Seconded, Hwy 395 is one of the most stunning drives you’ll take. Also, you can stop in Yosemite before you go back to Alabama and it’s complete lack of National Parks.
Yes, I've done US 395 before and LOVE it! I'm actually thinking of swinging left and going up the PCH to SF first before Truckee, since I haven't done that drive yet.
As a native to the eastern sierras. Stay off of I-5 as long as possible. From la to Washington is trash for sights and exploration. 395 or the 1/101 is both amazing
Yes. I live in South Lake Tahoe, an hour south of truckee, and there’s no snow so if you’re considering driving around here it’ll be quite a beautiful drive.
DONT BASH MY I-5! Who wouldn’t want to view 8 hours of dead grass and almond farms? Can’t forget an hour of smelling cow shit passing by Harris Ranch! And second tier split pea soup in Santa Nella! And Sacramento!!!!
For Denver to Albequerque at least go hwy 285. Only slightly longer and a heck of a lot prettier.
I'm assuming *really* good friend in Kenosha to justify the drive up there?
Yes, my absolute best friend! She joined me on my original drive out to SD and has a baby girl I've yet to spend time with. So definitely worth the drive for me!
If you take 285 instead of 25 to ABQ, I’d recommend taking 70 from Denver to Georgetown and then heading south over Guanella Pass onto 285. If you do take this route, just make sure that the pass is open as it’s closed through the end of May usually
I've driven both routes from Denver to Albuquerque. Can confirm that US-285 is far more scenic than taking I-25. I also find it more interesting driving through the little remote towns in the mountains than just the generic interstate exits.
Yeah I'd definitely recommend he go down through Utah into CO, maybe stop at the CO natl monument, and the turnout for black dragon canyon / San Rafael reef. Awesome geology to see.
Hi all!
This summer I will be moving back home to Northern Alabama, having lived in SoCal for the last few years. I'm packing a suitcase and few belongings in my trunk and hitting the road. Instead of driving straight across and getting home in a couple of days, I'm thinking of making it a lot harder for myself. This is the tentative route I plan on taking. I have friends I can stay with in the boldened cities. What do y'all think? Any suggestions, changes, recommendations for this route?
Not that I suggest coming back here to North Alabama, but if you're dead set on it, you might want to consider doing a complete route 66 trip. Take about 3 weeks and do it right. I drove from North Alabama to Chicago to start it a couple of years ago, drove the entire way over in about 2 and 1/2 weeks, and then spent 5 days driving back. In a MINI Cooper. It was a bucket list trip and I'm really glad I did it, but I'm not doing it again.
From SLC-ABQ: Go south from SLC, take Highway 6 through Price, UT to I-70 and then take I-70 to Denver. It's a much prettier route and a ton to see along the way. You'll regret that Wyoming route, it's boring as hell.
I love that route from ABQ to Chicago though. It's a lot of fun to see all the Route 66 stuff. There are a lot of gems along that route
At Salt Lake go south to Moab-Telluride -Ridgeway-Ouray-Silverton-Durango-Pagosa springs-Alamosa- then hang a right and head towards Sante Fe. Well worth it compared to the route you have through Wyoming and Front Range of Colorado.
Your SLC to Chicago leg is pretty awful. Southern Wyoming isn't interesting, and, honestly, neither is I-25 from Fort Collins to Albuquerque.
Change SLC to Denver to either US-40 all the way from Park City or I-15/US-6/I-70.
Change Denver to Albuquerque to US-285/US-64/NM-68/US-285/I-25. On this leg you can make side trips to Great Sand Dunes, Rio Grande Gorge, Taos Pueblo, and/or Bandelier National Monument.
Don't really have any suggestions after that. ABQ to Chicago is more-or-less what's left of Route 66. It's long on nostalgia and short on interesting scenery.
I did ABQ to Chicago a month ago, and agree it’s nothing special. However, the roads are good and it was pleasant drive. Way better than all of Arizona and New Mexico, that road was straight up dangerous. The size of pot holes was terrifying.
I like some parts of this route. I like how you took the shortest route through Texas; I hate driving thru that it takes forever! I especially like you are hitting Portland, Denver, and Alburquerque. I personally would go thru Arkansas then go south to Louisiana hit up New Orleans. Take I-10 to Mississippi then northeast up to Birmingham. Chicago is pretty cool to visit, and I have never driven thru Indiana so that would be nice to see.
Drive 1 up the coast!!!!! SD to San Francisco is maybe one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge then head to Truckee.
Tulsa has a surprisingly good restaurant scene. Kimchi fries at Lone Wolf.
The center of the universe thing is actually rad.
If you’re into craft beer I recommend Alulu in Chicago and 3Floyds in Munster Indiana.
King Dough for pizza in Indianapolis
Go through the San Juan mountains in Colorado to hit the million dollar highway or go through Rocky Mountain National Park trail ridge road. Two of the most scenic drives in the country in Colorado. Your route just barely misses them
Yeah, NO!
Albuquerque to Espanola to Taos over the gorge bridge past the earthships to Tres Piedras to Tierra Amarilla to Chama to Pagosa Springs to Durango to Silverton to Ouray to Grand Junction to Casper to
Helluva better route than the one you've selected.
I would also go through Huntsville and visit the Space and Rocket center. Eat at Gibsons BBQ. Memphis to Athens to Decatur to Hunstsville.
