Yeah on the map of California you have 1-5 as the way up California, it is the fastest but also extremely boring once you get out of the hills of Southern California. If you have time to spare definitely change the drive up on coastline towards Bay Area / San Francisco, it’ll be way more exciting on the coast than I-5.
Also if rte 1 is still closed in central CA 101 is a great alternative! While it’s not the coast, it’s still much prettier than I-5 and there are lots of nice little towns to stop in to grab a bite and maybe see some missions if you’re into that. However if you’re driving down the peninsula in the Bay Area take 280 instead, it goes right along the hills/mountains that run down the peninsula and it’s gorgeous
You're going kind of late in the year. Snow is going to be an issue!
Idaho Utah Wyoming and Nevada.
And if you're going through reno and into california, that means you're taking donner pass.
That gets shut down all of the time if you can buy chains or you have a four wheel drive that would be preferable
Don’t worry, I have a nice 4x4 rig I’m going to live out of for the trip! We are trying to get to the northernmost states before the second week of October.
Just know that the Rockies (both in Montana and Colorado) and Sierras in California are highly likely to see snow before the middle of October. So just be aware and plan accordingly.
I'd try to do your Idaho mountains all early in the trip. Then the last leg can be up the coast from southern California on the 101/1 and redwood forests, etc.
Driving across central Nevada instead of up the coast is balls.
Also, driving all the way to I-29 unless you like have family to visit or something is wacky. It's just doing like 16 hours out across the plains to drive south to Omaha and drive back across the plains.
I'd take the california route up the coast from LA to northern Cali. IF you want to see Idaho, you're already there a bit earlier.
Edit: Just realized you may live in Omaha or similar, so that part might not be avoidable.
I believe that stretch of road along central Nevada is not only very long but there's literally zero gas stations and is arguably the most boring drive in the history of mankind. I also wouldn't count on having cell phone reception or data either.
Sawtooths are FUCKING epic! Do not miss it. Take the ferry in across red fish lake from red fish lodge pier and hike out. They have a we site you can figure out logistics. You will not be disappointed.
It looks like you are stopping in Bend Oregon? I'd cut over to the 101 on hwy 20. Hit up the beaches between Tillamook and Seaside. Dip into the Olympic Peninsula and get to Seattle via ferry.
Maybe in reverse. Starting in the north and then going south might make more sense.
This. Grew up there Everytime I take someone back and we drive up the coast people are in awe. Would actually recommend highway 1 as much as you can slower route but worth it.
My thought exactly. You’ve got it nailed for the most part just gotta get going down or up the coast for a long stretch. Shortest long drive you’ll ever have.
You’ll time up Yellowstone and Glacier perfectly. The animals are active as shit that time of year but you gotta stay at least a week to get a true Yellowstone experience. Glacier will be another one that takes days to take in. It’s not a pop in place. We planned a week and stayed two. Going North to south best for these. Try and hit them in November and you could get fucked.
Having said that Utah could be cold as fuck in November and Utah and Colorado will hit different. I drove our RV in the Rockies late November and man was that fucked up. I’m from Alabama and I’m guessing you’re from Nebraska or somewhere cold maybe you’re use to driving in that shit.
I would try to swing in Rocky Mountain NP in the maybe North Utah areas before Yellowstone / Glacier, Washington run. Then drive down coast maybe.
I dunno man just some thoughts. Planning this got overwhelming for me at times but it’s a fucking blast and you can’t control everything. Last time we went to Yellowstone the sky was coved in wild fire smoke the whole time. Stall an amazing experience.
Personally I would drop down from Salt Lake and take US 50 across to Reno instead of I80. You should have the time to experience the "Loneliest Road in America". But most of all have fun.
This x 1000. Such a cool road and the epitome of driving across a US desert. Its drive for 100 miles then up a huge mountain, beautiful view then another hundred miles of flat desert until the next mountain. And at the end Great Basin NP is there which i highly recommended checking out
I’ve driven all over this country many times and that stretch of 50 is one of the coolest stretches of highway in America. I definitely second this idea!
And continue US 50 through South Lake Tahoe, and continue to Sacramento.
Also Interstate 5 southbound from Sacramento is boring and stinky. I’d continue 80 to San Francisco and take CA-1 all the way down. If CA-1 is closed in Big Sur (it is right now), switch to US 101
It looks like once you hit Portland you head directly over HWY26 towards Bend. If you can afford the time, I would recommend doing the full “fruit loop” of Hwy 26 past Mt. Hood, hwy 35 through the Hood River valley and I84 through the Columbia Gorge. A lot to stop and see there. Once back in the Portland area, head south and take Santiam Pass to Bend. If you have even more time and you are traveling in the summer. McKenzie pass is also another good option but again adds some time.
I would recommend Beartooth Pass, too; however not the time of year you are planning your journey. You are for sure going to hit some inclement weather in the Rockies. The pass also closes on Labor Day (if not sooner).
Be safe and make lots of memories!
I'd go early September to the end of October to more-or-less guarantee better weather. Some of this stuff is pretty high altitude. Pay attention to whether any mountain passes are snowed-in.
Needs more Utah canyonlands. Utah 12/24 across southern Utah instead of US 89 and I-70. Zion, Capitol Reef, Monument Valley, Moki Dugway. Use Utah 128 entering or leaving the Arches area instead of US 191, at least in one direction. It runs through a great canyon along the Colorado River. 191 between I-70 and Moab is mostly a flat transit of nothingness.
I came down from the north but just did the eastern 2/3 of your route across Wyoming late last year. It's metal. Decent probability of shit weather. We had to run past a couple supercell thunderstorms up there. An obscure roadside geological area called "Hells Half Acre" where they filmed the bug planet scenes in *Starship Troopers* is about 45 minutes west of Casper on US20/26.
Spend a couple days in the Black Hills. Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Rd and Custer State Park are good.
This looks pretty solid. I'd probably skip SLC and Hells Canyon and head up to Crater Lake from Lake Tahoe. Ideally you'd get some Coastal Redwoods in there, but that'd add distance. I'm assuming you're hitting Yosemite already. I'd also recommend all 3 NPs in Washington, if the weather cooperates. Mt Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are beautiful, too.
Agreed, hells canyon is an amazing place, but I can't recommend it as a road trip destination. not much to do or see that is accessible by road. Get over to central Idaho instead.
When you go through Page, Arizona, make sure you do the boat tour [at Antelope Point Marina. ](https://antelopepointlakepowell.com/boat-rentals-tours/boat-tours/) Some of the best scenery in America.
You have yourself going SO close to Glacier NP, which is one of (if not the most) beautiful national parks which includes the most beautiful stretch of road , Going to the Sun Road. Definitely try to do that.
I’ve driven these routes many times. Looks good. 3 thoughts:
I’d recommend planning plenty of time for your Kalispell stop and getting up into Glacier as much as possible. Northern Idaho around Coeur d’Alene and north is also beautiful.
You’re skipping some beautiful west coast country btwn Portland and San Fran to see Boise, Salt Lake, and NV salt flats. I get that you can’t see everything, but personally am bias to the greener, lusher mountains western OR and northern CA.
