PCH itinerary  here!

California Deserts

Most people don’t go on a trip just to see deserts, but they’re missing out! This 430-mile, six-day trip is as varied as it is beautiful.

• Alabama Hills : This is the place of old Western movie sets and incredible stargazing. Mobius Arch, Boot Arch, and Movie Road are  must-sees .
• Death Valley : The Badwater Basin,  Golden Canyon , and sunrise at Zabriskie Point make Death Valley, 110 miles to the east, a stunning stop. You can take  a full-day tour  to see all of the (literal) hot spots.
• Mojave National Preserve and Mojave Trails National Monument : 150 miles southeast of Death Valley is the third largest unit of the National Park System in the contiguous US; highlights include Kelso Dunes; Amboy Crater, including a ghost town with the iconic Roy’s Motel Café; and the lava tubes. Find out what to do at Mojave here .
• Joshua Tree : Drive 90 miles south to see the famous (but dying) Joshua trees, Barker Dam, the Cholla Cactus Garden, and an incredible, starry sky. Find more ideas for what to do in Joshua Tree here.
• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park : Finally, drive 80 miles southwest to explore natural wind caves and take in amazing views stretching on as far as the eye can see at Font’s Point. Get more ideas on how to spend your time at Anza-Borrego here .

Read more about this California deserts itinerary here!

Nevada might just be one of the American Southwest’s most underrated states, simply because people don’t know much about it besides Vegas and Tahoe. While those are both awesome places, there is much more to explore. A road trip like this one is the best way to discover the Silver State for yourself. With every stop mentioned below, it covers nearly 900 miles and takes about five days:

➵ Rent a car in Nevada here

• Seven Magic Mountains:   Check out this art installation  of painted and stacked rocks lying between the mountains and Interstate 15, 25 miles out of Vegas.
• Las Vegas :  Vegas  makes a great  girlfriends’ getaway , so it would be a perfect stop for a day or two if you’re road-tripping with friends! You can also venture to the Nevada side of Death Valley on this day tour .
• Grand Canyon : The Grand Canyon is a no-brainer. You can even take a  helicopter tour from Vegas  like I did!
• Valley of Fire : Camp at this state park, 50 miles from Vegas, and check out Seven Sisters, Elephant Rock, Beehives, and Fire Wave Trail if time allows.  Join a hiking tour  for some scrambling fun.
• Historical ghost towns:  Nevada is home to countless  historical ghost towns , which make for cool stops. Be sure to check out Belmont Mill (north of Valley of Fire) and Gold Point (northwest of Vegas).
• Hot springs : Nevada has more hot springs than any other state, so be sure to incorporate a few of them into your road trip. Soldier Meadows and Black Rock (in the northwest), Spencer (dead center), and Gold Strike (down south) look especially cool.
• Tahoe : From the northwest hot springs, drive south 170 miles to go stand-up paddleboarding on the crystal-clear water of Lake Tahoe or hiking in the hills surrounding it.

Reno to Las Vegas

If you can’t do the entire 900-mile trip outlined above, consider traversing Nevada between Reno and Las Vegas instead. This is about half that length and features some exciting stops along the way:

• Fish Lake Valley Hot Well : This hot spring has some gorgeous scenery around it. You can swim and even camp nearby if you fancy.
• Tonopah : Halfway between Reno and Las Vegas, this historic town is a great spot to spend a night or two. You can even stay in the so-called haunted Mizpah Hotel , if you dare.
• Goldfield : This quirky town is definitely worth a stop to check out the wacky art installations at the International Car Forest of the Last Church.
• Rhyolite and the Goldwell Open Air Museum : This is another artsy stop, where you’ll find large statues and other head-scratching installations.
• Charleston Peak and Red Rock Canyon : Although it’s a bit off Highway 95, the detour is worth it if you want to get out and stretch your legs with a hike before arriving in Las Vegas.

Utah is one of the best destinations in the US for seeing the great outdoors. Here is a ten-stop itinerary for the lesser-known sights of southern Utah, spanning 550 miles and taking about five days:

➵ Rent a car in Utah here

• Dead Horse Point State Park : A unique road trip through Utah begins at Moab’s Dead Horse Point State Park, which is just as geographically impressive as the Grand Canyon, minus all the tourists.
• Canyonlands National Park : A short drive away, Needles Overlook at Canyonlands provides a scenic drive up to a 360-degree viewpoint of southern Utah.
• Bears Ears National Monument : Drive 115 miles south from Moab to just past and west of Blanding, where you’ll be able to check out the ancient cave drawings at Bears Ears.
• Valley of the Gods : Camp on the free public land at Valley of the Gods and wake up to awesome views of red-rock formations. It’s  gorgeous at sunset .
• Goosenecks State Park : Only ten miles away, Goosenecks State Park offers a panorama of the Colorado River winding through the canyon below.
• Natural Bridges National Monument : For your last stop near Blanding, hike the three major bridges at Natural Bridges National Monument.
• Goblin Valley State Park : You can stroll through the mushroom-like red rock formations 130 miles away at  Goblin Valley State Park .
• Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon:  These two slot canyons, right next to Goblin Valley, resemble the more popular Antelope Canyon.
• Mystic Hot Springs: This beautiful and relaxing hot spring is just northwest of Capitol Reef and is the ideal place to rest for a night or two to soothe your sore muscles after all that hiking. Find out more about Mystic Hot Springs here .
• Capitol Reef National Park : Seventy more miles gets you to Teasdale’s Capitol Reef National Park, where you’ll see massive rock formations rising out of the ground.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument : Your last destination is Big Water, where you can spend a day hiking  Coyote Gulch  in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Get  a self-guided driving tour  to discover some of the hidden gems in the area.

For more tips and tricks, check out the full itinerary for  Utah’s best secret places !

The destinations covered in this section, as well as some of the Nevada suggestions and the following Arizona ones, are included in my more in-depth  American Southwest road trip itinerary  as well.

Arizona’s abundance of natural sights means that you’ll see everything from waterfalls to massive rock structures on this week-long road trip, which covers almost a thousand miles.

➵ Rent a car in Arizona here

• Sedona : Artsy Sedona is famous for  energy vortexes , and with great hikes like Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, you could easily  spend a day or two here .
• Havasu Falls : 205 miles southeast lies the beautiful blue Havasu Falls, which is worth the permit and ten-mile hike required to reach it.  Here’s all you need to know  about making it happen.
• Grand Canyon : It’s a 200-mile drive to the  South Rim of the Grand Canyon , where you can enjoy the views along Desert View Drive, watch the sunset at Yavapai Point, and check out the lesser-known Lipan Point, spending the night in either Flagstaff or Cameron.
• Horseshoe Bend : Continue the sightseeing at  picturesque Horseshoe Bend , another 120 miles north towards Page, where you can get some stunning sunset photos.
• Antelope Canyon : A bit east is Antelope Canyon, the world’s most famous slot canyon. Check out  more info about Antelope Canyon here!
• The Wave/White Pocket : Sixty miles away, the Wave sits at the Arizona-Utah border and requires a permit, but its neighbor White Pocket is much easier to see. ( Read more about White Pocket here .)
• Monument Valley : Drive a couple hours east to  Monument Valley , where the rock structures seem to rise up out of nowhere.
• Canyon de Chelly : A hundred miles back down south lies Canyon de Chelly, a frequently overlooked destination, where you can take a guided hike through the canyon or head up to Spider Rock Overlook on your own for great views.
• Petrified Forest National Park : 110 more miles south toward Phoenix, the multicolored buttes full of fossils and wildflowers at Painted Desert are certainly a sight to see.

For more details on hikes, national parks and monuments, tours, and routes, check out this  full guide to an Arizona road trip !

New Mexico is perhaps the best destination to see both Spanish influence and Native American heritage, as well as incredible natural attractions like volcanic craters. This northern New Mexico road trip, which will allow you to enjoy a bit of everything this unique state has to offer, covers 475 miles and takes about five days:

➵ Rent a car in New Mexico here

Northern New Mexico

• Albuquerque :  Take a hot-air balloon ride  over Albuquerque with  Rainbow Ryders , explore the  ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden , see a show at the historic Kimo Theatre , or visit the  San Felipe de Neri Parish  to see the authentic Spanish influence still present in Albuquerque.
• Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument : Drive 55 miles northeast to spend the morning exploring  Kasha-Katuwe , a national monument protecting unique rock formations created by volcanic eruptions several million years ago.
• Santa Fe : Drive 40 more miles to New Mexico’s capital, nicknamed, “The City Different,” to see the  Georgia O’Keeffe Museum ,  Museum Hill , the Santa Fe Plaza at the heart of downtown, and plenty of art markets.
• Valles Caldera National Preserve: Drive 50 miles west to  Valles Caldera  to spend the morning hiking or biking the million-year-old volcanic crater. After you’ve explored, spend another day back in Santa Fe.
• Taos : Seventy miles northeast is Taos, and artsy adobe town with the best  whitewater rapids  in the state,  nearby hot springs , and cool shopping at the  Bent Street Shops .
• Aztec : 210 miles west is the Aztec Ruins National Monument, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains thousand-year-old  Aztec ruins , as well as hundreds of natural stone arches.
• White Sands National Monument: Head south toward Las Cruces to see the incredible White Sands National Monument . It’s not a particularly logical part of the rest of this road trip, but it sure is worth it to me! Finish off in Las Cruces and head west into Arizona or south into Texas.

If you want a longer trip to see more of New Mexico, this road trip will take about 2-3 weeks and covers more ground:

Full New Mexico

• Las Cruces: This is the southernmost large city in New Mexico, making it the perfect starting point to go from south to north.
• White Sands National Monument: For the same reason why this stop is mentioned on the previous New Mexico road-trip itinerary, definitely add this one to your list.
• Carlsbad National Park: Featuring over 119 caves, this is an interesting place to explore an underground natural wonder.
• Truth or Consequences: A small town with a gorgeous hot spring, this is the perfect place to relax and even see some wildlife.
• Albuquerque: If you’re not into stopping in a city, leave this one out. Albuquerque does have some interesting sights to check out though (see above), especially if you’re a Breaking Bad fan.
• Turquoise Trail, ttop in Madrid : Stopping in Madrid is a must on the scenic drive between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. It’s a quirky former ghost town that is now the home of many artists who gave it new life. There are some excellent art galleries and neat shops here.
• Santa Fe: Known for its artsy scene, Santa Fe is an incredible destination all on its own (see above).
• Jemez Springs: Whether for hiking, bathing in hot springs, and taking a scenic drive, Jemez Springs is the ideal spot to stretch your legs and spend some time in nature.
• Bandelier National Monument : Head here to check out some historic cave dwellings that date back over 11,000 years.
• Taos – Earthship Biotecture : This resourceful biotecture community includes over 70 earth houses that exist completely off grid. You can even stay overnight in one of these earthships !
• Bisti Badlands : This might be a bit of a detour, but definitely still worth visiting. This is one of the most epic places in the country to see unique rock formations.

Find out more about this full New Mexico road trip itinerary here.

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38 Unique Things to do in New Mexico

While winter isn’t typically road trip season, it certainly can be in Idaho when it means hopping between hot springs! This itinerary leads you to some of Idaho’s best springs over nearly 250 miles and five days:

➵ Rent a car in Idaho here

• The Springs:  From Boise, drive 40 miles to Idaho City, where The Springs, one of the more spa-like hot springs, offers a private jacuzzi with a server to bring you snacks and drinks.
• Kirkham Hot Springs : Continue 40 more miles to Lowman, where the Kirkham Hot Springs on the Payette River offers steaming waterfalls and incredible mountain views.
• Mountain Village Resort:  The rustic Mountain Village Resort in Stanley feels like a winter wonderland when it snows. Staying at the hotel gets you free access to the spring-fed spa pools.
• Boat Box Hot Springs : A few miles outside Stanley, Boat Box — which isn’t a pool in the ground but a small metal tub that looks like a witch’s cauldron — sits right on the river.
• Sunbeam Hot Springs : Only ten minutes beyond Boat Box is a single pool with the potential for some peaceful solitude.
• Goldbug Hot Springs: Another 55 miles gets you to the famous Goldbug Hot Springs, different pools of varying temperatures, which all have incredible views.
• Sun Valley:  Back up toward Stanley, Sun Valley is a fun and friendly town with a few nearby hot springs.

Check out the  whole guide to Idaho hot springs here !

For a more summer-oriented road trip from Boise to Stanley, including Craters of the Moon, check out my  five-day Idaho itinerary ! This is the perfect segue into the next stop: Montana, or east to Wyoming!

There is a reason why Montana is called “Big Sky Country.” See it for yourself with this 530-mile, weeklong road trip:

➵ Rent a car in Montana here

• Big Sky : Big Sky boasts  scenic hikes ,  biking ,  zip-lining ,  whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River ,  horseback riding , a  variety of spas , and two gorgeous drives ( the scenic road through Gallatin Canyon  and the Lone Mountain Trail scenic drive).
• Butte & Boulder : Drive 120 miles north to Butte, once nicknamed “the Richest Hill on Earth,” to see the old mansions and Victorian business district, then head northeast 40 miles to Boulder to visit a  natural hot spring .
• Helena : Thirty miles past Boulder is the state capital, where you’ll see historic sites like  Reeder’s Alley , the ornate  Cathedral of St. Helena , and the  Women’s Mural . Then follow a  walking tour of the Mansion District  or hike to the top of  Mount Helena City Park  for a panoramic view of the city.
• Hamilton : Go west 160 miles to Hamilton, which maintains that small-town feel but is set apart by a  buzzing downtown  and bustling arts and music scene.
• Missoula : Drive north to the “Garden City” of Montana, where you can  raft Alberton Gorge , stroll along the riverfront walking trail,  hit up a food truck  or  Big Dipper Ice Cream ,  go shopping , or even  check out another hot spring .
• Libby : Libby’s main attraction is the nearby  Kootenai Falls , a waterfall under a long swinging bridge. Other adventures in Libby, 175 miles northwest of Missoula, include riding OHVs (off-highway vehicles) on miles of trails and cross-country skiing in the winter.
• Optional addition: Glacier National Park : If you’re feeling up to it, head to Glacier National Park to spend a few extra days taking in the incredible natural beauty of Montana.  Read more about Glacier here .

Wyoming is the least populated state in the US, leaving a lot of room for things like skiing and snowboarding in Jackson Hole, exploring the Teton Range, and visiting Yellowstone National Park . The perfect Wyoming road trip hits all three. This adventure spans about a hundred miles and takes six days (reverse the route if coming in from Idaho):

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• Yellowstone National Park:  Spend two days here to catch an eruption from  Old Faithful , see Steamboat Geyser (the tallest in the world), check out the travertine terraces of  Mammoth Hot Springs , and visit two of Yellowstone’s best waterfalls:  Lower Falls  (which is nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls) and  Tower Fall . You can see them all on  a full-day tour .
• Grand Teton National Park:  Drive 60 miles south and spend three days in Grand Teton National Park . Visit  Mormon Row  (home to the widely photographed Moulton Barns) and the  Menor’s Ferry Historic District , take a few  picturesque drives ,  canoe  on Jenny Lake, follow a  scenic hike , and float or raft the Snake River. Be sure to enjoy a seasonal activity: swim at String Lake in the summer, take a horseback ride through autumn foliage, follow a ranger-led snowshoe walk in the winter, or watch elk, bison, deer, and moose migrate in the spring on  a safari adventure .
• Jackson Hole: Twenty-five miles past Grand Teton is Jackson Hole, where you can ski in the winter or take the  Jackson Hole Aerial Tram  up the mountain in the summer, as well as visit the  National Museum of Wildlife Art , which houses works by Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe.

Oregon is special for its unique array of forests, rivers, coastline, mountains,  and  cool cities. It is home to some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and the best way to see it is on a road trip .

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Oregon coast

The beautiful Oregon coastline is dotted with countless charming seaside towns, making a perfect road trip. See a handful of them by starting at the top and working your way down, traveling 230 miles over a week:

• Astoria:  Spend a day in Astoria by strolling its  Sunday Market  (one of the largest in Oregon), following the  Astoria Riverwalk , riding around town in the  “Old 300”  trolley, and climbing up the  Astoria Column  for 360-degree views of the city.
• Cannon Beach: Twenty-five miles south lies Cannon Beach, known for colorful sunsets and towering rocks rising out of the ocean, where you’ll want to spend two days exploring the  four state parks , walking along the beach, and taking a scenic hike to watch the diverse wildlife.
• Newport:  Head to the friendly fishing city of Newport to go whale watching, grab a bowl of  famous clam chowder,  visit  Oregon’s tallest lighthouse , and stroll through the underwater walkways at the  Oregon Coast Aquarium .
• Coos Bay:  A hundred miles south of Newport, Coos Bay is a great base to explore Oregon’s diverse nature, as it is home to three state parks ( Shore Acres State Park ,  Cape Arago State Park,  and  Sunset Bay State Park ) and the Oregon Dunes!

Inland Oregon

Some of Oregon’s best cities are situated inland, also a great option. Start to finish, this road trip is sure to provide a balance of arts and culture, great food, and outdoor adventure! For this itinerary, you’ll be covering about 260 miles, and you’ll need about seven days to do it:

• Portland : Spend a day or two in Portland (the epitome of Pacific Northwest hipster cool) following a few of the amazing hikes , wandering through  Powell’s Books (which claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world), and hanging out in the gorgeous rose garden in Washington Park. (Oh, and eat lots of delicious food!)
• Salem : Head 50 miles south to Salem, the state capital, to stroll through the shops housed in the old Reed Opera House , take a  riverboat brunch cruise  on the Willamette River, or picnic in Riverfront Park.
• Corvallis : Thirty miles south is the college town adjacent to Oregon State University, where you can follow the  Corvallis Mural Map  to see the cool street art, or rent a bike to cruise some of the 60+ miles of trails.
• Eugene : A second college town sits 50 miles further south. Here, catch a  Ducks football game  at the U of Oregon, wander through the  Eugene Saturday Market , or swing by the  Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art  to see artwork from China, Japan, and Korea.
• Bend : Drive east to wrap up your trip in  Bend , a great mountain town with a fantastic food and drink scene; you can also try anything from  kayaking to  whitewater rafting  to a  helicopter aerial tour .