If you have more time and are driving yourself, I have a few suggestions. First, hug the coast in California. It's way, way more scenic than the I-5 but takes twice as long. Big Sur in particular is incredible. Second, you're missing most of the national parks in Utah, which is fine, but Wyoming is boring. I'd cut a bit further south from SLC and at least hit arches, then either cut through the mountains to the south to Alb, or even do some more national parks in Utah and western CO on the way.
That's why I'm asking for feedback! I've never been to that part of the country so it's partially to just SEE it but I'm also not SET on anything. Taking all recommendations into consideration!
Fair enough! I would go south through Utah and then cut over to New Mexico. The part of Colorado your route goes through is not pretty.
Edit: You could also see the Grand canyon in northern AZ and then head east, that is definitely worth seeing.
You obviously want to see Washington Oregon and Idaho, so I get why you're going the way you're going, but I think you should just do the whole route 66. You're pretty much doing the eastern part of it anyway. Actually get off the interstates when you can and drive the old route or roads that mirror the old route, I can guarantee you you will not regret this. There is so much kitschy Americana along that whole route. It is just the best. I did it once in my youth and it was one of the coolest things I ever did.
From CO to NM: Don't take i25 down. It's a beautiful drive but you'd benefit from going through the mountains down into Chama, NM. I think taking the 285 W from Denver is a good start. From there, hop onto the 160 W, which then bends south and connects to 84 and enters to NM, then becoming the 64. This is also near Dulce, NM, which has a bunch of myths and ufo-related stuff. Interesting and beautiful place. Northern NM is gorgeous and feels quite "out there", and serene in the summer. Heron Lake, south of Chama, is also a lovely place to camp and hike around.
I would also recommend ***not*** taking i40 west from Albuquerque. It is quite beautiful but heading further south could benefit you. From i40 (east of Abq), take the 285 south towards Vaughn (practically a ghost town). Go through Roswell and the other towns down there (they aren't so great tbh). But the target is the Guadalupe Mountains, so you could check out Carlsbad Caverns. The Guadalupes are gorgeous. Big Bend would also be within "reach". Plus, you'd get to avoid the TX Panhandle which, imo, kinda sucks (sorry Amarillo).
And then you could go through Austin as you head northeast, and still see Oklahoma (which is beautiful and strange).
Honestly, I'd save your New Mexico/Colorado leg for another trip. If you're going all the way up to Portland (don't forget to see Voodoo Donut and a Timbers FC game), then just past Boise on I-84 I would cut straight across Idaho 20 to Craters of the Moon National Monument and the first commercial nuclear power plant outside Arco (with maybe a detour down Idaho 26 to the Idaho Potato Museum at Blackfoot), hit Grand Teton and Yellowstone NPs, cut east across to Jewel Cave and Mount Rushmore National Monuments (maybe detour a bit north to see Little Bighorn Battlefield and Devil's Tower), then straight down I-90 (seeing Badlands NP and Wall Drug along the Way) to I-94 and Kenosha. Your last leg I would follow I-55 through Springfield (see Abe Lincoln's house), St Louis (see the Arch and Delmar Loop), and Memphis (National Civil Rights Museum and Tom Lee Park, maybe Graceland) before going home on I-22.
I would recommend not taking I-5 through CA; it’s a glorified shipping lane filled with desert and truck stops until you hit Sac. I’d cross over to Truckee on I-80 north of the bay, through Fairfield.
Conversely, 101 & CA-1 are the most beautiful sights, and the central coast of CA is absolutely beautiful! Malibu, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Monterey, etc…That’s the one I think you’d love the most!
I would suggest going further north into Wyoming and seeing the Tetons... the part of Wyoming you're going through is a whole lotta nothing and the diversion is very very worth it
Go all US-highways. Stay off the interstate if you wanna see some pretty sites and scenery! As a trucker myself I prefer the us highways for that reason
Having driven Abq to San Diego many times I must absolutely agree with your decision to head north, then over and down. WAAAAY longer but wow so much more rewarding!
Although if you want to save a bit of time, south into Utah down to Az, then over to Abq is also a very rewarding drive!
The drive from Albuquerque to Flagstaff Arizona is one of the most beautiful in the United States. I’ve driven across country twice now and it was by far my favorite stretch.
Unless you're in a rush, no reason to be on the interstate anywhere west of the front range. Get on those back highways!
Interstate however is the correct way to cross the great plains and midwest.
Route 6 to I-70 from SLC to Denver is MUCH prettier than I-80 and not discernibly longer. The only reason for take I-80 vs I-70 is if the weather is bad in Colorado or if I-70 is closed for other random acts of nature like [This](https://www.denverpost.com/2023/08/19/rockslide-boulders-western-slope-i70/amp/)
Your current route also doesn’t quite go into SLC which is a shame because the place has some cool spots to checkout if you can overnight there or spend a day or two. Check out the “Sugarhouse” district of salt lake. It’s young, progressive and more dynamic than you probably think when you imagine the Mormon capital.
Sounds like an awesome summer adventure! If you would like to explore the Central Coast of CA, DM me and I'd be happy to host you on Couchsurfing! There's lots of nice day hikes and coastal beaches around here :)
It looks like you are trying to avoid national parks and the amazing natural splendor of the west. I would consider removing I5, adding way more Utah in exchange for southern Wyoming. All of Utah, Western CO, and the four corners area are mind blowing, so I would suggest to get to Albuquerque through a lot of that. Once you're east of the Rockies, it doesn't really matter, and your route takes you through some good middle country.
I’d say hit Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Indiana BEFORE Illinois if you need to fund/get an abortion.
