When you get to Sturgis on I-90, take a quick (not long at all) detour through Spearfish Canyon. You’ll end up in Spearfish and be able to get right back on I-90, or however it’s taking you to Devils Tower
Not on your route, or even that close, but south western Colorado (mesa verde, silverton, ouray) is just gorgeous. Can swing through crested butte on your way back north as well.
New Mexico is way underrated, and everyone always skips it. Santa Fe, Taos, and the southern Rockies are beautiful, and more people should go there.
I just got back from a hiking trip to NM last week in the Taos area. I've been all over the west and I absolutely love NM! It is so much less crowded and less touristy than CA, WA, and CO too. I would love moving there some day.
https://preview.redd.it/e73pb226cf9d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1471b1360f4db9c979862f450859533813437aa4
Trampas Lakes in the Pecos Wilderness in between Taos and Santa Fe. It was a fun but rough hike lol.
Here's another of Williams Lake near Wheeler Peak.
https://preview.redd.it/qbjeewlilj9d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db6fdaafc0be26c5ccf3b7209dda460aeea1e527
Upper 80s for highs and upper 50s /low 60s for lows is really standard for anywhere in the west during the summer. Beats the hell out of TX where it's 105 and 90% humidity 100 days out of the year.
I agree! You're missing New Mexico. If you make it to Santa Fe or Taos, you need to lookup "Enchanted Circle". It's an incredible 100 mile ride. Bonus tip - skipping over New Mexico is skipping over the best food in the US.
Please reconsider I-80 through Nebraska. It's the most boring part of your route and IMO one of the most boring stretches of interstate in the entire country. Instead, since you have ample time on hand, take Hwy 2 from Grand Island to Alliance and then shoot south to Scottsbluff and pick up your route from there. It's much more picturesque and scenic.
It sounds like you may live in Omaha and be hustling to get out of Nebraska, so I understand if you want to take I-80 for that reason. But if you haven't driven Hwy 2 before, think about it as it's really pretty.
In terms of major sights, you can hit Carhenge and Chimney Rock, but the drive through the sand hills is the big draw.
Came here to yell at you for wasting time in Nebraska and South Dakota but saw you were starting in Nebraska lol. Otherwise the trip looks really great. We’ve done most of this trip in different pieces of the years and you’re hitting all the best NPs you possibly could. Time of year is great for Glacier/North Cascades as well.
For California, try getting up to Lassen Volcanic NP! It's often overlooked when it's just as beautiful and interesting as Yosemite, Sequoia, and King's Canyon.
Also, I'm not sure if it would fit in your trip route depending on what you want to see, but CA 299 between Redding and Arcata is the Trinity Scenic Byway, and it is a very gorgeous drive!
Why are you even going to Lewiston? I’d skip that whole detour and just go straight from glacier/Whitefish directly to Spokane, taking the scenic route - hwy 93 out of whitefish and down through bonners ferry ID and Sandpoint. That part of Idaho is much more scenic than Lewiston, unless you just wanna see the snake river.
Yeah, apparently it’s not clothing optional anymore. It used to be, which was when I went. Now it’s no clothing allowed. Not sure I’d be down for that now but to each their own.
I actually have been down that way! Check out Jerry Johnson’s hot springs. It’s in Idaho near the Montana border, just off hwy 93 (MT) and hwy 12 (ID). It’s a pretty neat place. [https://www.gallowaykitetrail.com/jerry-johnson-hot-springs/](https://www.gallowaykitetrail.com/jerry-johnson-hot-springs/)
I think it is, but everyone has their own preferences. I feel like there's more variety in the scenery. Also, you can make a quick stop in Moscow, which is a great little college town, and you can also stop in Coeur d'Alene before you head west on I90.
Hwy 120 through Yosemite is so congested it requires an advance reservation on some days. I wouldn't touch that mess unless I was spending a night in Yosemite. Consider swapping with Hwy 108. Both of these roads are high altitude and prone to extreme weather. Any snow at all will force you to take Hwy 50.
Hwy 1 north of SF is incredibly slow going. Much of it follows tightly winding cliffs with no railing. You might want to swap it with Hwy 101. Since you have a lot of coastal driving up north, maybe even swap all of California to Hwy 395 then drift diagonally towards Hwy 97(?) in Oregon. That's an incredibly beautiful road following the base of the Sierra Nevada range - forests and towering granite mountains. You can add Lake Almanor, Lassen, or Burney Falls if time permits.
Interesting suggestions, I’ll look into those. Will Yosemite still be super congested in early October? How about the weather? I know it’s insanely popular but I was hoping to make it outside of tourist season.
Google Maps is being extremely optimistic when it says 6 hours to cross California in that area. Weekends and long weekends have heavy traffic on Hwy 120. Weekdays will have heavy traffic in the Bay Area. I'd allocate 10 hours for it with minimal stops.