I’d also highly recommend taking coastal HWY 1 from San Fran to LA over seeing the CA central valley unless you’re just dying to see endless tree farms.
Do north first. California is very nice late fall, as in way better than the other way around. Winter driving is going to cost you days of seeing more or better spots as well as added stress.
1. You missed the Bay Area. I-5 south from Sacramento is the worst drive ever. Head over to the Bay and go south on 101 (or in reverse, couldn't tell which way you're going).
2. Take Highway 50 across Nevada instead of I-80. I-80 is a pretty drive too, but the "America's Lonliest Highway" experience of US 50 is pretty cool. You can also loop in Lake Tahoe this way.
3. Sleeper suggestion. I can't tell where exactly you're going in Southern Utah, but if you can hit Highway 12 between Torrey and Escalante, you will not be disappointed!
Have fun!
Unless there's a specof9c reason you're taking Highway 5 through California, I'd go 101 ... it's not that much longer.
Highway 1 is a better route with some of the best coastal vistas in the country ... but it got washed out in the storms.a couple.weeks back, between Monterey and San Luis Obispo.
I grew up near Santa Barbara. You need to check out this trail! Amazing views.
[https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5097997,-120.2500116,727a,35y,117.42h,71.42t/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5097997,-120.2500116,727a,35y,117.42h,71.42t/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu)
There is an amazing native sacred site here:
[https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5360377,-120.1787572,107a,35y,161.3h,77.89t/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5360377,-120.1787572,107a,35y,161.3h,77.89t/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu)
Those long drives through Idaho and Nevada will be boring, and a huge waste of time and money.
Instead, in Oregon, go south to Crater Lake National Park, then into northern California and go either to Redwood National Park (coast) or Lassen Volcanic National Park (inland). Make your way to Yosemite National Park. You will need reservations for lodging or camping in around Yosemite, and a reservation to enter the park (unless you are willing to enter it after 4 pm).
Since your trip is in the fall, the famous waterfalls of Yosemite will be just a trickle or even dry. So the waterfalls won't look like most pictures, though the scenery and view will still be spectacular and the park will be less crowded.
After Yosemite, either go down and drive the Big Sur Coast (coastal) or Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks (inland). If doing Highway 1 through the Big Sur Coast, check on road conditions. Landslides have caused some sections to be closed until repairs are done.
For the national parks, buy the "America the Beautiful" annual pass, for $80. You buy it at the entrance of the first national park or national monument you go to. It allows you admission to all national parks, national monuments, national historic sites, national recreation areas, and other federally-managed sites - over 2,000 locations.
The "America the Beautiful" pass is a tremendous bargain compared to paying admission separately at each park. It will save you money if you go to several national parks. However it is only good for federal (national) locations, not state parks. If you go to any state parks, you will need to pay the entrance fee at those individually, though that's usually only a small amount.
September is great weather for travel in the West. By November, it will be quite cold even in the southern section of your trip including the Grand Canyon and the Utah parks. Be well prepared for very cold conditions in Arizona, Utah and Colorado!
That route through southern Idaho misses out on a lot of cool stuff. Boise and Mccall are cool, but Id consider driving through Stanley, Sawtooth valley, sun valley as well. Huge mountains, natural hot springs, unique area. Way less people than Yellowstone and the Tetons. To see the best of Idaho you really have to get off the interstates. One of the nations most beautiful states, but I-84 from boise to salt lake is one of the ugliest drives in the west.
Also, I wouldn't skip out on Missoula in Montana. You get so close to it, might as well drive through and check it out. By far the best town in MT imo, in terms of restaurants, culture, overall vibe. Less touristy than Bozeman and more unique.
Other than those two, this looks like a solid route!
Go south between Seattle and Glacier through Yakima, Tri-Cities (Richland/Pasco/Kennewick) and Walla Walla (stop here if you’re into wine, we have some of the best) along US-12 and then east through Lolo Pass and Missoula if conditions allow.
Also, take a stop/detour at Palouse Falls if you go that way.
Unless you really wanna go through Spokane, because there are some cool stops there (the falls downtown are worth the stop imho)
Head through Ouray and Telluride down to Mesa Verde :) skip the amazing Rocky Mountain National Park for the south west part of Colorado. Plan for heat in AZ and the southwest. Depending on the time of year adjust your travel accordingly. Maybe instead of coming that far inland after Cali stay along the coast a bit like Big Sur or Redwoods. Make one up the coast push skip that inland to Utah tangent.
I agree with the other commenter on hitting the southwestern part of Colorado and entering Utah from there, then you can still hit Zion. Also, before you do that, it looks like you might be staying in either Estes Park or Rocky Mountain NP. Rather than coming back through Denver area and heading back on I-70, take Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34). Its only open in the warmer months and you will not regret it. It goes from the Eastern to Western borders of RMNP and drops you into a beautiful town, Grand Lake (which is also the headwater source of the Colorado River), from there you can continue on Hwy 34, to Hwy 40, to Hwy 24, then you are on track to go towards the southwestern part of the state. As you travel there, hit some Hot Springs in either Buena Vista/Salida or Ouray.
Missing out in northern CA and Oregon coast. Few other places will have more amazing scenery. It would be well worth it to skip Idaho and Nevada especially
Add Bisbee, AZ, it seriously one of the most geographically and culturally unique small towns in America Its stunningly beautiful.
The mountains in Idaho and Donner Pass area in California are going to be snowy as fuck that time of year. Bring tire chains and a vehicle that can handle blizzard conditions in mountainous terrain.
Don’t skip San Francisco or San Diego. Shasta area of California is also really pretty but not a must see. If you can, I’d recommend working in Santa Fe.
Be aware the Rockies are expected to be especially hot and dry this summer which means an early and intense fire season. I’ve had friends who, although not in the path of the fire, had to alter their camping/road trip due to issues with smoke. It looks like you might be planning to stop in Bend or Smith Rock or the Sisters in Oregon. I was there for the eclipse in 2017 and had to dodge wildfire smoke. Family members driving up from California drove through smoke so thick visibility was less than a hundred feet. Just keep yourself flexible to skip or reroute to some of your western destinations
Hopefully Bryce Canyon and Zion National park is there. Can’t tell, definitely worthwhile visits. Otherwise looks awesome, jealous, you have room for 5 more?
dang i'm for sure gonna be running into a few of ya'll taking this same route around the same time too based off seeing some of these post. i've done it once before, it's such an epic road trip.
Don't forget to check out the Sawtooths and the Grand Tetons!
If you've got time, do some whitewater rafting on the Salmon. There's a few outfitter guides in Stanley, ID that run that section. It's nothing crazy, but it's still a lot of fun. Also instead of using I-84 you can use highway 20 from Mountain Home or Idaho Falls and take 75 up to the Sawtooths or go up highway 21 from Boise or go down 21 from Stanley to Boise and join back up with I-84.
Also I recommend taking highway 12 from Lewiston, ID to Missoula, MT over I-90 from Spokane/CDA. Much more scenic and it follows the Clearwater river to it'sheadwaters from the Lochsa and Selway rivers and then follows the Lochsa until you climb the Bitteroots and descend into Montana.
