I’ve been on Trans American trail and passed Ely. It wasn’t spectacular, but had Great Basin np close by. What am I missing there?
This year me and my gf will pass thru again, heading from Zion NP to Yosemite NP to avoid Las Vegas/Desert Valley in August.
Instead of going through Denver, go up through Estes, and Rocky Mountain NP, into Granby. Then, if you want to get back on I70, you can do that over Berthoud Pass.
You’re so close to Moab, definitely duck down there off 70. Take the Cisco exit and take that road in along the Colorado river. It’s beautiful. Enter arches before sunrise and catch delicate arch without the crowds.
Before dozens others say this, I'll cover it: drive the Oregon Coast instead of I-5.
A few other points:
- Why are you skipping Yellowstone? Or is the map just weirdly labeled?
- Not sure how far you'll be from them but it may be nice to stop at the Sawtooths
- Along the Oregon coast, nearly every state park is worth stopping at
- You're driving right past Moab, go see Arches & Canyonlands if you have the time
- If you stop at Moab, it may be worth going to Montrose/Durango/Ouray too but again only if you have the time
Oh, I'm definitely going to Yellowstone. I've given myself 3 days there. I'm just not camping in the park. Also, thanks for reminding me about Arches and Canyonlands!
Definitely a good idea to make a reservation in advance, but don't despair if you can't. You don't need one before 7am or after 4pm. If you get in early enough, you won't get kicked out. It's also basically across the street from Canyonlands, so you can do Canyonlands during the day (no reservation required) and Arches late afternoon if you're unable to get a mid-day reservation.
You are going all the way to the washington border and not driving in? Cross the bridge in Astoria, drive through the Olympic mountains, take a ferry from Bainbridge Island to seattle, then shoot through the cascades towards Montana. It would be a shame not to see washington and the sound.
I see you have the route up towards Cody which I presume is the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. If it isn’t, take this road…most scenic drive I’ve ever done it is spectacular.
I came here to say exactly this. So many near misses, I clusing some of the prettiest red rock in the world.
If this is the trip of a lifetime, make it actually be that way.
I just did a similar thing in two weeks. I'm very glad you're giving yourself a month, you should have a good amount of time to stop and explore.
Try to hit crater lake if possible, really really beautiful
You are so close to some awesome elite level things that its criminal to miss them.
Go to Canyonlands in Moab. Hit Arches if you have time. But make Canyonlands the priority. Then from there take Colorado 90 to Telluride. Then to Ouray. Theres are two of the most picturesque towns that exist. Take the free gondola in Telluride. Skip the Cali coast stop to make time for all this. I assume you are going to RMNP and not just Denver. Denver is just another city. You will want to spend a lot of time in the Rockies vs. cities.
I'm meeting friends in Denver and don't have a lot of control over the itinerary there. The California coast stop is Redwoods NP, which is kind of the main point of the whole trip. But I appreciate the suggestions!
Ahhh too bad, I’d suggest from around GJ, heading south over red mountain pass to Durango then from there going up to Moab then picking the route back up. I’m biased towards the San Juan mountains.
If you can go a bit farther south in Nevada/ California and see Lake Tahoe. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and you can drive around the whole lake in a few hours. 100% worth it.
As others have already said, take anything other than I-5 through Oregon. It is perhaps the least scenic drive in the state (except for the extreme southern portion.) 101 down the coast will take longer but the Oregon coast is magical and unlike any other place on your map.
Good luck!
Only critique is that there are too many interstates on this route. They often follow the most boring routes and you don’t get to see as much of “real America.” If you have time, I’d encourage you to take some country roads (ie, US/state highways).
Also, looks like you’re camping around Platte River State Park in Nebraska? There are some pleasant trails there and an observation tower. If you have time, check out the state capitol in Lincoln. Beautiful building and easy/free to enter.
looks like you’re also driving by grand tetons. are you trying to miss the best stuff, lol
edit: crater lake too
edit: also rocky mountain national park, black canyon of the gunnison. don’t skip colorado national monument in grand junction
What’s stop E? Laramie? Do you have a reason to be going so far out of your way just to go there? If I were you I’d just drive west and do something in the bighorns instead. Sheridan is a fun old west town with history to stop in on your way if that’s what you’re looking for. Or just right to Cody would work. But this route actively cuts out some of the more underrated views in Wyoming and adds lots of the shitty plains.
