Americans love road trips. In fact, according to a recent study, nearly 85% of Americans say they’d rather take a road trip than any other type of vacation. And it’s no wonder why; with its stunning landscapes and wide open spaces, the American West is the perfect place to hit the open road. Whether you’re planning a road trip for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your route. In this blog post, we will explore some tips on how to plan a road trip through the American West, so you can make the most of your journey.
Route 66
Route 66 is one of America’s most iconic highways, and a road trip along it is a bucket-list adventure for many. The route runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, and takes in some of the country’s most stunning scenery, including the Grand Canyon. If you’re planning a road trip along Route 66, here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, Route 66 is a long journey – so make sure you have plenty of time to complete it. Secondly, the route can be quite remote in parts, so make sure you’re prepared with food and water (and maybe even a spare tire!) Finally, take your time and enjoy the journey – there’s no need to hurry.
So there you have it – a few tips for planning a road trip along Route 66. Now all that’s left is to hit the open road and start exploring!
The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the United States, and it’s the perfect route for a road trip through the American West. The highway runs along the coast of California, and it offers stunning views of the ocean, beaches, and cliffs. There are also plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way. Here are some tips for planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway:
1. Decide on your starting point and endpoint. The Pacific Coast Highway stretches for over 650 miles, so you’ll need to decide where you want to start and end your trip. Popular starting points include San Francisco and Los Angeles.
2. Plan your route. Once you know your starting point and endpoint, you can start planning your route. There are numerous ways to map out a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, so take some time to research different options before settling on a specific route.
3. Make reservations in advance. If you’re planning to travel during peak season (May-September), be sure to make hotel reservations well in advance. The same goes for camping spots – they can fill up quickly during the busy summer months!
4 . Pack wisely . Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car, be sure to pack comfortable clothes and plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey. And don’t forget your camera – there will be plenty of photo ops along the way!
The Lewis and Clark Trail
The Lewis and Clark Trail is a historical route through the American West that was used by explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in the early 1800s. The trail begins in St. Louis, Missouri and goes up the Missouri River to the present-day state of North Dakota. From there, it heads west through Montana and Idaho, before reaching the Pacific Ocean in Oregon.
Today, the Lewis and Clark Trail is a popular tourist route, with many people visiting all of the states that it passes through. If you’re planning a road trip along the trail, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the trail is very long – over 4,000 miles – so you’ll need to plan your route carefully and allow yourself plenty of time to complete it. Second, because the trail goes through some remote areas, you’ll need to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and that you have plenty of food and water with you. Finally, be sure to stop at all of the major attractions along the way – there are many historical sites and natural wonders to see!
The Oregon Trail
When most people think of the American West, they think of the Oregon Trail. The Oregon Trail was a 2,170-mile (3,490 km) long overland route used by pioneers in the mid-19th century to travel from Missouri to Oregon Country. The trail began in Independence, Missouri and ended in Oregon City, Oregon.
The trail was used by thousands of settlers including families with young children. It was a arduous journey that often took months to complete. Many settlers died along the way from diseases such as cholera or from accidents.
Today, the Oregon Trail is a popular tourist destination. There are many companies that offer guided tours of the trail. You can also hike or bike sections of the trail on your own.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Situated in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, the park is home to a large number of geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. There are also many opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
When planning a road trip to Yellowstone, it is important to consider the time of year you will be visiting. The park is open all year round, but some activities and attractions are only available during certain seasons. For example, many of the park’s trails are only accessible during the summer months. Additionally, wintertime visitors can take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife that are not present during other times of the year.
It is also essential to have a reliable vehicle when traveling to Yellowstone. The park has many unpaved roads, and conditions can be challenging during inclement weather. A four-wheel drive vehicle with good tires is recommended. Be sure to pack plenty of food and water as well, as there are few places to purchase supplies once inside the park boundaries.
With a little planning and preparation, a road trip to Yellowstone National Park can be a truly memorable experience.
Yosemite National Park
Assuming you’ll be starting in the Bay Area, head east on I-580 and then north on I-205 before getting on CA-120 East. This will take you right to the entrance of Yosemite National Park.
One of the most popular national parks in the country, Yosemite is home to some of America’s most iconic landscapes. From Half Dome and El Capitan to Yosemite Falls, there’s no shortage of natural wonders to explore. And with over 800 miles of hiking trails, you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.
If you’re short on time, a good place to start is Yosemite Valley, where you’ll find most of the park’s major attractions. For once-in-a-lifetime views, hike up to Glacier Point or Sentinel Dome. Or if you’re looking for a more challenging hike, try your hand at Half Dome (but be sure to get a permit first).
No matter what you do in Yosemite, make sure to bring your camera – this is one place you’ll want to remember forever.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that a road trip through the American West is an amazing experience. With so much to see and do, it’s important to plan your trip carefully to make the most of your time. We hope our tips have helped you plan your own road trip through the American West and that you have a safe and enjoyable journey.