Typically, when Washington State comes to mind, people think of rain and the Space Needle, but from western cities on the water like Port Townsend to eastern ones like Spokane, its landscape and attractions are diverse. See all Washington has to offer with this 500-mile, weeklong road trip:

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• Olympia:  Start in the state capital, at the bottom of the Puget Sound, by hanging out in West Bay Park and checking out the city’s unique food scene, which is quirky and progressive but not pretentious.
• Port Townsend:  Drive 100 miles north to one of the coolest small towns in the US. Check out the  Port Townsend Farmers Market  (one of the best in Washington), take a free boat tour with the Northwest Maritime Center , and finish out the day by browsing the independent stores housed in old Victorian buildings on Water Street.
• Seattle:  Drive 60 more miles to  Seattle , where you’ll want to check out  Pike Place Market ,  take a harbor cruise  to see the city from Elliott Bay, visit a unique museum like the  Museum of Pop Culture , and eat fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
• Bellevue:  Across Lake Washington, visit the  Bellevue Arts Museum  (where you can sometimes chat with the artists themselves), hang out in Downtown Park, and zip-line through Eastgate Park with  Bellevue Zip Tour .
• Leavenworth:  In this charming town modeled after a traditional Bavarian village, eat your way through the German sweet shops, hike the river trail at  Icicle Gorge , stroll along the Wenatchee River at Waterfront Park, or visit the town’s quirky  Nutcracker Museum .
• Spokane:  Drive the last 180 miles to the eastern side of Washington to the capital of “the Inland Empire,” where you can follow the  Spokane City Drive , a self-guided tour of the best spots in town, or the  Spokane Sculpture Walk  for an experience you won’t find in any other city.

Washington Hikes Road Trip

Looking to get outside as much as possible on your Washington road trip? Consider this quick itinerary to all of the state’s best hikes, where you can park your car and head out into the wilderness to see gorgeous mountain peaks, lush forests, and more:

• Seattle: Start your trip here, where you can rent a car for your journey.
• Maple Pass in North Cascades National Park: This leg of the trip is the longest stretch at over 5 hours along Interstate 90 East and Highway 97, but the scenery is on point the whole way. Stay the night near the national park and hike Maple Pass first thing in the morning.
• Lake Ingalls: Another long stretch back down south along Highway 97 will take you to Lake Ingalls where you can enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous alpine lake.
• Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park: This trail gives incredible views of Mount Rainier, plus plenty of waterfalls along the way. It’s easily one of the best trails in Washington. Get there from Lake Ingalls by taking I-90 towards Tacoma (option to stay there for the night) and then Highway 161 down to the park.
• Pinnacle Peak in Mount Rainier National Park: While you’re near Rainier National Park, don’t miss out on this epic trail that leads to the Pinnacle Peak Saddle where you’ll have the most incredible view.
• Rialto Beach: Another long stretch will bring you to Washington’s rocky coast where you can hike from Rialto Beach to Hole-In-The-Wall which is a rugged and exciting affair.
• Hurricane Ridge: Before heading back to Seattle, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park plus the breathtaking Sunrise Viewpoint right next to it are the perfect ending to a perfect trip.

The Perfect Washington National Parks Itinerary

From skiing in the mountains to hiking through hills and meadows, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. This itinerary can be cut in half, between Breckenridge and Rocky Mountain National Park , if 12 stops is too long of a trip. (Each leg consists of half natural sights and half cities, so you’ll still get a full taste of Colorado with six stops.) All in all, this road trip covers more than 800 miles and takes about ten days.

• Mesa Verde National Park : See the mesa-top villages and cliffside dwellings of the Pueblo people from hundreds of years ago by driving the Mesa Top Loop Road and Cliff Palace driving loop, or head to Park Point (elevation: 8,500 feet).
• Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park : Highlights of this park, located 160 miles northeast of Mesa Verde, include Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall, and Sunset View.
• Aspen : After you’ve driven 115 miles from Black Canyon to Aspen, hike Red Butte Trail for 360-degree views of the Aspen Valley, ride the  Silver Queen Gondola  to the summit of the mountain, stand-up paddleboard at  North Star Nature Preserve , and explore the waterfalls and ice caves along  Grottos Trail .
• Hanging Lake : Stop 50 miles down the road to follow one of Colorado’s most popular hikes to this magical  cliffside lake .
• Vail :  Raft the river ,  drive an ATV , catch a cool  seasonal event , check out a  farmers’ market , or hike to a waterfall in this fun mountain town 60 miles northeast of Hanging Lake.
• Breckenridge : One of Colorado’s friendliest small towns, Breckenridge offers  great hikes , tons of  biking trails , cool events like the  International Festival of Arts , and lots of sunny restaurant patios where you can grab a bite.
• Rocky Mountain National Park:  Take a scenic drive (especially on  Trail Ridge Road , the highest continuous paved road in the US), hike to one of the park’s  eleven waterfalls  and two cascades, go  four-wheeling , or take a horseback ride through Rocky Mountain National Park, located 100 miles north of Breckenridge. Click here for a complete list of things to do in the park.
• Boulder : Spend a day or two in Boulder by ordering beignets at  Lucile’s , exploring  Pearl Street  and the  Boulder Creek Path , hiking to the famous  sandstone Flatirons , and attending a show at the historic Boulder Theater.
• Denver : Drive 30 miles to the state capital, which has  plenty to explore , including the  Lower Downtown (LoDo)  neighborhood, Capitol Building, outdoor 16th Street Mall,  Larimer Square ,  Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre , and  Denver Art Museum .
• Garden of the Gods : Seventy miles from Denver is another national park, where you can take a tour on foot, electric bike, or Segway, as well as go rock climbing and check out  Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site .
• Colorado Springs : The last city of the road trip sits next to Garden of the Gods. Spend a day exploring  Seven Falls , hiking in  Ute Valley Park , and driving the Gold Belt Scenic Byway.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve:  At your last destination, plan on camping for a night so that you’ll have the chance to stargaze with no city lights to obscure the view. But until the sun sets, sled down the sand dunes (some of which are hundreds of feet high) and (if your car permits) drive the adventurous  Medano Pass .

The perfect Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

While an area as vast as the American West is tough to cover in a single road trip, or even a single lifetime, I hope this post helps you to pick a trip you’ll love. The best news is, you really can’t go wrong, as all of these places are gorgeous, though some are better suited to certain weather and seasons than others.

Choose the best adventure for you!

*Some links in this post are affiliate links for products and services we personally use and love. Any purchase you make through them supports us at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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09/20/2019 at 7:38 am

Bravo! This is the most comprehensive post yet for a region. Literally a lifetime of things to see and all doable on a road trip! There is even more like Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Flaming Gorge, Devil’s Tower, grassland parks, and Bighorn in Wyoming for instance. Great job, your hard work has paid off with this amazing post. I will add this to the now long list of travel ideas you have provided me!!!

Hena Tayeb says

09/22/2019 at 6:53 pm

So much great information! We were in Washington and Oregon just last summer and loved it. We are trying to decide between Arizona and New Mexico for this coming spring.. you post will come in very handy.

Kristin says

09/22/2019 at 8:30 pm

why not both? 😉

10/28/2019 at 6:31 am

Thanks for the super write up! So many things to do in each of the locations. I visited Estes and the the RMNP in July and it was such a great experience. We did some river rafting and a fair bit of hiking in the park. Didn’t see any bears unfortunately was apparently still a bit early in the season for them. Not sure if you enjoy more Adrenalin fueled activities – have you ever tried doing a tandem jump? It’s actually a great way to experience the scenery of an area. And you’d be surprised just how many drop zones there are now in the US. It’s a great experience and totally worth spending half a day doing 😉

01/15/2020 at 11:21 pm

thank you so much for your helpful trips! one of the best sites around

Eileen Chu says

05/06/2022 at 11:01 am

Love the recommendations. I’m planning a road trip myself and I’m struggling to decide which month of the year to do this loop. Which month did you do it so that you didn’t encounter the snowy roads in the north and the blazing sun in the south.? April?

05/07/2022 at 8:28 pm

Which loop exactly? If you’re wanting to avoid winter, May is often a good month as is June.

Karla Smith says

07/04/2023 at 11:55 am

I like your site. Great info. Thank you. I’m taking a month long solo trip from Missouri out west. I’m 70 years young and bringing just my dog, Lovebug. Last road trip for this lady! Any thoughts about “the dog”? She a trained school therapy dog. National or state parks allow on leash? Dog friendly places? Thanks to you I’m going to Mystic Hot Springs. Tent camping some. Any advice is websites to read? Thank you so much! Karla

07/05/2023 at 8:44 am

Some national park trails allow dogs on a leash. I’ve got lots of solo camping advice on here! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/outdoors-101/

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Western US National Park Road Trips

Road trips to the best national parks in the west.

Stuart Thornton

Amy Balfour

• In this guide
• Rocky Mountain road trip
• Utah's national parks
• Grand Canyon loop
• California road trips
• Skyline & Blue Ridge Parkway
• Western North Carolina
• West Virginia To Shenandoah NP
• Great Smoky Mountains
• NC's Outer Banks
• White Mountains & Falls
• Coastal Maine's Route-1
• Fall foliage
• Lakes Michigan & Superior
• South Dakota
• Chicago to the Ozarks
• Renting an RV
• West coast national parks road trip

Grand Canyon to Rocky Mountains road trip

Western national parks driving loop.

Combining the awe-inspiring national parks of the Western USA into a single road trip makes for a true Americana adventure.

From the Grand Canyon to the Rocky Mountains, here are a few spectacular long-distance routes.

Larger than life in Yosemite National Park

West coast national park road trip route

Take in the magnificence of the western United States mountains, while also walking among some of the world’s biggest trees and get sprayed by a few of North America’s largest waterfalls on this route. This inland tour of the best mountainous parks in Washington, Oregon, and California includes crowd favourites Olympic National Park, Crater Lake National Park and Yosemite National Park.

Approx. distance: 1,700 miles

Duration: 14 days

Suggested route: Seattle, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Los Angeles.

Just three hours from the northwest city of Seattle – including a ferry ride – is Olympic National Park, which is home to glacier topped mountains, rainforests and a wild and rugged coastline.

Another three-hour drive takes visitors from Olympic National Park to the year-round splendour of Mount Rainier National Park. The route heads south of Puget Sound and its tributaries.

Getting from Mount Rainier National Park in Washington down to Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon is a more involved 6 ½-hour drive. Luckily, the route passes through both Portland and Eugene, where you can stop for a few hours or overnight.

From Crater Lake National Park to northern California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park is a four-hour drive. Detour to Lava Beds National Monument to explore one of the preserved area’s 800 caves.

During summer, take US 395 alongside the eastern portion of California from Lassen Volcanic National Park to Yosemite National Park. It takes 5 ½ hours and passes through Reno in the state of Nevada, which is a perfect place for a stop or an overnight stay.

Less than three hours from Yosemite are the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which is less busy than Yosemite but almost as beautiful. The adjacent parks are about four hours from both San Francisco and Los Angeles.

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What to see

Olympic National Park

With nearly a million acres, Olympic National Park offers a variety of experiences including hiking, soaking in hot springs (Sol Duc Hot Springs and Olympic Hot Springs), and sliding down a snowy peak at the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area. Port Angeles is the biggest city on the Olympic Peninsula and a great place to plan your trip into the park.

Mount Rainier National Park

While its namesake 14,410-foot-high (4,392m) peak dominates the scenery, Mount Rainier National Park also has worthwhile hiking in the Tatoosh Range and waterfalls in the Carbon River area. In springtime, the park has a profusion of blooming wildflowers and rushing waterfalls.

Try a day hike along the 5.5 mile-long Skyline Trail, which butts up against Mount Rainier. Check out the views at Panorama Point. Alternatively, take alpine lakes, mountain peaks and stunning views on the Snow Lake Trail, which is a much easier 2.5-mile round trip.

Mount Rainier National Park is well-known for its many waterfalls, but perhaps the easiest one to see is the 176ft high Narada Falls. It’s a short hike from the car park of the same name to the bottom of the waterfall.

Sierra Nevada mountain range

Crater Lake National Park

Oregon’s dazzling blue Crater Lake, a remnant of a volcano, is worth spending some time staring at. To see the water up close, take one of the park’s many boat tours. Another option is to do the 33-mile long (53km) Rim Drive for views down into the lake from different vantage points. Roads are generally open in the Crater Lake National Park between July and October. If you come in winter, the park’s North Entrance Road is excellent for snowmobiling, while some trails become passable for cross-country skiing.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

A hotbed of geothermal activity, Lassen Volcanic National Park has mud pots, boiling pools and fumaroles (an opening near a volcano which releases gas). There’s boating, kayaking, and fishing in the park, but hiking through a lava tube at Lassen is one of the park’s singular experiences. Try the wincingly-named Bumpass Hell Trail – so named for Kendall Bumpass who fell into scalding water here – for views of boiling mudpots, turquoise pools and Brokeoff Volcano. Alternatively, try the 4.2 mile Devil’s Kitchen Trail for steaming streams and alpine lakes.

Lassen is one of the best places in California to go star-gazing. Park rangers lead astronomy tours during the summer, and the annual Dark Sky Festival, held in August, offers nightly stargazing tours and talks by professional astronomers.

Bubbling sulphur pool, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Yosemite National Park

The most popular national park in California, Yosemite includes the world-renowned Yosemite Valley, which is beneath notable granite peaks including Half Dome and El Capitan – famous among rock climbers for their stunning views and difficult climbs. Head to the 7,214ft Glacier Point for views over Yosemite Valley, or head inside the granite Geology Hut for vistas of Half Dome. Come at sunrise or sunset, when the giant granite peaks turn a rosy pink. There’s more than just towering peaks in Yosemite. Mariposa Grove showcases giant sequoia trees, while Yosemite Falls is North America’s highest waterfall at 2,425 feet (739 metres). It is possible to hike up to the upper fall’s crest, but be aware that the water’s spray can be very cold.

Such is the diversity of activities in Yosemite National Park, that you can do anything from fishing and gold panning to spas and shopping.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

The adjacent parks of Sequoia and Kings Canyon are a fine place to take in the splendour of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the towering sequoia trees, and geologic formations like Moro Rock. Sequoia is where you can find legendary trees including the General Sherman Tree (allegedly the largest tree on earth) and the General Grant Tree.

Spring and summer bring wildflower blooms to both parks and bears are plentiful. This is a great stop for those looking for wilderness away from the busier Yosemite National Park.

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Horseshoe Bend, Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

Experience the dizzying peaks and deep canyons of the American southwest on this route. The drive includes the alpine scenery of the Rocky Mountain National Park and the mile-deep Grand Canyon, as well as stops to visit the tallest sand dunes in the United States (Great Sand Dunes National Park) and North America's oldest archaeological site (Mesa Verde National Park).

Approx. distance: 1,400 miles

Duration: 10 days

Suggested route: Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Grand Canyon, Phoenix.

Start your journey in Denver, Colorado, before driving an hour and a half to Estes Park, at the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. After a couple of days hiking and marvelling at the Rocky Mountains, it is a five-hour drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Consider detouring into the pleasant city of Colorado Springs and visiting Garden of the Gods, where you can walk around fanciful sandstone rock formations.

It’s a four-hour drive across southern Colorado to reach Mesa Verde National park from Great Sand Dunes National Park. Just 40 minutes from the park, Durango is a pleasant city at 1,981 metres with a historic downtown.

The drive to the Grand Canyon from Mesa Verde takes four hours with much of it passing through the Navajo Nation. Fans of western movies should detour off US Route 160 onto US Route 163 at Kayenta, Arizona to make the 45-minute drive to Monument Valley, a butte-studded desert featured in many western movies.

From the Grand Canyon, it’s an hour and a half to Flagstaff, a pleasant college town, and a four-hour drive to Phoenix, where there is a major airport.

Dream Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountains National Park

One of the highest national parks in the United States, the Rocky Mountain National Park includes the 14,258-foot-high Longs Peak (4,345 metres) and 300 miles of hiking trails. Much of the park can only be accessed during the summer months, with winter snows closing mountain roads. During peak season of mid-June to Labor Day, consider spending time in the less crowded western side of the park. In that area are opportunities to hike, picnic, and visit the Holzwarth Historic Site, a homestead from the early 1900s.

Be aware that altitude sickness can be an issue in the Rocky Mountains, even when driving. For example, Trail Ridge Road is more than 3,500m above sea level, so go slow, drink plenty of water and pay attention to the signs of altitude sickness, such as headaches and shortness of breath.

A couple of hiking trails to consider are an easy two-mile hike through Dream, Nymph and Emerald Lakes (extend to Lake Haiyaha for an alpine lake surrounded by boulders and ancient trees), or a waterfall hike to Alberta Falls near Glacier Gorge Junction. Before starting any hike, it's worth heading to the Park's visitor centre to get maps, find out about road and trail closures and to speak to rangers.

Be aware of wildlife while hiking on more remote trails. The Rocky Mountain National Park is home to elk, deer, mountain lions and bears, and you are likely to encounter wildlife on your trip. If you see a bear, stand still and stay calm, giving the bear the opportunity to leave. If it doesn't leave, make yourself look as big as possible and throw small rocks to try to scare it away. If the bear charges, the advice from the US National Park Service is to fight back.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

One of Colorado's lesser-visited parks, Great Sand Dunes National Park has 30 square miles of dunes including one that is 750 feet tall (228 metres). You can hike up the towering dunes (it is a five hour round trip to the summit), or even better, ride down them on a sleigh, even in the summer. Also, the park is a great place to take in the Milky Way stretching across the night sky, with the park open all day and night.

Mesa Verde National Park

The reason to visit Mesa Verde National Park is to see one of its ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Ranger-guided tours of the unique structures including Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, are offered in the park.

The park also has hiking trails including the 7.8-mile round-trip (12.5km) Prater Ridge Trail and the 2.4-mile round-trip (3.8km) Petroglyph Point Trail that goes to a petroglyph (rock carving) panel.

