The 10 Best of the West US Road Trips
Some of you may know that I’ve spent multiple summers living out of a tour bus. Yes, you read that correctly. A TOUR BUS. I worked for a non profit sponsor of Vans Warped Tour for a few years and got to spend 3-4 months each summer living on a bus touring throughout the whole US (minus Hawaii of course). From these hot sweaty summers in a bus, I consider myself a road warrior and ultimate road trip partner in case you’re looking! I’ll share my tips on how to survive and thrive on a road trip soon, but for now, I’ve put together a list of my top 10 favorite routes for a West Coast road trip.
Best of the West Road Trips!
California’s PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) - From Orange County to Mendocino, you can drive straight up the 101 freeway and see Malibu, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Big Sur, and the Golden Gate Bridge. You can even keep driving and enjoy the Oregon coast if you’re looking to keep the road trip going.
Route 12, Utah- Definitely one of my favorite views, Red Rocks in Utah. You’ll see Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef along the way.
Wyoming to Montana - Yes, I’m counting this as a West Coast road trip! They don’t call it Big Sky Country for nothin. Take in breathtaking views and see The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park.
Bluebonnet Trail, Texas - A quick weekend road trip between Austin and Houston where you can see the bluebonnet flowers bloom in the Spring.
Olympic Peninsula, Washington - No easy feat, this road trip is 300 miles departing from Seattle and you can spend hours taking in one of the largest temperate rainforest in the US, the Hoh rainforest.
Route 66 - A once in a lifetime trip from LA to Chicago with tons of well known landmarks along the way. Plus you’ll get to see what the phrase “get your kicks on Route 66” is all about!
Lemhi Pass, Idaho - Get a 2 for 1 with this road trip by stopping in the Beaverhead National Forest in Montana and the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho.
Route 395, California - Another incredible CA drive taking you from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite National Park. Along the way you’ll see my favorite spot, Lake Tahoe and Death Valley National Park.
The Land of Enchantment, New Mexico - This one’s a short and easy trip if you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway. Catch Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest mountain and enjoy the 84 miles of open road.
San Juan Skyway, Colorado - This road trip will take you through some of my favorite towns in Colorado, Telluride, Durango and Silverton. Enjoy the little pueblo towns and explore Mesa Verde National Park.