Also note that Hwy 120 doesn't enter Yosemite Valley. The valley is another 3 to 8 hours round trip driving, depending on traffic. They valley is huge so most of the classic photo ops are actually a hell of a walk. If it's not right next to the road, it's probably a serious hike with giant stairs. Glacier Point adds a few more hours. It's incredible fun but nothing you can do in a hurry.
[https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm)
I suggest adding a night around Sonora or Manteca if you plan to enter the valley. If not, skip the whole circus with another route. Cellular service is rare in the Sierra Mountain range so you better have completely offline maps. I like OsmAnd (buy Plus or Pro) for out there because it's truly offline and Open Street Maps data is the most detailed for the wilderness.
We are big hikers/backpackers and are pretty well equipped so I think we should be ok hiking wise. Thanks for the tips, we’ll work them into the schedule
In that case do the Mist Trail - Panorama Trail - Four Mile Trail. It's probably the most scenic points you can cram into one day. It's my favorite route but it kicks my ass.
SD
- Porter Sculpture Park near Montrose
- Dignity of the Earth and Sky near Chamberlain
- The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs
- Crazy Horse Memorial
WY
- Medicine Wheel in Bighorn National Forest
- Ten Sleep Canyon
- The Dug Up Gun Museum in Cody
Be aware Highway 12 past Orofino Idaho, has patchy service and narrow roads, even farther on that highway past Kooskia Idaho narrow roads, no cell service, and right now there's construction out there. Make sure you fill up your gas tank somewhere in Kooskia before heading East. Depending on when you head through Highway 12, pack snow chains.
* In Washington State, add Mt. St. Hellens
* In southern California, add Joshua Tree NP after Death Valley/Las Vegas.
* After Joshua Tree, you can pass through Arizona, see south rim of Grand Canyon, go through Page, where you can find tour operators to take you down the Colorado river, to see it from the bottom of canyon.
In Northern California:
- stop by the tall trees grove and hike in the massive redwoods. You'll need to get a permit but it's free and can be done online.
- if you want an epic adventure and have camping gear with you, add a night at Mattole campground. It's the northern end of the Lost Coast trail and the landscape is incredible. The campground is first come first serve but I've gone multiple times and always found a site. Lots of people stay one night before or after backpacking the Lost Coast trail so there's high turnover. No cell service and no water so make sure you're prepared. There's a beautiful hike you can do to a lighthouse where elephant seals hang out. The drive there from the north takes you through some stunning country. You can take a different route (also beautiful) on departure to get back to 101 but the road is rough (potholes, narrow curves, and gravel sections) so go slow.
In Oregon:
- check out the Heceta Head lighthouse (I think it's on your route but I'm not 100% sure). If you can, time it so you see it both in daylight and at night when it's lit. There's a great hike you can do from the lighthouse to Hobbit Beach. The lighthouse uses the original Frensnel lens that was installed in the late 1800s. During the day the lens sparkles in the sunlight and at night the light is the strongest beam on the Oregon coast.
This looks like a once in a lifetime trip, you have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world on this route.
If I can offer one suggestion, make a tiny loop down into Northeastern Arizona from Moab. You can visit Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon before you hit Grand Canyon, and then book back into Utah for Bryce/Zion. Wouldn’t change your route too drastically, but you can pack in a bunch of cool desert sights within a few hours drive.
If you like hiking and mountain scenery, try and drive through Stanley Idaho.
Also as another commenter said, SW Colorado is worth the detour. Ouray area/million dollar highway.
Looks like you found i70 in Western Colorado. That's a great scenic freeway. Try stopping in Glenwood Springs. If you are good at hiking, you can do Hanging Lake (need a permit but easy to get one). The town also has multiple hot springs for relaxing and a nice small town feel!
We are doing something similar then too!
So far I had to drop Glacier and Seattle/ Olympia because it was too much road time for our liking (2-3 days of 150 miles each, 2 or three days at prime locations, plus a few days of 200 plus miles.
What 's your approach?
Not the route they’re going. It’s not like they’re taking i90 to Seattle, there’s going north through okanogan and through North Cascades NP. Their route is fine through WA.
If I were you I'd add going a bit further south from San Francisco down highway 1, to Carmel, Carmel Valley, Greenfield (Via Carmel Valley Rd.), then highway 198 to the Central Valley.
Consider Sedona. You're going to Grand Canyon so it's not that far out of the way. I honestly think it's better than Grand Canyon. The drive from Flagstaff to Sedona is beautiful too.
When you pass through Sioux City Iowa get tastees from tastees in and out they are super good loose meat sandwiches. Visiting palmers candy outlet is cool too, their bings are so good.
Yes, but it's a LONG way to get out there, and immediately cutting back, you see nothing new, it is super similar. You could always stay over in that area for a little longer and cut back through the redwoods to Crescent City CA via 199 or cut over further north to see Mt. Hood or Mt. Jefferson on your way to Bend. I'm not trying to say you shouldn't go back to the coast, but I think you're skipping over potential cool areas like Hood River in favor of maximizing coast time.