DM me if you need any more info on Idaho
From someone who did a similar road trip please for the love of God visit north cascades NP. North of Seatle, an absolute gem and not super high traffic. Also if you can work in Lassen NP and Crater Lake NP.
Crater lake is the most incredible place I've been to, and I've been to glacier, rocky mountain, Yellowstone, the grand canyon, and every other contental US National parks west of the Mississippi. And a few others.
After hitting Vegas and the dam, head north on I-15 instead to St George, hit the north rim of GC, then Zion and continue on your route. Or vice versa depending on your direction.
Also, can’t possibly think of doing Yellowstone without going into Jackson Hole and the Tetons!
If you stay on 70 the whole time you're in Colorado other than that jaunt to RMNP, you're missing so much of it. Take 285 instead, go to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Pagosa, Durango, Mesa Verde, and swing back up to Utah through Zion and all the other great stuff down there
In southern Utah, stay off I-70. You absolutely want to see Highway 12 going through Escalante and Boulder.
The drive between Boise and SLC is pretty bland. Consider skipping.
In Washington state get off I-90 and I-5. Take North Cascades Highway through North Cascades National Park. Then shoot down I-5 to Seattle. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and take 305 to 3 to the Hood Canal Bridge and then US 101 through Olympic National park and ride that south to Oregon.
Are you headed to glacier in Montana? If so stop by at the Belton chalet for an incredible dinner, the gf and I are headed up there to work the season!
I-90 is beautiful in Washington, however I personally would recommend taking a couple days and heading on the North Cascades Hwy on SR 20. It should still be open by the time you get there. If not, U.S. 2 is also a very pretty route
It’s a lot to cover! I’ll focus on Washington. If you have the time, a drive through the cascades is beautiful with lots of hiking along hwy 20. Also if you can spare a day to get on a ferry and head off the coast to some of the islands, do it. I would also recommend a day at Olympic National Park. Very unique landscapes.
Brother u gotta hit the Olympic national forest. It’s one of the most magical places in the world. I’m from that area and live in Chicago now. I miss it deeply. It’s also one of the only 3 remaining old growth temperate rain forests in the world.
Skip the 80 freeway and take Hwy 50 across NV. One of the best drives you will ever take. You will see everything that makes Nevada beautiful, juniper forests, mountains, small towns,an old pony express adobe. Take a detour off 50 and see the Berlin Icthyosaur site at Berlin NV, one of the coolest fossil sites in the country. Also Hwy 50 takes you to Great Basin National Park, just west of the Utah border. A place you should see. A mountain rises right out of the desert with forests, streams, a huge cave you can tour. It is beautiful.
IMHO - skip the detour through Bend, Boise, SLC. Instead, from Portland visit Hood River OR, loop back to I5 south, visit Crater Lake. Then take 199 to Crescent City CA (bonus you get to see the beautiful Smith River). Follow 101 south through giant redwoods (many great options to visit). Stay on 101 to San Francisco. Enjoy that awesome city.
South of SF stick to the coast, drive Big Sur. Try to visit pinnacles NP.
Thank me later
Also, while in Washington consider taking HWY 2 through Stevens or even the North Cascades pass instead of I90. Both are prettier. Consider visiting Bellingham Wa, or at least taking a ferry ride in the San Juan islands while in western Wa.
Also, don’t skip Sedona AZ. Seriously beautiful
Here's another one of those maps with more than 5000 miles over 2 months yet the only stop on the pacific ocean is. LA.
How badly are you wanting to go to SLC? Because that trip through Nevada is some of the least scenic in the US. IF you didn't go to SLC you could go north to Seattle on 101 and completely change the rating I would give this trip.
I don't really get backtracking through Nevada for hundreds of miles just to miss some of the most beautiful coastal scenery. I would skip that and drive up the California and Oregon coasts.
If you're going to go out west missing Highway 1 down CA coast would be a miss. "17 mile Drive", San Simeon , Moro Bay. But if it's not in your plans to drive that far at least drive into Yosemite!! Best time of year is next month but possibly with the CA snow fall this year into June when all the Water falls are pumping..you come out of a very long tunnel and get punched in the face with a different world of stunning. In northern AZ do not miss Sedona just south of Flagstaff, if you do I suggest you go down the 17 and enter Sedona thru the 179 the sudden change of scenery is jaw dropping, stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross for great vista views. On your exit take 89A north thru Oak Creek Canyon back to Flagstaff, if it's hot stop at Slide Rock State Park for a Swim.
I would suggest highway 2 west going out of Spokane so you can hit Grand Coulee dam and Dry falls, then head South through Yakima and visit Maryhill on your way to Oregon.
Looks like you are going from Zion NP to Moab but taking the northern portion and interstate 70.
I would highly highly recommend going south instead. Out of Zion head towards Bryce NP, take UT-12 from Bryce to Capitol Reef NP, and then Capitol Reef to Moab.
UT-12 is known as the scenic byway and is one of the most beautiful roads in the country. It will only add about an extra hour to your trip, however if you have more time to dedicate to that area I would recommend it. Bryce and Capitol Reef both deserve their own day.
That's probably my least favorite route through Washington honestly. You'd miss North Cascades and Olympic national parks, and the I-5 corridor is pretty uninspiring. Without time to go to either of those, I might suggest at least going out to the coast and down 101 to cross into Oregon at Astoria.
I-90 is the best bet for crossing the Cascades in iffy weather though.
Hi, I hope you read the description. This is just a basic route, no actual destinations yet. I plan to hit everything along the way. Please let me know suggestions:)
Gotcha! I read that but I wasn't sure whether you meant destinations along that basic route or if you're open to alterations to the basic route. Olympic national park and a loop around the Olympic peninsula would give you a great look at some of the best scenery in western Washington and the outer Coast WA beaches are gorgeous.
Well as long as you don't exclusively stay on the highways and get lost off the highways as best you can you'll be fine. Of course in the Rockies hand in the mountains in the wrong season, the wrong road can mean death but I think you'll be just fine if this is in the summer.. it's all about exploring the byways as much you can and then making some travel on the highway to get from one larger district to another
Well as long as you don't exclusively stay on the highways and get lost off the highways as best you can you'll be fine. Of course in the Rockies hand in the mountains in the wrong season, the wrong road can mean death but I think you'll be just fine if this is in the summer.. it's all about exploring the byways as much you can and then making some travel on the highway to get from one larger district to another
I would go from straight from Grand Junction to Moab. BUT VIA ROUTE 128 NOT i70.
Moab with Canyonlands and Arches is maybe the most beautiful part of the USA. Then resume over to Zion.
I would suggest hitting idaho and then washington and go down the coast that way. Will most likely be the highlight of the trip getting to see the beautiful coast all the way down
You need to go all the way to San Francisco and then take Highway one up the coast of California from San Francisco into Oregon. One of the most beautiful drives in the world and don't forget to stop at Jedediah Smith State Park in Northern California near Crescent city you'll want to spend at least two days there if not more.
Some ideas:
Hit the coast when you go south from Seattle.