Grand Canyon National Park

Once in Grand Canyon National Park, there’s much more to do than stare into the amazing chasm. The Rim Trail offers different views from the top of the canyon on a mostly paved path. Though it’s 13 miles long (21km), hikers can utilize the park’s shuttle bus system in place of doing the whole hike. The Bright Angel Trail (12 miles round-trip, 19km) is one of the US national park system’s best-known trails. It heads to the bottom of the canyon, a marvellous experience for those with plenty of water and stamina. It is recommended that hikers do just a portion of the hike down Bright Angel and back up to the rim as there are many rescues each year for underprepared hikers who overestimate their abilities.

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California's Death Valley National Park

California has more national parks (nine) than any other state in the US The Golden State is diverse, and its national parks reflect that diversity with national parkland that preserves offshore islands, starkly beautiful deserts, and temperate rainforests with redwood trees. This route is designed to hit all nine national parks in a loop around the state.

Approx. distance: 2,000 miles

Duration: 18 days

Suggested route: San Francisco, Redwood National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Death Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, Channel Islands National Park, Pinnacles National Park, San Francisco.

Start in San Francisco and make the drive six hours north to Redwood National and State Parks. Make sure to detour off US 101 just north of Garberville for a drive along the Avenue of the Giants, a roadway amongst redwood forest along the Eel River. The North Coast towns of Arcata and Trinidad are worth a stop on your drive too. Arcata, 45 minutes south of Redwood National Park, is a great place to stock up on groceries, especially at Wildberries Marketplace.

The drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park from Redwood National Park heads east for four hours and passes through miles of national forest land. Stop in Redding, an hour out from Lassen, for supplies.

In the summer, it’s a 5 ½ -hour drive from Lassen Volcanic Park to Yosemite National Park. Stop in Reno, Nevada for some gambling or a night’s stay.

Three hours from Yosemite is Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The drive dips into California’s Central Valley and passes through the city of Fresno.

Driving from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to Death Valley National Park involves a 5 ½ -hour route around the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The route passes through Bakersfield, where country music fans should stop into Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

To reach California’s other desert park, Joshua Tree National Park, from Death Valley, it’s a four-hour drive through the Mojave Desert.

For a wildly different experience, drive four hours from Joshua Tree National Park to Ventura Harbor, where you can reserve a ride on a boat run by the concession Island Packers out to one of the Channel Island National Park’s five islands.

From Ventura Harbor, it’s a four-hour drive to Pinnacles National Park in the Salinas Valley. If possible, stop in the pleasant California coastal cities of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara for a meal or to view some worthwhile sites including the historic Santa Barbara Mission.

To close the loop, drive from Pinnacles National Park 2 ½ -hours to San Francisco.

Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks are home to the world’s tallest trees, which grow more than 350 feet tall. See them from the national park’s Lady Bird Johnson Trail or within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park on Cal-Barrel Road or the Cathedral Trees Trail. Head out of the redwoods for a hike in Prairie Creek State Park’s Fern Canyon for a different kind of hike: a walk through a gorge with fern-draped walls that was the backdrop for scenes in Jurassic Park 2 .

Once you’ve worked up a thirst, head to Lost Coast Brewery for drinks and dinner.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a wonderland of volcanic activity including bubbling pots and lava tubes. Hikers should attempt to hike up 10,457-foot high (3,187 meters) Lassen Peak. A different way to experience the park is to kayak or stand-up paddleboard around Manzanita Lake.

It’s well worth seeing the world-famous Yosemite Valley. Some of the valley’s best hikes include the 2.4 miles (3.9 km) hike up Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall or the mile hike up to Columbia Rock for superb valley views. Head to the park’s Hetch Hetchy region or Tuolumne Meadows off Tioga Road for more solitude.

For a self-guided tour, hire bicycles at Curry Village and take a two-mile ride to Mirror Lake, or hire them at Yosemite Valley Lodge for a more strenuous 5-mile ride to Half Dome Village.

As ever, the climbing hotspots of El Capitan and Half Dome offer stunning walls of granite, which are best viewed at sunset or sunrise.

Giant Redwood tree in Redwood State Park

Sequoia National Park has forests of giant sequoia trees including the world’s largest, the General Sherman Tree. In addition to hiking through giant sequoia trees, visitors can go horseback riding or rock climbing in the park.

Death Valley National Park

In Death Valley, you will be in the largest national park in the continental United States. Take a scenic drive along Badwater Road to Badwater Basin, located 282 feet below sea level, or take a tour of the Star Wars filming locations within the park.

For hiking, take on the moderate two-mile Golden Canyon trail, or for something longer, head to Dante’s View for lookouts across the Valley to Telescope Peak and Badwater Basin below.

Death Valley’s arid climate and range of elevations mean it is home to lots of different animals, including roadrunners, lizards, coyotes and even bobcats. Visitors in spring to Salt Creek can see the pupfish – the only landlocked fish in the United States.

Joshua Tree National Park

Named for a unique looking desert plant, Joshua Tree National Park offers hiking, birding, and horseback riding along with climbing, bouldering, highlining, and slacklining on its many rock formations. Take the short Indian Cove walking trail for the best views of the eponymous Joshua tree, or head to Keys View – the highest point in the park – for views across the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs and peaks as far as Mexico. Come at sunset for orange and red hues that spread out across the desert.

Be sure to visit the nearby Pioneertown, a hip community built around a 1940s movie set, or cut short your California National Park loop by heading to Los Angeles, a two and half hour drive west.

Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park

Channel Islands National Park

Whether you visit the tiny Channel Islands National Park’s Anacapa Island or Santa Cruz Island, you’ll experience a California coastal landscape devoid of development. Recreational opportunities abound from hiking to sea kayaking to snorkelling and scuba diving.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park was formed from the eroded sections of an old volcano. Its unique scenery includes rock spires and talus caves. One recommended hike from the park’s western entrance is the 4.3-mile Juniper Canyon Loop, which includes a section of trail with stairs cut into a ridge of rock. Look out for the endangered California condor flying overhead. The condor is the largest land bird in North America.

Best times for Western US road trips

Climate, seasons, and how to avoid the crowds.

The seasons greatly affect travel in the national parks of the western United States. During the summer months between May and September, temperatures in desert parks like Death Valley can soar to 110 degrees and higher. These months are also the busiest times for visitors to national parks like Yosemite National Park and Crater Lake National Park.

Meanwhile, winter snowfall in mountainous parks (Yosemite National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park) results in facility closures and limited access, particularly between November and March. Destinations including Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows and Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road are closed during this time of year.

January and February are ideal times to visit Death Valley National Park. Daytime temperatures in the park hover around 60 degrees (15.5 Celsius), while nighttime brings cool but not freezing temperatures around 40 degrees (4.5 Celsius). February is when the desert’s many wildflowers begin to bloom, painting the park with colour.

Nearby Joshua Tree National Park is prime for visiting in March due to that month’s mild temperatures and wildflower displays. It’s also the best time to go hiking or rock climbing on the park’s granite rock formations.

With snow on the peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains melting, April and May is when Yosemite’s famed waterfalls roar to life. Though the park’s higher elevation areas will still be closed, visitors are treated to Yosemite Falls and Vernal Falls at their grandest along with blooming wildflowers and smaller crowds.

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the country and ranges from 7,680 feet (2,396 metres) to 14,259 feet (4,346 metres) in elevation. The park’s popular Trail Ridge Road, which gives visitors access to alpine tundra, is only open from June to September. Likewise, the summer months of July and August are the best times to visit Olympic National Park due to less rainfall in the region and the park offering more activities to the public.

September and October are prime visiting times for Grand Canyon National Park, when there’s both cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. The autumn months also offer a window to visit rugged Channel Islands National Park off the coast of California. Before the winter rains come, the islands are warm and dry.

November and December bring cooler temperatures out west and snow at high elevations. For the unique experience of ice skating in a national park, head to Yosemite to glide around on the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink. Or, wait until mid-December to enjoy skiing or tubing at Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area.

Festivals and events

In the summer months, western US national parks have a full schedule of guided hikes, talks, campfire presentations and more. The offseason find the parks hosting more specialised annual festivals and events meant to draw people into the parks during less busy times.

Spanning six sessions in January, Chef’s Holidays brings world-renowned chefs to Yosemite National Park’s Majestic Yosemite Hotel for cooking demos and multi-course meals. In February, Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park puts on a Winterfest, where visitors can explore the park in moonlight while being warmed up by hot chocolate and hot cider.

At the height of summer, Grand Canyon National Park throws the Grand Canyon Star Party in June, one of the best times of the year to see the night sky in all of its glory. Throughout the park, volunteer astronomers set up telescopes to bring stars, planets, and more into focus for visitors.

Celebrate the old, wild west at the Death Valley 49ers Encampment and Western Music Festival at Death Valley National Park in early November. Expect music, scenic horseback rides, blacksmithing, and gold panning at Furnace Creek inside the park.

Step back in time for the holiday season at Yosemite National Park’s Bracebridge Dinner, which has been going on since 1928. The December festivities in The Majestic Yosemite Hotel are meant to evoke Christmas Day in England in 1718 with song and a seven-course feast.

The Best East Coast USA Road Trips

About the authors.

Stuart is a California-based travel writer and guidebook author. His books include Moon California Road Trip , Moon Coastal California and the forthcoming Moon Northern California Road Trips . For more about Stuart and his books, visit his website.

Amy has authored or co-authored 26 books on the USA for Lonely Planet. Her articles and essays have appeared in Backpacker, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Houston Chronicle, Redbook, Southern Living, Women’s Health, Vegetarian Times, the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post.

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The Complete 2 Week Road Trip Guide To The Western United States

Want to see the most beautiful landscapes in the US? Keep reading for the best Western road trip itinerary. While Highway 1 in California , also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, takes the cake as America’s best coastal road trip, The Grand Circle road trip is the ultimate National Park road trip. For everyone who enjoy road trips and there is no better place to visit in the United States than the West Coast, home to a majority of the National Parks. The Western United States is full of amazing landscapes ranging from deserts, mountains, amazing rock formations, coastal views and dense forests.

➳ Read More: The Ultimate Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco

In this guide of how to plan a trip out west we include our favorite state parks, national parks and the best cities in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Some of the highlight destinations include the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon , Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Las Vegas , Death Valley, and the Valley of Fire .

There is no better way to explore the Western US than in a car or RV, so you can visit every destination at your own pace and stop at any hidden gem between. While you can honestly spend months exploring this region of the US, we have created the ultimate two week road trip itinerary to the Western United States.

USA Road Trip Travel Video

Important travel information to plan your west coast road trip.

The best way to explore the southwest and west coast of the United States is with an epic road trip. We recommend renting a campervan or RV instead of a car so you can have more freedom on planning your trip as you can sleep anywhere where it is allowed. If you already own a van make sure to have the perfect van accessories to make your trip even more fun and easy.

For this trip we rented a campervan from Travellers Autobarn and had a fantastic experience! We were able to sleep in gas station parking lots, camping areas and BLM land. Even though the upfront cost of renting a campervan is more expensive than renting a small car, you will save more money in hotels and being able to cook your own food. We spent around $500 USD in gas and $1,000 USD in the van.

Travellers Autobarn has three locations in the USA: Los Angeles , San Francisco, and Las Vegas , which are perfect starting points for your epic road trip to the Western United States. The campervan comes with free unlimited miles on all rentals, which is very convenient as road trips are full of fun detours and unexpected destinations.

If renting a campervan is not your road trip style can always rent a small car that consumes less gas, but requires additional camping gear or more hotel stays.

14 Days US Western Road Trip  Itinerary :

Day 1: arrive to las vegas, nevada.

Depending on where you are flying from traveling to Las Vegas Airport is often the cheapest option. It has been the best choice for us when flying from Europe, South America and even domestically.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to explore the city that never sleeps, check out our complete guide to the Las Vegas .

Use the first day of your western road trip itinerary to pick up the van, go grocery shopping and rest! If you prefer staying in a hotel in Las Vegas instead of sleeping in the van the first day look for hotels that offer free parking and that have free outside parking. If you want to start the road trip immediately you can sleep at the Pilot Gas Station, which is half way to Valley of Fire State Park and it is free!

Day 2: Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park

Wake up early in the morning and head to Valley of Fire State Park, which is located about 50 miles northeast from Las Vegas. 

Valley of Fire is one of the most beautiful state parks in the United States and the oldest and biggest state park in Nevada. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and the entrance fee is $10 USD per vehicle per day.

➳ Read More: The Complete Guide To Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park

We recommend to spend a full day at the Valley of Fire State Park to complete the Fire Wave Trail and see Elephant Rock. If you book in advance you can even camp at the Valley of Fire that night or drive two hours to the campground near Vermillion Cliff. 

Day 3: Valley of Fire State Park to Vermillion 

The next morning wake up super early to head to the Vermillion to apply for the lottery to visit the Wave. Only 10 people will get the chance to go to this amazing natural spot and get their number drawn. 

The Wave is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and to protect this natural monument, only 20 people are able to do the hike per day. To hike the Wave you must have a permit and be on the list. Otherwise, if caught you face fines up to $10,000 per person. 

You can get the hiking permit by applying to the lottery online or by showing up to the visitor center office the day before you would like to hike. If you choose to apply online you do so through the BLM’s official website but to be honest you have lower chance to get the permit as thousands of people apply from around the globe for a handful of permits. The online lottery cost $5 per person and you can apply up to 4 months in advance for your desired date.

If you choose to apply in person it is free to enter the lottery and you will have higher chances of winning as there are normally at most 200 people applying. Keep in mind that the permits are dispensed for the next morning, not for the same day hiking! To apply in person you have to been in the office between 8:30 to 9:00 AM. 

Also apply to visit the South Coyote Buttes. It is as fantastic as the Wave but less popular, so you have a higher chance to win the permit lottery. Keep in mind that you will need to have a 4WD car to reach this hike as it is really sandy the way there. This is not possible in our campervan, but we made friends with other lottery winners who offered us a ride.

After the lottery, whether you were chosen or not to visit the Wave, we recommending spend the rest of the day hiking. We hiked the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch and loved it! You go through so many canyons and with so few visitors you have the opportunity to get fantastic photos.

Another great option is to visit White Pocket. It is a fantastic area with deep red and orange rock formations but can be hard to reach as you need a 4WD car. 

Day 3: The Wave or Coyote Buttes South

We unfortunately did not win the lottery to visit the Wave, but were picked for a permit to the South Coyote Buttes. If you have an extra day, you can always show up again to the permit lottery and test your luck.

Otherwise, spend the day hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of Coyote Buttes South or the Wave, if you won permits, or there is more time to visit White Pockets if your previous day was full.

Day 4: Coyote Buttes South to Grand Canyon 

A full day at the Grand Canyon is never enough to enjoy the majestic views of one of the most popular National Parks. Make sure to take the free shuttle bus to see some of the best viewpoints in Grand Canyon as well as drive along the Desert View Drive. In one day you will only have time to enjoy the views from the rim along with some short walks down into the canyon itself.

There is only so much time to spend at each destination during a complete two week road trip out West to the four corners states. While you do get a good view from each stop, this road trip itinerary can easily be extended to a full month if you have the time!

Day 5: Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Make sure to reserve a spot for Antelope Canyon as the tours are generally fully booked year round. Antelope Canyon has two spots you can visit the lower and upper slot canyons. Both sides are amazing, each with its unique features. The Lower Canyon is more tight and you cannot bring a tripod with you while the Upper Canyon is wider and they offer photography tours.

Either Canyon can only be visited with a tour guide. The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is during the summer the and it is recommend to get a tour between noon and 1PM to see the light rays shine through the canyons. The entrance fee for Antelope Canyon costs between $55 to $75 USD depending on the tour you choose. Antelope Canyon is a must on your western road trip itinerary.

For us, the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is right before sunset to enjoy the rich colors of the sky. Please take a lot of water as it can get super hot! Parking costs $10 per vehicle per day but does not allow for re-entry as you will have to pay again.

As evening rolled in we kept on driving and slept in a Burger King parking lot, with permission, right before arriving to Monument Valley. 

Day 6: Monument Valley

Wake up early and head towards Forrest Gump Point to get the iconic photos from Monument Valley and avoid the crowds. It is spectacular to see the sunrise there! The entrance fee for Monument Valley is $20 USD per vehicle.

Spend the day exploring Monument Valley enjoying the vast red sandstone landscapes and dramatic viewpoints.

Day 7: Monument Valley to Arches National Park

Valley of Fire State Park is is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park located about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. This is a popular place to witness the bright red-orange sandstone formations, the iconic Fire Wave hike and thousands of years of human history.

➳ Read More: The Complete Guide To Arches National Park

Day 8: Arches National Park to Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah and it is a short drive from Moab, where you should refill your car and stock up on supplies. This remote national park has three main sections: Island in the Sky, the easiest section to reach, the Needles and the Maze.

The Island of Sky  visitor center  is your last stop for water, as there are no services further into the park. The park offers many hiking trail from less than a mile to up to 17 miles and plenty of spots to just relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

➳ Read More: The Complete Guide To Canyonlands National Park

Day 9: Canyonlands National Park to Capitol Reef National Park

A two hour drive west is Capitol Reef National Park in southern Utah, encompassing the Fruita Historic District and the Capitol Reef scenic drive. Capitol Reef offers sweeping sandstone landscapes with iconic features including the Capitol Dome, Navajo Formation and Chimney Rock, a 400 foot tall sandstone pillar. Capitol Reef National park is definitely a stop you must include on your Western road trip itinerary.

➳ Read More: The Complete Guide To Capitol Reef National Park

Day 10: Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most beautiful parks we have visited in the United States. It features an 18-mile scenic route to access 13 different viewpoints from the rim of the canyon over the bright red sandstone hoodoo formations. All of the viewpoints are on the left side of the road, making them easier to to reach by first driving all the way to the end of the scenic road and pulling off on the way back.

➳ Read More: The Complete Guide To Bryce Canyon

Day 11: Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas

Las Vegas is best known for the Las Vegas Strip, lined with iconic casinos for gambling and home to extravagant shows. Do not miss out on the historic center of Las Vegas at the Fremont Street Experience.