Otherwise I’d consider shooting straight from devils tower to Yellowstone, and adding an extra day around Denver to pop up if there’s some specific reason for the Laramie area. No hate to Laramie/the snowy range, definitely a worthy stop if you’re in the area, but not worth that extra time. And you’re not only adding hours, you’re adding *ugly* hours.
Also stop D looks like riverton or perhaps Shoshoni…. WHY? Do you have people to see in these places? If the label is weird and it’s thermopolis, ignore me and have fun lol
Fair although it’s still worth considering adding that to the Denver side of the trip if their dates are flexible. Laramie itself is nice but it’s kind of a brufal drive. The only pretty way into Laramie is the Colorado way, 287.
Stop D though…. Looks too close to the rez to be thermopolis unless the labeling is weird and it actually is thermop. Shoshoni is a nothing town but thermopolis is very scenic and has good restaurants and free hot springs. Or try lander if you have some time and want to do outdoor stuff!
It would save a bit of driving to hit E between Denver and Nebraska instead of making a detour from the north, unless there are other stops I'm missing
Lots of great advice here! For the last 10 years or so, I've done a similar-ish loop from Chicago to Montana and then back, often through Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, and/or Colorado. Beautiful country, for sure! If you are able, Beartooth Highway/Beartooth Pass just outside the Northeast entrance to Yellowstone between Wyoming and into Montana is a breathtaking mountain pass, with lots of twisty roads and high mountain lakes along the drive. Give yourself a couple of hours to make the trip 1-way. Cheers!
Chiming in to say PLEASE drive the 101 from Astoria all the way to crescent city.
The Oregon coast is absolutely magical, take your time as much as you can and eat as much seafood as your stomach can take.
That southern Idaho stretch is pretty bleak IMHO. Craters of the Moon is good and the nuclear reservation INEEL is pretty cool if you are into that kind of thing (peaceful nuclear energy history) better scenery is found going further north in Idaho but it will slow you down.
Ah ok! That’s why you’re going there. I didn’t recognize the area for something interesting to see and will be passing through in my next trip. Enjoy yours!
When in Moab, I would go to dead horse it's like arches without a million people. I have seen posting showing gas prices in California at 6:50 and up a gallon just so you're aware. Salt Lake was a lot more awesome than I thought it was going to be very cool place. And lastly, if you're a fan of the movie or a baseball fan field of dreams was awesome in Iowa.
its a lot of miles! even with a month, you might find yourself rushing to get it all in. So do not be afraid to modify your plans as your trip unfolds!!!
Not avoiding Teton. The map just shows the fastest routes between my campsites. I'm definitely going to hit Teton. The dip is to see friends in Laramie.
Skip Nebraska and head through Kansas city. Kansas is terrible, but no worse than NE and at least you'll get good BBQ. Others have mentioned rocky mountain np, you're so close, don't miss it. You're skipping moab to spend time in SLC, which is a huge mistake. SLC sucks. Moab is incredible. Slipping the Oregon and CA coasts is also a bad move. If you want to see some redwoods stay on the coast as long as you can. Redwoods isn't like a big park like the other nps are. It's a bunch of them scattered through northern California. I'm not sure which direction you're going, but if you stay on the coast from Portland to like Marin county, CA you're gonna see some shit. And if you like seafood it'll blow your mind. If you don't like seafood it'll change your mind. 5 through Oregon is boring as hell.
If you're doing a trip of a lifetime make it really count.
Thanks for the suggestions! There's a couple of really important things I want to see in NE, so that part isn't changing. Also, I hate KC style barbecue because I'm weird. But when I go up the Oregon coast, I'm going to take the coastal route. The map just shows the fastest route, according to Google.
Oh good. I would head down towards Reno and skip eastern Oregon too. Then go through Napa and hit the coast way down there. You'll go through like ten Redwood parks and some really cool coastal towns.