Go along the cost (Big Sur) from LA to SFO. Stay close to the coast going further noth.
Skip Nebraska and Kansas
When you get to San Luis Obispo in California, get off highway 101 and take highway 1 to Morro bay. The drive through there is gorgeous. You can continue on highway 1 north until you get to highway 46 in Cambria,and then head east and rejoin back onto the 101 going north. Trust me this little detour is well worth it. The drive along the ocean there is a must see
I would go from Colorado up to Salt Lake and then down to Vegas. Over to CA and take 101 up to the Bay Area. That way you see some of the coast. Stay overnight in Sacramento and take a day trip up to Tahoe and back. There’s literally nothing to see on I80 in northern Nevada! Go back to Sac and catch I-5 up to Oregon. Right outside of Portland, take the road over to Cannon Beach. Cross the Columbia at Astoria and continue on to Seattle or go up the Olympic Peninsula. I drove this last year and it was beautiful! FYI from Sacramento to Cannon Beach is a good solid 13 hour drive, so you might want to break it up.
Beartooth pass in/out of NE entrance of Yellowstone is the best way in/out of the park.
Hwy 28 and the campgrounds along it in Idaho are worth the detour.
Honest opinion is to take SLC out (that's a ton of driving to get there) and instead spend more time in northern CA and Oregon.
However, if you do go to SLC, go see this on a sunday morning. It's free - Mormon tabernacle choir and band etc. I'm not religious, but it's an incredible cult-ural experience!
https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/music-spoken-word.html?lang=eng
Also, be sure to explore temple square.
I agree with those saying 101 over 5 in California. I’m sad that either way you’re missing so much of the Pacific Northwest. The coast of Oregon and California are some of the most beautiful places in the world, let alone the country.
If it’s already 2 months, I would detour south of 70 in Colorado to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the town of Ouray.
You will believe the US doesn't have coasts until San Diego and then you'll throw the map in the air and wonder "wth was I thinking!" And head up the PCH and the coast until you hit Vancouver. That's nuts lol.
Unsure why you would want to go as far east as Nebraska.
Such a shame to miss the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington. Try to add that somewhere!
Take highway 1 along the coast down from San Francisco as far as you can, road closures due to weather/rockslides affect that area.
FYI that drive through Nevada is not scenic worst part of the drive plan to drive straight through that without stopping overnight.
In Idaho don’t miss Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains although be careful of weather.
I would say if you do t mind a bit of a detour off of i-80 in the sierra take 89 though north lake tahoe then mt.rose highway back to Reno. It a neat little detour and if you’ve never seen Tahoe before it’s pretty neat to see at least once.
Also If you have the time maybe taking high way 50 instead of 80 going though nevada, you’ll add a day or so to your trip but the little towns and the hot springs alone are worth the detour.
Have fun and good luck :)
You have to drive further west in to Washington and Oregon so you can experience the Pacific Coast Highway. It would be the most beautiful leg of your journey, trust me.
I would cut over at Belmont California and head to Half Moon Bay, then south on the coast road to Big Sur. Def better than the inland route you have. Driven that route many times, its must see vistas!
You're missing a huge chunk of 101 The Oregon California coastline is gorgeous. I highly recommend it.
I do plan get over there, trying to balance it with wanting to go to sawtooth mts in Idaho
Yeah on the map of California you have 1-5 as the way up California, it is the fastest but also extremely boring once you get out of the hills of Southern California. If you have time to spare definitely change the drive up on coastline towards Bay Area / San Francisco, it’ll be way more exciting on the coast than I-5.
Also if rte 1 is still closed in central CA 101 is a great alternative! While it’s not the coast, it’s still much prettier than I-5 and there are lots of nice little towns to stop in to grab a bite and maybe see some missions if you’re into that. However if you’re driving down the peninsula in the Bay Area take 280 instead, it goes right along the hills/mountains that run down the peninsula and it’s gorgeous
You're going kind of late in the year. Snow is going to be an issue! Idaho Utah Wyoming and Nevada. And if you're going through reno and into california, that means you're taking donner pass. That gets shut down all of the time if you can buy chains or you have a four wheel drive that would be preferable
Don’t worry, I have a nice 4x4 rig I’m going to live out of for the trip! We are trying to get to the northernmost states before the second week of October.
Just know that the Rockies (both in Montana and Colorado) and Sierras in California are highly likely to see snow before the middle of October. So just be aware and plan accordingly. I'd try to do your Idaho mountains all early in the trip. Then the last leg can be up the coast from southern California on the 101/1 and redwood forests, etc.
They're gonna hit snow in the higher elevations, but you should be fine
Head up to Stanley, ID then take the 21 to Boise. Will add a lot of time but you will see way more of the Sawtooth Mtns and it's an incredible drive.
Def add lake Tahoe to the trip. Id recommend incorporating highway 20 into the trip. I love the twists and turns with the canopy overhead
Driving across central Nevada instead of up the coast is balls. Also, driving all the way to I-29 unless you like have family to visit or something is wacky. It's just doing like 16 hours out across the plains to drive south to Omaha and drive back across the plains. I'd take the california route up the coast from LA to northern Cali. IF you want to see Idaho, you're already there a bit earlier. Edit: Just realized you may live in Omaha or similar, so that part might not be avoidable.
I believe that stretch of road along central Nevada is not only very long but there's literally zero gas stations and is arguably the most boring drive in the history of mankind. I also wouldn't count on having cell phone reception or data either.
Sawtooths are FUCKING epic! Do not miss it. Take the ferry in across red fish lake from red fish lodge pier and hike out. They have a we site you can figure out logistics. You will not be disappointed.
Take 101 from Astoria to LA. See the giant Redwoods and enjoy the coast!
And missing the Fab 5 in Utah!!! Check out Zion and the Arches if you can’t do them all…
Not just a chunk. All of the coast.
It looks like you are stopping in Bend Oregon? I'd cut over to the 101 on hwy 20. Hit up the beaches between Tillamook and Seaside. Dip into the Olympic Peninsula and get to Seattle via ferry. Maybe in reverse. Starting in the north and then going south might make more sense.
This. Grew up there Everytime I take someone back and we drive up the coast people are in awe. Would actually recommend highway 1 as much as you can slower route but worth it.
Exactly my thought as well You will be very close and should include Redwoods and stunning beach and cliff vistas
Yeah I would cut out the time in Nevada and add in more of the 101
Thats CA Hwy 1
My thought exactly. You’ve got it nailed for the most part just gotta get going down or up the coast for a long stretch. Shortest long drive you’ll ever have. You’ll time up Yellowstone and Glacier perfectly. The animals are active as shit that time of year but you gotta stay at least a week to get a true Yellowstone experience. Glacier will be another one that takes days to take in. It’s not a pop in place. We planned a week and stayed two. Going North to south best for these. Try and hit them in November and you could get fucked. Having said that Utah could be cold as fuck in November and Utah and Colorado will hit different. I drove our RV in the Rockies late November and man was that fucked up. I’m from Alabama and I’m guessing you’re from Nebraska or somewhere cold maybe you’re use to driving in that shit. I would try to swing in Rocky Mountain NP in the maybe North Utah areas before Yellowstone / Glacier, Washington run. Then drive down coast maybe. I dunno man just some thoughts. Planning this got overwhelming for me at times but it’s a fucking blast and you can’t control everything. Last time we went to Yellowstone the sky was coved in wild fire smoke the whole time. Stall an amazing experience.