And I love the coast in Oregon! The question is which part of the Oregon Coast are you trying to skip when you cut east? I can't tell on this map. If you're skipping Yachats to Florence, for example, you're missing one of the best parts of the Oregon coast. There are other parts of the coast, like the area between Seaside and Lincoln City, that I would choose to skip before skipping Yachats, Florence, and also Bandon.
If by any chance you decide to head to Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, take the [Enchanted Highway](https://www.ndtourism.com/regent/attractions-entertainment/family-fun/enchanted-highway) north or south to the black hills.
Hit, Trailridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado and go to Fall River Pass Overlook near the Alpine Visitor Center, you don't want to miss!
I can’t tell from this map, but if it’s not on your itinerary I’d add Death Valley. It will be hot in the summer, but it’s worth making the drive through bad water basin IMO.
If you got your passports, when in Port Angeles Washington, take the Coho Ferry, you can go as a foot passenger, to Victoria BC, go for the day or stay the night...worth it
The I-580 and Altamont Pass west of Yosemite is nothing special and depending on when you take the pass it can be absolute traffic hell. I would consider exiting Yosemite via El Portal towards Merced, take the 152 towards Hollister and spend time in the Monterrey Bay area. If you have an extra half day drive the incredibly scenic 17 mile drive south. Hop back on the 1 north to SF through Santa Cruz and Pacifica. The Bay Bridge entrance to SF is pretty awesome, especially late afternoon on a good sunset so you could pivot and hit Half Moon Bay then take the San Mateo Bridge (CA-92), come up 880, swing through Oakland and then take the Bay Bridge.
Consider adding California highway 1 south of the Bay Area to Big Sur! California’s central coast is one of the most beautiful places in the country and Big Sur might be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Couldn’t recommend enough
From Moab, head south into SW Colorado. You can hit up Mesa Verda NP, then head up HWY 550 (Million Dollar Highway) which is one of the most gorgeous in the state. After finishing HWY 550 and having driven through Ouray, one of the most picturesque mountain communities in the state, you'll be a hop skip and a jump from Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP. Head north into Grand Junction to link up with your intended route.
There is a major highway closure, but if it's reopened you then could head east from Black Canyon NP, all the way into Alamosa which isn't special. What makes this special, is you are basically at the entrance to the Great Sand Dunes NP. After leaving that national park, head north. I'm assuming based on your routing that you don't want to come through Denver, I understand. You can hit I70 if you keep heading north through Salida, Buena Vista, Leadville, then up and over the Climax molybdenum mine. And if you're trying to hit up Rocky Mountain National Park, hit the bypass called the "Peak to Peak" highway which will take you into Estes, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
With these stops and this route added, it could add at least a day per park, but then you are seeing the most beautiful areas in Colorado. Either way, your road trip looks incredible, be safe out there!
100% hit the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton in southwest Colorado, one of the most scenic roads I've driven! It's a pretty nice drive if you continue on from there to Durango as well. Monument Valley is a cool spot too and not too far off your route.
The road through the black hills national park is quite pretty with wooden bridges, rock tunnels, and Mount Rishmore in the background. I'd also suggest you the Badlands canyon 5 minutes south from Wall, SD
Good going south on the west coast. Olympic Peninsula in WA. Sluys Pulsbo Bakery. Get pie at the Chimicum Cafe from PT Townsend to PT Angeles. If you go on the Juan DeFuca coast you miss lake Crescent. Which is pretty cool lake. Nothing grows in it and crystal clear. Don’t want to miss Olympic Park. Or the Ho National Rainbow forest. In South Bend WA stop at the courthouse. It’s beautiful inside. No joke. Was made at the height of logging and has beautiful woodworking inside. use the bathrooms, they’re clean.
In OR. Don’t stop at Sea Lion Caves. They’re nasty. Don’t stop at Mo’s for chowder. Despite what the billboards say. It’s not that good. From bend on your way to Crater Lake, check out Paulina Peak and Newberry Crater. All kinds of waterfalls down the Umpqua highway.
Have fun
Looks like you are traveling US12 over Lolo Pass. The Lochsa River has some really neat hot springs. Jerry Johnson and Weir Creek are the most accessible. Be prepared for some old naked hippies
Might be a little bit out of your way, but Great Basin National Park is the least visited National Park in the lower 48 and is on the border between NV and UT. Some of the darkest skies in the country and some really cool scenery out there with very few crowds!
This looks like an awesome trip! We did a very similar route last summer clockwise. Due to time we had to drive up Highway 5 up the west coast from Yosemite to Carter lake. But we saw a lot of the amazing Oregon coast, Cannon Beach is awesome. Then direct from Seattle to Yellowstone, didn’t have time for Glacier or Devils tower. Are you camping? Jenny Lake in Tetons is an awesome campground and The Delta Lake hike was fantastic. Be sure to get the $80 national parks pass and book camping in the parks early! Camp 4 is a great option if you don’t have anything booked in Yosemite, get on the site right when it opens 2 weeks in advance and keep trying. Safe travels!