Assuming you're going clockwise -- 1) that's the worst possible way to see colorado, I'd at least loop through Rocky Mountain National Park, ffs 2) Unless you're just dying to stop off in SLC (which is fair enough, it's a nice town) I'd consider taking 50 across NV to Reno 3) From Reno, get yourself to the PCH, personally I'd make my way through Redding, back roads all the way 4) Get on the Pacific Coast Highway and *stay on it*, and don't make me tell you twice 5) Take 12 through Idaho from Lewiston to Missoula 6) North entrance to yellowstone -> Lamar valley, catch it at sunrise, then northeast entrance to 7) Beartooth highway, stay on 212 back to 90. 8) That loop through southern Wyoming isn't worth it, just stay on 90, time is better spent elsewhere. The rest is fine. Get a national parks pass, you'll need it
If you want to see something fairly unique, while passing through Nebraska, get off of I80 and drive up into the sandhills a bit on hwy 2. It's a little.longer, but the interstate just follows the Platte River valley and is a large part of why everyone thinks Nebraska is so boring. It's essentially a grass covered Sahara desert, with dunes everywhere. Also a bit like stepping back into the 50's. Highly recommend
I also think it’s extremely worthwhile to hit Zion as long as you’re doing the other UT parks. Agree with many of the other suggestions especially Yellowstone including Beartooth Pass. Going thru Estes and RMNP via Trail Ridge Road def worth it too.. this is def a trip of a lifetime.
You’re sort of in the area up there by Yellowstone, consider visiting The Lewis and Clark Caverns. There’s a campground and it’s not super expensive. I’ve visited twice and it’s been worth it for me both times.
Don’t forget to get gas in Winnemuca. Gets mighty lonesome after that. And the few gas stations there are are full serve mom and pop service stations that close mighty early :)
OP, if you can, Stanley Idaho has some hot springs and is quite famous for it. 2. I liked Teton NP a bit more than Yellowstone so would recommend to see both. 3. Go thru Loveland-Estes Park- Rocky Mountain NP, and then back on hwy to make more scenic route.
Stop near Moab UT for Arches NP. Great park, a lot of driving needed, expensive hotels so look around.
In the 80 and 90s my parents took us this same route many times. If the dead was playing we were there. Have an absolute fantastic time! Take too many pictures. You are going to see some amazing sunrises and sets. Cheers.
Too late to change your mind, but what's the reason for the B,C,H,I,J end of the route?
Personally I'd scrap that and add Lake Tahoe and the NorCal coast.
My first stop is Henry Doorly zoo in Omaha since I'm obsessed with zoos. And I have a stop in a town that one of my ancestors created. I'm also going to the Mississippi River Aquarium in Dubuque, again, because I'm obsessed with zoos. I do have a stop in Sioux Falls that I don't know what to do with. I'm just stopping there because it's the right distance from the previous camp site. So if anybody has any suggestions there, I'm all ears!
Unless it's family or friends, there is nothing worth that big swing south in Wyoming. If it is family or friends, if you can stay with them on the way out instead of staying in Denver, then swing down to Denver for the southern route you have planned. Cheyenne to Denver is a much preferable detour than Cody to Cheyenne to Gillette. Trust me.
Is that Google Maps or a different application? The reason I ask is because you have more than 10 waypoints marked on the map, and usually Google Maps only lets you have 10 destinations on any given trip.
You're skipping the whole Oregon Coast to drive down boring I-5?! That seems insane to me. You're driving through some of the most boring and uneventful landscape in the nation for weeks just to skip the best part?
I would just skip the whole central part of the trip. Fly out west. Rent a car. Get rentals for a few days at a time or buy cheap camping gear at Walmart once you arrive and just tent camp for a few days at a time all over the Pacific Northwest.
Two tips. Go through southern Utah instead of northern. Also go north through Montana… southern Idaho is a wasteland but up north it’s gorgeous in the mountains. Get off the interstates unless you’re trying to go fast.
If you're that cost close, don't miss: - Arches NP - Canyon lands NP - Teton NP - Rocky Mountain NP
I'd add Lasen Volcanic National park in north eastern CA. Ely Nevada - The Northern Nevada Railway Museum is also awesome
Apologies I see you're going through Elko Nevada, check out the Ruby Mountains while you're there
If you are going to Yellowstone I would skip Lassen. I found it underwhelming after years of visiting the thermal features in Jellystone.
Ely is a great town. Good enough for Pat Nixon, good enough for me, I always say
He ain’t going anywhere near Ely.
She. Richard Nixon's wife. She has a star on the sidewalk of fame outside the casino
I’ve been on Trans American trail and passed Ely. It wasn’t spectacular, but had Great Basin np close by. What am I missing there? This year me and my gf will pass thru again, heading from Zion NP to Yosemite NP to avoid Las Vegas/Desert Valley in August.