➳ Read More: The best things to do in Las Vegas

Day 12: Las Vegas to Death Valley

Death Valley is the lowest point in elevation in the United States and the holds the record for the hottest temperature on record. It might sound extreme environment, but this National Park offers beautiful and unique landscapes. With vast salt flats and colorful mineral rich mountain ranges, there is so much to enjoy. Just make sure to stay hydrated and cover up in the bright sun!

Camping within Death Valley is not for everyone as nighttime lows in the summer can remain over 100 F, but it does make for a beautiful night.

Day 13: Death Valley to Las Vegas

Unfortunately the end of your two week road trip to the Western United States is coming to an end. Drive back to Las Vegas and enjoy the last few hours of adventure.

Depending on the time of your departing flight, spend the last few hours of your road trip exploring the Las Vegas Strip. If you rented a campervan from Travellers Autobarn make sure to return it with enough time to get yourself to the airport. I hope this guide helped you plan your next Western road trip itinerary.

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Western US Road Trip: A California to Montana Itinerary

Are you planning a Western US road trip? We did a 20+ days epic California to Montana road trip with our kids and I’m sharing with you our exact itinerary.

This road trip will bring you through Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Utah, with a quick stop through Nevada and Arizona. It will show you the marvelous landscapes of Western USA: Red rocks, natural hot springs, waterfalls, volcanos, waterfalls, and wildlife.

In this article, I’m giving you our day-by-day detailed California to Montana road trip itinerary to help you plan your trip. It’s filled with fun stops along the way.

Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links . If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost . Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you .

Overview map of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana road trip

You’ll see that our route wasn’t optimal for this road trip. There are a few reasons for that, but mostly because:

• We had some commitments first in Idaho, so we had to start in Idaho . We then drove down to Utah and back up.
• We wanted to be flexible for this trip. We didn’t book campgrounds or hotels in advance , but that meant we had to change plans a few times.
• We had to be in Alberta, Canada, on a specific date, so we sadly had to skip some places and rush through some. This road trip could easily be done twice/triple the time.

If you’re planning this Western USA road trip from California to Montana, I recommend starting in Utah, then Idaho, Wyoming, and finishing in Montana .

💡 INSIDER TIPS to make the most of your Western US road trip 🚗 If you’re renting a car or campervan , most car and RV companies charge a one-way fee if the drop-off location differs from the pick-up location. Keep that in mind when planning your trip . 📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your road trip! The  GoWhee app  is perfect for finding fun, kid-friendly activities along the way.  AllTrails  is our app for looking at trail reports and seeing if the trail is kid-friendly. Harvest Hosts for lodging. Also, don’t forget to download GuideAlong  audio tours to learn about the areas you’re road-tripping to while driving.

Detailed itinerary for a Western US road trip from California to Montana

Day 1: sacramento to winnemucca sand dunes:.

🚗 The drive from Sacramento to Winnemucca is 285 miles (459 km).

We left Sacramento in the afternoon and slowly went to Winnemucca Sand Dunes following I-80. We stopped in Lovelock for the boys to play in the playground.

🏨 Sleep at: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Winnemucca

👉 If it’s your first time in California, I recommend stopping in Lake Tahoe . It’s a beautiful lake and a great way to cool off on a warm summer day. You may also want to stop in Reno, NV. There is also the Lovelock Cave in Lovelock , which is worth a stop. They were sadly closed when we arrived. Also, for a California west coast road trip itinerary, check this 10-day itinerary along the Pacific Coast Highway .

Day 2: Winnemucca to Givens Hot Springs

🚗 The drive from Winnemucca to Givens Hot Springs is 219 miles (352 km)

We started our day at the Winnemucca Sand Dunes . This is the largest dune field in Nevada. The dunes do not reach more than 100 feet but span almost 40 miles. The kids had so much fun.

👉 On the way to Givens Hot Springs, you might want to stop at the Pillars of Rome . They are imposing formations of fossil-bearing clay that look like Roman ruins. The 100-foot-high rock formations measure about five miles long and two miles wide.

When we arrived at Givens Hot Springs , we relaxed at the campground. The kids played in the playground and swam in the hot springs.

📝 Note that the “hot springs” is an indoor pool heated by natural hot springs. It was great for the kids, but nothing special if you are not sleeping at the campground.

🏨 Sleep at Givens Hot Springs Campground

Day 3: Givens Hot Springs to Boise

From Givens Hot Springs, we were only an hour away from downtown Boise. In Boise, we started the day at Esther Simplot Park .

We walked around the park, did some paddleboarding on the lake, and the kids played in the playground. Then, we walked downtown, stopped at THE STIL for ice cream , and played at JUMP .

🏨 Sleep at KOA Meridian Campground

Day 4: Boise to Three Island Crossing State Park

🚗 The drive from Boise to Three Island Crossing State Park is 73 miles (117 km).

We started the morning at the Old Idaho Penitentiary . Plan at least 2 hours to visit. Then, we did the short Old Oregon Trail hike before going to Three Island Crossing State Park . It’s only about an hour from Boise.

There is a local winery, the Y Knot Winery , a few minutes before the state park. We stopped by, visited the winery, and grabbed a bottle of wine.

At the Three Island Crossing State Park is the Oregon Trail Interpretive Site to learn more about the Oregon Trail and the emigrants who traveled that trail.

We spent the end of the day enjoying the beautiful campground and park.

🏨 Stay at Three Island Crossing State Park Campground

Day 5: Three Island Crossing State Park to Twin Falls

🚗 The drive from Three Island Crossing State Park to Twin Falls is 60 miles (97 km)

On our way to Twin Falls , we stopped at the Malad Gorge Unit of the Thousand Springs State Park . There is a nice short trail to do, the Devil’s Washbowl Overlook.

We then stopped at Shoshone Falls Park to admire the falls. There is a nice park with picnic tables.

After the falls, we went to Dierkes Lake, where the kids played in the playground. There is also. A lovely small beach and swim area

🏨 Stay at TownePlace Suites Twin Falls

Day 6: Twin Falls

We started the day visiting downtown Twin Falls (and a good breakfast at Twin Beans). We then made our way to Centennial Waterfront . We stopped at Perrine Coulee Falls on the way down.

At Centennial Waterfront , we inflated the paddleboard and spent a few hours on the Snake River . We ended our day at First Federal Playground . Check out this detailed article for more information on things to do in Twin Falls .

👉 AWOL Adventure Sports is a great place to rent paddleboards and/or kayaks. In the summer, they have a booth at Centennial Park where we can rent paddleboards and kayaks directly. Otherwise, they have an office downtown in Twin Falls.

Day 7: Twin Falls to Buhl/ Hagerman

We started the morning at the Banbury Hot Springs . It’s a pool-style hot spring facility, but it was so much for the boys.

👉 Miracle Hot Springs is also a pool-style hot spring and close by. If time allows, you may want to add this to your list if you’d like while in the area.

Then, we visited the three units of the Thousand Springs State Park: Box Canyon, Niagara/Crystal Springs, and Ritter Island . They are all unique and beautiful. Worth exploring. We even paddled a little around Ritter Island (but be careful; the water current is strong).

We ended the day relaxing at the beautiful Billingsley Creek Lodge.

🏨 Stay at   Billingsley Creek Lodge

Day 8: Hagerman/Shoshone to Twin Falls

Today was all about volcanos and lava tube caves. We started our day at Idaho’s Mammoth Cave , where we walked in the lava cave. It’s a quarter-mile in and a quarter-mile out. The temperature in the cave is 41 degrees all year round.

Then, we drove to Shoshone Ice Cave . Sadly, we didn’t get to visit the ice cave due to an unexpected cave closure. But the owner told the time to talk to us and gave the boys each a gem kit so they could try gem panning. It ended up being a lot of fun.

We then slowly drove back near Twin Falls for our last night there.

🏨 Stay at KOA Twin Falls/Jerome Campground

Day 9: Twin Falls to Lava Hot Spring 

The drive from Twin Falls to Lava Hot Spring is 149 miles (240 km).

👉 We drove from Twin Falls to Lava Hot Spring without really stopping, but Lake Walcott State Park and Rupert would be two good stops.

In Lava Hot Springs, we spent a few hours soaking in the five different hot spring pools and then walked in the garden.

We ended our day with a wagon tour on the bison farm, where we were staying overnight with Harvest Hosts .

🏨 Sleep at : Diamond P Grassroots Bison (with Harvest Hosts membership )

Day 10: Lava Hot Springs to Salt Lake City

🚗 The drive from the bison farm to Salt Lake City is 144 miles (232 km).

Today, we are changing states as we head south from Southern Idaho to Utah. We made a quick stop at Crystal Hot Spring and arrived early in Salt Lake City.

👉 If time allows, you may want to do a detour to Antelope Island State Park to see the bison’s herd.

We first visited the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City and walked around Memory Grove Park . We then headed to downtown Salt Lake City and spent a few hours at the Clark Planetarium. The boys loved it.

We ended the day with an evening stroll at the City Creek Center . They have nice water fountains and outdoor stores and restaurants.

🏨 Stay at: Salt Lake Plaza Hotel

Day 11: Salt Lake City

We first drove to the Great Salt Lake State Park for our full day in Salt Lake City. It’s a short 25-minute drive outside the city. We spent a few hours there, having a picnic lunch. Note that there is a minimal parking fee.

We had much fun playing in the water and on the beach. The boys went on a brine shrimp hunt. They could easily have spent the entire day.

Back downtown, we did a guided tour of Temple Square to learn about the Mormons.

Day 12: Salt Lake City to Torrey

🚗 The drive from Salt Lake City to Torrey is 213 miles (343 km)

On our way to Torrey, we stopped at Hidden Falls , a super quick 0.3-mile (0-5 km) out-and-back hike just outside Salt Lake City.

When we arrived in Torrey, we headed straight to Capitol Reef National Park , one of the five national parks in Utah , where we did the following:

• A quick stop at the visitor center to grab the Ranger Program booklets
• Drive a section of the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, a sixteen-mile round-trip stunning drive
• Hike the Sulphur Creek Waterfall Trail (1.8-mile round trip easy hike with a natural swimming pool hole

🏨 Stay at :  Wonderland RV Park Campground

👉 If you have extra time and energy, you may want to hike the Hickman Bridge Trail (a 1.8-mile round trip hike in full sun) and do some fruit picking in Frutas. Also, make sure to download the self-guided tour of Capitol Reef National Park offered by GuideAlong .

Day 13: Torrey to Bryce Canyon National Park

The drive from Torrey to Bryce Canyon National Park is 116 miles (287 km) and is STUNNING. We drove on the scenic Byway-12. There are so many things to see that we had to choose from. We ended up stopping at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Calf Creek Recreation Area .

For a detailed Utah National Park road trip itinerary, check this 10-day itinerary through Utah’s Mighty 5.

We made many stops and took most of the day to drive the 116 miles between Torrey and Bryce Canyon.

Arriving near Bryce Canyon, we stopped at Mossy Cave, a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail leading to a waterfall, where we cooled off. We ended the day at Bryce Canyon City, a small town where we stayed overnight.

🏨 Stay at : Bryce View Lodge

👉 Make sure to download the self-guided tour of Bryce & Zion National Parks offered by GuideAlong .

Day 14: Bryce Canyon National Park

We woke up early and headed to the main section of Bryce Canyon National Park . We took the park shuttle from Bryce Canyon City to the furthest stop: Bryce Point .

We then returned to the visitor center, stopping at Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Lodge, and Sunrise Point . Each stop offered breathtaking viewpoints and nice little hikes.

Day 15: Bryce Canyon National Park to Page

The drive from Bryce Canyon NP to Page is 151 miles (243 km)

A few minutes outside Bryce Canyon City, we stopped at Red Canyon and took pictures of the beautiful arch. We then did a playground stop in Kanab before arriving at our campground at Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreational Area .

We spent the rest of the day in the water of Lake Powell, swimming, playing, and paddleboarding.

The lake was super low, so access to water was hard. We ended up neat at the marina boat launch. There is a small beach.

🏨 Stay at :   Page Lake Powell Campground

Day 16: Page (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend)

We first drove into town from Lake Powell, stopping for a quick view of the Glen Canyon Dam. Then, we drove to Antelope Canyon X for our hiking tour in the Slot Canyon. It was amazing, and not crowded at all (I highly recommend it as an alternative to busy Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon) .

After the slot canyon, we went to Horseshoe Bend, where we had lunch and walked to the viewpoint, a short 0.75-mile walk (a really hot and sunny walk…bring LOTS of water).

We ended the day back at the marina beach to enjoy the water and cool off.

🏨 Stay at : Page Lake Powell Campground

Day 17: Page to Zion National Park

🚗 The drive from Page to Zion National Park is 104 miles (167 km)

From Page, we stopped at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes for a few hours. We played in the sand but didn’t do the sandboarding.

👉 If you have extra time, you may want to stop at Moqui Cave and /or at Best Friend Animal Sanctuary . Make sure to download the self-guided tour of Bryce & Zion National Parks offered by GuideAlong .

We then slowly crossed Zion National Park , admiring the view (it was raining a lot, so we sadly didn’t stop much). Arriving in Springdale, we enjoyed the campground facilities for the rest of the day once the rain stopped.

🏨 Stay at : Zion Canyon Campground

Day 18: Zion National Park

From our campground, we had to walk almost to the park entrance since all shuttles were full when they passed our stop. We then took the park shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava stop, where we walked the Riverside trail .

After, we hopped back on the shuttle to The Grotto stop, where we had a picnic and walked on the trail to Zion Lodge. The boys played in the grass area while enjoying an ice cream cone. We ended the day on the Lower Emerald Pool trail , a 1.4-mile out-and-back.

Day 19: Zion National Park to Park City

🚗 The drive from Zion National Park to Park City is 310 miles (499 km).

I think this is one of the longest driving days we did on the trip. But we stopped for a long and amazing time at Meadows Hot Springs , where we got to soak in 3 different natural hot spring pools. It was perfect and gave us the energy to drive the second half of the day.

When we arrived in Park City, we enjoyed the pool and hot tub at the hotel and got some delicious oven-baked pizza from the hotel restaurant.

🏨 Stay at :  Park City Peaks Hotel

Day 20: Park City to Bear Lake

🚗 The drive from Park City to Bear Lake is 119 miles (192 km)

We spent the morning walking around Park City and exploring this Olympic town before traveling from Utah to Idaho

But we did one last stop in Utah before Idaho at Rendez-Vous Beach around Bear Lake . Bear Lake is a lake at the border of Utah and Idaho, often called “The Caribbean of the Rockies.” We spent the rest of the day at the beach.

🏨 Stay at : Rendez Vous Beach – Bear Lake State Park

Day 21: Bear Lake to West Yellowstone

The drive from Bear Lake to West Yellowstone is 281 miles (452 km)

On that day, we drove from Utah to Idaho, then from Idaho to Montana.

We first stopped in Soda Spring , where we saw the Soda Spring captive geyser erupt. We also tasted some naturally carbonated water at the Soda Springs Historic Site .

Then, we drove a little more to Idaho Falls , where we walked in the Idaho Falls River Park and admired the falls.

We arrived late afternoon in West Yellowstone and enjoyed our campground.

🏨 Stay at : Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday

👉🏻 If you’re looking for the best Things to do in Idaho with kids? Add this item to your list!

Day 22: West Yellowstone to Jackson Hole

🚗 The drive from West Yellowstone to Jackson Hole is 130 miles (209 km)

Today, we are exploring a section of Yellowstone National Park one of the best National Parks in the U.S . To help you plan your trip to Yellowstone, read this article , where you’ll find lots of tips.

• Fountain Paint Pot
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Old Faithful 
• and a few other lookouts

We then stopped at Oxbow Bend for an outdoor dinner. We stayed there for a few hours to enjoy the sunset before heading to Jackson Hole , where you spent the night.

👉 Make sure to download the self-guided tour of Grand Teton National Parks offered by Gypsy Guide .

🏨 Stay at: The Hostel at Teton Village

Day 23: Jackson Hole / Grand Teton National Park

We drove across Grand Teton National Park . We did the loop in the clockwise direction. It was a recommendation from the visitor center. We have a better view of the Teton mountain range in that direction.

• Mormon Row Historic District (the famous barn)
• Cunningham Cabin trail
• Jackson Lake Dam

Day 24: Jackson Hole / Grand Teton National Park to Gardiner

🚗 The drive from Jackson Hole to Gardiner is 150 miles (241 km).

We woke up early to enjoy our second day in Yellowstone National Park. We did:

• Yellowstone Lake
• Fort Yellowstone
• Hayden Valley 
• Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone
• Mammoth Hot Springs

We were really fortunate to have seen many bison (one of them crossing the river). Also, we went to Yellowstone National Park during elk rutting season, so we had quite a few at Mammoth Hot Springs.

We ended the evening at our campground.

🏨 Stay at Yellowstone RV Park in Gardiner

👉 Make sure to download the self-guided tour of Yellowstone National Parks offered by GuideAlong.

👉 Then, if you still have some time, you could continue this road trip to Montana up to Glacier National Park .

👉🏻  For families planning to camp in or around the park, make sure to  download some camping apps  such as  The Dyrt  to find all the camping options around.

How Far is Montana from California

If you’re planning a road trip to Montana from California, the total driving distance between California and Montana is 20 hours and 50 minutes (1,306 miles) to make the journey. Starting in California, you’ll drive north through Nevada and Idaho before reaching Montana.

Once you arrive in Montana, explore Montana’s incredible natural resources, forests, lakes, mountains, and more!

Final Thoughts

We had an amazing 25-day road trip from California to Montana. This road trip was way too quick, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

We saw so many amazing landscapes, from red rock formations to geysers and natural hot springs. We saw so many wild animals. Each state of the western United States is unique and worth exploring.

We did a lot in only 25 days because we couldn’t decide where to cut 😉

I hope this itinerary will help you plan a memorable Western US Road Trip through Wyoming , Montana, Idaho, and Utah.