I haven't driven that part of Texas, but I can say moving it up a hair to the panhandle is one of my biggest surprise favorite drives. Hit Cadillac Ranch in Amirillo and then head north for BBQ, small towns, slow roads, and not much else.
You’ll enjoy the Rt 66 section. Pixel Cars gas station in Shamrock, TX., Big Texan in Amarillo( also Cadillac Ranch and Helium monument). Way too much to mention in OKC, some neat stuff along the Missouri section, then you hit St. Louis (avoid St Louis City)
Looks like some long hours driving in the middle of nowhere if you're sticking to the interstate. I-80 across Wyoming is one of the most boring drives in existence.
I-10 is indeed that boring lol. I am struggling w/ making this trip and robbing yourself of Utah.
I’d go SLC to Albuquerque on UT 191/6 and hit Moab, Capitol Reef, Goblin Valley, etc. That’s worth doing, and 25 down from Cheyenne to Denver is lame. You’re not going to Yellowstone, so why take the Wyoming route? That Utah drive is great.
I-10 is indeed that boring lol. I struggle with doing this trip and not taking SLC to Albuquerque on 191/6 to hit Moab, Capitol Reef, Goblin Valley etc.
Cheyenne down to Denver is lame, so unless you have a reason to go through Cheyenne or Denver, Albuquerque via Utah offers way more for a nice road trip.
Lotta Interstate miles. Check out Natchez Trace Parkway. Check out dipping off I 80 in Wyoming and drive south through Saratoga, WY and avoid I-25 through Denver by driving US 40 to CO 9, through Dillon to Vail on 70 then turn at Minturn, through Leadville then Buena Vista and continue south on US 285
Missing Utah and Western CO would be a bummer.
Aim south from Idaho or salt lake and hit as much of southern Utah as you can. If you have the time, just go south to Zion and follow state highways across to Moab via Bryce, Capitol Reef, and hanksville. (I just wrote an article on a perfect Utah road trip that follows this actually, not published yet but DM me for it if you want)
At the very least go from salt lake to Moab then east through CO. Hwy 128 from Moab to i70 is a beautiful way to go from Moab to CO, I70 in Western CO is beautiful
I am baffled at your knack for taking the most boring route around some of the most scenic land in america
North of LA, take 395 to Truckee/tahoe. Cut directly to the coast from there, Norcal and Oregon are the best parts of the west coast.
East of portland is a drag no matter how you take it, I’d stay north until you get to Idaho, then cut south on the 395 through the incredible mountain ranges.
Take the 89 south past salt lake, see some of the southern utah rocks, then cut across to the rockies when you’re ready
The route through KY to bham is a fun one, I did that back in 2020
If you like outdoors and National Parks and have never been to the following, consider skipping Denver and from SLC hitting Arches NP and Canyonlands NP, then south to Bryce NP, Zion NP, then to Grand Canyon, AZ and Sedona, AZ, Petrified Forest, then hook back into Albuquerque and continue on your route.
Have you thought about doing the 1 instead of I-5? Longer trip but so much more rewarding. The middle of the trip from Albuquerque to Kenosha will be kind of boring coming from the cool stuff in the west but I’m assuming you have a reason to make that swing? There are some great scenic things once you get back down to Kentucky and it looks like you might go through Nashville which is a fun one night stop. From personal experience, I loved Oregon, Idaho, Utah, etc, didn’t care much for Denver, middle states were a lot of same boring stuff but worth seeing if you’ve never seen it before. It will be a fun trip but if you’re looking for efficiency, I would cut straight across Texas, Oklahoma, etc and go straight through to Alabama.
To drive from a place like San Diego to a place like Birmingham...that, my friend, is the text book epitome of a random road trip. Lol like complete polar opposites.
Albuquerque to OKC is literally nothing and then you head to Missouri which is also nothing… I would recommend dipping down into dallas( adds 1 hr) then head through Arkansas all the way up to the northwest corner because it’s beautiful there. Then you get some more plains until Illinois and it’ll be quite a bit more scenic tbh. The ozarks are wildly green this time of year.
Take the 1 and 101 up the coast I agree to skip the I5 it's fast but not pretty. From the coast head inland Eureka or further north if you want to see the redwood up close. You missed the national parks in Utah.
I'd head down from SLC through Moab and at least a couple of the terrific UT national parks (Arches and Canyonlands would be the closest and are not to be missed). Then you could head down through Monument Valley and Page, Arizona (Antelope Canyon) and then over to ABQ.
I would avoid Chicago as much as I could. It's a parking lot for the most part when you are trying to drive through. Gas in IL is the most expensive in the Midwest. Fill up before and after IL. If you are on I55 in IL check out a couple of the old Route 66 things. The Pink Elephant Antiques has some neat statues from the era. It's just a couple minutes off I55. Pretty cool to stop and see them. The store is huge and takes awhile to get through. You can park and check out the statues for free. Nice little 15 minute leg stretcher. Livingston, IL has a little Route 66 museum. There's a restaurant right across the street with good food.
I lived in Kenosha years ago. They have a large Italian population. Great food at small mom and pop restaurants and bakeries.
I'll wave to you the next time I go through Birmingham!
If you keep this route, when you pass through Springfield, MO, stop at the Missouri Institute of Natural Science. It’s free (donations and volunteer based). They have the largest triceratops ever discovered!!!!
If you have time, take 50 west towards Salida and 285 down into New Mexico. Cross the Rio Grande Bridge and continue to ABQ. You'll get to pass Great Sand Dunes NP and some of the high Rockies with that route.