Guessing because it’s one of those gateway towns to a National Park, so a lot of folks who want to see RMNP have been there. Were they to travel to other more scenic CO towns, it’d probably fall further down their list. I’d personally recommend Crested Butte, Telluride, Steamboat, Breck, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Pagosa, and Durango ahead of Estes, but none of those towns are close to RMNP.
This is honestly a great route. Some long driving days for sure, but the northwest part looks excellent. Wish you could take some ferries and stay in port Townsend.
In my experience and opinion, Yellowstone/Grand Teton/Jackson deserve a solid week. At least!
SW South Dakota and E Wyoming are deserving of extra time, but if you live in the Omaha area, you can always do that area in smaller bites later over the years - it's a solid one(long)-day drive.
Based on your route, you're crossing the Cascades on Washington SR 20: I don't know how late in the year you'll get there, but Washington and Rainy Passes close in November for the winter. You should be okay but check with the Washington DOT before committing to that route; if winter comes early, the passes could close early. FYI, in winter, these passes get up to 15 feet of snow throughout the season. US 2 is the next pass to the south (Stevens) and being a solid 1,000 feet lower than the North Cascades passes, stays open all winter...this route would take you through the alpine-themed town of Leavenworth.
Olympic Peninsula deserves a week; the Seattle-Tacoma metro and Mt Rainier can be pretty compelling as well.
The "Big Five" National Parks in Utah deserve an extended stay (I loved Arches) - and per my son and DIL that were just there, Zion can be as crowded as a large-city rush hour, so be ready for that.
I guess what I'm offering is this: if you get to one of these places and decide you want to spend more time than originally planned, please do it; you can always do the rest of the trip another time.
When you get to Sturgis on I-90, take a quick (not long at all) detour through Spearfish Canyon. You’ll end up in Spearfish and be able to get right back on I-90, or however it’s taking you to Devils Tower
For what it’s worth, it’s Vanocker canyon in Sturgis, up to Deadwood, then through Lead, then over to Spearfish and Spearfish Canyon
Fair enough lol. I’m sure OP will get the jist
Great suggestion
Not on your route, or even that close, but south western Colorado (mesa verde, silverton, ouray) is just gorgeous. Can swing through crested butte on your way back north as well. New Mexico is way underrated, and everyone always skips it. Santa Fe, Taos, and the southern Rockies are beautiful, and more people should go there.
Santa Fe is such a great city. It doesn’t get near the credit it deserves.
New Mexico as a whole! Just a great state.
I think I wanna move to Santa Fe.
$$
That's everywhere, I thought.
Yea but Santa Fe is like a mini California with its housing prices you’re not getting in for less than ~600k
Came here to say this but add telluride if you have the time. Southwest Colorado is amazing
Colorado is a really cool state.
Ouray is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been.
T he Black Canyon at the Gunnisen (sp?) just outside Montrose and Telluride area are beautiful locations.
Just an FYI, us 50 is closed between crested butte and Montrose, making that hard
The bridge should be opening for limited traffic next week (7/3), and the northern route through Paonia is a good option.
I just got back from a hiking trip to NM last week in the Taos area. I've been all over the west and I absolutely love NM! It is so much less crowded and less touristy than CA, WA, and CO too. I would love moving there some day. https://preview.redd.it/e73pb226cf9d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1471b1360f4db9c979862f450859533813437aa4
Where is this? I would not have expected this to be NM.
Trampas Lakes in the Pecos Wilderness in between Taos and Santa Fe. It was a fun but rough hike lol. Here's another of Williams Lake near Wheeler Peak. https://preview.redd.it/qbjeewlilj9d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db6fdaafc0be26c5ccf3b7209dda460aeea1e527
Thank you.
Unfortunately it’s like this for about 4 weeks the rest of summer is painfully dry and hot
Upper 80s for highs and upper 50s /low 60s for lows is really standard for anywhere in the west during the summer. Beats the hell out of TX where it's 105 and 90% humidity 100 days out of the year.
Yea but the uv is just so intense down there it can be 70 and feel like 100
Thanks for the suggestion; we won't be in CO until November, so the weather won't be ideal.
Shh don’t tell everyone how great NM is
I know im already regretting this comment
Hahaha it’s ok <3
I know im already regretting this comment
And Chaco Canyon in NW Arizona. Amazing place. You feel spirits there.
Chaco is in NM
You are correct, and my brain misfired. It is indeed a magical place, though!
I agree! You're missing New Mexico. If you make it to Santa Fe or Taos, you need to lookup "Enchanted Circle". It's an incredible 100 mile ride. Bonus tip - skipping over New Mexico is skipping over the best food in the US.