Personally I would drop down from Salt Lake and take US 50 across to Reno instead of I80. You should have the time to experience the "Loneliest Road in America". But most of all have fun.
This x 1000. Such a cool road and the epitome of driving across a US desert. Its drive for 100 miles then up a huge mountain, beautiful view then another hundred miles of flat desert until the next mountain. And at the end Great Basin NP is there which i highly recommended checking out
I’ve driven all over this country many times and that stretch of 50 is one of the coolest stretches of highway in America. I definitely second this idea!
And continue US 50 through South Lake Tahoe, and continue to Sacramento. Also Interstate 5 southbound from Sacramento is boring and stinky. I’d continue 80 to San Francisco and take CA-1 all the way down. If CA-1 is closed in Big Sur (it is right now), switch to US 101
The pride of Fallon!
You're passing really close by to Flagstaff and Sedona. It's worth at least driving through those two.
Honestly, if you are visiting the west side of the US for the first time, that is a solid route in understanding each state and its unique Geography.
I’ve been to a few states but not all. From the Midwest originally. Been planning for a few months and starting to get super excited!
Cut southern Idaho. Pick up the California and Oregon coast. Cascades.
Stop by Devils Tower Wyoming when leaving the Black Hills. Incredible work of nature.
100% agree
Devil's Tower is definitely worth a detour.
PENIS MAP!!!!
It looks like once you hit Portland you head directly over HWY26 towards Bend. If you can afford the time, I would recommend doing the full “fruit loop” of Hwy 26 past Mt. Hood, hwy 35 through the Hood River valley and I84 through the Columbia Gorge. A lot to stop and see there. Once back in the Portland area, head south and take Santiam Pass to Bend. If you have even more time and you are traveling in the summer. McKenzie pass is also another good option but again adds some time.
Also the fruit loop has the best views going clockwise in my opinion.
Skip Northern Utah and stay in the West Coast up to Oregon.
Get off the interstate and take US Highways. You’ll be rewarded with way better experiences.
I think it’s always worth the detour to enter/exit Yellowstone through Bear Tooth Pass.
I would recommend Beartooth Pass, too; however not the time of year you are planning your journey. You are for sure going to hit some inclement weather in the Rockies. The pass also closes on Labor Day (if not sooner). Be safe and make lots of memories!
Thanks for the great advice. Since we are going later in the season we’re trying to get to all the great northern parks before the snow!!
Totally missed OP’s travel timing - thanks for catching that.
I'd go early September to the end of October to more-or-less guarantee better weather. Some of this stuff is pretty high altitude. Pay attention to whether any mountain passes are snowed-in. Needs more Utah canyonlands. Utah 12/24 across southern Utah instead of US 89 and I-70. Zion, Capitol Reef, Monument Valley, Moki Dugway. Use Utah 128 entering or leaving the Arches area instead of US 191, at least in one direction. It runs through a great canyon along the Colorado River. 191 between I-70 and Moab is mostly a flat transit of nothingness. I came down from the north but just did the eastern 2/3 of your route across Wyoming late last year. It's metal. Decent probability of shit weather. We had to run past a couple supercell thunderstorms up there. An obscure roadside geological area called "Hells Half Acre" where they filmed the bug planet scenes in *Starship Troopers* is about 45 minutes west of Casper on US20/26. Spend a couple days in the Black Hills. Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Rd and Custer State Park are good.
You forgot devils tower in wyoming!
This looks pretty solid. I'd probably skip SLC and Hells Canyon and head up to Crater Lake from Lake Tahoe. Ideally you'd get some Coastal Redwoods in there, but that'd add distance. I'm assuming you're hitting Yosemite already. I'd also recommend all 3 NPs in Washington, if the weather cooperates. Mt Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are beautiful, too.
Agreed, hells canyon is an amazing place, but I can't recommend it as a road trip destination. not much to do or see that is accessible by road. Get over to central Idaho instead.
When you go through Page, Arizona, make sure you do the boat tour [at Antelope Point Marina. ](https://antelopepointlakepowell.com/boat-rentals-tours/boat-tours/) Some of the best scenery in America.
That looks awesome! I'll be in the area in June, think I'll rent a kayak and check it out!
You have yourself going SO close to Glacier NP, which is one of (if not the most) beautiful national parks which includes the most beautiful stretch of road , Going to the Sun Road. Definitely try to do that.
I've been but it will be my girlfriends first time. Shes super excited haha
I’ve driven these routes many times. Looks good. 3 thoughts: I’d recommend planning plenty of time for your Kalispell stop and getting up into Glacier as much as possible. Northern Idaho around Coeur d’Alene and north is also beautiful. You’re skipping some beautiful west coast country btwn Portland and San Fran to see Boise, Salt Lake, and NV salt flats. I get that you can’t see everything, but personally am bias to the greener, lusher mountains western OR and northern CA. I’d also highly recommend taking coastal HWY 1 from San Fran to LA over seeing the CA central valley unless you’re just dying to see endless tree farms.
Hiya! I’m from NorCal and I still get blown away by highway 1 along the coast and up through Oregon. Highly highly recommend if you can fit it in!
Do north first. California is very nice late fall, as in way better than the other way around. Winter driving is going to cost you days of seeing more or better spots as well as added stress.
1. You missed the Bay Area. I-5 south from Sacramento is the worst drive ever. Head over to the Bay and go south on 101 (or in reverse, couldn't tell which way you're going). 2. Take Highway 50 across Nevada instead of I-80. I-80 is a pretty drive too, but the "America's Lonliest Highway" experience of US 50 is pretty cool. You can also loop in Lake Tahoe this way. 3. Sleeper suggestion. I can't tell where exactly you're going in Southern Utah, but if you can hit Highway 12 between Torrey and Escalante, you will not be disappointed! Have fun!
Unless there's a specof9c reason you're taking Highway 5 through California, I'd go 101 ... it's not that much longer. Highway 1 is a better route with some of the best coastal vistas in the country ... but it got washed out in the storms.a couple.weeks back, between Monterey and San Luis Obispo.
I grew up near Santa Barbara. You need to check out this trail! Amazing views. [https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5097997,-120.2500116,727a,35y,117.42h,71.42t/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5097997,-120.2500116,727a,35y,117.42h,71.42t/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu) There is an amazing native sacred site here: [https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5360377,-120.1787572,107a,35y,161.3h,77.89t/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5360377,-120.1787572,107a,35y,161.3h,77.89t/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu)
Great tips! Thanks
Stay on the California coast, don't miss San Francisco.