Related Articles

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to read the following articles:

• Canada & USA Road Trips for Families: Our Best Itineraries
• 21 of the Best National Parks for Kids ? (USA Edition)
• 10 Day California Road Trip with Kids: San Diego to San Francisco

Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.

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The Ultimate Western National Parks Road Trip

Western national parks like Yellowstone, Zion, and Joshua Tree are among our most iconic, but it’s the journeys road-tripping in between them that provide the greatest opportunities for adventure. From Montana to Southern California, here’s how to make the most of this itinerary and avoid the crowds.

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From Yellowstone in Montana to Joshua Tree in Southern California, this road trip tags seven national parks, covers 1,270 miles, and offers epic adventures all along the way. We’ve come up with a fun-packed plan that includes hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and stargazing detours—but not in the places you might think. Because our national parks get so crowded come summer, this itinerary celebrates all the spectacular terrain in between the parks, the places to see as you’re road-tripping from one to another.

Do the whole drive, or pick off one portion of it and save the rest for another time.

Route: Big Sky, Montana, to Jackson, Wyoming

Park: yellowstone.

Yellowstone is best known for its valley-level sights—roaming wildlife and hydrothermal features—but the park’s mountains, which rise to 11,000 feet, are just as astounding. Many of the tallest lack established trails to the top, but 10,574-foot Avalanche Peak, on the quieter eastern border, is an exception. A 2.1-mile trail affords views of the Absaroka Range, Yellowstone Lake, and even the Grand Teton. You will likely have those views to yourself, but you’ll have to work for them, as the route ascends more than 2,000 feet. Need to know: You can climb Avalanche Peak without a permit.

Adventure: Teton Pass

Highway 22 connects the towns of Jackson and Victor, Idaho, and tops out at Teton Pass, where crews built a world-class mountain-bike trail system that traverses the roadway into Bridger-Teton National Forest. It’s a 12-mile pedal from either town, or you can hire a shuttle, then connect Fuzzy Bunny, Powerline, and Parallel for a downhill route that promises tight, rocky singletrack, epic scenery, and too many jumps to count.

Stay: Montage Big Sky

The Spanish Peaks provide the backdrop for this new alpine lodge, which opened in December with 139 rooms and suites, a worthy addition to Big Sky Resort’s 5,850-acre property. In winter that means ski-in, ski-out access; in summer you get lift-assisted hiking and mountain biking. Bonus:  The resort is within striking distance of five blue-ribbon trout streams. From $1,399

Eat and Drink: The Riverhouse

The food at this homey joint in Gallatin, Montana, is exactly what you need after a big day in the mountains: authentic Texas barbecue, with a menu full of brisket, smoked sausage, and mac and cheese (which you can load with fried chicken, bacon, and broccoli, if you’re into that).

Detour: St. Anthony Sand Dunes

Dip into eastern Idaho to check out this otherworldly landscape: 10,600 acres of fine white quartz ridges, some of which are 400 feet high. Rent a dirt bike or an off-road vehicle in the town of St. Anthony to explore the site, most of it accessible from April to January.

Route: Jackson, Wyoming, to Moab, Utah

Park: grand teton.

This park is all about the skyline—dominated by 13,000-foot peaks—but there are also a hundred stunning bodies of water within its boundaries, ten of which are open for boating. Bring a fly rod and an inflatable paddleboard and hike 2.5 miles to Taggart and Bradley Lakes, a pair of small, glacier-fed ponds that offer some of the most incredible views of the Tetons. Need to know: A $17 permit lets you take a boat onto any of the park’s waters, and with a Wyoming fishing license you can keep up to six lake trout per day.

Adventure: Evo’s Campus in Salt Lake

Outfitter, hotel, climbing gym, bike shop, art gallery—the gear retailer’s new Salt Lake City complex is all these things, which makes it the perfect base for exploring the nearby outdoor scene. Stock up on road-trip supplies, get your bike tuned, send lines in the 26,000-square-foot climbing area, and wind down in one of 50 artsy rooms (from $175).

Stay: The Virginian Lodge

The motor lodge is back in all the best ways, and they’re on full display at this renovated sixties-era hotel. Most rooms surround a heated pool, but there are also eight-person bunk rooms and an RV resort. The property revived Billy’s Burgers, an old-school Jackson staple, and boasts its own saloon—so you can stumble in after a packed day and never leave. From $139

Eat and Drink: The Bistro

At this yummy spot in Jackson, located within the new Cloudveil Hotel facing the town square, you’ll find elevated French fare without the pretension. There’s a great raw bar, but save room for hearty entrées like the bison tenderloin with huckleberry sauce.

Detour: The Plunge

Moab has long been the epicenter of desert mountain biking, but the newly built Palisades Plunge is drawing riders some 120 miles east to shred 32 miles’ worth of epic technical singletrack. The route, reached by shuttle, begins at the edge of 10,700-foot Grand Mesa and unravels in an undulating ribbon interspersed with plenty of slickrock, hairpin switchbacks, and the occasional stretch of nerve-racking exposure, and ends in downtown Palisade, where breweries and dispensaries abound.

Route: Moab, Utah, to Bryce, Utah

Park: canyonlands.

Want to get deeper into this backcountry paradise and ditch the crowds? You’ll need a boat. The 52-mile Stillwater Canyon section of the Green River is mellow, breathtaking, and canoe-friendly. Plan for at least four days, during which you’ll be flanked by red sandstone cliffs and camp on sandy beaches or slickrock ledges, depending on the water level. Organize a jet-boat shuttle with Tex’s Waterways to bring you from the take-out at Spanish Bottom back to Moab (from $60). Need to know: Book a flatwater overnight permit ($36), sold on a first-come, first-served basis, at least two days in advance.

Park: Arches

This park has gotten so packed in recent years that it adopted timed entry to spread visitors out. You can help by heading to the northern section, home to the Tower Arch. To get to the 92-foot-long formation, drive the gravel Salt Valley Road, then hike the Tower Arch Trail (2.5 miles out and back). Along the way, admire views of the Klondike Cliffs, a collection of towers known as the Marching Men, and the smaller Parallel Arch, all seldom-seen treasures. Need to know: Reserve a time slot at least three months before your trip.

Adventure: Capitol Reef National Park

It would be silly to drive past Capitol Reef and not drop in. The park protects the bizarre Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. Unless you’re toting technical climbing gear, focus on slot-canyon hikes like Sheets Gulch. This remote, nine-mile out-and-back trek winds through narrow Navajo sandstone walls before opening up at a wide wash surrounded by Douglas fir.

Stay: The Moab Resort

It’s hard to beat the location of this new property, which is only a few miles south of Arches National Park. But the digs are just as scenic: adobe buildings that blend in perfectly with the surrounding red-rock canyon. You have your choice of a standard hotel room or a three-bedroom condominium with a kitchen. From $368

Eat and Drink: 98 Center

The happy side effect of Moab becoming an adventure epicenter? The food just keeps getting better. Case in point: this hot spot of Vietnamese fusion serves inventive dishes like kimchi deviled eggs and banh mi nachos.

Detour: The Rocky Mountaineer

This luxury train company, which got its start running multiday routes in the Canadian Rockies, recently debuted its first U.S. itinerary: the Rockies to Red Rocks. The two-day journey, which connects Moab with Denver, has you overnighting in Glenwood Springs. You’ll take in dramatic panoramas of canyons that carve up the Continental Divide (some of which can only be seen from a train car or a boat) and enjoy three-course meals and sweeping views from glass-domed coach cars. From $1,375 for two people

Route: Bryce, Utah, to Joshua Tree, California

Park: bryce canyon.

Bryce is known for its high-desert landscape, with towering hoodoos that rise like exclamation points from the amphitheater-like canyon. The park is blessed with a relative abundance of water and a rain-catchment system, which yields an interior full of fir, spruce, and aspen forests. Backpack the 23-mile (one-way) Under the Rim Trail through surprisingly lush meadows, which burst into blue from columbine flowers in late summer. Need to know: Secure a $10 backcountry permit at the visitor center, camp in one of seven designated sites, and arrange a shuttle. There are springs along the trail, but check with the ranger station about water availability before you set out.

Stay: Under Canvas

Perched on 750 acres of high plains, the newest property from this glamping operator is just 15 minutes from the park and located at 7,600 feet of elevation (which means summer temperatures in the seventies and eighties). Each tent has a bathroom, a king-size bed, a wood-burning stove, and views of John’s Valley. From $329

Detour: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

This underappreciated preserve on the Arizona-Utah border features Zion-quality slot canyons without the throngs. The site’s signature adventure—backpacking Paria Canyon—guarantees solitude: only 20 permits are granted each day. The 38-mile, nontechnical hike follows a riverbed deep into the canyon, delivering you to narrows where rock walls rise 200 feet. You’ll need a four-wheel-drive rig with high clearance to really explore.

This sandstone stunner is a road cyclist’s dream, starting with the main thoroughfare, Zion Scenic Drive, which is closed to all vehicles except shuttle buses. The real gem is Kolob Terrace Road, a remote two-lane blacktop that traverses the park’s western edge for 25 miles, gaining 5,000 feet of elevation. If you have a gravel bike, you can add on Smith Mesa Road, a hardpack dirt track that forms a 25-mile loop around Smith Mesa. Need to know: Reserve a spot on the park’s free shuttle to explore Zion Scenic Drive.

Adventure: Lake Mohave

You’ve been in the desert for a stretch, and you’re heading into more of it, so a dip in a lake is mandatory. While Lake Mead is the busy backyard pool of Las Vegas, the lesser-known Lake Mohave, farther down the Colorado River, is ideally suited to paddlers. Launch at Willow Beach and head upriver along the Black Canyon National Water Trail to look for quiet coves that reveal hot springs, waterfalls, and caves. If you can, plan your trip for a Sunday or Monday, when motorboats aren’t allowed in certain stretches.

Stay: Zion Spirit

This wilderness retreat, recently opened on 1,100 acres in the Clear Creek Mountains, is just a mile from Zion’s eastern border. It’s outfitted with 40 suites and small cabins, all of which focus on sustainability—think solar-paneled roofs shaped like leaves—and each cabin has a wellness studio and wraparound terrace. Other amenities include a restaurant, a pool, and an aquaponics greenhouse. From $3,000

Eat and Drink: River Rock Roasting Company

This café in the tiny town of La Verkin might have the best coffee and most enviable views in southern Utah. Seek out a spot on the patio—it overlooks a basalt canyon carved by the Virgin River—and enjoy a morning breakfast burrito, then come back at night for a pint and a kale and sausage pizza.

Park: Joshua Tree

There are plenty of remote stretches you can reach by foot in this nearly 800,000-acre park, but triple-digit temperatures in the summer make any big adventure foolish at best, deadly at worst. The solution? Go underground and check out a handful of small caves and rock shelters that few visitors know about. Most dramatic is a quarter-mile passageway called Chasm of Doom. Technical climbing gear isn’t required, but you’ll be scrambling into cathedral-like rooms and squeezing through narrow corridors, so come mentally prepared. Need to know: Even if you’re hanging out in a cave, heat is no joke. Bring lots of water and, for the dark, a headlamp.

Stay: The Bungalows

Embrace the desert landscape at these new digs on the 152-acre campus of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center , designed by the late architect Lloyd Wright (who was almost as accomplished as his dad, Frank). The 14 rooms are decked out in mid-century modern furnishings, and the grounds feature hiking trails, a pool, and enough wellness activities to satisfy your inner yogi. It’s all just three miles from Joshua Tree’s entrance and village. From $250

Eat and Drink: Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza

The gateway town of Joshua Tree buzzes with an eclectic dining and cocktail scene, thanks to its proximity to Los Angeles. A Sam’s, you can get authentic chicken tikka masala and a curry pizza. After dinner, head to the Restaurant at 29 Palms Inn, where you can drink prickly pear margaritas by the pool.

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Western United States Once in a Lifetime Road Trip

Mountains, deserts, National Parks, and the open road

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Created by Lou Poulas - July 12th 2016

S ometime in my mid 20s I started to daydream about the American West, specifically about crossing the Rocky Mountains. Stories about the Lewis and Clark expedition were enthralling to me, and the thought of attempting such an expedition on foot (and boat) seemed so improbable and daunting. Other stories, such as the Donner Party crossing the Sierra Nevadas and still others about the Nevada and California deserts all played a part in shaping my daydreams. Even novels such as “The Stand”, where in one part, a small group of 4 heroes and a dog walk from Boulder to Las Vegas, played a role. To experience a hundredth, or even a thousandth part of what these true explorers of the American West lived through was very appealing.

This trip never panned out until recently. College studies, family health issues, and a career all got in the way until my 40th birthday a two years ago. My brother and I decided that it was now or never, and took the chance. In hindsight, waiting was a blessing – embarking on the trip and leaving behind a wife and two kids (they are the best for encouraging me to take this trip!) for a 15-day adventure out West lent me a perspective that has resulted in me remembering this trip every day for the past two years. Seeing what the Western United States has to offer, and more important, the chance to leave and learn to fully appreciate what family and friends back East mean to me, will stay with me for the rest of my life.

My ultimate road trip is my adventure through the Rocky Mountains, across the Great Basin, into the Sierra Nevadas, down California’s majestic Pacific Coast Highway, and then into the desert of Death Valley, and then finally departing after several days at the Grand Canyon.

Day 1 - The Mile High City. A perfect launching point into the American West is Denver, Colorado. Fly into Denver International Airport, and before heading into the mountains, catch some baseball at Coors Field and enjoy the ballgame with some of the best fans in the country.

"Denver, Colorado" — Photo Credit: Lou Poulas

Southern Hospitality offers some great southern comfort food, just around the corner from the stadium at 17th and Baker after the game.

Photo Credit: Joe Poulas

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Day 2 - Rock Mountain National Park. On the morning of Day 2, stock up in Boulder, Colorado, on the way to Rocky Mountain National Park. I’ve been to Boulder several times, and each time it gets better. This vibrant city has the feel of a great college town and is a great place to raise a family.

I'm only highlighting the extraordinary eateries of the route, and in Boulder, breakfast at Lucile’s on 14th street is as good as it gets. This was far and away the best breakfast of the trip-- great Creole food with a taste right out of Louisiana, hot and fresh beignets included, of course.

Next, drive through Rocky Mountain National Park via Trail Ridge Road, America's highest elevation paved road, topping out at 12,183 feet. The views through this 45+ mile twisting byway are one of kind, offering up killer sights of mountain peak after mountain peak, all while offering an elevation gain of over 4,300 feet. Parts of the road are unnerving as there are no guardrails, despite incredibly steep drop-offs with no shoulder, but it is easily worth a case of the jitters. There are too many scenic overlooks to mention, so simply stop at any (or all) that intrigue you.

"Rocky Mountain National Park" — Photo Credit: Joe Poulas

As mentioned about Trail Ridge Road-- watch the drop-offs! The National Parks Service does a great job of making parks safe, but it also makes travelers think for themselves... if you're careless, you could wind up injured. They'll give you warnings, but they won't babysit you.

Photo Credit: Lou Poulas

Forest Canyon Overlook

The are numerous scenic overlooks to stop at and enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park in all its grandeur.

View off of Tundra Communities Trailhead

Medicine Bow Curve Overlook

Slow down, enjoy a short break, and walk the Toll Memorial Trail, and then hop back in you car for the journey down toward Lake Granby. But first, cross the Continental Divide at Milner Pass, and enter the true American West.

"Continental Divide at Milner Pass"

The final stop before heading to Steamboat Springs for the night-- Lake Granby

7 Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States

A wonderful place to spend a summer night is Steamboat Springs. I haven't been in the winter, so I don't know if things close for the season, but during the warmer months, it has a quaint downtown with good food and drink options, and the lower-end hotel accommodations are more than adequate.

Not a must-do, but try to have at least one drink at Rex’s American Grill and Bar, just outside of downtown at the Holliday Inn. Sit at the bar and enjoy a myriad of YouTube videos on their large flat screen TVs – epic fails, funny pets, and much more!

9 Grand Junction, Colorado, United States

Day 3 - Into Utah Country. Wake up early and start Day Three by heading south through Meeker and Rifle, and take a scenic drive down Route 70 approaching Grand Junction, Colorado. The route winds around the Colorado River, offering some dramatic scenery as it curves its way through the west Rockies and onto the Colorado Plateau.

Just east of Grand Junction is Colorado National Monument. There are great hikes if you're interested, but if you're short for time, at least drive the 22-mile scenic byway on Rimrock Drive.

"Colorado National Monument" — Photo Credit: Lou Poulas

Independence Monument

A side view of Independence Monument; it is much wider than it first appeared. There were no climbers this day, but many do try to scale the monument.

Off Rimrock Drive

15 days, 14 nights. We logged more than 3,500 miles and stopped in five National Parks, countless small towns, and took more than 2,700 photographs. The summer of '16 marks the two-year anniversary of this epic road trip, a life-changing event that I've thought upon every single day since August '14. Work has seemed a little more pointless, while family and friends seem a little more important. I sincerely hope everyone that wants to has a chance to complete an ultimate road-trip adventure like this one.

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Inspired by films and iconic images, photographer Thibaut Buccellato took to the open road on a trip across the wonderful and wild western portion of the United States. Along the way, he experienced much of what California and the nearby states have to offer.

Here are 11 of the best spots in the western part of the U.S. — and why each should be added to your road trip itinerary.

Check out the very best of California’s national parks while you’re out west, and use our national park trip planner to make sure you’re prepared to have the best experience possible wherever you go! And because everyone should be able to experience all this natural beauty, have a look at wheelchair-accessible trails out west . 

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

This coastal city is known for the fog, steep streets, eclectic architecture, Golden Gate Bridge, and one former island penitentiary. The famous cable cars are the only National Historic Monument that can move (albeit, at only nine miles an hour). San Francisco is also home to the “Ellis Island of the West,” Angel Island, and the city features more than 200 historic landmark buildings.

Why you should go: For the beauty of the streets and the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge

LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA/NEVADA

Freshwater Lake Tahoe straddles the border of California and Nevada, and is the second deepest lake in the U.S. Formed about two million years ago, the lake is known for the clarity of its water and the beautiful surrounding mountains. Tahoe experiences sun 75% of the year, making it the perfect photographic pit stop.