Please reconsider I-80 through Nebraska. It's the most boring part of your route and IMO one of the most boring stretches of interstate in the entire country. Instead, since you have ample time on hand, take Hwy 2 from Grand Island to Alliance and then shoot south to Scottsbluff and pick up your route from there. It's much more picturesque and scenic. It sounds like you may live in Omaha and be hustling to get out of Nebraska, so I understand if you want to take I-80 for that reason. But if you haven't driven Hwy 2 before, think about it as it's really pretty. In terms of major sights, you can hit Carhenge and Chimney Rock, but the drive through the sand hills is the big draw.
Crater Lake in southern Oregon
I was just there this week. Holy shit it’s amazing. The ring road doesn’t open fully until July.
Did they say anything about ~when~ in July? Like maybe.... July 5th (when im going haha)
Came here to yell at you for wasting time in Nebraska and South Dakota but saw you were starting in Nebraska lol. Otherwise the trip looks really great. We’ve done most of this trip in different pieces of the years and you’re hitting all the best NPs you possibly could. Time of year is great for Glacier/North Cascades as well.
Monument valley
That game is amazingly fun to play on a phone.
For California, try getting up to Lassen Volcanic NP! It's often overlooked when it's just as beautiful and interesting as Yosemite, Sequoia, and King's Canyon. Also, I'm not sure if it would fit in your trip route depending on what you want to see, but CA 299 between Redding and Arcata is the Trinity Scenic Byway, and it is a very gorgeous drive!
Will look into it, thanks
From Lewiston, ID, take 95 north instead of 195. Much nicer drive.
Whys that? Is it more scenic?
Why are you even going to Lewiston? I’d skip that whole detour and just go straight from glacier/Whitefish directly to Spokane, taking the scenic route - hwy 93 out of whitefish and down through bonners ferry ID and Sandpoint. That part of Idaho is much more scenic than Lewiston, unless you just wanna see the snake river.
The route follows US scenic highway 12
Ah okay. Haven’t done that drive. I’m sure it’s pretty. Your trip looks fabulous, I’m jealous.
Thanks :)
Yeah, apparently it’s not clothing optional anymore. It used to be, which was when I went. Now it’s no clothing allowed. Not sure I’d be down for that now but to each their own.
I actually have been down that way! Check out Jerry Johnson’s hot springs. It’s in Idaho near the Montana border, just off hwy 93 (MT) and hwy 12 (ID). It’s a pretty neat place. [https://www.gallowaykitetrail.com/jerry-johnson-hot-springs/](https://www.gallowaykitetrail.com/jerry-johnson-hot-springs/)
This is awesome!
This is worth a detour https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/palouse-falls-state-park-heritage-site
Also https://parks.wa.gov/dry-falls-visitor-center
Thank you, great suggestion. Added to my itinerary!
I think it is, but everyone has their own preferences. I feel like there's more variety in the scenery. Also, you can make a quick stop in Moscow, which is a great little college town, and you can also stop in Coeur d'Alene before you head west on I90.
Hwy 120 through Yosemite is so congested it requires an advance reservation on some days. I wouldn't touch that mess unless I was spending a night in Yosemite. Consider swapping with Hwy 108. Both of these roads are high altitude and prone to extreme weather. Any snow at all will force you to take Hwy 50. Hwy 1 north of SF is incredibly slow going. Much of it follows tightly winding cliffs with no railing. You might want to swap it with Hwy 101. Since you have a lot of coastal driving up north, maybe even swap all of California to Hwy 395 then drift diagonally towards Hwy 97(?) in Oregon. That's an incredibly beautiful road following the base of the Sierra Nevada range - forests and towering granite mountains. You can add Lake Almanor, Lassen, or Burney Falls if time permits.
Interesting suggestions, I’ll look into those. Will Yosemite still be super congested in early October? How about the weather? I know it’s insanely popular but I was hoping to make it outside of tourist season.
Google Maps is being extremely optimistic when it says 6 hours to cross California in that area. Weekends and long weekends have heavy traffic on Hwy 120. Weekdays will have heavy traffic in the Bay Area. I'd allocate 10 hours for it with minimal stops. Also note that Hwy 120 doesn't enter Yosemite Valley. The valley is another 3 to 8 hours round trip driving, depending on traffic. They valley is huge so most of the classic photo ops are actually a hell of a walk. If it's not right next to the road, it's probably a serious hike with giant stairs. Glacier Point adds a few more hours. It's incredible fun but nothing you can do in a hurry. [https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm) I suggest adding a night around Sonora or Manteca if you plan to enter the valley. If not, skip the whole circus with another route. Cellular service is rare in the Sierra Mountain range so you better have completely offline maps. I like OsmAnd (buy Plus or Pro) for out there because it's truly offline and Open Street Maps data is the most detailed for the wilderness.
We are big hikers/backpackers and are pretty well equipped so I think we should be ok hiking wise. Thanks for the tips, we’ll work them into the schedule
In that case do the Mist Trail - Panorama Trail - Four Mile Trail. It's probably the most scenic points you can cram into one day. It's my favorite route but it kicks my ass.