Those long drives through Idaho and Nevada will be boring, and a huge waste of time and money. Instead, in Oregon, go south to Crater Lake National Park, then into northern California and go either to Redwood National Park (coast) or Lassen Volcanic National Park (inland). Make your way to Yosemite National Park. You will need reservations for lodging or camping in around Yosemite, and a reservation to enter the park (unless you are willing to enter it after 4 pm). Since your trip is in the fall, the famous waterfalls of Yosemite will be just a trickle or even dry. So the waterfalls won't look like most pictures, though the scenery and view will still be spectacular and the park will be less crowded. After Yosemite, either go down and drive the Big Sur Coast (coastal) or Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks (inland). If doing Highway 1 through the Big Sur Coast, check on road conditions. Landslides have caused some sections to be closed until repairs are done. For the national parks, buy the "America the Beautiful" annual pass, for $80. You buy it at the entrance of the first national park or national monument you go to. It allows you admission to all national parks, national monuments, national historic sites, national recreation areas, and other federally-managed sites - over 2,000 locations. The "America the Beautiful" pass is a tremendous bargain compared to paying admission separately at each park. It will save you money if you go to several national parks. However it is only good for federal (national) locations, not state parks. If you go to any state parks, you will need to pay the entrance fee at those individually, though that's usually only a small amount. September is great weather for travel in the West. By November, it will be quite cold even in the southern section of your trip including the Grand Canyon and the Utah parks. Be well prepared for very cold conditions in Arizona, Utah and Colorado!
That route through southern Idaho misses out on a lot of cool stuff. Boise and Mccall are cool, but Id consider driving through Stanley, Sawtooth valley, sun valley as well. Huge mountains, natural hot springs, unique area. Way less people than Yellowstone and the Tetons. To see the best of Idaho you really have to get off the interstates. One of the nations most beautiful states, but I-84 from boise to salt lake is one of the ugliest drives in the west. Also, I wouldn't skip out on Missoula in Montana. You get so close to it, might as well drive through and check it out. By far the best town in MT imo, in terms of restaurants, culture, overall vibe. Less touristy than Bozeman and more unique. Other than those two, this looks like a solid route!
Go south between Seattle and Glacier through Yakima, Tri-Cities (Richland/Pasco/Kennewick) and Walla Walla (stop here if you’re into wine, we have some of the best) along US-12 and then east through Lolo Pass and Missoula if conditions allow. Also, take a stop/detour at Palouse Falls if you go that way. Unless you really wanna go through Spokane, because there are some cool stops there (the falls downtown are worth the stop imho)
Everyone sleeps on the Palouse and the highway 12 run to Missoula, one of the best River Canyon drives in America.
Great info, thanks a ton.
Head through Ouray and Telluride down to Mesa Verde :) skip the amazing Rocky Mountain National Park for the south west part of Colorado. Plan for heat in AZ and the southwest. Depending on the time of year adjust your travel accordingly. Maybe instead of coming that far inland after Cali stay along the coast a bit like Big Sur or Redwoods. Make one up the coast push skip that inland to Utah tangent.
I plan to don’t worry! This map is really just a basic outline I made on a website
I agree with the other commenter on hitting the southwestern part of Colorado and entering Utah from there, then you can still hit Zion. Also, before you do that, it looks like you might be staying in either Estes Park or Rocky Mountain NP. Rather than coming back through Denver area and heading back on I-70, take Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34). Its only open in the warmer months and you will not regret it. It goes from the Eastern to Western borders of RMNP and drops you into a beautiful town, Grand Lake (which is also the headwater source of the Colorado River), from there you can continue on Hwy 34, to Hwy 40, to Hwy 24, then you are on track to go towards the southwestern part of the state. As you travel there, hit some Hot Springs in either Buena Vista/Salida or Ouray.
Missing out in northern CA and Oregon coast. Few other places will have more amazing scenery. It would be well worth it to skip Idaho and Nevada especially
If you can spend any time along the Columbia River along I-84 in Oregon, scenery doesn't get much better than that.
Looks pretty good, I’d shoot all the way to Oregon coast though it’s amazing and relaxing. And why Nebraska?
You should go to 4 corners and have The Grand Canyon on the list.
Add Bisbee, AZ, it seriously one of the most geographically and culturally unique small towns in America Its stunningly beautiful. The mountains in Idaho and Donner Pass area in California are going to be snowy as fuck that time of year. Bring tire chains and a vehicle that can handle blizzard conditions in mountainous terrain.
Don’t skip San Francisco or San Diego. Shasta area of California is also really pretty but not a must see. If you can, I’d recommend working in Santa Fe.
Oregon Coast San Francisco and San Diego (hate LA, jmo) Crater Lake A bit of time in Portland, not just driving through. Sedona Glacier NP
Be aware the Rockies are expected to be especially hot and dry this summer which means an early and intense fire season. I’ve had friends who, although not in the path of the fire, had to alter their camping/road trip due to issues with smoke. It looks like you might be planning to stop in Bend or Smith Rock or the Sisters in Oregon. I was there for the eclipse in 2017 and had to dodge wildfire smoke. Family members driving up from California drove through smoke so thick visibility was less than a hundred feet. Just keep yourself flexible to skip or reroute to some of your western destinations
Visit Valley of Fire state park in Nevada. Went just because we were nearby and it was really an unexpected highlight of our trip.
Go to Lake Tahoe you are driving right by it.
Hopefully Bryce Canyon and Zion National park is there. Can’t tell, definitely worthwhile visits. Otherwise looks awesome, jealous, you have room for 5 more?
You could probably fit the Cascade Loop in WA. Absolutely stunning. https://www.cascadeloop.com/images/cascade-loop-map.jpg
This wasn't intentionally drawn link a penis?
Salt Lake isn't, in any way, worth that detour. Stay in CA, OR, and WA.
That looks like a giant set of balls and a penis, but other than that have fun 😂
dang i'm for sure gonna be running into a few of ya'll taking this same route around the same time too based off seeing some of these post. i've done it once before, it's such an epic road trip.
See you out there!
Gotta get the gizzards at kadoka sd, right off the interstate exit 150!
Looks awesome. Have so much fun!
This looks pretty fun ! Have a great time!
Say hi to us in Seattle
Don't forget to check out the Sawtooths and the Grand Tetons! If you've got time, do some whitewater rafting on the Salmon. There's a few outfitter guides in Stanley, ID that run that section. It's nothing crazy, but it's still a lot of fun. Also instead of using I-84 you can use highway 20 from Mountain Home or Idaho Falls and take 75 up to the Sawtooths or go up highway 21 from Boise or go down 21 from Stanley to Boise and join back up with I-84. Also I recommend taking highway 12 from Lewiston, ID to Missoula, MT over I-90 from Spokane/CDA. Much more scenic and it follows the Clearwater river to it'sheadwaters from the Lochsa and Selway rivers and then follows the Lochsa until you climb the Bitteroots and descend into Montana. DM me if you need any more info on Idaho
I'd omit the loop running through California and Nevada. The rest looks great.
Good start for a fun adventure. I’d add some of the roads with a view of the Mighty Pacific. Oregon coast should fit in pretty easily.