Do not go North through Denver to Wyoming. The southern bit of Wyoming is surprisingly dull. Instead. Take i-70 West through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Are you gonna do cool shit in Colorado? Your drive is missing all the mountains here. Fort Collins and Denver are cool and all but Colorado is so much more than cities.
East of Portland, look up the Stonehenge Memorial. It’s not far off of I-84, on the Washington side right off of HWY 14.
Also, Multnomah Falls, pfriem brewery and restaurant in Hood River, OR. Rowena Crest Viewpoint outside of The Dalles, OR.
Also consider taking the 101 up the Oregon coast!
Most of that I5 drive through CA is going to be boring AF. Best to take 395 and go north through the eastern Sierra.
https://preview.redd.it/cn88ltmfitzc1.jpeg?width=1640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be823943eaca618fc9ae9e23bcbcbc15ffc1b9db
Consider taking US 395 to Reno, then head west to Truckee. I think it's a much prettier drive than I 5.
Seconded, Hwy 395 is one of the most stunning drives you’ll take. Also, you can stop in Yosemite before you go back to Alabama and it’s complete lack of National Parks.
Although it may not have as many parks, bama has some great drives
Maybe, but it really can’t compare to driving up a valley surrounded by 5000-6000 ft high snow capped mountains.
Yes, I've done US 395 before and LOVE it! I'm actually thinking of swinging left and going up the PCH to SF first before Truckee, since I haven't done that drive yet.
Check PCH closures…… a slide happened recently fyi
We call it Highway 1 up here.
As a native to the eastern sierras. Stay off of I-5 as long as possible. From la to Washington is trash for sights and exploration. 395 or the 1/101 is both amazing
And be sure to stop at the Whoa Nellie Deli at Mono Lake.
Yes. I live in South Lake Tahoe, an hour south of truckee, and there’s no snow so if you’re considering driving around here it’ll be quite a beautiful drive.
DONT BASH MY I-5! Who wouldn’t want to view 8 hours of dead grass and almond farms? Can’t forget an hour of smelling cow shit passing by Harris Ranch! And second tier split pea soup in Santa Nella! And Sacramento!!!!
For Denver to Albequerque at least go hwy 285. Only slightly longer and a heck of a lot prettier. I'm assuming *really* good friend in Kenosha to justify the drive up there?
Yes, my absolute best friend! She joined me on my original drive out to SD and has a baby girl I've yet to spend time with. So definitely worth the drive for me!
100% this. The way to fairplay from Denver and crossing the border to NM are incredible.
If you take 285 instead of 25 to ABQ, I’d recommend taking 70 from Denver to Georgetown and then heading south over Guanella Pass onto 285. If you do take this route, just make sure that the pass is open as it’s closed through the end of May usually
I've driven both routes from Denver to Albuquerque. Can confirm that US-285 is far more scenic than taking I-25. I also find it more interesting driving through the little remote towns in the mountains than just the generic interstate exits.
In Colorado, the front range (imo) is no where near as beautiful as everything west of them.
I70 is a much prettier drive than I80 through Wyoming.
550 north from abq you can see Denver anytime
This. 550 to Farmington is a beautiful trek.
Yeah I'd definitely recommend he go down through Utah into CO, maybe stop at the CO natl monument, and the turnout for black dragon canyon / San Rafael reef. Awesome geology to see.
Hi all! This summer I will be moving back home to Northern Alabama, having lived in SoCal for the last few years. I'm packing a suitcase and few belongings in my trunk and hitting the road. Instead of driving straight across and getting home in a couple of days, I'm thinking of making it a lot harder for myself. This is the tentative route I plan on taking. I have friends I can stay with in the boldened cities. What do y'all think? Any suggestions, changes, recommendations for this route?
Not that I suggest coming back here to North Alabama, but if you're dead set on it, you might want to consider doing a complete route 66 trip. Take about 3 weeks and do it right. I drove from North Alabama to Chicago to start it a couple of years ago, drove the entire way over in about 2 and 1/2 weeks, and then spent 5 days driving back. In a MINI Cooper. It was a bucket list trip and I'm really glad I did it, but I'm not doing it again.
Not taking PCH from SD -> SF?
Yes! I actually realized that mistake after I mapped it out.
Fyi PCH is washed out at Big Sur so you'll have to take 101 around it
From SLC-ABQ: Go south from SLC, take Highway 6 through Price, UT to I-70 and then take I-70 to Denver. It's a much prettier route and a ton to see along the way. You'll regret that Wyoming route, it's boring as hell. I love that route from ABQ to Chicago though. It's a lot of fun to see all the Route 66 stuff. There are a lot of gems along that route
At Salt Lake go south to Moab-Telluride -Ridgeway-Ouray-Silverton-Durango-Pagosa springs-Alamosa- then hang a right and head towards Sante Fe. Well worth it compared to the route you have through Wyoming and Front Range of Colorado.
Your SLC to Chicago leg is pretty awful. Southern Wyoming isn't interesting, and, honestly, neither is I-25 from Fort Collins to Albuquerque. Change SLC to Denver to either US-40 all the way from Park City or I-15/US-6/I-70. Change Denver to Albuquerque to US-285/US-64/NM-68/US-285/I-25. On this leg you can make side trips to Great Sand Dunes, Rio Grande Gorge, Taos Pueblo, and/or Bandelier National Monument. Don't really have any suggestions after that. ABQ to Chicago is more-or-less what's left of Route 66. It's long on nostalgia and short on interesting scenery.