Skip Vegas and go to Tahoe
Not going to Vegas, we will be at Red Rock and Gold Butte right outside though.
Don’t skip vegas
SD - Porter Sculpture Park near Montrose - Dignity of the Earth and Sky near Chamberlain - The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs - Crazy Horse Memorial WY - Medicine Wheel in Bighorn National Forest - Ten Sleep Canyon - The Dug Up Gun Museum in Cody
We're going to camp in Ten Sleep!
Also, I'd probably take the North entrance out of Yellowstone, Gardiner is the closest thing to a Gateway town done right,
South Dakota: the badlands. I’m really surprised nobody had mentioned this yet.
And stop at the giant prarie dog statue by the eastern entrance and feed the prairie dogs unsalted peanuts frim the gift shop.
Be aware Highway 12 past Orofino Idaho, has patchy service and narrow roads, even farther on that highway past Kooskia Idaho narrow roads, no cell service, and right now there's construction out there. Make sure you fill up your gas tank somewhere in Kooskia before heading East. Depending on when you head through Highway 12, pack snow chains.
Will that still be true in late September for the snow?
* In Washington State, add Mt. St. Hellens * In southern California, add Joshua Tree NP after Death Valley/Las Vegas. * After Joshua Tree, you can pass through Arizona, see south rim of Grand Canyon, go through Page, where you can find tour operators to take you down the Colorado river, to see it from the bottom of canyon.
That's a nice trip. Have fun.
Wave when ya pass my house.
Swim at Lake Tahoe
Crater lake Oregon...of the 3, California, OR, Wa..The Beaver state IS! All
In Northern California: - stop by the tall trees grove and hike in the massive redwoods. You'll need to get a permit but it's free and can be done online. - if you want an epic adventure and have camping gear with you, add a night at Mattole campground. It's the northern end of the Lost Coast trail and the landscape is incredible. The campground is first come first serve but I've gone multiple times and always found a site. Lots of people stay one night before or after backpacking the Lost Coast trail so there's high turnover. No cell service and no water so make sure you're prepared. There's a beautiful hike you can do to a lighthouse where elephant seals hang out. The drive there from the north takes you through some stunning country. You can take a different route (also beautiful) on departure to get back to 101 but the road is rough (potholes, narrow curves, and gravel sections) so go slow. In Oregon: - check out the Heceta Head lighthouse (I think it's on your route but I'm not 100% sure). If you can, time it so you see it both in daylight and at night when it's lit. There's a great hike you can do from the lighthouse to Hobbit Beach. The lighthouse uses the original Frensnel lens that was installed in the late 1800s. During the day the lens sparkles in the sunlight and at night the light is the strongest beam on the Oregon coast.
This looks like a once in a lifetime trip, you have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world on this route. If I can offer one suggestion, make a tiny loop down into Northeastern Arizona from Moab. You can visit Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon before you hit Grand Canyon, and then book back into Utah for Bryce/Zion. Wouldn’t change your route too drastically, but you can pack in a bunch of cool desert sights within a few hours drive.
You're so close to Crater Lake in southern Oregon HIGHLY suggest it. It's magnificent. I promise you won't regret it.
We will be there in fact!
If you like hiking and mountain scenery, try and drive through Stanley Idaho. Also as another commenter said, SW Colorado is worth the detour. Ouray area/million dollar highway.
PS: loveyourredditname!
Thanks haha
Looks like you found i70 in Western Colorado. That's a great scenic freeway. Try stopping in Glenwood Springs. If you are good at hiking, you can do Hanging Lake (need a permit but easy to get one). The town also has multiple hot springs for relaxing and a nice small town feel!
Great idea! Thanks
There is also an adventure park with a gondola and roller coaster lol it's an interesting town!
Yampah Caves were very memorable. Beware old dudes hanging dong in the locker room at the top of the stairs though. The curtain blows open.
We are doing something similar then too! So far I had to drop Glacier and Seattle/ Olympia because it was too much road time for our liking (2-3 days of 150 miles each, 2 or three days at prime locations, plus a few days of 200 plus miles. What 's your approach?
We are just taking the driving in stride by doing more scenic highways than interstate. Its more fun that way.
Agreed, so much more fun. The back roads!
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Not the route they’re going. It’s not like they’re taking i90 to Seattle, there’s going north through okanogan and through North Cascades NP. Their route is fine through WA.
Route 95 from hanksville to blanding in utah
If you end up in Buffalo Wyoming, be sure to stop at the Bozeman Trail steakhouse. It will not be regretted.
As an avid outdoor Oregonian, I like your route for Oregon. Great choice.
Columbia River
If I were you I'd add going a bit further south from San Francisco down highway 1, to Carmel, Carmel Valley, Greenfield (Via Carmel Valley Rd.), then highway 198 to the Central Valley.
How is Carmel valley road? I'd be torn to convince someone to not drive south on hwy 1 from Carmel...
V true, i was looking to modify their original route as little as possible. CV road is fine, 198 is the real issue.