Why you should go: For the relaxing blue of the water

MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIFORNIA

The Mono people have lived in this area for thousands of years. The site is both geologically active and geographically diverse. Thibault couldn’t help but notice the shift from city to desert to fields to forest. Only four square miles in size, the town is actually located within Inyo National Forest, and is home to one of the most well-known ski resorts in the western United States.

Why you should go: For the tranquility

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Why you should go: For the sunsets and skaters at Venice Beach

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

This southern California city sits right on the border of Mexico, and was the first site visited by Europeans when they first came to the West Coast. Originally claimed by Spain in 1542, San Diego became part of the U.S. after the Mexican-American war in 1850. Though it’s a major U.S. city, San Diego is also home to the largest number of farms in an urban environment and produces more avocados than any other place in the country.

Why you should go: For the beaches

SLAB CITY, CALIFORNIA

Snowbirds flock to this city in the winter … and no, not the kind with wings. Slab City, which takes its name from the concrete slabs found at an abandoned WWII Marine Corps barracks, is a popular choice for those seeking a retreat from the cold weather up north. “The Slabs” offers free parking, but has no electricity or running water, so most residents (both permanent and temporary) use their own generators.

Why you should go: Because it was featured in the film adaptation of “Into the Wild”

DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Thibaut was only able to bear the heat of Death Valley for a few minutes, and rightly so, since it is one of the hottest places on Earth. Gold seekers named it when they had to cross the desolate expanse to reach the gold fields in the mid-1800s. Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, was featured many times in the “Star Wars” franchise, and is home to mysterious stones that seemingly move of their own accord.

Why you should go: To experience the unique desert landscape

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Now famous for its casinos and exorbitant nightlife, Las Vegas only legalized casino gambling 86 years ago. Thanks to the influx of people due to construction of the nearby Hoover Dam and the city’s increased tolerance for gambling and entertainment, the city has boomed ever since. Now, there are so many hotel rooms that it would take one person 288 years to spend a night in each one.

Why you should go: For the mesmerizing neon signs that light up the night

MARBLE CANYON, ARIZONA

This section of the Colorado River technically marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon. It’s a popular place for river runners to start their journey through the magnificent crater, and is known for the Navajo Bridge, a pair of steel arch bridges that cross the chasm. Despite its name, there is actually no marble here at all.

Why you should go: For the colorful landscapes

GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA

This massive hole in the ground is arguably the most well-known canyon in the world. It is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep at some points. The Grand Canyon has exposed nearly two billion years of Earth’s history, and has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years. Explorer John Wesley Powell once said, “The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself.” Upon seeing the canyon, Thibaut agreed wholeheartedly.

Why you should go: Because no photos can truly show the scale of the landscape

MONUMENT VALLEY, ARIZONA/UTAH

The “Valley of the Rocks” is a cluster of sandstone buttes near the border of Arizona and Utah within the Navajo Reservation. It may look familiar, as it’s a well-known visual symbol of the Western U.S. due to its presence in many of director John Ford’s movies. Critic Keith Phillips said, “Its five square miles have defined what decades of moviegoers think of when they imagine the American West.” Thibaut remembers it as the place where he saw one of the best sunrises of his life.

Why you should go: For the sunrises and feelings of being in the Wild West

See more of Thibaut’s work on Instagram .

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People planning a vacation in the western United States usually make two big mistakes.

The first is that they spend too much time in Los Angeles. But there is so much more to do in the western United States than explore the bubble of rich homes and Hollywood clones, that we would argue you should skip LA completely.

The second mistake is that they assume Las Vegas is all about the gambling, and miss out on the geological wonderland and incredible natural surrounds. And while we’ll include Las Vegas in this itinerary, we do so as a base for exploring further out.

Western USA is an incredible region for a road trip, and travelers have a diverse range of exciting cities, coastal towns, and natural wonders to choose from when planning an itinerary. But being that there is so much to cover, we wouldn’t blame you if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re struggling with planning your route, use the following guide to fill two weeks worth of driving . These are the highlights of Western USA … not including LA.

For safety when making your way across the US by car, make sure you pick up prepaid USA travel SIM cards  which you can use for both data to power Google maps / GPS, and calls if you find yourself needing help on the road.

Route for a Two Week Road Trip in Western USA (Not Including LA)

San francisco.

San Francisco is one of those cities that has a little bit of everything, so it makes sense as a place to start your road trip. From stunning landscapes to iconic monuments, along with a thriving arts, culture, and food scene, there are plenty of things to do and see.

The Golden Gate Bridge is obviously a must, though we recommend that you walk across it (taking care to watch out for cyclists who share the pedestrian walkways), and then make a stop at the visitors center.

You’ll find yourself at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which has a beautiful waterfront promenade, and excellent photo opps. You can book a spot on a free walking tour of San Francisco to not miss other highlights of the city.

To get the most out of San Francisco, you should plan for 3 days to really experience everything. For help planning your time here, check out this three day itinerary .

Yosemite National Park

From San Francisco it’s a four hour drive to one of America’s most famous natural regions; Yosemite National Park.

With glaciers reaching back over 30 million years, ten waterfalls over 500 feet, yellow pine and oak forests and open meadows on the valley floor, Yosemite Valley is one of the most beautiful, and most photographed places on earth.

Enchanting and majestic, this magnificent panorama includes El Capitan, “the world’s largest monolith of exposed granite, the distinctive Half Dome granite formation, and Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, measuring 2,425 feet from top to bottom.”

Scenic trails for hikers abound.

More info on the National Parks Service website.

Image:  Giuseppe Milo  (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Or … Highway 1

If you’re feeling more coastal than Yosemite, you can drive from San Fransisco down the country’s most famous and scenic highway; Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway .

“An exhilarating driving experience, this twisting, cliff-hugging, 123-mile (198-kilometer) route along the central California coast takes about five hours to complete at a leisurely pace.”

Stops along the highway include both the Big Sur Coast Highway and the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway. Take in spectacular destinations like Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos, Big Sur, Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Cambria and Morro Bay.

You’ll definitely want to spend some time at Redwood State Park south of San Francisco. The redwoods are massive, majestic trees. At Morro Bay, turn east and head toward Sequoia National Park.

Sequoia National Park

Cousins to the redwoods, Sequoia National Park is known for its giant sequoia trees. Crossing the valley and going up into the mountains to the park gives you a good sense of the vastness of California and the Central valley.

Though the park is known for so much more than just being home to the world’s largest trees.

Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, and vast caverns spanning over 404,064 acres, this is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the United States.

There are dozens of small wineries on the trip between Morro Bay and Sequoia, though if you’re driving make sure you’re not drinking irresponsibly!

 Onto Las Vegas

From Sequoia National Park, it’s a 6 hour drive to Las Vegas. You can get a perfectly good hotel room for very little money during the week; think around $60 a night for 5 star luxury.

You can spend the extra money on something exciting like a Las Vegas Helicopter Tour (click here to book) .

But don’t be fooled – Las Vegas is about far more than gambling ; in fact, we would recommend you save your money and not even spend on the casinos (you’ll contrast the complete lack of free games as opposed to the  unlimited free games you can play at every online casino ).

Pro tip:  The Go Las Vegas Pass  allows free access to 27 attractions in Las Vegas, including the High Roller Ferris wheel, and all the main sights in the city. Click here to book it .

Las Vegas is a great base for day trips. To the west, Red Rock Canyon will prepare you for Bryce National Park.  And geological wonders are right at your doorstep in  Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead to the east and northeast. There’s also Hoover Dam.

If you still have the energy to continue to explore Vegas’ various attractions after witnessing its geological wonders, spice things up a little by incorporating a scavenger hunt into your tour.

There’s no better way to experience the glamour of The Strip, Downtown, and Town Square than through a fun and exciting Las Vegas Scavenger Hunt .

Companies like CityHUNT  can help set up your hunt, customizing it according to your preference, so you and your family will have a good time.

Continue to Utah

After a 2-3 days in the Las Vegas area, head towards Utah. Skip Zion National Park; it’s very hot in the summer, ridiculously crowded, and the next park, Bryce, is much more interesting.

We don’t want to raise expectations too high but Bryce National Park makes a spectacular first impression.  If you love the outdoors, Utah is hands down one of the best US states to be in.

There are five national parks across Southern Utah (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef), and these parks are collectively made up of thousands of natural arches, immense and impressive canyons, and “towering buttes and rock faces that have become a nation’s sacred natural treasures.”

On the way to Bryce is the small town of St. George, Utah. Just outside St. George is the Tuacahn Center for the Arts .  They have a wonderful outdoor theater and put on classic plays. As part of your planning, check out their schedule for the dates you’ll be there.

Image:  PiConsti  (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr

The Grand Canyon

We have to admit that the Grand Canyon is so big that we have never fully experienced it.

It’s one of the world’s most powerful and inspiring landscapes; both immense and overwhelming, and the opportunity to stand on the rim of this vast canyon is without a doubt one of the most phenomenal encounters with nature.

There are options to take in the West Rim glass skywalk, and stay overnight at a ranch on native land. You can choose to travel on horseback, and witness the magic of a sunrise which most tourists will never understand.

You can walk down to the river but do so only in cool weather; it is much hotter at the bottom than at the top and people have been known to dehydrate tragically.

The trip from Bryce to the Grand Canyon is a great road trip in itself as you wind down toward a valley that you don’t see until you go around a curve. Then the valley opens up in an amazing panorama.

Read this post if you’re wondering which rim to visit  (there are four rims, and each is a very different experience.)

Ending the Trip in Vegas

You can end your road trip in Las Vegas, where you can return your car rental and catch a flight. From the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas is a 4 hour drive.

If you’re  dying  to get to Los Angeles , the drive from Vegas is 4 hours. Though it may come as a culture shock after having spent so much time in the wild.

It’s important to estimate your driving times and distances when you’re planning out your trip. Also, give yourself extra time when planning out these drives, as the routes are very scenic, and will have many stop offs along the way.

OUR FAVORITE USA TRAVEL GUIDES: CLICK PHOTO TO LOOK INSIDE ↓

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If You Liked This Post You May Also Like:

4 USA National Parks You May Have Overlooked

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind  Waking Up Wild ; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.

26 Comments

Thank you for sharing this useful article, Actually I am planning to visit that place and your blog will definitely help me out there.

Glad the post was helpful for you Zahid. Enjoy your time in the USA :)

That was exactly why I was surprised you listed Las Vegas after the Sequoia.It is the best place to leave from- lots of flights everywhere- and usually at reasonable prices- at least if you are going to another place i the US.

Ended up using Vegas as a base to do a loop and return to. I generally try not to backtrack when we head out on major roadtrips, but this seemed like a good exception :)

Been roadtripping USA and Canada for over three years now :) Driving from mid-coast Maine to St Augustine Florida over the next 3 days. I’ve spent time in the Deep South, PNW, Rocky Mountains, Midwest, Southwest, and now Eastern USA. Still have a lot to see, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada (not Vegas) are big on my list for future road trips.

Such an incredible continent, I swear you could spend a whole lifetime exploring just this region! Sounds like you’ve covered quite a lot though, hope you’re enjoying your current trip!

Yes indeed, there is enough for a lifetime of exploring! Made it to New Jersey tonight, man what a change from mid-coast Maine and small town life. I do like to mix it up with bigger cities and smaller towns. The population of the last town I visited could fit in the bar/restaurant I just went to tonight LOL

We love mixing it up too – we live in a town of 400, so city breaks are often a nice change! Sounds like you’re having a blast!

Ha ha ha ? I live in LA ? Yes, you are right about tourists coming to LA why they miss out on some of the best LA has to offer. Tourists often do not know where our “neighbourhoods” are and the coastal cities within 45 minutes’ drive, depending which part of LA you live. From where I am, I am only 15-20 minutes to Beverly Hills and its chic eateries, 35 minutes to Santa Monica where you can see the beaches of Malibu and close to the Malibu canyons, same distance to Venice, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and not far to Huntington Beach and Newport Beach and definitely Laguna Beach.

Unfortunately most people do end up on Hollywood Blvd (locals don’t go there) and Universal Studios and Disneyland. Your article is definitely helpful for those exploring Western states. I used to live in Utah. So I know.

Haha so you’re probably sick of the mass tourism too then :D There are definitely some incredible regions throughout greater Los Angeles, I really loved the coastal cities you’ve mentioned like Santa Monica, Newport beach was my favorite, really fell in love with the clean cut, family friendly atmosphere there. Laguna Beach too – we were swimming in the ocean and dolphins came right up to us, it was surreal!

Glad you enjoyed the article, I would love to live in Utah at some point if I could manage it – so much amazing nature to explore, what a backyard!

The Western USA has so much to see and do on road trips.

Absolutely, you could almost spend a lifetime in just this region!

Don’t skip Zion NPS just get there early hit the trails & the crowds disappear! Enroute to Vegas (if you like that city) is Death Valley NPS an unbelievable park!That shot you’ve used of GrandCanyon is actually Horseshoe Bend in Page, a really cool place!

Thanks for the tips! I’ll have to get back for a sunrise trip to Zion on the next trip :) I do give the US credit for having so many amazing Nat parks! Yes I’ve always gone back and forth re whether to include Horsehoe Bend as part of the Grand Canyon – ended up going with it :D

It is H-Shoe bend which, technically, is in the northern head of Gr. Canyon. We live in upper AZ and visit it when fly fishing the canyon with friends/family for another WOW moment… Lee’s ferry (leesferry.com) has wonderful guides, if you need one; all gear included!; ) An amazing way to view the red rocks all around you; they’re majestic!

Thanks for the tip Ilona! You live in a spectacular part of the world :)

Great post! Thank you for the tips. We had a great time last may.

PS: for the curious amongst us some clips of how we traveled .

Glad you enjoyed the post Steven, thanks for sharing your clips, looks like a fab trip!

I’m guilty of only thinking of gambling when I think of Vegas! Guess I’ll have to go check out the other stuff!

Glad we could set you up with a couple of other ideas :D SO much cool stuff to do in and around Vegas during the day, especially if you’re interested in nature. I find the majority of people are usually pretty amazed! Hope you have the chance to get back for another trip at some stage :)

Thanks for reading!

Hi, I am planning to start a trip from Las Vegas in July for 10 Days. Can you please suggest itinerary (Road Trip/Tour) so that I can utilize best out of the time ?

Hi Dipen, thanks for reaching out :) So you can pretty much take this itinerary and do it in reverse if you’re starting from Las Vegas. It also really depends on what type of things you’re interested in though, ie are you interested in experiencing the culture of the big cities, more interested in nature, interested in seeing the coast, or combining them all into a ‘best of’ itinerary to see a sampler of the region?

Also, do you want to end back in Las Vegas, or does it not matter if you finish the trip in a different city, like San Francisco?

Let me know and I can make some suggestions for you :)

I’m planning to visit Vegas soon. Thank you for sharing tips!

Amazing! Hope you have a fabulous trip :)

There are a lot of cool scavenger hunt companies out there like city hunt as well as Cashunt, Watsons adventures, adventure hunt and so much more. each one provides something different but each one brings a lot of fun!

Such a cool activity for sure! Thanks for reading :)

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Western United States

Welcome to the region of evergreen giants, painted deserts, and pink-hued stone citadels. Our Western USA tours immerse you in lands woven with legend and lore, cowboy culture, and steaming National Parks.

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Welcome to the West

Here legends larger-than-life loom over landscapes sculpted in sand. Rivers tunnel through time leaving cavernous canyons in their wake. Geysers steam like clockwork precision and rocks balance, arch and bridge in whimsical formations. Go west with Tauck and you'll find evergreen giants, painted deserts, pink-hued stone citadels as you ride with cowboys, hike with naturalists and raft with guides passionate about the places they roam. 

Yellowstone national park, seriously... there's no other place on earth like it – yellowstone national park.

There's everything else, and then there's Yellowstone; it's truly like no other place on Earth. Why? Because it sits atop the largest "supervolcano" on the North American continent – one of the hottest spots on the planet. It's called the Yellowstone Caldera, and it lurks beneath the surface, giving rise to Yellowstone National Park's host of gushing geysers, steaming fumaroles, hot springs, mud pot and more – nothing less than the largest concentration of geothermal features on Earth, spectacular in winter or summer. In an amazing setting such as this, pretty much anything you do – from a wildlife safari in the summer, to a snowcoach ride in the winter… or hike, climb, horseback ride, ski, snowshoe, watch a sunrise or a sunset – is something you'll never forget.

Yosemite National Park

Through a lens, brightly and darkly – yosemite national park.

What a young Ansel Adams saw through his lens as he trekked into the California wilderness more than 100 years ago – as John Muir did a half-century before him – has inspired countless visitors to explore its chiseled landscapes. Celestial bodies trump electricity. Running water falls from rocks. Residents are furred, finned or feathered. And skyscrapers with names like Half Dome and El Capitan are nature-made. Adams iconic photographs need no words or explanation. Even in black and white, they capture what he felt about places now immortalized for future generations.

Grand Teton National Park

Big sky, big mountains, big picture... grand teton national park.

Out here in the Great American West, everything is "big." For starters, Wyoming comprises part of "Big Sky Country"... where the heavens ranging above the region's vast grasslands, winding rivers and jagged mountain peaks do indeed appear to stretch on forever and ever. Then there are the mountains themselves – in this case the Tetons, crowned by Grand Teton (that's the "big" one that gives the national park its name; other peaks in the range include Middle Teton, South Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot) – seemingly bursting right up out of the floor of the glacial valley we call Jackson Hole, to loom majestically over everything below.

Grand Canyon National Park

Coming to grips with the impossible... at grand canyon national park.

Surely you have stumbled upon some other planet... or at least it feels that way at Grand Canyon National Park. Your first glimpse of the enormous Grand Canyon strains credulity. What giants have been playing with the rock here? Or what cataclysmic force of the universe? Then the drama starts. Clouds, shadows, and the shifting sun keep transforming the landscape. As the sun flames in the west, canyon walls turn red while the giants paint the sky, creating masterpieces so beautiful they freeze you in your tracks. The Grand Canyon sprawls wide open, carved out by the Colorado River, revealing two billion years of Earth's history; here is where air meets land, where you meet what feels like destiny, with just the white-tailed Kaibab squirrel, only found here, as witness.