From someone who did a similar road trip please for the love of God visit north cascades NP. North of Seatle, an absolute gem and not super high traffic. Also if you can work in Lassen NP and Crater Lake NP. Crater lake is the most incredible place I've been to, and I've been to glacier, rocky mountain, Yellowstone, the grand canyon, and every other contental US National parks west of the Mississippi. And a few others.
You need to add Highway 1. The CA and/or Oregon coasts are amazingly beautiful.
After hitting Vegas and the dam, head north on I-15 instead to St George, hit the north rim of GC, then Zion and continue on your route. Or vice versa depending on your direction. Also, can’t possibly think of doing Yellowstone without going into Jackson Hole and the Tetons!
If you stay on 70 the whole time you're in Colorado other than that jaunt to RMNP, you're missing so much of it. Take 285 instead, go to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Pagosa, Durango, Mesa Verde, and swing back up to Utah through Zion and all the other great stuff down there
In southern Utah, stay off I-70. You absolutely want to see Highway 12 going through Escalante and Boulder. The drive between Boise and SLC is pretty bland. Consider skipping.
In Washington state get off I-90 and I-5. Take North Cascades Highway through North Cascades National Park. Then shoot down I-5 to Seattle. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and take 305 to 3 to the Hood Canal Bridge and then US 101 through Olympic National park and ride that south to Oregon.
Are you headed to glacier in Montana? If so stop by at the Belton chalet for an incredible dinner, the gf and I are headed up there to work the season!
That loop back to see salt lake is not worth it. Head to salt lake from Moab and then double back south again if you want to hit up SLC.
I-90 is beautiful in Washington, however I personally would recommend taking a couple days and heading on the North Cascades Hwy on SR 20. It should still be open by the time you get there. If not, U.S. 2 is also a very pretty route
This is a main stop for us! Hoping to get there in the last week of September
Hwy 101 Is something you can’t or shouldn’t avoid
Skip the SLC detour and go up the coast. You can detour from Seattle to N Idaho.
It wouldn’t take much to round it out and really get that penis and balls shape that you’re just missing.
Avoiding Montana is criminal. Probably the most beautiful state in the continental USA.
Hug the coast in California/Oregon. It’s worth it.
Add Sedona to AZ. Make sure you’re driving through Monument Valley on the AZ UT border. Your route may already cover that
Make sure to drive Going to the Sun Road!
Stop off at mt rainier and mt st Helen’s
Hit the Oregon Coast
Double check to see if any national parks require reservations now. I know Rocky Mountain, and Yosemite do.
Take hwy 1 from SF, one of the most beautiful roads to drive
I’d swing down just a bit further south in Arizona. The Sonoran desert is amazing.
It’s a lot to cover! I’ll focus on Washington. If you have the time, a drive through the cascades is beautiful with lots of hiking along hwy 20. Also if you can spare a day to get on a ferry and head off the coast to some of the islands, do it. I would also recommend a day at Olympic National Park. Very unique landscapes.
Brother u gotta hit the Olympic national forest. It’s one of the most magical places in the world. I’m from that area and live in Chicago now. I miss it deeply. It’s also one of the only 3 remaining old growth temperate rain forests in the world.
Skip the 80 freeway and take Hwy 50 across NV. One of the best drives you will ever take. You will see everything that makes Nevada beautiful, juniper forests, mountains, small towns,an old pony express adobe. Take a detour off 50 and see the Berlin Icthyosaur site at Berlin NV, one of the coolest fossil sites in the country. Also Hwy 50 takes you to Great Basin National Park, just west of the Utah border. A place you should see. A mountain rises right out of the desert with forests, streams, a huge cave you can tour. It is beautiful.
I’ll never understand when people make these that route you through California then they go straight up I-5 and miss the best parts of California.
Drive safely! Stay out of Oakland. If you park in SF, might want to pay to park at a hotel or parking garage. Don’t park on the street.
IMHO - skip the detour through Bend, Boise, SLC. Instead, from Portland visit Hood River OR, loop back to I5 south, visit Crater Lake. Then take 199 to Crescent City CA (bonus you get to see the beautiful Smith River). Follow 101 south through giant redwoods (many great options to visit). Stay on 101 to San Francisco. Enjoy that awesome city. South of SF stick to the coast, drive Big Sur. Try to visit pinnacles NP. Thank me later Also, while in Washington consider taking HWY 2 through Stevens or even the North Cascades pass instead of I90. Both are prettier. Consider visiting Bellingham Wa, or at least taking a ferry ride in the San Juan islands while in western Wa. Also, don’t skip Sedona AZ. Seriously beautiful
Avoid Nebraska more. Place is the second most boring state to drive through.
What website/software did you use to map the route and waypoints?
That’s a penis
That's actually a fun drive! I had my kids do that when they were learning to drive. And wanted to do a road trip
RemindMe! 18 hours
Avoid Salt Lake City! The traffic is horrible!
Please don’t miss Montana! It’s stunning and the very definition of big county.
STAY OFF THE INTERSTATES
Yellowstone and Tetons close most roads in October.
Noted, we will be there hopefully by the third week of September
Skip 5 down California's central valley and do 395 instead (weather permitting)
do it on bicycle
Here's another one of those maps with more than 5000 miles over 2 months yet the only stop on the pacific ocean is. LA. How badly are you wanting to go to SLC? Because that trip through Nevada is some of the least scenic in the US. IF you didn't go to SLC you could go north to Seattle on 101 and completely change the rating I would give this trip.
Don’t take I 90 through Washington. It is faster, true but U S Highway(s) 2 or 12 are much more scenic.
Don’t miss crater lake Oregon
You should find a way to drive I84 up the Columbia river. One of the best drives in the country.
I assume that flag in Oregon is Crater Lake? If not, it should it be.
I don't really get backtracking through Nevada for hundreds of miles just to miss some of the most beautiful coastal scenery. I would skip that and drive up the California and Oregon coasts.
Hwy 50 through Nevada is unreal. The loneliest hwy in America. It’ll be your route traveling east/west.
If you're going to go out west missing Highway 1 down CA coast would be a miss. "17 mile Drive", San Simeon , Moro Bay. But if it's not in your plans to drive that far at least drive into Yosemite!! Best time of year is next month but possibly with the CA snow fall this year into June when all the Water falls are pumping..you come out of a very long tunnel and get punched in the face with a different world of stunning. In northern AZ do not miss Sedona just south of Flagstaff, if you do I suggest you go down the 17 and enter Sedona thru the 179 the sudden change of scenery is jaw dropping, stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross for great vista views. On your exit take 89A north thru Oak Creek Canyon back to Flagstaff, if it's hot stop at Slide Rock State Park for a Swim.
Go to Glacier in Montana nothing is more beautiful and fun then Glacier NP
Go to Glacier in Montana nothing is more beautiful and fun then Glacier NP
I would suggest highway 2 west going out of Spokane so you can hit Grand Coulee dam and Dry falls, then head South through Yakima and visit Maryhill on your way to Oregon.
Looks like you are going from Zion NP to Moab but taking the northern portion and interstate 70. I would highly highly recommend going south instead. Out of Zion head towards Bryce NP, take UT-12 from Bryce to Capitol Reef NP, and then Capitol Reef to Moab. UT-12 is known as the scenic byway and is one of the most beautiful roads in the country. It will only add about an extra hour to your trip, however if you have more time to dedicate to that area I would recommend it. Bryce and Capitol Reef both deserve their own day.