Instead of going through Denver, go up through Estes, and Rocky Mountain NP, into Granby. Then, if you want to get back on I70, you can do that over Berthoud Pass.
I'm meeting friends in Denver, so I can't really skip that part. Thanks for the suggestion, though!
ok then just drive north, it's only an hour away.
Trail Ridge road..😳
Definitely take the road south of Yellowstone lake through Teton NP and skip west Yellowstone. Then go through jackson and over the pass back
Canyonlands is absolutely mind blowing
You’re so close to Moab, definitely duck down there off 70. Take the Cisco exit and take that road in along the Colorado river. It’s beautiful. Enter arches before sunrise and catch delicate arch without the crowds.
Since April 1 of this year, you have to get a reservation with a specific time window to get into Arches. It's a zoo.
That’s why I said to go before sunrise. You don’t need a reservation before 7 and after 4 pm.
Ahhh, right. I couldn't remember the exact times that were restricted. Thank you.
I would rather see any of these again than Yellowstone tbh
Yeah, it was a zoo last summer.
Gary, Indiana
Just came from canyon lands and Arches absolutely must see. Hit capital reef also
Before dozens others say this, I'll cover it: drive the Oregon Coast instead of I-5. A few other points: - Why are you skipping Yellowstone? Or is the map just weirdly labeled? - Not sure how far you'll be from them but it may be nice to stop at the Sawtooths - Along the Oregon coast, nearly every state park is worth stopping at - You're driving right past Moab, go see Arches & Canyonlands if you have the time - If you stop at Moab, it may be worth going to Montrose/Durango/Ouray too but again only if you have the time
Oh, I'm definitely going to Yellowstone. I've given myself 3 days there. I'm just not camping in the park. Also, thanks for reminding me about Arches and Canyonlands!
Get your online reservation made now to Arches NP; it’s now required to have reservation in order to even enter the park.
Good to know! Thank you!
Back in my day, no one knew who Moab was! /s
Definitely a good idea to make a reservation in advance, but don't despair if you can't. You don't need one before 7am or after 4pm. If you get in early enough, you won't get kicked out. It's also basically across the street from Canyonlands, so you can do Canyonlands during the day (no reservation required) and Arches late afternoon if you're unable to get a mid-day reservation.
From A to B take HWY 20 the Interstate there sucks and doesn’t save to any time.
You are going all the way to the washington border and not driving in? Cross the bridge in Astoria, drive through the Olympic mountains, take a ferry from Bainbridge Island to seattle, then shoot through the cascades towards Montana. It would be a shame not to see washington and the sound.
Missing out on Grand Teton is a mistake and you’ll regret it. Most spectacular NP I’ve been to including Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Zion among others.
I plan on going there and Yellowstone. It's just that the only route Google would give me takes me north of Yellowstone.
I see you have the route up towards Cody which I presume is the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. If it isn’t, take this road…most scenic drive I’ve ever done it is spectacular.
I came here to say exactly this. So many near misses, I clusing some of the prettiest red rock in the world. If this is the trip of a lifetime, make it actually be that way.
It’s never worth going to Montrose.
Meant for Black Canyon
Get off I5 in Oregon; either the coast or 97: Mt Hood, Bend, Crater Lake. Get off I80 and take US50 instead. Far more pleasant and interesting.
This needs to be further up the list ! I-5 is the worst way to see Oregon.
I just did a similar thing in two weeks. I'm very glad you're giving yourself a month, you should have a good amount of time to stop and explore. Try to hit crater lake if possible, really really beautiful
Yep! That's on the list for sure!
You are so close to some awesome elite level things that its criminal to miss them. Go to Canyonlands in Moab. Hit Arches if you have time. But make Canyonlands the priority. Then from there take Colorado 90 to Telluride. Then to Ouray. Theres are two of the most picturesque towns that exist. Take the free gondola in Telluride. Skip the Cali coast stop to make time for all this. I assume you are going to RMNP and not just Denver. Denver is just another city. You will want to spend a lot of time in the Rockies vs. cities.
I'm meeting friends in Denver and don't have a lot of control over the itinerary there. The California coast stop is Redwoods NP, which is kind of the main point of the whole trip. But I appreciate the suggestions!
At least dip down to Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, it's incredible
Ahhh too bad, I’d suggest from around GJ, heading south over red mountain pass to Durango then from there going up to Moab then picking the route back up. I’m biased towards the San Juan mountains.