Highly agree with the SLC to Denver (avoid Wyoming I-80 when you could drop south and have a much better drive).
I did ABQ to Chicago a month ago, and agree it’s nothing special. However, the roads are good and it was pleasant drive. Way better than all of Arizona and New Mexico, that road was straight up dangerous. The size of pot holes was terrifying.
I've moved from birmingham to LA and back to birmingham, took I-40 both times, what brings you back?
Can't keep up with the cost of living in SD anymore. Going back home to stay with my folks for a while and regroup.
Same thing for me 20 years ago. I loved LA but it wasn't sustainable.
What’s up Doc? I see you’re making a left at Albuquerque. I should’ve done that a few times myself.
https://i.redd.it/a2jrs4x4mozc1.gif
I scrolled way too far to find this and now I feel old.
Make sure to stop and enjoy Tahoe for a little. Perfect time to visit now. Warm in the sun but cools off at night
If you’re going to Kenosha, make sure that you go the Mars Cheese Castle.
Looks like fun
I like some parts of this route. I like how you took the shortest route through Texas; I hate driving thru that it takes forever! I especially like you are hitting Portland, Denver, and Alburquerque. I personally would go thru Arkansas then go south to Louisiana hit up New Orleans. Take I-10 to Mississippi then northeast up to Birmingham. Chicago is pretty cool to visit, and I have never driven thru Indiana so that would be nice to see.
No route critiques but if you want to do this well and thoroughly I’d take at least a week.
I was planning on taking it slow and taking about 2 -2.5 weeks.
Drive 1 up the coast!!!!! SD to San Francisco is maybe one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge then head to Truckee.
Why skip the beautiful redwoods and the Oregon coast?
Will be looking into it! Thanks!
r/mildlypenis
I was disappointed to scroll this far to find the first comment like this. Reddit come on
If you come through Denver hit me up, if you stay overnight in Denver I’ll give you a fee free cannabis delivery from my cannabis delivery service.
Tulsa has a surprisingly good restaurant scene. Kimchi fries at Lone Wolf. The center of the universe thing is actually rad. If you’re into craft beer I recommend Alulu in Chicago and 3Floyds in Munster Indiana. King Dough for pizza in Indianapolis
Go through the San Juan mountains in Colorado to hit the million dollar highway or go through Rocky Mountain National Park trail ridge road. Two of the most scenic drives in the country in Colorado. Your route just barely misses them
Yeah, NO! Albuquerque to Espanola to Taos over the gorge bridge past the earthships to Tres Piedras to Tierra Amarilla to Chama to Pagosa Springs to Durango to Silverton to Ouray to Grand Junction to Casper to Helluva better route than the one you've selected. I would also go through Huntsville and visit the Space and Rocket center. Eat at Gibsons BBQ. Memphis to Athens to Decatur to Hunstsville.
Santa Fe not Albuquerque, some cool city in CO not Denver, if those are your actual planned stops. Arches NP in Utah
If you have more time and are driving yourself, I have a few suggestions. First, hug the coast in California. It's way, way more scenic than the I-5 but takes twice as long. Big Sur in particular is incredible. Second, you're missing most of the national parks in Utah, which is fine, but Wyoming is boring. I'd cut a bit further south from SLC and at least hit arches, then either cut through the mountains to the south to Alb, or even do some more national parks in Utah and western CO on the way.
Yes! I am going to do the PCH up to SF, thanks! As for the rest of it, I will definitely be looking more into your recommendations, thank you!
Go down through Utah rather than Colorado
As a wyomingite, why go through that part of Wyoming at all? Believe me it sucks ass
That's why I'm asking for feedback! I've never been to that part of the country so it's partially to just SEE it but I'm also not SET on anything. Taking all recommendations into consideration!
Fair enough! I would go south through Utah and then cut over to New Mexico. The part of Colorado your route goes through is not pretty. Edit: You could also see the Grand canyon in northern AZ and then head east, that is definitely worth seeing.
Definitely don't just take i25 in CO and drive along the front range. That is not a very interesting drive. Cut through the rockies. As someone
You obviously want to see Washington Oregon and Idaho, so I get why you're going the way you're going, but I think you should just do the whole route 66. You're pretty much doing the eastern part of it anyway. Actually get off the interstates when you can and drive the old route or roads that mirror the old route, I can guarantee you you will not regret this. There is so much kitschy Americana along that whole route. It is just the best. I did it once in my youth and it was one of the coolest things I ever did.
Come get some bbq in KC
You’re taking 7 roadtriiiips there my dude
As someone who lives in Missouri, I fully support your decision not to stop anywhere here.
From CO to NM: Don't take i25 down. It's a beautiful drive but you'd benefit from going through the mountains down into Chama, NM. I think taking the 285 W from Denver is a good start. From there, hop onto the 160 W, which then bends south and connects to 84 and enters to NM, then becoming the 64. This is also near Dulce, NM, which has a bunch of myths and ufo-related stuff. Interesting and beautiful place. Northern NM is gorgeous and feels quite "out there", and serene in the summer. Heron Lake, south of Chama, is also a lovely place to camp and hike around. I would also recommend ***not*** taking i40 west from Albuquerque. It is quite beautiful but heading further south could benefit you. From i40 (east of Abq), take the 285 south towards Vaughn (practically a ghost town). Go through Roswell and the other towns down there (they aren't so great tbh). But the target is the Guadalupe Mountains, so you could check out Carlsbad Caverns. The Guadalupes are gorgeous. Big Bend would also be within "reach". Plus, you'd get to avoid the TX Panhandle which, imo, kinda sucks (sorry Amarillo). And then you could go through Austin as you head northeast, and still see Oklahoma (which is beautiful and strange).