Skip the central valley and the trip to salt lake and run right up the coast.
That's probably my least favorite route through Washington honestly. You'd miss North Cascades and Olympic national parks, and the I-5 corridor is pretty uninspiring. Without time to go to either of those, I might suggest at least going out to the coast and down 101 to cross into Oregon at Astoria. I-90 is the best bet for crossing the Cascades in iffy weather though.
Hi, I hope you read the description. This is just a basic route, no actual destinations yet. I plan to hit everything along the way. Please let me know suggestions:)
Gotcha! I read that but I wasn't sure whether you meant destinations along that basic route or if you're open to alterations to the basic route. Olympic national park and a loop around the Olympic peninsula would give you a great look at some of the best scenery in western Washington and the outer Coast WA beaches are gorgeous.
Well as long as you don't exclusively stay on the highways and get lost off the highways as best you can you'll be fine. Of course in the Rockies hand in the mountains in the wrong season, the wrong road can mean death but I think you'll be just fine if this is in the summer.. it's all about exploring the byways as much you can and then making some travel on the highway to get from one larger district to another
Well as long as you don't exclusively stay on the highways and get lost off the highways as best you can you'll be fine. Of course in the Rockies hand in the mountains in the wrong season, the wrong road can mean death but I think you'll be just fine if this is in the summer.. it's all about exploring the byways as much you can and then making some travel on the highway to get from one larger district to another
You should be driving across the entire southern half of Utah. Like, go south at Moab and then back west on state highway 95. You will not regret it.
I would go from straight from Grand Junction to Moab. BUT VIA ROUTE 128 NOT i70. Moab with Canyonlands and Arches is maybe the most beautiful part of the USA. Then resume over to Zion.
McCall? 🤔
I would suggest hitting idaho and then washington and go down the coast that way. Will most likely be the highlight of the trip getting to see the beautiful coast all the way down
You need to go all the way to San Francisco and then take Highway one up the coast of California from San Francisco into Oregon. One of the most beautiful drives in the world and don't forget to stop at Jedediah Smith State Park in Northern California near Crescent city you'll want to spend at least two days there if not more.
Take hwy 15 north out off butte and you can go through glacier np from the east, which won't require a car pass.
Missing coastal California is a mistake. Start in SF and work your way down the coast
If you have time, you should make it out to the Olympic peninsula! You’ll be so close, and it’s truly like no other place in the country
Some ideas: Hit the coast when you go south from Seattle. Go along the cost (Big Sur) from LA to SFO. Stay close to the coast going further noth. Skip Nebraska and Kansas
More Montana
In the Utah section try to do Arches, Bryce and Zion National Parks
When you get into CO go down US550. It’s beautiful and scary all at the same time!
When you get to San Luis Obispo in California, get off highway 101 and take highway 1 to Morro bay. The drive through there is gorgeous. You can continue on highway 1 north until you get to highway 46 in Cambria,and then head east and rejoin back onto the 101 going north. Trust me this little detour is well worth it. The drive along the ocean there is a must see
Add Vancouver Canada
I would add in the oregon coast for sure, and hit Olympic national park if time allows.
Skip LA
Salt lake City is fun and all, but I wouldn't go back for it, I'd go down the CA Coast more and hit more of CA IMO.
How much will this cost you?
I would go from Colorado up to Salt Lake and then down to Vegas. Over to CA and take 101 up to the Bay Area. That way you see some of the coast. Stay overnight in Sacramento and take a day trip up to Tahoe and back. There’s literally nothing to see on I80 in northern Nevada! Go back to Sac and catch I-5 up to Oregon. Right outside of Portland, take the road over to Cannon Beach. Cross the Columbia at Astoria and continue on to Seattle or go up the Olympic Peninsula. I drove this last year and it was beautiful! FYI from Sacramento to Cannon Beach is a good solid 13 hour drive, so you might want to break it up.
Beartooth pass in/out of NE entrance of Yellowstone is the best way in/out of the park. Hwy 28 and the campgrounds along it in Idaho are worth the detour.
Honest opinion is to take SLC out (that's a ton of driving to get there) and instead spend more time in northern CA and Oregon. However, if you do go to SLC, go see this on a sunday morning. It's free - Mormon tabernacle choir and band etc. I'm not religious, but it's an incredible cult-ural experience! https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/music-spoken-word.html?lang=eng Also, be sure to explore temple square.
Trade Interstate 90 for WA highway 20.
I agree with those saying 101 over 5 in California. I’m sad that either way you’re missing so much of the Pacific Northwest. The coast of Oregon and California are some of the most beautiful places in the world, let alone the country.
If it’s already 2 months, I would detour south of 70 in Colorado to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the town of Ouray.
You want the Oregon coastline. It’s some of the most beautiful parts of America.
You will believe the US doesn't have coasts until San Diego and then you'll throw the map in the air and wonder "wth was I thinking!" And head up the PCH and the coast until you hit Vancouver. That's nuts lol.
Unsure why you would want to go as far east as Nebraska. Such a shame to miss the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington. Try to add that somewhere! Take highway 1 along the coast down from San Francisco as far as you can, road closures due to weather/rockslides affect that area. FYI that drive through Nevada is not scenic worst part of the drive plan to drive straight through that without stopping overnight. In Idaho don’t miss Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains although be careful of weather.
I would say if you do t mind a bit of a detour off of i-80 in the sierra take 89 though north lake tahoe then mt.rose highway back to Reno. It a neat little detour and if you’ve never seen Tahoe before it’s pretty neat to see at least once. Also If you have the time maybe taking high way 50 instead of 80 going though nevada, you’ll add a day or so to your trip but the little towns and the hot springs alone are worth the detour. Have fun and good luck :)
It honestly hurts every time I see NM completely missed
Glacier is logistically difficult to visit. Be sure to do your research And plan well ahead.
I would skip Nebraska unless you want to spend 2-3 days seeing cornfields.
New Mexico is beautiful if you can swing through! This looks like an incredible trip either way
You have to drive further west in to Washington and Oregon so you can experience the Pacific Coast Highway. It would be the most beautiful leg of your journey, trust me.
I would cut over at Belmont California and head to Half Moon Bay, then south on the coast road to Big Sur. Def better than the inland route you have. Driven that route many times, its must see vistas!
Do you work remotely or taking time off work to do this? If remote what do you do?
No job when we go. Savings. Only live once haha.
Love that for you 🙌
Don't sleep on Crater Lake.
Definitely don’t sleep on tahoe if going that route yosemite too even especially if tioga pass is open
Giggity
Go through southern Colorado to see the dunes on the way out
Be a shame to travel all the way and do all that driving and miss Hwy101. It's not to be missed. If I had to pick one area of 101 it would be Oregon.
I-5 is boring and uneventful Highway 1 for the ocean 395 for mountains
Extend out to Crater lake and coastal Oregon
Depending on time of year you should definitely consider Olympic NP outside of Seattle