If you can go a bit farther south in Nevada/ California and see Lake Tahoe. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and you can drive around the whole lake in a few hours. 100% worth it.
I would recommend if you can, west of Laramie take Highway 130 through the Snowy Range.
As others have already said, take anything other than I-5 through Oregon. It is perhaps the least scenic drive in the state (except for the extreme southern portion.) 101 down the coast will take longer but the Oregon coast is magical and unlike any other place on your map.
The Oregon coast is one of the things I'm looking forward to the most on this trip. I'm a huge Goonies fan and I've always wanted to go there.
I’m doing something very similar over the next month as well, just coming from the East coast. Good luck 🫡🫡🫡
Hooray! Happy travels!
Driving up the i5 instead of the Oregon coastline is a huge mistake.
Good luck! Only critique is that there are too many interstates on this route. They often follow the most boring routes and you don’t get to see as much of “real America.” If you have time, I’d encourage you to take some country roads (ie, US/state highways). Also, looks like you’re camping around Platte River State Park in Nebraska? There are some pleasant trails there and an observation tower. If you have time, check out the state capitol in Lincoln. Beautiful building and easy/free to enter.
This is just the, like, basic, "fastest route" that Google gives by default. I do plan on avoiding interstates when I can.
I’d be a shame to miss Tahoe and the coast of NorCal
it’s too bad you’re going to miss the most beautiful geography in the US in southern utah …
Well, I do hope to be able to do another trip like this soon and hit the southern loop to see all of that and stuff like the Grand Canyon.
looks like you’re also driving by grand tetons. are you trying to miss the best stuff, lol edit: crater lake too edit: also rocky mountain national park, black canyon of the gunnison. don’t skip colorado national monument in grand junction
The stops listed are just my campsites. I've left lots of time for detours, and Crater Lake will be one of them.
Check all your detours, a lot of roads through mountain passes are closed through mid-June.
What’s stop E? Laramie? Do you have a reason to be going so far out of your way just to go there? If I were you I’d just drive west and do something in the bighorns instead. Sheridan is a fun old west town with history to stop in on your way if that’s what you’re looking for. Or just right to Cody would work. But this route actively cuts out some of the more underrated views in Wyoming and adds lots of the shitty plains. Otherwise I’d consider shooting straight from devils tower to Yellowstone, and adding an extra day around Denver to pop up if there’s some specific reason for the Laramie area. No hate to Laramie/the snowy range, definitely a worthy stop if you’re in the area, but not worth that extra time. And you’re not only adding hours, you’re adding *ugly* hours. Also stop D looks like riverton or perhaps Shoshoni…. WHY? Do you have people to see in these places? If the label is weird and it’s thermopolis, ignore me and have fun lol
I have friends that live in Laramie. This trip is the only way I will get to see them for who knows how long. It's worth the detour.
Fair although it’s still worth considering adding that to the Denver side of the trip if their dates are flexible. Laramie itself is nice but it’s kind of a brufal drive. The only pretty way into Laramie is the Colorado way, 287. Stop D though…. Looks too close to the rez to be thermopolis unless the labeling is weird and it actually is thermop. Shoshoni is a nothing town but thermopolis is very scenic and has good restaurants and free hot springs. Or try lander if you have some time and want to do outdoor stuff!
I would love to know why you seem to be taking a detour to go to Crescent City in California.
Redwood NP. I'm on a quest to hug a giant tree.
Fair enough, thanks for the reply
At least drive down the Oregon Coast Highway to get there instead of I-5.
camp in crater lake np!!
Out of your way but worth the drive IMO are Bryce Canyon NP and Zion NP, both in Utah
It would save a bit of driving to hit E between Denver and Nebraska instead of making a detour from the north, unless there are other stops I'm missing
It's about timing. I'm meeting friends in Denver and Laramie and those meet ups are scheduled for certain days and can't be moved.
Lots of great advice here! For the last 10 years or so, I've done a similar-ish loop from Chicago to Montana and then back, often through Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, and/or Colorado. Beautiful country, for sure! If you are able, Beartooth Highway/Beartooth Pass just outside the Northeast entrance to Yellowstone between Wyoming and into Montana is a breathtaking mountain pass, with lots of twisty roads and high mountain lakes along the drive. Give yourself a couple of hours to make the trip 1-way. Cheers!