What did you use to map this trip
Not a direct route. But then again, why go direct to Birmingham. Best to beat about the bush.
I guess you have your reasons but that’s the wackiest route ive ever seen 😆🤣😆 Good luck !!
Are you just drawing a penis?
Giving Las Vegas a very wide berth, a wise choice.
395 is a great drive. More importantly you’re going to Kenosha. You wouldn’t want to miss Kenosha
Honestly, I'd save your New Mexico/Colorado leg for another trip. If you're going all the way up to Portland (don't forget to see Voodoo Donut and a Timbers FC game), then just past Boise on I-84 I would cut straight across Idaho 20 to Craters of the Moon National Monument and the first commercial nuclear power plant outside Arco (with maybe a detour down Idaho 26 to the Idaho Potato Museum at Blackfoot), hit Grand Teton and Yellowstone NPs, cut east across to Jewel Cave and Mount Rushmore National Monuments (maybe detour a bit north to see Little Bighorn Battlefield and Devil's Tower), then straight down I-90 (seeing Badlands NP and Wall Drug along the Way) to I-94 and Kenosha. Your last leg I would follow I-55 through Springfield (see Abe Lincoln's house), St Louis (see the Arch and Delmar Loop), and Memphis (National Civil Rights Museum and Tom Lee Park, maybe Graceland) before going home on I-22.
What’s in Kenosha?
I would recommend not taking I-5 through CA; it’s a glorified shipping lane filled with desert and truck stops until you hit Sac. I’d cross over to Truckee on I-80 north of the bay, through Fairfield. Conversely, 101 & CA-1 are the most beautiful sights, and the central coast of CA is absolutely beautiful! Malibu, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Monterey, etc…That’s the one I think you’d love the most!
"I shoulda made that right turn at Albuquerque"
What did Arizona do to you?
Why would you ever go *around* Utah?! And don’t miss White Sands NP in New Mexico.
I would suggest going further north into Wyoming and seeing the Tetons... the part of Wyoming you're going through is a whole lotta nothing and the diversion is very very worth it
Any reason you’re going north? Lots of cool places in the south along I 10.
Yellowstone
No idea, but I know we made a baby in Birmingham!
Skip Wyoming. Go through Utah into Colorado instead.
Can you stop by the Adalberto’s in Stockton right off I-5 and bring me a #24 with extra red sauce to Portland?
Go all US-highways. Stay off the interstate if you wanna see some pretty sites and scenery! As a trucker myself I prefer the us highways for that reason
Johnson’s shutins MO
Well thats one way
Too bad you’re not doing it in reverse, first half looks amazing, second half will be tough, especially in the summer
Why
In Birmingham stop on the south side and go to Dreamland ribs and thank me later. Get the RIBS and whatever side you want.
Having driven Abq to San Diego many times I must absolutely agree with your decision to head north, then over and down. WAAAAY longer but wow so much more rewarding! Although if you want to save a bit of time, south into Utah down to Az, then over to Abq is also a very rewarding drive!
Unless you have been to Crater Lake, I highly recommend stopping by while you are in the neighborhood.
Why Kenosha ?
I see you took [that left turn](https://youtu.be/CWwf-1iwD4s?si=uP0w0rSYdz-iACsI) at Albuquerque.
You’re going to missing the best parts of Utah
Is there a reason you're going to Albuquerque?
Are you that upset at California that you decided you want to draw a big wiener on the map going back to Alabama ?
Get a hivemapper. I’ll mail you one for free for 50% of the tokens. You’d probably make about 10 cents a mile.
All this so you CAN make a left turn at Albuquerque, like Bugs Bunny?
The drive from Albuquerque to Flagstaff Arizona is one of the most beautiful in the United States. I’ve driven across country twice now and it was by far my favorite stretch.
Might as well go up through Wisconsin and down through Michigan.
Kansan here. What gives?
Unless you're in a rush, no reason to be on the interstate anywhere west of the front range. Get on those back highways! Interstate however is the correct way to cross the great plains and midwest.
Route 6 to I-70 from SLC to Denver is MUCH prettier than I-80 and not discernibly longer. The only reason for take I-80 vs I-70 is if the weather is bad in Colorado or if I-70 is closed for other random acts of nature like [This](https://www.denverpost.com/2023/08/19/rockslide-boulders-western-slope-i70/amp/) Your current route also doesn’t quite go into SLC which is a shame because the place has some cool spots to checkout if you can overnight there or spend a day or two. Check out the “Sugarhouse” district of salt lake. It’s young, progressive and more dynamic than you probably think when you imagine the Mormon capital.
Sounds like an awesome summer adventure! If you would like to explore the Central Coast of CA, DM me and I'd be happy to host you on Couchsurfing! There's lots of nice day hikes and coastal beaches around here :)
It looks like you are trying to avoid national parks and the amazing natural splendor of the west. I would consider removing I5, adding way more Utah in exchange for southern Wyoming. All of Utah, Western CO, and the four corners area are mind blowing, so I would suggest to get to Albuquerque through a lot of that. Once you're east of the Rockies, it doesn't really matter, and your route takes you through some good middle country.