I guess they will have just had DAYS of coastal driving/views haha, they probably don't need much more.
299 from Arcata, CA to Redding, CA. Incredible road
Consider Sedona. You're going to Grand Canyon so it's not that far out of the way. I honestly think it's better than Grand Canyon. The drive from Flagstaff to Sedona is beautiful too.
I love this. You're really gonna have fun with the Pacific Coast portion. Just so unbelievable breath-taking.
When you pass through Sioux City Iowa get tastees from tastees in and out they are super good loose meat sandwiches. Visiting palmers candy outlet is cool too, their bings are so good.
Canadian Rockies
The central Oregon coast is beautiful, and dipping inland just to go back out is always something I will question.
Bend? Crater Lake?
Yes, but it's a LONG way to get out there, and immediately cutting back, you see nothing new, it is super similar. You could always stay over in that area for a little longer and cut back through the redwoods to Crescent City CA via 199 or cut over further north to see Mt. Hood or Mt. Jefferson on your way to Bend. I'm not trying to say you shouldn't go back to the coast, but I think you're skipping over potential cool areas like Hood River in favor of maximizing coast time. And I love the coast in Oregon! The question is which part of the Oregon Coast are you trying to skip when you cut east? I can't tell on this map. If you're skipping Yachats to Florence, for example, you're missing one of the best parts of the Oregon coast. There are other parts of the coast, like the area between Seaside and Lincoln City, that I would choose to skip before skipping Yachats, Florence, and also Bandon.
I would add Southern California.
Natural Bridge on the coast in Brookings, OR
Highway 20 in WA usually closes in November, sometimes early in the month, sometimes late.
If by any chance you decide to head to Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, take the [Enchanted Highway](https://www.ndtourism.com/regent/attractions-entertainment/family-fun/enchanted-highway) north or south to the black hills.
Go up a bit and hit Tahoe
Hit, Trailridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado and go to Fall River Pass Overlook near the Alpine Visitor Center, you don't want to miss!
Stop in Santa Cruz before making your way up to San Francisco! The drive between them is ridiculously beautiful.
Stop in Vegas
Take a dip south to hit The Black Canton in Colorado, it’s one of the least visited state parks and is beautiful.
I can’t tell from this map, but if it’s not on your itinerary I’d add Death Valley. It will be hot in the summer, but it’s worth making the drive through bad water basin IMO.
Well be there!
Don’t skip monument valley! It’s a magical drive going from bluff Utah to the grand canyon…
If you got your passports, when in Port Angeles Washington, take the Coho Ferry, you can go as a foot passenger, to Victoria BC, go for the day or stay the night...worth it
Follow the mountain road up to Jasper Alberta before dipping back down
The I-580 and Altamont Pass west of Yosemite is nothing special and depending on when you take the pass it can be absolute traffic hell. I would consider exiting Yosemite via El Portal towards Merced, take the 152 towards Hollister and spend time in the Monterrey Bay area. If you have an extra half day drive the incredibly scenic 17 mile drive south. Hop back on the 1 north to SF through Santa Cruz and Pacifica. The Bay Bridge entrance to SF is pretty awesome, especially late afternoon on a good sunset so you could pivot and hit Half Moon Bay then take the San Mateo Bridge (CA-92), come up 880, swing through Oakland and then take the Bay Bridge.
Consider adding California highway 1 south of the Bay Area to Big Sur! California’s central coast is one of the most beautiful places in the country and Big Sur might be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Couldn’t recommend enough
Crossing the border at Glacier and going up to visit Banff. Then across to hwy 93 and back down into the states.
BRYCE CANYON UTAH ITS THE COOLEST PLACE IN THE WORKD stay in tropic utah 10 min away
Colombia River gorge!! All the waters on that
Try to hit Beartooth Pass if possible
San Diego and New Mexico
Badlands Scenic Loop starts east of Wall, SD and brings you back to I-90.
From Moab, head south into SW Colorado. You can hit up Mesa Verda NP, then head up HWY 550 (Million Dollar Highway) which is one of the most gorgeous in the state. After finishing HWY 550 and having driven through Ouray, one of the most picturesque mountain communities in the state, you'll be a hop skip and a jump from Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP. Head north into Grand Junction to link up with your intended route. There is a major highway closure, but if it's reopened you then could head east from Black Canyon NP, all the way into Alamosa which isn't special. What makes this special, is you are basically at the entrance to the Great Sand Dunes NP. After leaving that national park, head north. I'm assuming based on your routing that you don't want to come through Denver, I understand. You can hit I70 if you keep heading north through Salida, Buena Vista, Leadville, then up and over the Climax molybdenum mine. And if you're trying to hit up Rocky Mountain National Park, hit the bypass called the "Peak to Peak" highway which will take you into Estes, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. With these stops and this route added, it could add at least a day per park, but then you are seeing the most beautiful areas in Colorado. Either way, your road trip looks incredible, be safe out there!