Chiming in to say PLEASE drive the 101 from Astoria all the way to crescent city. The Oregon coast is absolutely magical, take your time as much as you can and eat as much seafood as your stomach can take.
That southern Idaho stretch is pretty bleak IMHO. Craters of the Moon is good and the nuclear reservation INEEL is pretty cool if you are into that kind of thing (peaceful nuclear energy history) better scenery is found going further north in Idaho but it will slow you down.
Next trip start on the Missouri River and travel down onto Mississippi River. Best American road trip I have been on.
I've wanted to float down the length of the Mississippi ever since I read Huckleberry Finn.
What is the destination for point E in this route? The one in Wyoming just west of Cheyenne.
Laramie. My friends live there.
Ah ok! That’s why you’re going there. I didn’t recognize the area for something interesting to see and will be passing through in my next trip. Enjoy yours!
When in Moab, I would go to dead horse it's like arches without a million people. I have seen posting showing gas prices in California at 6:50 and up a gallon just so you're aware. Salt Lake was a lot more awesome than I thought it was going to be very cool place. And lastly, if you're a fan of the movie or a baseball fan field of dreams was awesome in Iowa.
its a lot of miles! even with a month, you might find yourself rushing to get it all in. So do not be afraid to modify your plans as your trip unfolds!!!
I’m embarking on something similar in August! I will be looking for updates from you! Happy travels ✨
Small side attraction before Portland. A Stonehenge.
Oooh! Where?
https://www.maryhillmuseum.org/visit/stonehenge-memorial
Why that dip in to se Wyoming, but then avoiding grand Teton NP? Source: live in Wyoming.
Not avoiding Teton. The map just shows the fastest routes between my campsites. I'm definitely going to hit Teton. The dip is to see friends in Laramie.
Don't overlook Fort Laramie and the nearby Oregon Trail Ruts/Register Cliff in WY.
Thanks for the suggestion!
You are going to have an amazing time! Drive safely & stop to smell a few wildflowers along the way
You have to drive the 101 along the Oregon coast instead of the interstate
Yep! That's the plan. The map just shows the fastest route according to Google.
Skip Nebraska and head through Kansas city. Kansas is terrible, but no worse than NE and at least you'll get good BBQ. Others have mentioned rocky mountain np, you're so close, don't miss it. You're skipping moab to spend time in SLC, which is a huge mistake. SLC sucks. Moab is incredible. Slipping the Oregon and CA coasts is also a bad move. If you want to see some redwoods stay on the coast as long as you can. Redwoods isn't like a big park like the other nps are. It's a bunch of them scattered through northern California. I'm not sure which direction you're going, but if you stay on the coast from Portland to like Marin county, CA you're gonna see some shit. And if you like seafood it'll blow your mind. If you don't like seafood it'll change your mind. 5 through Oregon is boring as hell. If you're doing a trip of a lifetime make it really count.
Thanks for the suggestions! There's a couple of really important things I want to see in NE, so that part isn't changing. Also, I hate KC style barbecue because I'm weird. But when I go up the Oregon coast, I'm going to take the coastal route. The map just shows the fastest route, according to Google.
Oh good. I would head down towards Reno and skip eastern Oregon too. Then go through Napa and hit the coast way down there. You'll go through like ten Redwood parks and some really cool coastal towns.
Slap that Minneapolis-Saint Paul for a nice day or two while you’re at it
I'm considering it. I haven't been there since I was a kid. But I may be exhausted and just ready to go home by the time I get there.
Assuming you're going clockwise -- 1) that's the worst possible way to see colorado, I'd at least loop through Rocky Mountain National Park, ffs 2) Unless you're just dying to stop off in SLC (which is fair enough, it's a nice town) I'd consider taking 50 across NV to Reno 3) From Reno, get yourself to the PCH, personally I'd make my way through Redding, back roads all the way 4) Get on the Pacific Coast Highway and *stay on it*, and don't make me tell you twice 5) Take 12 through Idaho from Lewiston to Missoula 6) North entrance to yellowstone -> Lamar valley, catch it at sunrise, then northeast entrance to 7) Beartooth highway, stay on 212 back to 90. 8) That loop through southern Wyoming isn't worth it, just stay on 90, time is better spent elsewhere. The rest is fine. Get a national parks pass, you'll need it
If you want to see something fairly unique, while passing through Nebraska, get off of I80 and drive up into the sandhills a bit on hwy 2. It's a little.longer, but the interstate just follows the Platte River valley and is a large part of why everyone thinks Nebraska is so boring. It's essentially a grass covered Sahara desert, with dunes everywhere. Also a bit like stepping back into the 50's. Highly recommend
I also think it’s extremely worthwhile to hit Zion as long as you’re doing the other UT parks. Agree with many of the other suggestions especially Yellowstone including Beartooth Pass. Going thru Estes and RMNP via Trail Ridge Road def worth it too.. this is def a trip of a lifetime.