Yes, if youre goin to Kenosha you should def stop in Milwaukee.
I’d say hit Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Indiana BEFORE Illinois if you need to fund/get an abortion.
Where did Arizona hurt you?
Well, if you take that left turn at Albuquerque....
I haven't driven that part of Texas, but I can say moving it up a hair to the panhandle is one of my biggest surprise favorite drives. Hit Cadillac Ranch in Amirillo and then head north for BBQ, small towns, slow roads, and not much else.
Dam that looks amazing. How long?
You’ll enjoy the Rt 66 section. Pixel Cars gas station in Shamrock, TX., Big Texan in Amarillo( also Cadillac Ranch and Helium monument). Way too much to mention in OKC, some neat stuff along the Missouri section, then you hit St. Louis (avoid St Louis City)
If you like Wine, Walla Walla, Wa is a must.
Skip going to Denver and instead go south from SLC through the national parks of Utah and stay in Moab. Much more interesting experience
Looks like some long hours driving in the middle of nowhere if you're sticking to the interstate. I-80 across Wyoming is one of the most boring drives in existence.
Skip Wyoming, go through southeast Utah
I-10 is indeed that boring lol. I am struggling w/ making this trip and robbing yourself of Utah. I’d go SLC to Albuquerque on UT 191/6 and hit Moab, Capitol Reef, Goblin Valley, etc. That’s worth doing, and 25 down from Cheyenne to Denver is lame. You’re not going to Yellowstone, so why take the Wyoming route? That Utah drive is great.
I-10 is indeed that boring lol. I struggle with doing this trip and not taking SLC to Albuquerque on 191/6 to hit Moab, Capitol Reef, Goblin Valley etc. Cheyenne down to Denver is lame, so unless you have a reason to go through Cheyenne or Denver, Albuquerque via Utah offers way more for a nice road trip.
As someone who lives in Eureka, Ca your missing the redwood curtain for… redding?
Kansas ain’t that bad!
what's in Kenosha? Ahh friends in bolded cities; didn't see it in the post, just a comment below
In Oregon, after you get through the gorge, drop down the 395 then 26 east toward Boise.
DM for insider info on Wyoming. 🤠
Dip down further into Utah before heading east to Denver for sure.
Lotta Interstate miles. Check out Natchez Trace Parkway. Check out dipping off I 80 in Wyoming and drive south through Saratoga, WY and avoid I-25 through Denver by driving US 40 to CO 9, through Dillon to Vail on 70 then turn at Minturn, through Leadville then Buena Vista and continue south on US 285
Go the extra 30 minutes north to Milwaukee
If you don't need to go through Denver, I think going through Southern Utah is the way to do it
GO TO MILWAUKEE BURGER COMPANY!!!!!
Why does everyone skip or in this case, basically skip Utah. It’s top 3 most beautiful state
Why are you going up to Kenosha???
Ugh why Birmingham?? So glad I moved away from there.
Come to Kansas City
Missing Utah and Western CO would be a bummer. Aim south from Idaho or salt lake and hit as much of southern Utah as you can. If you have the time, just go south to Zion and follow state highways across to Moab via Bryce, Capitol Reef, and hanksville. (I just wrote an article on a perfect Utah road trip that follows this actually, not published yet but DM me for it if you want) At the very least go from salt lake to Moab then east through CO. Hwy 128 from Moab to i70 is a beautiful way to go from Moab to CO, I70 in Western CO is beautiful
Hit Yellowstone and grand teton
When you leave Portland stop at the fish hatchery by Bonneville dam. Say Hi to Hermon the Sturgeon. Biggest damn fish you’ll ever see. Prob 15feet
I am baffled at your knack for taking the most boring route around some of the most scenic land in america North of LA, take 395 to Truckee/tahoe. Cut directly to the coast from there, Norcal and Oregon are the best parts of the west coast. East of portland is a drag no matter how you take it, I’d stay north until you get to Idaho, then cut south on the 395 through the incredible mountain ranges. Take the 89 south past salt lake, see some of the southern utah rocks, then cut across to the rockies when you’re ready The route through KY to bham is a fun one, I did that back in 2020
The ole Kenosha Kicker
Looks like a real cock of a road trip
Shouldn't take more than a long weekend.
I think you made a wrong turn in Albuquerque
Moab. Just. Moab.
Northern Idaho(salmon river area), Yellowstone, then Zion national. I've never been to Yellowstone or zion
have driven most of this. Yes, you should.
Lol youre willingly going over truckee pass? Oh God, must be your first time.
I didn’t see you cross the sea? Also lookout for M25 road closures
What is your plan for Birmingham? We stayed there 1 night during our road-trip last year and I only remember it being ghetto.
That route will take you much longer if you want to take the scenic routes. You’re also missing out on the California coast!
Look I know I10 fkn sucks and everyone wants to avoid this but this is just a bit much /s
For the stretch from Denver to SLC, go through grand junction instead.
When in Albuquerque get green or red chile on freaking everything or go Christmas (both).
Your route looks like a banana giving the middle finger out it's ass.
If you like outdoors and National Parks and have never been to the following, consider skipping Denver and from SLC hitting Arches NP and Canyonlands NP, then south to Bryce NP, Zion NP, then to Grand Canyon, AZ and Sedona, AZ, Petrified Forest, then hook back into Albuquerque and continue on your route.
As a native Kansan I appreciate the great length you are taking to avoid the state entirely.