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Our passion for and experience in the national parks of the West goes back generations; we pioneered air-land tours to the Western parks in the 1960s and haven't looked back since. In Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton and more, we stay at coveted inside-the-park lodges, know the best places to visit and explore, and the best ways to share our passion with you.

America's canyonlands, california's gold coast, yellowstone & grand teton national parks, majestic california: san francisco, yosemite & the pacific, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

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Road trips USA: Route inspiration and ideas

There's no vacation more American than a road trip through the USA. To help you plan your adventure, we're sharing some of the best road trip routes in the USA, from Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway. Plus, find out what factors to consider when choosing when and where to go.

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Suitable cars for your road trip in the U.S.

Best time to do a road trip in the u.s., estimate your road trip budget, one-week road trip usa: from seattle to los angeles, the ultimate 2-week road trip in the u.s., 5-day road trip in texas.

The U.S. is a massive country with diverse road conditions, so the best rental car for your USA road trip depends on your route. If you're taking a city-centric East Coast road trip, consider booking a smaller rental car to more easily navigate city streets. If you're crossing vast distances out in the wilderness, a larger vehicle like an SUV might be more suitable. Avoid electric vehicles when driving remote routes, as charging stations may be sparse.

Because the U.S. is so vast, there's no singular best time to take a road trip. The weather varies dramatically across the country. For instance, the wettest month in New York City is July, yet July is the driest month in Los Angeles (data sourced on weatherbase.com ). And while the average temperature is below freezing in Salt Lake City in January, the average temperature in Los Angeles is a mild 57.3°F. Overall, it's best to avoid extreme weather no matter what USA road trip route you're taking, so avoid winter up north and summer down south or in the desert.

You should also consider the popularity of the destinations along your route. Peak travel months may mean accommodations and rental cars are more expensive and harder to book. Most tourism peaks in the summer or during the holidays (based on KAYAK’s flight searches data), so consider traveling during spring or fall for the fewest crowds and more reasonable prices.

Before you select your road trip destination and length, you might want to know how much a USA road trip can cost you. Here is some data, based on the comparisons of hundreds of travel providers, to help you estimate the cost of your trip and adapt accordingly.

• Average daily rate for a car rental in NYC: $109
• Average daily rate for a car rental in Los Angeles: $69
• Average price for one night in a mid-range hotel in NYC: $318
• Average price for one night in a mid-range hotel in Los Angeles: $233
• Cost of 1 gallon of gas in NYC in March 2024: $3.86
• Cost of 1 gallon of gas in Los Angeles in March 2024: $5.35 (source: numbeo.com )

For an East Coast USA road trip, the cost of a one-week journey that spans 700 miles might be about $3100 for 2 travelers ($1550 per person).

For a West Coast USA road trip, the cost of a one-week journey that spans 700 miles might be about $2280 for 2 travelers ($1140 per person).

To reduce expenses, consider camping if the weather is mild . Plus, if you travel with more than one other person, you can split expenses even more. But do keep in mind that these estimated costs are just for the rental car, gas, and accommodations. You'll still have to pay for food and entrance fees to attractions, whether museums or national parks.

Rent a convertible to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway on this iconic USA road trip.

Day 1: Seattle

Start your trip in Seattle, home to iconic attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the Museum of Flight. Fuel up your body and mind with some coffee, as Seattle is known for its coffee culture.

Where to stay in the Seattle area: Hyatt Regency Seattle is the best rated hotel in town, according to KAYAK data.

Day 2: Portland

Distance from Seattle: 174 miles – 2 hours 40 minutes

On your drive from Seattle to Portland, consider making a side journey to Mount St. Helens for scenic views, a history lesson and some epic hiking. Once in Portland, don't miss a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden, and wrap up your day with a beer from a local brewery (there are many to choose from!).

Where to stay in the Portland area: One of the most elegant hotels in town is The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton .

Day 3: Crater Lake National Park

Distance from Portland: 232 miles – 4 hours

In the warm months, take the opportunity to go boating on the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake, which is 1,943 feet deep. If you'd rather stay on solid ground, consider hiking the many trails along its edge.

Where to stay in the Crater Lake National Park area: Crater Lake Resort is located in the nearest town to the national park, Fort Klamath.

Day 4: Redwood National and State Parks

Distance from Crater Lake National Park: 154 miles – 3 hours

Redwood trees are some of the largest in the world, topping out over 300 feet tall. They're also some of the world's oldest, living up to 2,000 years.

Where to stay in the Redwood National and State Parks area: The Historic Requa Inn has beautiful views of the Klamath River.

Day 5: San Francisco

Distance from Redwood National and State Parks: 311 miles – 5 hours 30 minutes

There's far too much to do in San Francisco than can be accomplished in a single day, but we'd recommend visiting Alcatraz Island, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and listening to the sea lions bark at Fisherman's Wharf.

Where to stay in the San Francisco area: If you're willing to splurge, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero offers bird's-eye views of the city.

Day 6: Morro Bay

Distance from San Francisco: 232 miles – 4 hours

Morro Bay is the halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Highway 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway. It's a good overnight stop, but spend most of your day exploring the California coast, from Monterey (home to the famous Monterey Aquarium) to Big Sur.

Where to stay in the Morro Bay area: The Estero Inn overlooks Morro Bay Rock and the harbor, and it's one of the most highly rated hotels in town.

Day 7: Los Angeles

Distance from Morro Bay: 202 miles – 3 hours 20 minutes

As you make your way down the coast, visit San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Then once in LA, the world is your oyster. Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier, take a Hollywood studio tour or visit one of the city's world-class museums.

Where to stay in the Los Angeles area: The Fairmont Century Plaza is a historic hotel that's fairly centrally located, making it easy to get around town.

There's no USA road trip more iconic than Route 66, also known as the Mother Road. Here's how to travel its full length, with stops at a few must-see off-route destinations.

Day 1: Chicago, IL

You'll find the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Before you start driving, take a moment to enjoy some of Chicago's top attractions, from its numerous museums to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (you might know it as "the bean").

Where to stay in Chicago area: Chicago Athletic Association has stunning architecture, as well as a rooftop bar with views of Millennium Park.

Day 2: Springfield, IL

Distance from Chicago: 202 miles – 3 hours

It's all about Route 66 in this Illinois town. Visit the Route 66 Twin Drive-In or the Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum for a taste of Route 66 history. And don't miss the chance to snap a photo of the Lauterbach Giant.

Where to stay in the Springfield area: The Inn at 835 Boutique Hotel is one of the most highly rated hotels in town.

Day 3: St. Louis, MO

Distance from Springfield: 101 miles – 1 hour 30 minutes

Just down the road from Springfield is St. Louis, home of the grand Gateway Arch. After you make your way to the top, visit the City Museum, an architectural playground for children and adults alike in a 600,000-square-foot industrial building.

Where to stay in the St. Louis area: The St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is housed in the former train station, and its lobby is breathtaking.

Day 4: Branson, MO

Distance from St. Louis: 253 miles – 4 hours

Branson might be just off Route 66, but it's a resort destination worth a stop. Choose between relaxing on Table Rock Lake or visiting any one of the numerous attractions here, from the Titanic Museum Attraction to Dolly Parton's Stampede.

Where to stay in the Branson area: The Lodge of the Ozarks is one of the top-rated hotels in the region.

Day 5: Tulsa, OK

Distance from Branson: 220 miles – 3 hours 17 minutes

Architecture lovers will enjoy Tulsa's Art Deco buildings, while music lovers won't want to miss the Woody Guthrie Center. And aviation lovers should visit the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium.

Where to stay in the Tulsa area: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tulsa Downtown is one of the highest-rated hotels here.

Day 6: Oklahoma City, OK

Distance from Tulsa: 106 miles – 1 hour 35 minutes

Oklahoma City has no shortage of attractions, from the Myriad Botanical Gardens to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Plus, you can visit the poignant Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, honoring the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the Oklahoma City Bombing.

Where to stay in the Oklahoma City area: The National, Autograph Collection is located inside a former bank, and its

Day 7: Amarillo, TX

Distance from Oklahoma City: 260 miles – 4 hours

For a photo op, make for Cadillac Ranch, an unusual roadside art installation comprising a series of 10 Cadillacs. For dinner, dig into the 72-ounce steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. If you finish it (and its trimmings) within an hour, it's on the house.

Where to stay in the Amarillo area: The highest-rated hotel in Amarillo is TownePlace Suites by Marriott Amarillo West/Medical Center .

Day 8: Santa Fe, NM

Distance from Amarillo: 279 miles – 4 hours 14 minutes

Take the Santa Fe loop of Route 66 to visit artsy Santa Fe. The city is a haven for creative types, who will be drawn to institutions like the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum or interactive attractions like Meow Wolf.

Where to stay in the Santa Fe area: Pueblo Bonito Santa Fe has charming rooms in adobe buildings, plus free parking.

Day 9: Albuquerque, NM

Distance from Santa Fe: 64 miles – 1 hour 3 minutes

It's a short drive today, which means you can spend your morning in Santa Fe before heading to Albuquerque attractions like Petroglyph National Monument, Sandia Peak Tramway and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

Where to stay in the Albuquerque area: Hotel Chaco is one of the highest-rated hotels in town.

Day 10: Flagstaff, AZ

Distance from Albuquerque: 323 miles – 4 hours 50 minutes

Use Flagstaff as your home base for visiting Grand Canyon National Park, which is just 90 minutes away. At night, visit the nearby Lowell Observatory for stargazing.

Where to stay in the Flagstaff area: The High Country Motor Lodge has a retro road-trip vibe.

Day 11: Page, AZ

Distance from Flagstaff: 129 miles – 2 hours 17 minutes

Page is another detour from Route 66, but we think it's a worthwhile one for the landscapes. This is the nearest town to Antelope Canyon, one of the most picturesque slot canyons in the Southwest, and the scenic Horseshoe Bend.

Where to stay in the Page area: The highest-rated hotel in town is Hampton Inn & Suites Page - Lake Powell .

Day 12: St. George, UT

Distance from Page: 154 miles – 2 hours 35 minutes

Add another national park to this road trip: Zion National Park. This Utah stunner, known for its red rock cliffs and dramatic landscapes, is best accessed from St. George.

Where to stay in the St. George area: Staybridge Suites St. George is a top mid-tier hotel in the area.

Day 13: Las Vegas

Distance from St. George: 120 miles – 1 hour 45 minutes

No, Las Vegas isn't on Route 66, but if you're all the way over here, Sin City is worth a visit. If gambling isn't your thing, visit the Neon Museum for a taste of Vegas history, then catch a show in the evening.

Where to stay in the Las Vegas area: Encore at the Wynn Las Vegas is the highest-rated hotel on the Strip.

Day 14: Los Angeles

Distance from Las Vegas: 274 miles – 4 hours 5 minutes

Congratulations, you made it! Route 66 ends in Santa Monica. Celebrate with a dip in the Pacific Ocean, a sunset view off Santa Monica Pier or an ice-cold drink at Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe.

Where to stay in the Los Angeles area: Treat yourself to an ocean view at Shutters on the Beach .

As the second largest state in the US, Texas is an ideal candidate for a road trip. Visit several of its major cities (plus one fun pit stop) on this five-day journey.

Day 1: Dallas

Dallas is a sprawling metropolis, so pick one or two things to do during your brief stay. We recommend a taste of presidential history at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for a look into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Where to stay in the Dallas area: Hotel ZaZa is one of the highest-rated boutique hotels in town.

Day 2: Fort Worth

Distance from Dallas: 32 miles – 33 minutes

Fort Worth (is the oft-overlooked counterpart to Dallas, but it's renowned for its works by architectural icons like Philip Johnson Fort Worth Water Gardens), Louis I. Kahn (Kimbell Art Museum), and Tadao Ando (Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth). Plus, don't miss the Old West heritage in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Watch the twice-daily cattle drive to see Texas longhorns on the move, then head to Billy Bob's, the world's largest honky tonk, for a concert and a round of pool.

Where to stay in the Fort Worth area: For a highly rated hotel in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards district, pick the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards

Day 3: Waco

Distance from Fort Worth: 89 miles – 1 hour 21 minutes

En route from Fort Worth to Austin, the city of Waco is worthy of an overnight. Fans of home renovation TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines will no doubt want to spend time at the Silos, the home base of the couple's Magnolia empire. But there's also the Dr. Pepper Museum and Waco Mammoth National Monument in town.

Where to stay in the Waco area: For some warm hospitality, stay at the Bed and Breakfast on White Rock Creek

Day 4: Austin

Distance from Waco: 102 miles – 1 hour 40 minutes

Live music is everywhere in Austin, so head into your nearest bar to catch some tunes. Animal lovers will want to witness the nightly flight of the Congress Avenue Bridge bats, while nature lovers might enjoy paddling on Lady Bird Lake.

Where to stay in the Austin area: The boutique Colton House Hotel is the highest-rated accommodation in Austin.

Day 5: San Antonio

Distance from Austin: 80 miles – 1 hour 20 minutes

San Antonio's biggest claim to fame might be the Alamo, but the mission is just one of five in the city. After visiting them, head to the trendy Pearl District for dinner and drinks.

Where to stay in the San Antonio area: Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk has a lovely outdoor bar overlooking the Riverwalk.

Though flying from city to city might save you a bit of time, there's no better way to travel the US than via a road trip. If you need information about rental cars , road trip tips or the best places to visit in the US during the summer , we've got you covered.

The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author's personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.

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Western USA Tours & Trips

From the illuminated sunset strip of Las Vegas and the cactus-filled plains of Joshua Tree to the bright red bridge that dominates San Francisco and California's Disneyland where dreams come true. The West Coast of the USA is a paradise offering a range of adventures for the whole family no matter what time of year . Embark on a cruise to Alaska or opt for some time out in Yosemite , the possibilities are endless on a vacation America's West Coast.

250+ Western USA tour packages with 12,831 reviews

Alaska Kenai & Denali Adventure

Great experience and goof tour guide

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

7 Day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Camping Tour

This was our family’s first guided trip, and we chose the camping option (ages 52, 50, 13, 12). It exceeded our expectations! Despite a complex itinerary we never once had to think about how to get there, how much time to spend at each place, where to park, what to see, where to stay, where or what to eat - that was all planned for us. There was no marital or family tension and could just truly sit back and enjoy the ride! I truly believe we did more and saw more than we ever would have on our own. And special experiences like moonrises and sunrises were a big bonus. Our guide John was an enthusiastic and capable outdoorsman. He made sure the trip met the needs of the various guests - campers and hotellers alike, with a wide range of ages and physical abilities. There were thoughtful touches like road-trip playlists, moonrise and sunrise viewings, pit stops at roadside stops to support Native American craftsmen, and more. This is a beautiful part of the US - each park more beautiful than the last, but each one unique and wonderful. Highly recommend!

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour

All We Could Have Asked For and More! We recently returned from the ""7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour"". Our tour was led by Kaitlyn Usher. The tour was wonderful, everything was near perfect and Kaitlyn is one of the kindest, hardest working and knowledgeable guides we've ever had! I had mentioned that my husband was turning 70 on the 1st day of the tour to someone at Bindlestiff 2 weeks before the tour and Kaitlyn had a small birthday cake and candles on that first lunch stop! What a nice surprise for my husband. Most anything we asked of her was taken care of and questions answered. We just can't say enough good things about her! The itinerary of the tour was great, we saw and did everything we wanted to do. The van was comfortable and kept clean by Kaitlyn every night. Plenty of items for the picnic lunches (a super idea). She always had options to match physical abilities. The 50 minute ride over the Grand Canyon (optional) was spectacular, the heliport is a distance from the rim, so be sure to do the longer ride to have enough canyon viewing time. The optional Hummer tour was very exciting and scary (in a good way). Thank you for a wonderful birthday trip and great memories!

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

Thank you Charlie and G Adventures. The experience of the Big 5 in Utah was everything I thought it would be. Indescribable scenery, perfect length in each day's activities and I was fortunate to travel with a great bunch of like minded tourists. To G Adventures, you need to clone Charlie. A knowledgeable and outstanding CEO.

• Photography
• Walking Adventure

Yellowstone / Grand Teton 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

This trip was fantastic! The group totaled 4 plus the guide Cade. We were not disappointed in wildlife viewing. We saw Black wolves, elk, big horn sheep and bison were up close and personal. Cade is an excellent guide and the trip would not have been the same without him. Cade knows both Teton and Yellowstone National parks like the back of his hand. He answers all questions and is an easy person to be around. Did I mention black bears, moose, Old Faithful and more. Fantastic trip! For birders, the bald eagle feasting on carcass and several other raptors. But, communication from Brushbuck is only when necessary for them. Don't let it stop you though. Hotels were luxe and transportation too. Loved it!

• Christmas & New Year

Mighty 5 From Las Vegas

This was the VERY BEST WAY to see the stunning National Parks of Southern Utah. You don't miss a thing due to needing "eyes on the road" as when you drive yourself, you have a knowledgeable (and SO pleasant) guide to take you to and tell you the significance of all you are seeing, and having all the many arrangements made for you is priceless. This was absolutely a seamless experience from start to finish.

California Express - 3 Days

I especially like the Yoshimite national Park.

Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon – 3 days

Great guides, friendly,helpful and flexible. Fortunate to be in the company of a wonderful group of other travellers. Impressed that all languages were catered for. The national parks were awesome and 3 days was just the right amount of time. The hotels chosen were very comfortable.

Mighty 5 From Salt Lake City

Everything was great. We enjoyed the pacing of our itinerary and our guide Gogee was excellent.

Yellowstone and Grand Tetons Adventure

Tim was a great tour guide. He was knowledgeable, helpful, and always upbeat. Time with the wildlife expert was phenomenal. the tour itself was excellent. The good ranking has to do with communications from Intrepid Travel, which were poor and lead to changed air flights and other headaches.