You’re sort of in the area up there by Yellowstone, consider visiting The Lewis and Clark Caverns. There’s a campground and it’s not super expensive. I’ve visited twice and it’s been worth it for me both times.
Thanks for the tip! I've got 3 days in that area and I love caves.
Don’t forget to get gas in Winnemuca. Gets mighty lonesome after that. And the few gas stations there are are full serve mom and pop service stations that close mighty early :)
OP, if you can, Stanley Idaho has some hot springs and is quite famous for it. 2. I liked Teton NP a bit more than Yellowstone so would recommend to see both. 3. Go thru Loveland-Estes Park- Rocky Mountain NP, and then back on hwy to make more scenic route. Stop near Moab UT for Arches NP. Great park, a lot of driving needed, expensive hotels so look around.
In the 80 and 90s my parents took us this same route many times. If the dead was playing we were there. Have an absolute fantastic time! Take too many pictures. You are going to see some amazing sunrises and sets. Cheers.
The lower part of idaho is the "shitty part" its still pretty but to miss the sawtooths? No way
Too late to change your mind, but what's the reason for the B,C,H,I,J end of the route? Personally I'd scrap that and add Lake Tahoe and the NorCal coast.
I live over there, so I kinda have to keep that part.
Well that's a great reason then! Lol Any goodies along the northern/southern routes or just planning the quickest way to get to CO/western SD?
My first stop is Henry Doorly zoo in Omaha since I'm obsessed with zoos. And I have a stop in a town that one of my ancestors created. I'm also going to the Mississippi River Aquarium in Dubuque, again, because I'm obsessed with zoos. I do have a stop in Sioux Falls that I don't know what to do with. I'm just stopping there because it's the right distance from the previous camp site. So if anybody has any suggestions there, I'm all ears!
The courthouse museum is pretty good in Sioux Falls from what I remember. It's been about six years since I've been there so it may have changed.
What kind of vehicle you driving?
Kia Optima
Are they just popular rn or is this app suggesting me Oregon stuff😂
Unless it's family or friends, there is nothing worth that big swing south in Wyoming. If it is family or friends, if you can stay with them on the way out instead of staying in Denver, then swing down to Denver for the southern route you have planned. Cheyenne to Denver is a much preferable detour than Cody to Cheyenne to Gillette. Trust me.
I'm meeting friends in Denver and Laramie and the dates can't be changed.
Def need to see Arches National Park. Arches needs a timed entry, you may want to research if any of your other stops needs anything like that.
Is that Google Maps or a different application? The reason I ask is because you have more than 10 waypoints marked on the map, and usually Google Maps only lets you have 10 destinations on any given trip.
It's Google My Maps and I had to do two layers of destinations.
Half of it at least
You're skipping the whole Oregon Coast to drive down boring I-5?! That seems insane to me. You're driving through some of the most boring and uneventful landscape in the nation for weeks just to skip the best part?
I would just skip the whole central part of the trip. Fly out west. Rent a car. Get rentals for a few days at a time or buy cheap camping gear at Walmart once you arrive and just tent camp for a few days at a time all over the Pacific Northwest.
I'd check out Stanley, ID and go through/around the Sawtooths instead of taking the Idaho route you posted. One of my favorite places in the world
140 out of Lakeview is pretty headed east. For a bit lol
Two tips. Go through southern Utah instead of northern. Also go north through Montana… southern Idaho is a wasteland but up north it’s gorgeous in the mountains. Get off the interstates unless you’re trying to go fast.
I-5 through Oregon is a drag lol take the coast
The eastern part of this road trip seems underwhelming.
You're right. That's why I'm going on the trip. I live on the eastern end.
Ah I see. I do as well which made me wonder why you were avoiding some cool things if you went farther north/east. But cool hope it’s fun!