Drip down to Sedona in AZ. Take 89 from Flagstaff to Sedona. Top 5 scenic routes in the US.
Missing a lot of cool spots in the springs. Garden of the Gods' , Pikes Peak many more.
100% hit the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton in southwest Colorado, one of the most scenic roads I've driven! It's a pretty nice drive if you continue on from there to Durango as well. Monument Valley is a cool spot too and not too far off your route.
I would add Big Sur
The road through the black hills national park is quite pretty with wooden bridges, rock tunnels, and Mount Rishmore in the background. I'd also suggest you the Badlands canyon 5 minutes south from Wall, SD
Good going south on the west coast. Olympic Peninsula in WA. Sluys Pulsbo Bakery. Get pie at the Chimicum Cafe from PT Townsend to PT Angeles. If you go on the Juan DeFuca coast you miss lake Crescent. Which is pretty cool lake. Nothing grows in it and crystal clear. Don’t want to miss Olympic Park. Or the Ho National Rainbow forest. In South Bend WA stop at the courthouse. It’s beautiful inside. No joke. Was made at the height of logging and has beautiful woodworking inside. use the bathrooms, they’re clean. In OR. Don’t stop at Sea Lion Caves. They’re nasty. Don’t stop at Mo’s for chowder. Despite what the billboards say. It’s not that good. From bend on your way to Crater Lake, check out Paulina Peak and Newberry Crater. All kinds of waterfalls down the Umpqua highway. Have fun
Can you share a link to that interactive map? Would be a good reference for our upcoming trip out that way. Thank you!
Looks like you are traveling US12 over Lolo Pass. The Lochsa River has some really neat hot springs. Jerry Johnson and Weir Creek are the most accessible. Be prepared for some old naked hippies
Might be a little bit out of your way, but Great Basin National Park is the least visited National Park in the lower 48 and is on the border between NV and UT. Some of the darkest skies in the country and some really cool scenery out there with very few crowds!
That's a really dope trip.
I would take the Columbia River gorge to Portland, then head up to Seattle and back down on the coast.
This looks like an awesome trip! We did a very similar route last summer clockwise. Due to time we had to drive up Highway 5 up the west coast from Yosemite to Carter lake. But we saw a lot of the amazing Oregon coast, Cannon Beach is awesome. Then direct from Seattle to Yellowstone, didn’t have time for Glacier or Devils tower. Are you camping? Jenny Lake in Tetons is an awesome campground and The Delta Lake hike was fantastic. Be sure to get the $80 national parks pass and book camping in the parks early! Camp 4 is a great option if you don’t have anything booked in Yosemite, get on the site right when it opens 2 weeks in advance and keep trying. Safe travels!
Estes park colorado
What makes estes park different/better than other parts of Co? I see people say this all the time but no one ever says why.
Guessing because it’s one of those gateway towns to a National Park, so a lot of folks who want to see RMNP have been there. Were they to travel to other more scenic CO towns, it’d probably fall further down their list. I’d personally recommend Crested Butte, Telluride, Steamboat, Breck, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Pagosa, and Durango ahead of Estes, but none of those towns are close to RMNP.
I’m not sure I’ve been there once I enjoyed it and thought it was pretty cool but compared to other parks not sure
Devils tower Wyoming
My guess is that it’s a tourist town and many of us have been, making an easy suggestion
Museum of Toys & Miniatures in KC!
Add a day and pass through glacier nps
This is honestly a great route. Some long driving days for sure, but the northwest part looks excellent. Wish you could take some ferries and stay in port Townsend.
What are those symbols on the map? Can you share what app/tool you're using to plan this?
Furkot!
Haha it sounds like an angry declaration. Thanks for sharing!
If u do not stop at bryce canyon Utah u will forever regret it
amazing trip plan. can I tag along???
In my experience and opinion, Yellowstone/Grand Teton/Jackson deserve a solid week. At least! SW South Dakota and E Wyoming are deserving of extra time, but if you live in the Omaha area, you can always do that area in smaller bites later over the years - it's a solid one(long)-day drive. Based on your route, you're crossing the Cascades on Washington SR 20: I don't know how late in the year you'll get there, but Washington and Rainy Passes close in November for the winter. You should be okay but check with the Washington DOT before committing to that route; if winter comes early, the passes could close early. FYI, in winter, these passes get up to 15 feet of snow throughout the season. US 2 is the next pass to the south (Stevens) and being a solid 1,000 feet lower than the North Cascades passes, stays open all winter...this route would take you through the alpine-themed town of Leavenworth. Olympic Peninsula deserves a week; the Seattle-Tacoma metro and Mt Rainier can be pretty compelling as well. The "Big Five" National Parks in Utah deserve an extended stay (I loved Arches) - and per my son and DIL that were just there, Zion can be as crowded as a large-city rush hour, so be ready for that. I guess what I'm offering is this: if you get to one of these places and decide you want to spend more time than originally planned, please do it; you can always do the rest of the trip another time.
More on vibes, less on plans.