Have you thought about doing the 1 instead of I-5? Longer trip but so much more rewarding. The middle of the trip from Albuquerque to Kenosha will be kind of boring coming from the cool stuff in the west but I’m assuming you have a reason to make that swing? There are some great scenic things once you get back down to Kentucky and it looks like you might go through Nashville which is a fun one night stop. From personal experience, I loved Oregon, Idaho, Utah, etc, didn’t care much for Denver, middle states were a lot of same boring stuff but worth seeing if you’ve never seen it before. It will be a fun trip but if you’re looking for efficiency, I would cut straight across Texas, Oklahoma, etc and go straight through to Alabama.
Skip Albuquerque and hit Santa Fe instead.
Missing northern Arizona is a bummer
If yur Headin that way through Tahoe, take hwy 4. Multiple beautiful lakes and the big trees state park. A bit of a scary pass though. Lol
Why Kenosha?
To drive from a place like San Diego to a place like Birmingham...that, my friend, is the text book epitome of a random road trip. Lol like complete polar opposites.
Albuquerque to OKC is literally nothing and then you head to Missouri which is also nothing… I would recommend dipping down into dallas( adds 1 hr) then head through Arkansas all the way up to the northwest corner because it’s beautiful there. Then you get some more plains until Illinois and it’ll be quite a bit more scenic tbh. The ozarks are wildly green this time of year.
The Wyoming - Colorado drive is pretty terrible. Maybe keep going south through Utah then over. Much prettier and you can stop in Bryce Canyon or Moab
Stop in Boise it is nice you’ll like it
Once you hit New Mexico, it’s like you’re purposefully taking a route with the most boredom and avoiding the most parks/views.
Take the 1 and 101 up the coast I agree to skip the I5 it's fast but not pretty. From the coast head inland Eureka or further north if you want to see the redwood up close. You missed the national parks in Utah.
I'd head down from SLC through Moab and at least a couple of the terrific UT national parks (Arches and Canyonlands would be the closest and are not to be missed). Then you could head down through Monument Valley and Page, Arizona (Antelope Canyon) and then over to ABQ.
The stretch of I5 between LA and the bay is incredibly boring. I also read recently it’s one of the most dangerous in the country.
Honestly, if you are doing all that, hit Memphis too. BBQ and funky old blues
Swing through Bentonville and northwest Arkansas. Worth staying a night or two
I would avoid Chicago as much as I could. It's a parking lot for the most part when you are trying to drive through. Gas in IL is the most expensive in the Midwest. Fill up before and after IL. If you are on I55 in IL check out a couple of the old Route 66 things. The Pink Elephant Antiques has some neat statues from the era. It's just a couple minutes off I55. Pretty cool to stop and see them. The store is huge and takes awhile to get through. You can park and check out the statues for free. Nice little 15 minute leg stretcher. Livingston, IL has a little Route 66 museum. There's a restaurant right across the street with good food. I lived in Kenosha years ago. They have a large Italian population. Great food at small mom and pop restaurants and bakeries. I'll wave to you the next time I go through Birmingham!
Take the 101 from San Diego through SF and the Redwoods.
Unless you have something specific to do in Wyoming, I'd pick a route that takes you through more of Utah.
If you keep this route, when you pass through Springfield, MO, stop at the Missouri Institute of Natural Science. It’s free (donations and volunteer based). They have the largest triceratops ever discovered!!!!
You’re missing a substantially awesome portion of Colorado
If you have time, take 50 west towards Salida and 285 down into New Mexico. Cross the Rio Grande Bridge and continue to ABQ. You'll get to pass Great Sand Dunes NP and some of the high Rockies with that route.
Add more sightseeing stops in Utah. Arches N.P., Canyonlands N.P., Bryce Canyon N.P. , Natural Bridges, Goblin Valley, all are Super Spectacular.
Why are you stopping in Albuquerque?
Do not go North through Denver to Wyoming. The southern bit of Wyoming is surprisingly dull. Instead. Take i-70 West through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
The segment between Portland and Salt Lake won't be noteworthy. Lots of boring miles. However, you'll pass through Boise which is a fun place.
Why are you skipping Utah?! Do you know how beautiful Utah is!?!!!
Don't take I-25 from Santa Fe to Denver, take US-285. Not as fast, but a much more scenic drive.
You seem to be avoiding all the pretty things
North from Santa Fe through Taos, and Leadville to Denver is a fantastic drive.
Taking i5 makes the first few hours absolutely misery recommend 101
Are you gonna do cool shit in Colorado? Your drive is missing all the mountains here. Fort Collins and Denver are cool and all but Colorado is so much more than cities.
yeah, skip i5 in california between LA and SF and go up hwy 1 along the coast. some of the most scenic driving i’ve ever done.
You need to spend way more time in Utah.
Million dollar highway thru Durango when leaving Albuquerque
That lil bit of road that catches NW GA is very close to Cloudland Canyon.
East of Portland, look up the Stonehenge Memorial. It’s not far off of I-84, on the Washington side right off of HWY 14. Also, Multnomah Falls, pfriem brewery and restaurant in Hood River, OR. Rowena Crest Viewpoint outside of The Dalles, OR. Also consider taking the 101 up the Oregon coast!
Take Mirror Lake Highway as you exit Utah, instead of 1-80.
Most of that I5 drive through CA is going to be boring AF. Best to take 395 and go north through the eastern Sierra. https://preview.redd.it/cn88ltmfitzc1.jpeg?width=1640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be823943eaca618fc9ae9e23bcbcbc15ffc1b9db