Wild Western USA

Great tour, but Intrepid should have definitely declared it as a youth tour. If you're older than 25 you're an oldie let alone being in your 30ies, 40ies or older. Nevertheless the organizing was good, you got a lot of freedom though being a guided tour and you get variety of different impressions ranging from crowded cities to total nature.

• Overland Truck

Alaska Adventure - 20 Days

I highly recommend Infinite Adventures in general and this trip particularly. If you want to see the best of Alaska you have to join the team and their bus, In 20 days I have seen more from Alaska than I would ever have expected. Dave and Tory are amazing and I would travel with them any time. 5 stars all the way!!!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

USA - The Western Deserts

We have chosen the tour specifically because it was in German and also in other languages shown. Also on our voucher was again confirmed the tour with professional, German-speaking tour guide. Unfortunately, the tour guides did not speak German. We were able to help ourselves a bit with the translation app but we also missed a lot of information. We are very disappointed about this and expect compensation. The tour guides have tried and were very nice also the tour was very nice.

Majestic Alaska (10 Days)

This was the best tour I’ve EVER been on. From the people to the places, it was a wonderful adventure. Trafalgar’s Alaska staff may have ruined me for all other tour companies.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Alaska Denali Expedition - 12 Days

It was my fist time camping and it was an unforgettable experience. Thanks to Alaska I have stories to tell and never forget. ????????????⛴⛺️⛰????????????

What people love about Western USA Tours

Everything was great organized, our CEO Megan was so kind and well prepared.

Hogan was our tour guide driver, fun fact infotainment, cook, photographer... he was outstanding.

What a lifetime experience everyone needs Jun 2023 • Solo Within 7 days, we drove in 3 states, visited 5 national parks / 2 state parks, hiked 60 miles, made friends from 7 different states/nations, and eventually traveled through the iconic Route 66 back to Las Vegas. What a lifetime experience everyone needs Day 1 - Zion National Park Day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park Day 3 - Canyonlands National Park Day 4 - Arches National Park Day 5 - Monument Valley Navajo Nation Day 6 - Grand Canyon National Park / Antelope State Day 7- Grand Canyon back to Las Vegas via Historic Route 66 AMAZING!

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Road Trip USA: 12 Most Famous Routes To Travel In America

• Famous routes in the USA offer adventure, quirky roadside stops, and iconic diners for road trip enthusiasts craving exploration.
• Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Florida Keys Scenic Highway are some of the most iconic road trips in the US, with breathtaking sights and delicious food stops.
• The Loneliest Road, the Alaska Highway, the Grand Circle, and the Oregon Trail provide unique and scenic routes through untouched wilderness, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes.

From East to West and North to South, the United States is lucky to have numerous scenic highways and iconic roadways that are beckoning to be explored and perfect for road trips. Whether searching for breathtaking desert mountain ranges or vast misty forests, adventure, quirky roadside stops, and iconic American diners await travelers on these routes. Here are some most famous routes in the USA to travel for those with wanderlust, a yearning for exploration, and the desire to visit some of the best destinations in the US by road.

UPDATE: 2023/11/15 08:44 EST BY SUNIL PURUSHE

Two More Incredible Road Trips To An Already Outstanding List

America is truly a land of never-ending possibilities as far as epic road trips are concerned, and this list is richer by two more. From the East Coast to the Wild West, the United States of America is one of the best countries on Earth for a road trip. Drive safe!

Related: 10 Best Road Trips You Can Take Through The Scenic State Of Texas

Route 66: A Driving Adventure Along The Most Famous Road In The World

Over 2,400 miles across eight states, from Chicago, Illinois, to the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California.

Route 66 is one of the most famous road trips in the United States and a classic choice for travelers hoping to soak in Americana culture. Spanning from Chicago to California, Route 66 covers eight states and takes drivers through many historic landmarks and quirky roadside attractions, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas; and the Santa Monica Pier in California.

• Popular sights: Ozark Mountains in Missouri, the Painted Desert in Arizona, and the Pacific Coast in California
• Popular food stops: Lou Mitchell's in Chicago, Illinois; the Ariston Café in Litchfield, Illinois; and the Midpoint Café in Adrian, Texas

Before traveling on the most famous road trip in the US, plan to add the best stops along Route 66 to visit on a road trip to the itinerary.

The Pacific Coast Highway: A Rocky Coastline, Striking Cliffs, And Unspoiled Beaches Make PCH One Of The Most Scenic Highways

650 miles on an epic west coast road trip from the north to the south of california..

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, is probably the most famous route in America to drive and stretches more than 600 miles across the California coast. The Pacific Coast Highway offers lots to see on the way and is a must-drive route for anyone seeking gorgeous ocean views, sunny weather, and carefree California vibes.

From the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, this route takes roadtrippers through some of California's most stunning and breathtaking sights.

• Popular sights: Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Point Lobos State Reserve, Big Sur State Park, and Pfeiffer Beach
• Popular food stops: Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur, Hog Island Oyster Company in Tomales Bay, and The French Laundry in Yountville

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway: 110 miles Across The Islands Of The Florida Keys

Scenic images of dolphins swimming, manatees floating in the waters, and endangered birds gliding through the brilliant blue sky..

The iconic drive along the Florida Keys Highway is perhaps one of the most beautiful road trips in the US in terms of tropical scenery and sea views. The route takes travelers from Miami to Key West with incredible ocean sights all along the way. This road also takes roadtrippers through friendly small towns filled with quirky beach bars and laid-back Florida charm.

Outdoor lovers can spend the day swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving in Florida's pristine waters or exploring some of the beautiful parks in the area, which include the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo and the Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key. The Florida Keys are known for their fresh seafood, and travelers with a sweet tooth must try the area's famous specialty: Key Lime Pie.

• Popular sights: Key West Lighthouse, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Indian Key Historic State Park
• Popular food stops: Hogfish Bar and Grill in Stock Island, the Conch Republic Seafood Company in Key West, and the Fish House in Islamorada

Related: The History Of Route 66, And Why You Should Be Visiting Its Museums

The Blue Ridge Parkway: "America's Favorite Drive," Through The Appalachian Mountains

469 miles of breathtaking scenery through shenandoah national park and the great smoky mountains national park..

Spanning 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most famous road trips in the US, as it takes drivers through the majestic Appalachian Mountains. Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with beautiful stops , and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing in the beautiful state parks found along the route, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The region is filled with plenty of wildlife, and nature lovers might stumble upon black bears, deer, and birds of prey native to the area.

• Popular sights: Shenandoah National Park, Pisgah National Forest, Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mabry Mill in Virginia, the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park in North Carolina
• Popular food stops: The BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville, Virginia; the Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina; and the Woodlands Barbecue in Blowing Rock

The Loneliest Road: Most Desolate, Yet Most Interesting

A road trip that touches colonial-era landscapes while passing through the wild west up to high-tech silicon valley..

The Loneliest Road is a perfect road trip route for lovers of the American Southwest and has become one of the most famous roads in America. This route belongs to the portion of U.S. Route 50 that runs through Nevada. The Loneliest Road got its name in 1986 when a travel magazine proclaimed there was absolutely nothing interesting along this route, conjuring up images of desolate landscapes and barren wastelands.

This route, however, is filled with captivating desert landscapes, historic ghost towns from Nevada's famed Gold Rush, and quirky roadside attractions.

• Popular sights: The Ruby Mountains, the Great Basin National Park, the Eureka Opera House, and the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
• Popular food stops: Middlegate Station in Fallon, Grandma's in Austin, and Racks Bar and Grill in Ely

The Alaska Highway: A Work In Progress For 75 Years

A magnificent road trip through the epic northern scenery, two-thirds of which lies in canada..

Running from British Columbia to Alaska, the Alaska Highway offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore some of North America's most untouched parts of wilderness. Nature lovers can marvel at epic mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, and vast forests filled with beautiful wildlife and flora.

Visitors can hike or camp in Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve. The Alaska Highway also offers travelers one of the best places in the entire world to see the surreal beauty of the Northern Lights during the winter months.

• Popular sights: Mile 0 Cairn in Dawson Creek, the Signpost Forest in Watson Lake, and the Big Delta State Historical Park in Delta Junction
• Popular food stops: The Salty Dawg Saloon in Homer and Fast Eddy's in Tok

The best time of year to drive the Alaska Highway is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warmer, and there are plenty of daylight hours. Travelers who are determined to travel the route in winter can still make the drive as long as they take extra precautions to keep warm and safe.

The Grand Circle: Some Of The Most Stunning Scenery Imaginable

An epic journey through five states and nine national parks..

The Grand Circle loop takes drivers through some of the most iconic national parks in the American Southwest. Visitors will be able to see the stunning views of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. A popular place to start this loop is in Las Vegas, where visitors can rest and refresh after a long road trip spent hiking, camping, and exploring some of the most beautiful views in the US along the way.

• Popular sights: Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Four Corners, Mesa Verde, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Valley of Fire
• Popular food stops: The Rocking V Cafe in Kanab, Utah; Red Iguana in Salt Lake City, Utah; and El Tovar Dining Room at Grand Canyon National Park

Related: Blue Ridge Parkway Vs. Skyline Drive: Which Is More Scenic?

Maine's Route 1: Over 500 Miles Of Pavement That Snakes Its Way Through New England

A perpetually evolving panorama of coastline, historic landmarks, and charming towns..

Route 1 takes travelers along Maine's rugged coastline, rustic seaside towns, and some of the best lobster shacks in the country. From Kittery to Fort Kent, this route features some of the most charming views of this New England state, including the Acadia National Park, Maine Maritime Museum, whale-watching tours, and some of the most famous lighthouses in America.

• Popular sights: Acadia National Park, Maine Maritime Museum, Portland Head Light, Pemaquid Point Light, and West Quoddy Head Light
• Popular food stops: Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Moody's Diner in Waldoboro, The Whale's Tale in Boothbay Harbor

The Great River Road: A National Scenic Byway And All-American Road Following The Mississippi For 3,000 miles

A collection of state and local roads that take the course of the mississippi river through 10 states of america..

The Great River Road is also among the most famous road trips US states have to offer; it follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana and features charming river towns, breathtaking views of the epic Mississippi River, and historic sites related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the American Civil War. This route is also one of the best road trips in the US for foodies, offering everything from Tennessee barbecue to New Orleans gumbo.

• Popular sights: Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi; the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; and the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana
• Popular food stops: The Frostop Drive-In in New Orleans, Louisiana; The Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Missouri; and Fitz's Root Beer in St. Louis, Missouri

Related: Here's What Roadtrippers Should Know About The Loneliest Road In America

The Oregon Trail: America's Historic Road Trip Where 400,000 Pioneers Traveled From 1840 To 1880 In Wagons

Nearly 2,000 miles through mountains, valleys, and wild prairie on the historic route of america's first settlers..

Exploring The Oregon Trail is one of the most famous roads in America; it's a road trip made for history buffs and adults who spend their childhoods playing the popular video game. This historic route follows the path of the 19th-century pioneers who settled in the West, offering a fascinating glimpse into America's frontier past. There are plenty of museums on the route that tell the story of westward expansion, such as the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, Oregon.

Tourists can even visit pioneer cemeteries scattered along the Oregon Trail that shed light on just how grueling this journey was. Some of these cemeteries include the Whitman Mission National Historic Site in Walla Walla, Washington, and the Blue Mountain Cemetery in Prairie City, Oregon.

• Popular sights: Independence Rock in Wyoming, Chimney Rock in Nebraska, and Fort Laramie in Wyoming
• Popular food stops: The Oregon Trail Restaurant in Baker City, Oregon, and Fort Laramie Bed and Breakfast Cafe in Fort Laramie, Wyoming

Mighty 5: A Ride Into The Heart Of America's Red Rock Country

Driving through 5 national parks of utah for the most epic adventure..

Known to many as "The Utah National Parks Road Trip" or "Mighty 5 Road Trip", this famous US route is often considered the best road trip in America and, by some, even the best in the world. Drive through Utah's national parks with canyons stretching as far as the eye can see, soaring sandstone cliffs, fire-colored rock hoodoos, and thousands of dramatic arches, like the famous formations in Arches National Park .

• Popular sights: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Parks
• Popular food stops: Hell's Backbone Grill and Farm in Boulder, Capitol Burger in Torrey, Arches Thai in Moab, I D K Barbecue in Tropic

Olympic Peninsula Loop: a 300 Mile-Long Odyssey Through Stunningly Gorgeous Landscape

Winding around the perimeter of olympic national park, passing rugged mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, lush green forests, and scenic beaches..

Although packed with famous US highways that are seemingly made for road trips, few Washington drives are as iconic as the Olympic Peninsula Loop. The Olympic Peninsula Loop is 330 miles long and studded with countless sites to explore.

Although the loop can be covered in one day, to justify this road trip, travelers on the route can break the journey along many stops, such as the glassy Lake Cushman inside Olympic National Forest, Port Townsend known for its Victorian architecture, Lavender farms in the town of Sequim (pronounced “Squim”) and a historic lighthouse from 1857 inside Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Seattle and Portland are two major cities accessible from the Olympic Peninsula Loop.

• Popular sights: Lake Cushman, Lighthouse inside Dungeness Refuge, Hoh Rain Forest, La Push, Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent
• Popular food stops: Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen in Tumwater, Jean-Pierre's Three16 in Tumwater, Gardner's Restaurant in Olympia

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10 of the Best U.S. Road Trips for Families

Create memories with your kids on these short but sweet journeys that feature stunning scenery and unique landmarks.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

A road trip is a classic American vacation, but it takes planning to make it great — especially when little ones are involved. To help you plan your family's next journey, we've rounded up some of the best road trips around the United States for families with kids, from single-day jaunts to journeys that can take more than a week. With stops the whole crew will enjoy, these drives are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia

Explore two popular Southern cities on one trip with this short-distance getaway. The drive from Charleston straight to Savannah takes just under two hours, but we'd recommend extending your itinerary over a few days so you can stop to enjoy the outstanding hotels and beaches along the way. You can stay at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island an hour south of Charleston, or fill up the tank for a beach day at Hilton Head , only an hour farther. Once you've passed through Savannah, drive one more hour south for a stay at The Cloister at Sea Island . This five-star resort is another good option for families, with plenty of swimming, fishing, and nature walks.

San Diego to Los Angeles, California

At around two hours, this drive is easy for parents and just long enough to be exciting for the kids. San Diego, Los Angeles, and the stretches of coast between them are packed with beaches and a plethora of crowd-pleasing attractions. Explore the San Diego Zoo, Legoland California, and Disneyland, about a 30-minute from downtown L.A. in Anaheim.

New York City or Boston to Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Whether you choose to stay in a shingled cottage or beachfront apartment, your kids will fall hard for the Cape . Wellfleet is a particularly great destination for families, reachable in two hours from Boston or five hours from New York City. You'll want to stop in other charming towns along the way, like Falmouth and Chatham, before settling in the sands of the Outer Cape. Once you're there, no trip is complete without a visit to Mac's on the Pier , where you can gaze out at the harbor and feast on whole belly clams. Exploring one of the Cape's kettle ponds, which families often have all to themselves, is also a must, as is checking out the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary , home to five miles of trails and salt marshes.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Beginning in Orange County's Dana Point and reaching north to San Francisco, this popular drive can be completed in under eight hours. But why keep it short? With many major stops — from Los Angeles to Carmel-by-the-Sea — you could make this road trip last for days. Driving northward, head to the top of the Topanga Lookout in Malibu for incredible views of the San Fernando Valley. A few hours north in Santa Ynez wine country, relax with a glass of vino as you plot your visit to Hearst Castle. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the media magnate's vast estate, with its sprawling gardens, Roman-style pool, and extensive art collection.

New York City to Philadelphia to the Poconos

At Woodloch Resort in the Pocono Mountains, you'll feel like you're back at summer camp — in a good way. On and off the property, there's plenty to do, including golf, paintball, fishing, and more. A variety of accommodation options are available, too, perfect for families of any size. Whether or not you're headed to the Woodloch, though, the Poconos are an easy getaway for East Coasters. New York City is about a two-hour drive and Philadelphia is about three hours; the two cities can easily be combined with a Poconos visit for a fun multiday adventure.

Boston, Massachusetts, to Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont, is a great destination in all seasons for families road tripping within New England. Just three hours from Boston, the town offers some of the East Coast's best skiing in wintertime and an abundance of outdoor adventure in summer. On your warm-weather visit, cool off with the kids at the Waterbury Reservoir in Waterbury Center State Park , or enjoy the fresh mountain air with a hiking or biking excursion.

There are few roads as iconic as Route 66 , so why not take your kids on this classic American trip? Whether you embark on the full journey from Chicago to Los Angeles or opt for a smaller section, you're bound to have a memorable time. Little ones will love the route's kitschy roadside attractions (world's biggest ketchup bottle, anyone?), while adults will be wowed by the scenery, from the wide-open spaces of west Texas to the mountains of Santa Fe.

Tucson to the Grand Canyon, Arizona

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Take in some of the country's best views on a multiday road trip through Arizona . Start in Tucson and visit Saguaro National Park to see the namesake cacti before heading to Scottsdale. Next up, drive to the stunning, red rock-surrounded town of Sedona. Finally, continue north to Grand Canyon National Park for a couple of days in the great outdoors, reveling in this massive natural wonder.

Rocky Mountain Loop from Denver

If you'd like to swap red rocks for snowy mountaintops, set off on a Colorado road trip through some of the state's incredible national parks and charming small towns. From Denver, head northwest to Boulder and Estes Park, a perfect home base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park . Drive farther into the mountains to check out towns like Glenwood Springs, Telluride, and Durango, all located in the western part of the state. Spend a day at Mesa Verde National Park , home to ancient Native cave dwellings that will fascinate kids and grown-ups alike before turning back east. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Colorado Springs are great stops en route back to Denver.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Beautiful year-round but especially colorful in spring and fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway makes for an excellent family road trip. Connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park , the Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic mountain and foliage views across the Appalachian landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina. Plus, there are plenty of great hikes for all skill levels and places to camp along the parkway if you want to spend a few nights under the stars.

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